By JOHNSON BABAJIDE, Makurdi

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Southern Governors Forum to enact laws to ban open grazing of livestock in the region as a bold and patriotic move that will bring to an end the lingering crisis caused by armed herdsmen.

Ortom also applauded his counterparts in Southern Nigeria for backing their May 11 Asaba declaration against open grazing with the resolve to legally prohibit nomadic cattle rearing; a resolution that conforms with the global best practice of animal husbandry.

According to the statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, Ortom also commended the Southern Governors Forum for their position on the rotation of the Presidency between the north and south, beginning from 2023.

The statement read in parts, “Governor Ortom believes that only equity, fairness and justice can strengthen the unity of Nigeria, give all citizens a sense of belonging and reduce tensions across the country.

“The Governor re-echoes his call on the Federal Government to respect the 1999 Constitution (as amended) regarding fundamental human rights, the rule of law and federal character.

“He restates his commitment to speaking out against injustice and quotes Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr who stated that “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

He, however, reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s unity and expressed optimism that the country will overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger as a great nation. (Nigerian Tribune)

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