Governor Peter Mbah today assented to four bills recently passed by the Enugu State House of Assembly, saying they were aimed at boosting the economy.
Among them is the Public Ranch Management Agency Law, to end open grazing of cattle in the state.
Speaking on the ranching and anti-grazing law, Mbah regretted that the law has been misunderstood and misinterpreted.
“We have sometimes been accused of surreptitiously attempting to introduce something other than ranching. However, we must put an end to the practice of open grazing, which causes friction between our farmers and herders. Our goal is to see that it ends. In the 21st century, there is no reason why we should encourage open grazing of cattle. So, this law is essentially designed to ensure that people act in a civilized manner. We will ensure that there are enough services, such as abattoirs and proper cattle markets, not whre people will come and live. “
On the other three bills, he said:
“The Enugu State Properties Protection Law is consistent with our promise to enhance the ease of doing business in our state. People who come to Enugu State to invest in property must be confident that the title document that is issued to them is worth far more than the paper on which it is written. That is why we frown at land grabbers. This law is a strong warning to them. Under the new law, severe and stringent penalties await those involved in such acts.
“On the Environmental and Climate Protection Law, we are going beyond lip service to protect our environment. So, today, what we have done today is to set out clear policies and plans for us to protect our environment. We are all aware of the dangers that the depletion of the ozone layer poses to us as a people.
“The Enugu State Sports Development Fund Law would help us build capacity, nurture grassroots talents, promote school sports, and essentially develop our sports sector. We consider sports as more than just a kind of recreation, but as a veritable means through which we can stimulate economic growth. And the bill I signed into law today will assist us in accomplishing this goal.”
Mbah expressed his thanks to the Honourable Speaker and members of the Enugu State House of Assembly for their hard work in expeditiously passing the four executive bills.
