By Abel Johngold Orheruata
WARRI/Nigeria: Traditional rulers in Delta State have been called upon to partner with the state government in meaningful peace building that will culminate in all round development.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa made the call in Warri while declaring open a one day seminar on “Alternative Dispute Resolution” organized by the state government for the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, said the seminar was to synergise with the kings on security challenges in their domains and find ways to bring lasting peace.
He outlined committees already in place for peace building by government to include Delta State Orientation Agency, Delta State Waterways and Land Security, Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council as well as the Delta State Advocacy Committee against oil Facilities vandalism, pointing out that the various committees have done well to sustain peaceful co-existence in all volatile areas.
Senator Okowa said, the role of traditional institutions cannot be overflogged in the task of peace and maintenance of tradition and culture.
He thanked the traditional rulers for their maximum support to his administration since he came into office and pledged to continue to work with them in handling issues of conflicts and ensuring even development across all parts of the state.
The governor said the SMART agenda had positively affected all sectors of the economy and sued for the support of all in building a new Delta that will be the envy of other states in the country.
The Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, who was the chairman of the occasion said, modenazation has its limitations as the traditional institutions in any given society cannot be wish away.
Mr. Mrakpor, noted that traditional institutions are wired to deal with conflicts and disputes within communities and it is a veritable organ that assist in driving home the policies and objectives of government to the people.
He noted that the seminar is most apt because as kings of the various kingdoms, traditional rulers also help government in resolving disputes in their domain.
The Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor 11, opinied that traditional rulers should be appointed into the customary court to be able to interpret the customary law of the land.
Dr. Efeizomor also suggest that as alternative to dispute resolution, traditional rulers should work with the exco of the local government council to be able to maintain a common front for the good of all.
In a paper presentation, on The Role of Traditional Rulers In Conflict Sensitivity And Management, the Executive Director, Global Peace Development and Convener, Delta State Conflict Management Alliance (DSCMA) Mr. Ebruke Esike, said, understanding of conflict and environment is a critical element and tools to mitigate conflict and violence.
Mr. Esike noted that, communities in Nigeria are subsumed in protracted and intractable intra and inter communal conflicts which manifest from mutually exclusive goals or incompatible interests of parties involved.
According to him, these mutually exclusive or incompatible goals could be associated with basic needs for social and economic security, space for participation in decision making, power, agency and recognition.
Osike noted that, communities in Delta State over the years have been entrenched in conflicts and squabbles over revenue from oil rent, land ownership and boundaries, leadership and power tussles which has culminated in colossal loss of lives and infrastructure.
While saying research has revealed that, most conflicts are caused or spearheaded by those who are rich, powerful, influential and are mostly not from such communities, he said, Traditional rulers can increase peace and development in their communities when there is inclusive engagement of critical stakeholders in their communities.
He said that, the role of traditional rulers in conflict sensitivity and management cannot be over emphasized as they constitute grassroot leaders in the state.
According to him, as custodians of cultural values and norms in their respective kingdoms, training and re-training of traditional rulers is a critical aspect of societal development and stability.
