The Lagos State House of Assembly
on Monday committed the bill on open grazing ban to the Committee on
Agriculture after it scaled second reading.
The legislators also read for the
first and second time, the Lagos Value Added Tax (VAT) bill and asked the
Committee on Finance to give a report on Thursday.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described
the ‘Prohibition of Open Cattle Grazing Bill’ as one that would ensure a
harmonious relationship between herders and farmers, and protect the South-West
environment.
Obasa suggested that the proposal
should make provision for the registration of herders and prepare them for
ranching.
On the VAT bill, the Speaker said
it would lead to an increase in revenue and infrastructure development in line
with fiscal federalism.
He urged the Lagos government to
do everything legally possible to ensure the judgement of a Federal High Court
in Port Harcourt is sustained up to the Supreme Court.
Obasa lamented that while the
state generate about N500billion annually and others in South-West generate
around N300billion, they all paltry amounts form the federal government.
Hon. Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho 1)
lamented the havoc herdsmen had caused in the region.
He said farmers are now afraid to
visit their farms, with many now indebted because it is difficult to pay back
loans.
Yusuff condemned cattle roaming,
the fear and accidents they cause, and advocated stiffer penalties for herders
carrying firearms.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 2)
called open grazing in the 21st century an aberration.
Joseph said the bill would ensure
peaceful coexistence, reduce crime and help to guide the activities of herders.
Hon. Olumoh Lukman (Ajeromi-Ifelodun
1) suggested that the High Court or a Special Court handle cases from the
enforcement of the bill when passed and signed.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2)
expressed decried how cows move about in a city like Lagos and confirmed the
state has 250 hectares of land in Ikorodu and another 750 hectares on Epe for
ranching.
Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1) said it was
common to see cattle going to school as if they want to learn.
Hon. David Setonji (Badagry 2)
recalled a time the lawmakers went to a school on an official visit.
“Were embarrassed by cattle. We
had to wait for the herder to move the cattle before we embarked on our
oversight function”, Setonji added.
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