Ibiono Ibom 8th Legislative Council Moves to Implement Anti-Grazing Law, Propose Security for Ongoing Hospital Project

 

By Quno News Nigeria 

The 8th Legislative Council of Ibiono Ibom has moved a motion to enforce the anti-grazing law, previously passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, within the local government area. 

This move is in alignment with the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno, aimed at curbing the indiscriminate grazing of cattle on farmland by herders in the community.

The motion, sponsored by Hon. Uwem Isua Okon, the representative for Ward 11, emphasized that unchecked open grazing could lead to significant economic losses for the people of Ibiono Ibom. 

He warned that farmers might wake up to find their months of hard work destroyed by grazing cattle, especially as the farming season approaches with the onset of rains. He urged the council to act proactively in advance of the next farming season.

Supporting the motion, the House Leader, Hon. Ita Bassey, stressed the need for a committee to enforce the law impartially, without any influence from traditional rulers or community members with ties to the herders.

 He recalled that past interactions with the herders revealed that community leaders had been compromised, allowing the herders to freely graze their cattle.

Hon. Udeme Udofia, representing Ward 2, proposed that the anti-grazing law should be expanded to include penalties for domestic animals that trespass and graze on farmland without the owner's consent. This, he argued, would serve as a deterrent to both herders and local residents.

In another motion, Hon. Umoh Udofia drew attention to the ongoing construction of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ibiono Ibom, a project initiated by the State Governor. He highlighted the urgent need for security to protect the facility from vandalism as it nears completion.

Hon. Bassey, in response, informed the House that a committee set up by the State Governor had visited the facility two weeks ago, accompanied by the Executive Chairman. He suggested that the representative from the Ibiono Ibom council should be included in future oversight functions to ensure sensitive information regarding the security of the facility is properly handled.

Hon. David Effiong Ntuen, Chairman of the Committee on Works, Transport, and Town Planning, presented his report on the Traditional Rulers Council Complex at the Ikoa Pavilion. He assured the House that the materials used in the interior construction met high-quality standards and praised the leadership of the Executive Chairman and the contractor, Mr. Idara Edet Bassey, for their successful collaboration.

Resolutions:

Establishment of a committee to enforce the anti-grazing law.

Immediate action to ensure security for the ongoing hospital project, situated on land jointly owned by Okoi Itak, Ikot Ntong, and Ikot Aba.

The session was presided over by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Idoreyin Umoren. In attendance were all 13 elected councilors and the Clerk of the House.