Bayelsa anti-grazing law not against any ethnic group, religion – Diri

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri says the anti-grazing law he signed last March was not against any ethnic group or religion in the country but to ensure peace and order in the state. Governor Diri who stated this when he hosted Muslim faithful in the state at Government House, Yenagoa, to mark this year’s eid-el-Fitri […]

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri says the anti-grazing law he signed last March was not against any ethnic group or religion in the country but to ensure peace and order in the state.

Governor Diri who stated this when he hosted Muslim faithful in the state at Government House, Yenagoa, to mark this year’s eid-el-Fitri celebration.

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He said he was pleased with the participation of the Muslim community prior to the passage of the anti-grazing bill last March and the subsequent enforcement of the law.

“I recall that even when we sent the Executive Bill to the House of Assembly on the burning issue of open grazing, you were part of it. You participated even at the level of the committee for the public hearing.

“When issues arise, you have never taken them to yourselves to seek help from other sources. You are always law abiding either to the constitution of Nigeria or the laws made by the government of Bayelsa State. You were holding meetings before and after the bill was signed into law. The law is not against Muslims nor anyone in our society but to ensure that we live peacefully and that there is order and mutual respect for the various parts that make up Bayelsa.

Earlier, the Vice President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Bayelsa State, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, commended the governor for his fatherly role in relating with different religious organisations.

Otobo said this has endeared the governor to him and other Muslim faithful and strengthened their resolve to maintain peace and nip religious tension in the bud.

He appealed for more support from the government towards building a befitting central mosque as well as sponsorship of Muslims to pilgrimage.