By Archibong Jeremiah
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN Cross River Chapter has opposed the National Grazing Reserve bill said to be before the National Assembly and have called on the State House of Assembly to enact a law to prohibit its implementation in the State.
The leadership of the State PFN made their position known while briefing journalists after arising from their congress on May 2, 2016.
The Chairman, Pastor Lawrence Ekwok who addressed the press said, “Cross River State House of Assembly should enact a bill prohibiting any portion of the Cross River State land to be taken forcefully or otherwise for the purpose of grazing cattle as it attracts negative consequences on the economy and lives of Cross Riverians.
“PFN Cross River strongly rejects the bill for an act for the establishment of the National Grazing Reserve across the community, which is tantamount to illegal seizure of landed property by the Federal Government for private businesses.”
Furthermore, he stated that, “We condemn in the strongest terms the attack and killing of people in the Middle Belt and Southern parts of Nigeria by Fulani herdsmen. We call on the Federal Government to as matter of urgency ensure the arrest and immediate prosecution of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
“The Inspector General of Police should as a matter of urgent National interest arrest and prosecute all gun-carrying Fulani herdsmen as the carrying of arms without license violates the laws of the land, We call on the various State legislatures to enact legislations against free movement of destructive animals such as cows in their States.”
They group also condemned and opposed the proposed bill by Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State designed to restrict regulate religious activities in Kaduna state.
“Such a Religious Regulation Bill is contrary to the provisions of section 36 of 1999 constitution” they maintained.
In addition they condemned the: “Forceful conversion and marriage of young Christian girls into Islam, reject plans by the Federal Government to fund the 2016 budget deficit from an ‘Islamic compliant’ loan as well as the Kano State Governor’s choice of Sunday for sanitation. It is a deliberate ploy to hinder Sunday worship by Christians in the State.”