In order to put a stop to the massacre of Nigerians by people alleged to be “Herdsmen”, the Honourable member representing Yagba East/ Yagba West/Mopamuro federal constituency of Kogi state in the National Assembly, Hon. Karim Sunday Steve has said something needs to be done to stop the incessant killings of innocent people by the Herdsmen. He said this in a live televised programme in Lagos.
According to Karim “As a responsible elected representative, it is my duty to make laws for the peace of our people so we can live in unity”. We want Federal Government to set up grazing reserve for the purpose of checking criminality. Federal Government should cooperate with the states. We have to do something to stop the problem we have now in our hands as we cannot sit down and watch as this goes on. He noted that as a legislator, he will do everything to defend the interest of his people.
Karim also said “The Bill we are proposing is still a proposal and shouldn’t be looked in isolation. In 2012 when I proposed this Bill this problem now was not as serious as this. I am just saying when we have a problem lets proffer solutions and that’s what this bill is all about”. He however urged the people to bring their ideas during public hearing saying this bill is not a perfect document, people are free to chip in ideas. Some other leaders of thought have also asked the National Assembly to refer to the Nigerian constitution for clarity. This requires the cooperation of the state assemblies, governors before the the Act could be passed. This grazing reserve bill has been a contentious issues over that last couple of months starting with the Agatus in Benue state in middlebelt Nigeria to the rampage in Enugu state Southeast of Nigeria. It will be recalled that Grazing Reserve Bill was introduced in the 7th Senate but didn’t see the light of day.
