Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has applauded his Southern counterparts for the promulgation of anti-open grazing law in the region.

WuzupNigeria reported all 17 Southern Governors met in Lagos State on Monday to discuss issues of national concerns, including security, open grazing, the Petroleum Industry Bill and the Electoral Act, amongst others.

The Southern governors resolved that the ban on open grazing of livestock(a legal prohibition nomadic cattle rearing; a resolution that conforms with the global best practice of animal husbandry) which was announced after their May 11 Asaba declaration would be implemented officially from Wednesday, 1st September 2021.

Tribune reports that the governor also hailed the Southern Governors’ Forum, led by Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for their position on the rotation of the Presidency between the north and south, beginning from 2023, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase.

The statement read partly, “Governor Ortom believes that only equity, fairness and justice can strengthen the unity of Nigeria, give all citizens a sense of belonging and reduce tensions across the country.

“The Governor re-echoes his call on the Federal Government to respect the 1999 Constitution (as amended) regarding fundamental human rights, the rule of law and federal character.

“He restates his commitment to speaking out against injustice and quotes Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr who stated that “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

He, however, reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s unity and expressed optimism that the country will overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger as a great nation.