The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has proposed a bill, seeking to regulate the breeding, rearing, grazing and marketing of livestock in the state.
In a motion raised by the leader of the House, Hon. Monday Obolo, the bill is a sequel to the unpleasant security experiences in the state.
“It is indispensable to pass an appropriate law for the safety and security of all Bayelsans and other Nigerians living in the state,” he said.
According to him, the bill, when passed into law, would necessitate the creation of a regulatory committee saddled with the responsibilities of ensuring that all aspects of the law are put in proper perspectives.
He emphasized that all livestock presently in the state, and others that may wish to come into the state, must be duly registered with the appropriate authorities, and licenses given must be approved by the governor.
He stressed that any herder who defaults will be liable for two or three years imprisonment.
Speaking in support of the bill, Hon Bernard Kenibai, Salo Adikumo and Emmanuel Isenah described the bill as apt and a step in the right direction, saying it would curb the excesses of herders when passed.
They explained that the law would ensure peaceful co-existence between the herders and Bayelsans, especially with respect to ugly incidences that occurred in Kaiama, Sampou and Agbere communities in recent times.
The bill, which has already scaled the second reading, is being committed to the House committees on agriculture and natural resources, security and other relevant committees for scrutiny.
They are to report back to the House in seven days before the final passage.
