Former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has said since the Constitution allows for freedom of movement of people, their goods and property, it would be illegal to ban herdsmen from moving with their animals.
He called on the federal, state and local governments along with businesses to invest in ranches to enable herdsmen to keep their animals and operate their businesses while the CBN provide financing in the forms of loans.
He said Bayelsa State has tackled these clashes, adding that herdsmen and their animals were assigned a location in Bayelsa Palms, where the police and civil defence provided security.
According to the Senator, water sources, an abattoir, veterinary services, a cattle market, and grasses were provided, before the state government announced stern measures against the illegal bearing of weapons by anyone.
Senator Dickson (Bayelsa, PDP) stated this at plenary recently while speaking on the debate on perennial clashes between herders and farmers.
He called on the the Senate and Ministry of Livestock to introduce a nationwide ranching programme.
According to senator, the Federal Government must provide funding, noting that herdsmen were victims of the economic situation having to carry cattle from Sokoto State and trek to Bayelsa, Lagos and other states.
He said, “Animal husbandry is a legitimate business and there is a need for the Senate to call on the federal, state and local governments to fund ranches across the country to stop the clashes between farmers and herders”.
The lawmaker urged the Senate to mandate the Senate Committee on National Security and the Senate Committee on Agriculture to interface with the executive arm, the newly established Ministry of Livestock and the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a proposal for the Senate regarding the establishment of modern ranches that are commercially viable and safe for both herders and locals across the country.
While adopting Senator Dickson position after a voice vote, the Senate insists that, the federal government must provide funds for the establishment of the proposed ranches across the country in collaboration with states, local government areas, and businesses.
The Senate also commended Senator Dickson’s efforts in creating ranches in Bayelsa State as governor years ago.
