A fresh exchange on social media has reignited debate over ranching and the enforcement of Benue’s anti-open grazing legislation, following a post by political commentator Terver Akase.
Akase, in a Facebook update, addressed the issue directly to Governor Hyacinth Alia, stating that if the governor wants Benue people to believe his new position on ranching, he should enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
“My good friends Tersoo Akula and Atom Lim, let’s put it simpler this way. If His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia wants Benue people to believe his new position on ranching, let him enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law. Simple!” Akase wrote.
The post quickly drew a response from Utser Ordue Edward, who questioned Akase’s timing and consistency. Edward argued that if Akase had advised his principal between 2015 and 2023 with the same clarity and intelligence he now displays, Benue would have progressed further. He added that the implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law should not be equated with cattle rustling.
The exchange comes amid ongoing discussions in Benue over the practical enforcement of the state’s open grazing prohibition law and the broader question of how ranching policies should be implemented under the current administration.
