The Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Olorogun) Arthur Akpowowo Esq., has held a meeting with leaders and key stakeholders of Kokori Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area following a recent attack on a vulnerable resident, allegedly carried out by suspected cattle herders.
The meeting took place at the Kokori Progress Union Secretariat and focused on identifying long-term measures to prevent similar incidents, as well as ensuring strict enforcement of the Delta State Anti-Open Grazing Law.
Rt. Hon. Akpowowo, who represents Ethiope East State Constituency, attended the meeting alongside the Divisional Police Officer of Isiokolo Division, CSP Itedjere, and some of his aides. The community delegation was led by the President General of Kokori Community, Chief Engr. Joseph Aghwute.
Speaking at the gathering, the Deputy Speaker revealed that he had received a copy of the petition submitted by the community to the Executive Governor of Delta State concerning the attack. He noted that, as a committed and responsive representative, it was his duty to intervene swiftly to protect the interests of his constituents.
Rt. Hon. Akpowowo advised the community to immediately adopt the “Egbo method” as a way of enforcing the Anti-Open Grazing Law. He explained that this entails formally engaging the leaders of the herders in the area and issuing them a two-week notice to either secure a designated location for their cattle or leave the community. According to him, any herder found grazing openly after the deadline should be arrested, along with their cattle, and handed over to the police for necessary action.
He reassured the people of Kokori of his full and continuous support, stressing that standing with the community is part of his constitutional responsibility.
The Deputy Speaker added that the strategy discussed could serve as a template for other communities within Ethiope East Constituency and across Delta State in addressing the recurring herders–farmers conflict.
He further assured stakeholders that he would formally brief the Governor of Delta State on developments in Kokori. Rt. Hon. Akpowowo also reminded the audience that, as Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, his committee is charged with ensuring that all laws passed by the Delta State House of Assembly are effectively implemented throughout the state.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve among community leaders and security agencies to work together to promote peace, security, and respect for the rule of law in Kokori Community.
