Civil society organization, the New Nigeria Initiative (NNI) embarked on a peaceful protest in Benin today at the premises of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City, demanding the passage of its bill that seeks to ban open grazing in the heartbeat of the nation.
In a statement circulated to journalists at the NUJ press center, the organization, led by Uwadiae Odigie
Chairman, and Comrade Igbotako Nowinta, Secretary, said it was moved by the unspeakable horror being perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen against the peaceful and law abiding people of Edo State.
“It is on record that the New Nigeria Initiative (NNI) initiated a bill on the need to ‘Ban Open Grazing’ in Edo State; and it has since been sent to the Edo State House of Assembly, for consideration and passage.
“After waiting in vain, we made spirited efforts to see His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State, on the need for his intervention. At the end of the day Mr. Governor directed us to see the Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Agriculture Edo State.”
The organization recalled that it has been mounting pressure on the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Marcus Onobun on the urgent need to pass the bill on ban of open grazing in Edo State, but that all efforts have been abortive.
The New Nigeria Initiative alleged: “It has been transparently and sufficiently established, that the Fulani herdsmen are the ones unleashing terror and fear, in Edo State, by the horrible and shocking cases of the late Jide Sowore and others; the recent kidnapping of the elder statesman, Dickson Imasogie; plus other isolated cases of kidnapping.”
It wondered what Governor Goodwin Obaseki of Edo State is waiting for “Now that many states within the South-South have responded to the September 1st, 2021, deadline; and the Fulani herdsmen are still ravaging our forests and highways with the fiercest brand of terrorism ever, with its attendant catastrophic consequences on our psyche.”
The Chairman of Edo NUJ, Sir Roland Osakwe, received the protesters and declared his support for the ban on open grazing.
“The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly should do the needful urgently in order for this all important law to come into effect, for the benefit of the people, who are presently being traumatized by Fulani Herdsmen,” Osakue said, commending members of NNI for the bold initiative.
Below is the full text of the press statement.
NEW NIGERIA INITIATIVE (NNI)
PRESS RELEASE
Ban On Open Grazing Law: What Is Governor Goodwin Obaseki Waiting For?
Moved by the unspeakable horror being perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen, on the peaceful and law abiding people of Edo State, it is on record that the New Nigeria Initiative (NNI) initiated a bill on the need to ‘Ban Open Grazing’ in Edo State; and it has since been sent to the Edo State House of Assembly, for consideration and passage.
After waiting in vain, we made spirited efforts to see His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State, on the need for his intervention. At the end of the day Mr. Governor directed us to see the Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Agriculture Edo State.
We were excited and elated when the Southern Governors Forum fixed September 1st, 2021, deadline for Governors in the area, to pass the law banning open grazing in their respective States.
We have also been mounting pressure on the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Marcus Onobun on the urgent need to pass the bill on ban of open grazing in Edo State; but all efforts have been abortive.
Now it has been transparently and sufficiently established, that the Fulani herdsmen are the ones unleashing terror and fear, in Edo State, by the horrible and shocking cases of the late Jide Sowore and others; the recent kidnapping of the elder statesman, Dickson Imasogie; plus other isolated cases of kidnapping,
Now that many states within the South-South have responded to the September 1st, 2021, deadline; and the Fulani herdsmen are still ravaging our forests and highways with the fiercest brand of terrorism ever, with its attendant catastrophic consequences on our psyche, what is Governor Goodwin Obaseki of Edo State waiting for?
We are worried about the inability of Edo State Government to respond to these most cold blooded and calculating monsters: Fulani herdsmen, who have turned the state into a sanctuary for barbarism.
Our hopes are becoming evaporated in the face of this sadistic menace, even as we are convinced that Edo State House of Assembly and Governor Goodwin Obaseki will soon do the needful: to bring into urgent reality the ‘Law Banning Open Grazing in Edo State.
Mr. Governor should please, be on the side of the people!
Uwadiae Odigie
Chairman
Comrade Igbotako Nowinta
Secretary
