Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has expressed regrets that his recent statement on open grazing was interpreted out of context by a section of the media.

He reiterated that what he said was that “farmers and herders were peacefully coexisting in Imo State as a result of mutual respect and understanding.”

The Governor spoke through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Declan Emelumba, who addressed a news conference on Friday in Owerri. He disclosed that contrary to insinuations, Imo State has an open grazing law which became operative since 2006.

According to him, the law provided for areas that are restricted from open grazing and the herders have been abiding by it. “The MOU, the farmers and herders signed was to strengthen the existing law and it is working very well,” he said.

Furthermore, the Governor emphasised that what is important is the peaceful way farmers and herders have co-existed in the state. “Whereas a law on anti-grazing may be desirable, dialogue and understanding as it is the case in Imo State were more effective in addressing the conflict,” he said.

Senator Uzodimma urged Nigerians to embrace inclusiveness and tolerance as necessary tools in building and sustaining a united Nigeria, noting that “all activities of the states and the people should be geared towards uniting the country and not creating divisions.”

The Governor finally commended the farmers and herders in Imo State for living in peace and pledged the support of government towards ensuring that they sustain their cordial relationships.

•PHOTO: L-R: Governor Abubakar Buguda (Kebbi), Sen. Ovuw Omo-Agege (Deputy Senate President), Sen. Andy Uba (Anambra APC Governorship candidate), Governor Mai Mala Buni (APC CECPC), Sen. Stella Oduah and Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo) when Sen. Odua defected to APC. . . Thursday.