Taraba to Commence Gradual Implementation of Anti-Open Grazing Law

Contrary to expectations, Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, has affirmed that the implementation of the state’s Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Development Law will only commence in phases on January 24.

Expectations had been high among the broad spectrum of residents and indigenes of the state that the implementation of the law would commence fully on January 24 as earlier promised by the governor while signing the bill into law.

Briefing journalists at the end of a security meeting with traditional rulers in the state and security agencies held at the executive council chambers in the government house, Jalingo, yesterday, the governor stated that the implementation of the law would now be carried out gradually starting with provision of infrastructures and other necessary requirements for the successful implementation of the law.

Ishaku, who was represented at the briefing by his deputy, Haruna Many, stated that the implementation of the law would begin with provision of necessary infrastructure, establishment of pilot ranches and provision of clinics as well as training of personnel and cattle control mechanisms.

Besides, the governor disclosed that the State Livestock and Ranch Administration and Control would be inaugurated as well as Special State Livestock Control and Administration Marshals Corps would also be put in place before full implementation of the law.

“The implementation of the law will be carried out gradually, beginning with provision of infrastructure, establishment of pilot ranches, provision of clinics, training of personnel and cattle control mechanisms.

“The Taraba State Livestock and Ranch Administration and Control will be inaugurated. Special State Livestock Control and Administration Marshals Corps will also be put in place,” he stated.

Ishaku assured the traditional rulers that the ranching law would boost economic activities in the state as well as bring about peace and security, adding that the law would be of benefit to both farmers and herders.

He further disclosed that sensitisation works will be taken to the local government councils in order to educate both farmers and herders on the benefits of the law adding that workshops would be driven by local government chairmen and traditional rulers.

The governor however appealed to the public to shun the temptation of introducing politics into the law just as he appreciated the decision of the traditional rulers at the meeting to support the law and avoid the temptation of being lured into an agenda under the guise of ethnic and religious sentiments.

The traditional rulers at the meeting had pledged their support for the ranching law and promised to educate their subjects on the need to support the law.