Governor Dave Umahi

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo – led committee set up by the National Economic Council to end the protracted clashes between farmers and herdsmen across the country has asked the Taraba State G overnor, Darius Ishaku to review the state’s anti-open grazing law.

Briefing newsmen at the end of a three-day meeting with stakeholders in Jalingo on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Technical Subcommittee, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State stated that the committee resolved that sections 23, 24 and 25 of the Taraba State Anti-open Grazing Law should be amended in order to accommodate all parties involved in the crisis.

Governor Umahi noted that the committee took the decision following several complaints by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) over the particular sections of the law.

He disclosed that Governor Ishaku and other stakeholders at the meeting had agreed to the committee’s resolution in the interest of peace even though MACBAN had refused to be part of the public hearing that was conducted before the passage of the law.

“Ishaku with other stakeholders have graciously agreed to review the state Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Establishment Law to accommodate all parties.

“We discovered that MACBAN refused to participate in the public hearing that ushered in the law, but now that they are ready to do so, we are sure of a peaceful resolution,” Umahi said.

He further stated that the committee also resolved that all court cases filed regarding the law should be suspected forthwith to enable the committee carry out its functions of reconciling the aggrieved parties and enthroning peace.

He said it was agreed at the end of the meeting that ranching would help to resolve the lingering crisis even as he revealed that the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Mr. Haruna Manu would head the Peace and Reconciliation Committee that was inaugurated at the end of the meeting.  

According to Governor Umahi, stakeholders represented in the state peace committee include farmers associations, MACBAN, security agencies and government representatives.