Ahead of the 2023 general elections in Delta State, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, OON has promised to end herders-farmers clash by implementing the Anti-grazing Bill come 2023.
The former minister of State for education, said that as soon as he is sworn-in as governor, the state would commence the implementation of its anti-open grazing law.
Gbagi stated this on Tuesday November 22nd 2022, during an interactive session with Christian Women Association in the state at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Asaba, the state capital.
The former Chairman, Delta Development Property Authority (DDPA), disclosed that his administration would provide abattoir where the business of cattle rearing would be done, saying, “I will not see cattles in my streets”.
The bill, titled, “Delta State Livestock, Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill”, was signed Thursday, September 30th 2021 by the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, but has not been implemented has continued to cause herders and farmers war in the state.
The SDP gubernatorial candidate said when fully implemented, the Bill would promote social harmony in the state.
He, however, pointed out that they must operate within the existing laws, like other businesses in the state.
He said the initiative was geared towards salvaging Delta environment from erosion which was fast depleting the scarce land, urging that his government would establish abattoir as a modern way of cattle rearing because of its numerous advantages and money-making potential.
According to him, “Allowing cows to stray about will never happen in my government. I will build in all my borders abattoir for those who will sell cows for us and for those who will come to buy.
“I will not see cattles in my streets. In develop world, you will not see cattles walking in the street. Why is our own different? He queried.
Earlier in her speech, Dr. Mrs. Christie Akako, who could not hide her joy for having the largest private investor in the state in their midst, emphasized that it was the first time a governorship candidate extended hands of fellowship to them.
She noted that the Criminologist started, just as she added that the church’s stand in politics, democracy and governance cannot be overemphasized.
Hear her: “First and foremost, we wish to thank you for this great honour and privilege to have an interactive session with you. History has been made today, this is the first time a gubernatorial candidate deemed it fit to interact with Christian Women.
“In our local parlance it’s said “that it is from washing of hand that you will know a good eater, you have started well and it will be well with you always.
“We the Christian Women are aware of the church’s stand in politics, democracy and governance cannot be overemphasized. One may wish to ask , what is the role of the church in politics? Just permit me to say that this is a naive question
“A lot of unspeakable things are happening in this country of ours. The culture of impunity and corruption, abuse of power and other retrogressive forces are the order of the day
“It therefore becomes imperative for us to look out for Christians candidate who will redeem God’s people. Good governance will enhance the quality of life of our people.
“The church is called to serve the poor in the nation. The church is talking about common good which is still at the level of theory. Therefore we need men and women who will do God’s bidding.
“In resume, the church has a duty to provide moral foundation and be the conscience of the nation. Who is the church from this point of view, one can see that His Excellency’s request to interact the Christian Women is a right step in the right direction.
“We the Christian Women are praying that God will give us someone to revive our economy, industrialize our state so that Delta State will become another Dubai. We are praying for leaders who will make positive changes so that God’s kingdom can come here on earth. Then insecurity will be curtailed.
“Your Excellency we are not unaware of what you have been to the church or what you have been doing. We pray that God will use you more for the greater glory of his holy name.
“It shall be well with you and your lovely wife. We pray that God will bless and empower you more through Christ our Lord”, she added.
