The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma on Friday stated that his comment on the ban on open grazing of cattle in southern states by the 17 governors was quoted out of context by some section of the media.
TrackNews Online had earlier reported that Ohanaeze Ndigbo called Governor Hope Uzodinma “a confirmed saboteur” who will “surely taste the retribution of God and wrath of the people” following his reported stance on open grazing.
Uzodimma who has now clarified his statement through the State commissioner for information and strategy, Declan Emelumba stated that contrary to insinuations, Imo State has an open grazing law that has been in operation since 2006.
The Governor explained that the law provided for areas that were restricted from open grazing, stressing that the herders have been abiding by it.
He clarified that what he meant while addressing State House Correspondents in Abuja was that farmers and herders were peacefully coexisting in the state as a result of mutual respect and understanding.
According to the Governor, “The Memorandum of Understanding the farmers and herders signed was to strengthen the existing law and it is working very well”.
He regretted the extreme interpretation the media gave to his comments on the matter, saying that what was important was the peaceful way farmers and herders have been coexisting in the state.
Uzodimma pointed out that, “Whereas a law on anti-grazing may be desirable, dialogue and understanding as is the case in Imo state were more effective in addressing the conflict.”
The Governor however called on Nigerians to embrace inclusiveness and tolerance as necessary tools in building and sustaining a united country.
