The Rivers State House of Assembly has passed the anti-open grazing bill on Tuesday.
This followed after a report by the assembly’s committee chairman on Agriculture, Anslem Oguguo.
The committee made several recommendations which also prohibited pastoralists from bearing fire arms.
The bill, which was captioned “Rivers State Prohibition of Open Rearing and Grazing Bill, 2021”, divided members of the house before it was passed.
Michael Chinda, lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor constituency 2, frowned at the clause that allows a pathway for cattle in communities.
Mr Chinda argued that such a provision was capable of breaching peace between herders and residents, recommending that the provisions of the bill should be deleted.
Other lawmakers argued that the provision of the pathway for livestock should be granted as permission would be granted by supervising agencies.
