Obaseki reverses self on grazing

In what looked like a reversal of his initial position, Governor Godwin Obaseki Thursday said the state would not cede any part of its land for grazing saying the issue of grazing is an economic venture.

Recall that Obaseki in a fact-finding meeting in Udo in Ovia North-East local government area last week said the state government would create grazing areas to avoid clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

He had said “We will create an area where the cattle will go regularly to eat, as they must not go to peoples’ farms. This will stop cattle from moving round the community including in farmlands.”

But in a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said that the government’s position on the matter is clear and has not shifted since it insisted that it would not cede its land to herdsmen.

According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to misleading and false media reports claiming that the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has agreed to provide grazing land for herders in the state.

“Our position on the matter of grazing land is clear and has not shifted, which is that there is no free land for grazing in Edo State. Grazing is an economic activity just like poultry and piggery or any other agricultural enterprise. The Edo State Government will not cede any land in the state for grazing.”

“The governor has continually warned against the politicizing of security issues,” he added.

Ogie noted that some political actors are trying to instigate the type of killings witnessed in some states in the country just because they are embittered by the heavy loss they suffered in the political space.

He continued: “Thankfully, their plans have failed because of the pre-emptive actions taken by Governor Obaseki and the security agencies.

“We condemn, in the strongest terms, the current futile efforts by these defeated politicians in the state to cause mayhem and chaos among our people.

“All peace-loving people of Edo State are enjoined to dedicate this Lenten period to pray for peace at this difficult time in the life of our dear country.”

RECOMMENDED MESSAGE TO READ!

Send Us A Press Statement, Story, Advertise With Us, Contact Us +2348072633727 WhatsApp/Call

voiceairmedia@gmail.com