Bayelsa Govt. bans indiscriminate grazing in Bayelsa, plans cattle ranches

Bayelsa Government has restricted the activities of herdsmen in the state to the Bayelsa Palm area. Gov. Seriake Dickson announced the restriction on Friday in Yenagoa in a live radio and television programme. The governor said that the measure was taken as a result of recent upsurge in violence and criminal activities of the herdsmen in some parts of the country. Dickson also warned herdsmen against bearing arms in the course of grazing their livestock, saying that anyone contravening the order would face the wrath of the law. He explained that the government has been collaborating with security agencies and leaders of the herdsmen , with a view to opening up designated ranches for their operations. “No cattle should be seen roaming the streets of Yenagoa. It is a dangerous trend and we are working on a system to give them a temporary place at the Bayelsa Palm, which has over one thousand hectares. “Non-state actors will not be allowed to go about with weapons because government will not condone it. “We have been taking a lot of measures to check the activities of herdsmen in the state. We condemn the attitude of herdsmen who come into the state and carry cattle to destroy farmlands,” Dickson said. On the 2017 budget, Dickson noted that though the estimate is higher than that of the previous year, the government will shore up its revenue base through various ways and means. He said the levies such as personal income, property and consumption taxes would enhance revenue. According to Dickson, the 2017 budget will address critical needs of the rural areas, adding that at least a health centre will be sited in every ward. The governor said plans were under way to re-position the public service for enhanced productivity.