Ortom defends open grazing prohibition law

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has explained that the state followed due process in promulgating open grazing prohibition law. The governor made the clarification yesterday when the leadership of the Makurdi Catholic Diocesan Laity Council visited him at the Government House.

He said there was no going back on the law, adding that anyone who is not satisfied with it should go to court. Ortom commended the Catholic Church and the bishop of the diocese for standing firmly behind his administration and advising him on topical issues.

He added that the Church has helped the state in education, health and agriculture and pledged to partner them to develop the state.

According to the governor, some herdsmen have started to comply by ranching their cattle and urged the people to allow those opposed to it to leave the state peacefully.

He promised that the state would assist those of them that have complied and noted that peace is gradually being restored in the state. While promising to give payment of salaries priority, he disclosed that his administration has taken some measures to block loopholes in the process.

He admitted that his anti-corruption crusade has been fighting back, but expressed the hope that the state would be successful at last. The President of the diocesan council, Mr. Damian Kpengwa condemned the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore’s opposition to the law.

He commended the governor for supporting the church in the burial of the late Bishop Athanasius Usuuh and the coronation of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe.

The council, which was accompanied by the Chaplain, Rev. Father Stephen Ishor, appealed to the governor to support the church in the building of its secretariat.