Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Yesterday, marking exactly nine years since the signing of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of Benue State, the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for the 2027 election, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has saluted the immediate past Benue Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, for what he describes as his courage, foresight and commitment to the protection of lives and property through the enactment of the law which was signed on May 22, 2017.
Chief Aondoakaa in a press statement noted that the legislation remains one of the most significant policy decisions ever taken in the interest of security, peace and agricultural sustainability in Benue State.
According to him, Ortom’s decision to sign the law at a time when communities were under severe attacks from armed herders reflected uncommon leadership and a clear understanding of the urgent need to protect Benue people and preserve their means of livelihood.
“The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law was not just another piece of legislation; it was a bold declaration that the lives, lands and dignity of Benue people must be protected”, he stated.
The PDP governorship candidate stressed that the enforcement of the law played a vital role in checking the excesses and atrocities of armed herders who had terrorized innocent people, displaced farming communities and disrupted economic activities across the state.
He noted that beyond addressing security concerns, the law helped to reinforce Benue’s identity as an agrarian state by protecting farmlands and giving farmers renewed confidence to return to productive activities.
He further saluted Chief Ortom for what he describes as visionary leadership, insisting that the former governor’s action became a reference point for other states that later adopted similar measures to address insecurity linked to open grazing.
Chief Aondoakaa, however, expressed concern over what he views as the apparent weakening and suspension of enforcement of the law under the current administration, wondering why a legislation specifically enacted to safeguard lives and property would be allowed to lose momentum at a time insecurity continues to threaten several communities.
“It is difficult to understand why a law designed to protect innocent lives, secure our farmlands and preserve peace would be weakened when our people still face security threats and displacement.”
He maintained that Benue people deserve to live without fear, farmers deserve unrestricted access to their ancestral lands, and families deserve to sleep peacefully without the constant threat of violence.
Chief Aondoakaa therefore called for the immediate resumption of full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, emphasizing that laws are made not merely for symbolism but for purposeful action.
The PDP governorship candidate urged government and relevant stakeholders to rise above political considerations and prioritize the collective safety and wellbeing of the people of Benue State.