“Senate President Akpabio Calls for Collaboration with Traditional Rulers to Address Niger Delta Challenges”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, politicians, and stakeholders in the Niger Delta region with traditional rulers to tackle the challenges facing the area. He made this statement at the 13th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Forum of Monarchs in the South-South region held in Asaba, Delta State.
Represented by Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, Akpabio described the meeting as timely, highlighting the theme, “Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration for the Development of the South-South Region: The Role of the Traditional Institution.”
Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that increased oil production could bring more resources into the region for its development. He stressed the urgent need to involve traditional rulers in peacebuilding efforts, especially in combating oil theft, illegal bunkering, and unrest in the region.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, advocated for constitutional roles for traditional rulers to tackle rising insecurity and promote sustainable development in their domains.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged the Forum of Monarchs to uphold integrity and fairness, mediating conflicts and promoting justice in their domains without bias. He emphasized the critical role traditional rulers play in bridging the gap between communities and the government.
Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, King Dr. Edmund Daukoru, emphasized the theme’s focus on development and highlighted the lack of cooperation and synergy between stakeholders as a primary reason for Nigeria’s development gaps. He expressed concern over the marginalization of traditional institutions and the need for greater consultation with them by all tiers of government.
In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the commission’s initiatives and urged people in the region to align with its policies to benefit from its programs.
Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd), underscored the forum’s vision to address insecurity, underdevelopment, and promote peaceful co-existence through cross-fertilization of ideas.