Anti-open grazing: Governor Ugwuanyi a shining light in Igboland – Ohanaeze

On Wednesday, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, praised Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for signing the state’s anti-open grazing bill into law.

Governor Ugwuanyi signed the bill into law on Tuesday at Government House in Enugu, according to reports.

The Enugu State House of Assembly recently passed a bill prohibiting open grazing, regulating cattle ranching, and for other related purposes.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a shining example in a statement made available to journalists.

“We have always said that governance is not about making noise, but it is a lot about action,” Okwu said. Governor Ugwuanyi is a man who does a lot for the people but says little in the media.

“While governors are squabbling over open grazing, he has once again demonstrated that he is a man of the people. He has engraved his name in gold, and history will remember him for it.

“When it mattered most, he put politics aside and stood up in defense of Enugu people’s lives and property. In Igboland, he is now a mirror, a shining light.

“We, the millions of Igbo youths, salute his extraordinary bravery and pledge our unwavering support. He must remain unwavering in his commitment to the safety of our people. He has proven to be a man we can put our trust in when it comes to power at any level.”
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The OYC, on the other hand, was dissatisfied with other states in the zone, accusing them of only paying lip service to the open-grazing ban.

Since the Southern Governors announced a total ban on open cattle rearing, no other state in the South-East has passed the anti-open grazing bill into law, with the exception of Enugu.

“This is unacceptable, and we have previously stated that if anything bad happens to any Igbo community, the governors will be held responsible. They cannot put our people’s lives on the altar of politics,” Okwu warned.

He urged the Southern Governors, who will meet in Enugu on Thursday, to persuade all of their members to support the ban.

He went on to say, “We heartily welcome them to Enugu, a very peaceful State, and urge them to ensure that the resolutions they make during these meetings are implemented by all member states.”