Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa South) has urged the Senate and Ministry of Livestock to interact with the executive and come up with a proposal for nationwide ranching.
The former Bayelsa State Governor stated this at plenary recently while making his contributions to the debate on perennial clashes between herders and farmers.
He also said that the Federal Government must intervene by providing funding, noting that herdsmen were victims of the economic situation having to carry cattle from Sokoto State and trek to Bayelsa, Lagos and other states.
He said, “Animal husbandry is a legitimate business and there is a need for the Senate to call on the federal, state and local governments to fund ranches across the country to stop the clashes between farmers and herders”.
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Senator Dickson further stated that, since the Constitution provides for the freedom of movement of people, their goods and property, it would be illegal to ban herdsmen from moving with their animals.
He also urged the federal, state and local governments along with businesses to invest in ranches to enable herdsmen to keep their animals and operate their businesses while the CBN provide financing in the forms of loans.
While commending efforts of Bayelsa State in tackling these clashes, Dickson stated that, herdsmen and their animals were assigned a location in Bayelsa Palms, where the police and civil defence provided security.
He said water sources, an abattoir, veterinary services, a cattle market, and grasses were provided, before the state government announced stern measures against the illegal bearing of weapons by anyone.
The lawmaker urged the Senate to mandate the Senate Committee on National Security and the Senate Committee on Agriculture to interface with the executive arm, the newly established Ministry of Livestock and the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a proposal for the Senate regarding the establishment of modern ranches that are commercially viable and safe for both herders and locals across the country.
While adopting Senator Dickson position after a voice vote, the Senate insists that, the federal government must provide funds for the establishment of the proposed ranches across the country in collaboration with states, local government areas, and businesses.
The Senate also commended Senator Dickson’s efforts in creating ranches in Bayelsa State as governor years ago.
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