The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has requested for time to articulate its position on the anti-open grazing bill in Enugu State.
The Chairman of MACBAN in the South-East, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki disclosed this on Tuesday in Enugu during the Public Hearing on the bill.
The public hearing was organised by the Enugu State House of Assembly following the introduction of the bill in the legislative assembly..
Siddiki said that the request became necessary following the time constraint to respond to the invitation from the state assembly on the matter.
He said that on receipt of the invitation for the public hearing, representatives of their members met and tried to advance a position on the matter.
“However, it dawned on us that we would not be able to make any presentation that would be assumed to truly bear our composite position under the pressure of five days’ preparation.
“This is due to the technical demands of the large volume of documents that came with the invitation,” he said.,
The zonal chairman requested the state assembly to allow them more time to articulate a position for submission..
“I plead for a period of two weeks to enable us come out with a position that will truly carry our disposition with due consideration to the good of Enugu State and Nigeria,” he said.
Siddiki commended the state assembly for their efforts at ensuring sustainable security and safety of lives, property and businesses in the state.
“I appreciate the essence of this revered legislative arm of government in the quest for harmonious economic growth and social stability in the state.
“It is in demonstration of our utmost respect for this institution that I appear before the revered legislative chambers in response to an invitation so to do,” Siddiki said.
The Speaker of the assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi, said that the bill pending before the assembly was aimed at putting an end to the feud between herders and farmers in the state.
Ubosi, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Uche Ugwu, said that the public hearing was to enable residents of the state and stakeholders bare their minds on the bill.
