The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba has advised the National Assembly to tread carefully while handing the grazing reserve bill. He made the call while speaking to newsmen over the Easter period. The traditional ruler said the intended bill may cause more problems than providing solutions. Buba said “Before now, herdsmen used to live peacefully with farmers and there were defined routes for transiting from one community to another. Even if they are staying for some time, the local chiefs will direct them on where to graze and where not to,”. He said that there was mutual respect between herdsmen and natives back in the days.

The paramount ruler joined the public to bemoan the situation where natives are overlooked over land issues. “If you want to legislate, you must be cautious because grazing is just one aspect of the country’s economy. You must be careful, because tomorrow, the cocoa farmers will say that they want designated areas for cocoa production. The Beroms will want land in all states of federation for ‘Acha’ farming as well.

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba has advised the National Assembly to tread carefully while handing the grazing reserve bill. He made the call while speaking to newsmen over the Easter period. The traditional ruler said the intended bill may cause more problems than providing solutions. Buba said “Before now, herdsmen used to live peacefully with farmers and there were defined routes for transiting from one community to another. Even if they are staying for some time, the local chiefs will direct them on where to graze and where not to,”. He said that there was mutual respect between herdsmen and natives back in the days.

The paramount ruler joined the public to bemoan the situation where natives are overlooked over land issues. “If you want to legislate, you must be cautious because grazing is just one aspect of the country’s economy. You must be careful, because tomorrow, the cocoa farmers will say that they want designated areas for cocoa production. The Beroms will want land in all states of federation for ‘Acha’ farming as well. 

by Augustine Ishaku

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Tread carefully on grazing reserve bill – Gbong Gwom Jos