MACBAN opposes Lalong’s anti-open grazing bill

The Plateau State Chapter of Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Tuesday rejected Governor Simon Bako Lalong’s anti-open grazing bill.

The group however called on the Plateau State House of Assembly to suspend the public hearing on the proposed bill and have a rethink.

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Two weeks ago, the assembly had invited MACBAN to a public hearing but the leadership of the association asked to be given time to think on the bill.

The state chairman of MACBAN, Muhammad Nuru Abdullahi, at a press briefing on Tuesday in Jos warned that the bill if passed into law might trigger the state into another round of mayhem which could be avoided.

He said, “When we were invited to give our stance on the bill, we lacked what to say, we told the committee that we were not ready because we didn’t know anything about the bill.

“We needed to study it and put our heads together and come up with a position.

“Thereafter, they gave us one week. When we returned, we presented our position on the bill. We addressed our position through the chairman public hearing committee who is the deputy speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly. What we tell you today is the stance of MACBAN.

“So, having consulted stakeholders and professionals, we unanimously rejected the bill. Our fears on the bill are centred on the offences and penalties which we believe are meant to rob and annihilate Fulani herders of their lawful belongings through the enactment and enforcement of the bill when it becomes law.

“This will cause revolt and serious breach of law and order, which the Fulani herders are afraid. Look at what is happening in Benue where the law is in practice.

“We the peace-loving Fulani herders wish to appeal to the Speaker and the members of 9th Assembly to have a rethink and suspend the bill for the general interest of the state.”