Former Rivers state governor and the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wke has revealed that he will put an end to open grazing during his tenure as the minister in charge of the Federal Capital Territory.
Making this pledge while addressing pressmen after taking his oath of office on Monday, Mr Wike said that he will consult with herdsmen to see how to put an end to open grazing at the federal capital
“We will consult with the herdsmen to see how we will stop [open grazing] because we can not allow cows inside the city,” Mr Wike said.
“They can be outside the city because the grasses are outside the city. The grasses in the city were planted to beautify the city. It is not that one that they would eat. So, we will discuss. It is important. Let us say it, you are trying inside the [Presidential] Villa for example, and you see about 20,000 to 40,000 goats, if foreigners see that, how would they feel?” he added.
News About Nigeria had earlier reported that the former Rivers governor who is known for his radical personality warned that he will take down buildings that distort the Abuja masterplan.
Recall that the subject of open grazing created controversy under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. There were claims that livestock herders were to blame for the increase in instability in states across the country. As a result, groups charged the then-president to place a ban on open grazing. While southern governors tried to abolish open grazing, northern governors preferred to allow open grazing in their states.
