….Promises To Stick To Terms Of Reference
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
General Cecil Esekhaigbe has been appointed by the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo to chair a-27-Man Committee on Livestock Control Committee to address the incessant attacks on farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen and farmers and herders clashes in the state.
The committee’s mandate is to ensure peace, stability and development across the state.
Inaugurating the Livestock Committee, the governor said their mandate is to bring an end to the pervasive clashes between farmers and herders.
Other members of the Committee include Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhikhe, AVM Charles Oghomwen, Mr. Alex Oijiagba, Comrade Saturday Okhuakhua, Samuel Arabomem, Sylvanus Bawa, Mrs. Aikefe Agbavboa, Dr. Osagie Aibuedefe, SP Eneremen Sunday, Uche Nnatube, Sir Ignatius Enabulele, Ebaloghemen Godwin, Ibgnigie O. Osaheni, Hon Moses Edo, Hon Haruna Muhammed, Dr Tony Ikpasaja, Oba Palace representative, Onojie of Uzea, HRH Moses Akpamuka ETSU, Abdullahi Binne Danna, Adum Harun, Erhauyi Alfred Iyekekpolor, Mr. Akhimien Obomehelu and Omoh Yusuf. Mrs. Diana Emaga Idahosa will serve as the secretary.
During the inauguration, Governor Okpebholo emphasised the gravity of the assignment, adding “There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have especially the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clashes here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience in the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose”, Okpebholo said.
In his acceptance speech, General Esekhaigbe, rtd, acknowledged the significant responsibility placed upon the committee.
He said: “We want to express our appreciation to you, sir, for considering us fit to take this arduous task.
“The terms of reference are very clear, and it is a reflection of one of your high points when you were coming into power as governor. I know security is one of the pillars of your five points agenda, and we all know one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.”
He outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference, which include: regulating the movement of livestock within the State; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities; providing security reports to the Governor on the activities of cattle and livestock farmers within designated ranching areas; and determining and recommending permit fees and renewal fees for cattle and livestock herdsmen/owners.
General Esekhaigbe concluded by pledging the committee’s dedication: “We will do our best to make sure that our assignment that has been given to us is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers areas crisis will not be a thing to mention in our dear state.”