PDP cautions Gov. Alia over proposed FG grazing policy, demands full disclosure

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has cautioned Governor Hyacinth Alia against accepting any Federal Government plan to reintroduce grazing reserves under the guise of a National Ranching Policy.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the opposition party rejected the proposed policy, insisting that no Benue land will be made available for grazing reserves, Ruga, or cattle colonies.
“There is no idle land in Benue State waiting to be donated for grazing reserves.
“Benue is an agrarian state where our people depend directly on land for survival.
“It is unacceptable to take scarce land from farming communities and convert it into grazing settlements,” the statement read.
The PDP expressed deep concern over reports that the Alia administration may be considering repealing or weakening the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.
The party noted that the 2017 legislation already permits private modern ranching while safeguarding local communities.
Demanding immediate transparency, the opposition party called on Governor Alia to publicly clarify whether his administration has committed state land to the federal scheme and to explicitly state his position on the existing anti-open grazing law.