LEGISLATORS in the Anambra State House of Assembly have rejected the establishment of cattle colony in the State.

The policy, an initiative of Audu Ogbeh, federal minister for agriculture and rural development, was aimed at establishing the colonies in all states of the federation.

Timothy Ifediorama, member representing Njikoka 1 constituency, said incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers could not be curbed through establishment of cattle colonies.

Ifediorama explained that the policy would indicate transfer of ownership of such lands to cattle herders, rendering same sovereignty within the exclusive control of herdsmen.

The lawmaker noted that rearing of cattle remained a private venture and not a federal or state government enterprise.

“Such private venture does not fall within the purview of `overriding public interest’ as envisaged by the Land Use Act of 2004, section 28.

“The implementation of this policy is not only unlawful but will also lead to several agitations by other private investors for allocation of lands, leading to total breakdown of law and order,” Ifedioranma noted.

Arguing in support of the motion, Victor Okoye, member representing Anambra West Constituency, emphasised, “we are in the era of mechanised agriculture and as such, the federal government should rather propose ranching’’.

Also, Ikem Uzoezie, member representing Aguata 2 constituency, explained that Anambra was an erosion-prone state with limited land mass that could not be given out.

The member representing Onitsha North1, Chigbo Enwezor also moved a motion, urging Gov. Willie Obiano not to accede to or grant certificate of occupancy over any land in Anambra State for the purpose of establishing cattle colony.

– Jan. 30, 2018 @ 03:18 GMT