Open grazing: We’ll approach court to stop violation of Land Use Act – Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has stated that his administration will approach the law courts to stop violation of the Land Use Act should the Federal Government insist on creating grazing routes and grazing areas in the state.

He spoke on Sunday at the Makurdi Airport while interacting with journalists on his return from Delta State where he attended the burial of the father of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The governor stated that the Land Use Act is clear on the issue of land ownership and management, stressing that any attempt to subvert his right as a Governor through creation of nonexistent Cattle Routes would be resisted with a legal action.

He called on lieutenants of the President to advise him properly on issues so that things would work better for the country, pointing out that insisting on cattle routes in the 21st century when states are enacting ranching laws was retrogressive.

Governor Ortom stated that already, there is serious food crisis in the country due to insecurity and if nothing is done to curtail the trend, the situation would get worse in the coming years.

Speaking with journalists, the Governor said the abysmal performance of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration at the centre had provided an opportunity for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as an alternative to provide purposeful leadership for Nigeria in 2023.

The Governor who also spoke on the issue of privatisation of government enterprises in the state said any of the advertised enterprises that is functional and its proposed sale is against the wishes of Benue people, he would go with public opinion.