A Chief Consultant to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Eghaire Benson, has urged monarchs in the oil-producing communities to synergise with the commission and their subjects within the ambit of the law which established the agency. He stated that the NDDC would not compromise relevant sections of its enabling law in carrying out its statutory duties.

The commission, he disclosed, would sustain the siting of needed projects within the mandate given to it, to enthrone peace and security; and to provide the necessities of life to the residents of the oil-bearing communities.

The commission appealed to the monarchs to work assiduously within their domains to enthrone a convivial atmosphere and prevent unnecessary restive environments in their communities.

Benson advised at a one-day capacity-building programme organised by the commission under its community and rural development directorate. It was held for some monarchs from Imo and Abia states under the aegis of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Niger Delta (TROMPCON), with the theme: “Capacity Building on Emerging Trends in Rural Governance.”

He noted that the commission was worried by the absence of peace and security and the apparent inability of some communities to take firm ownership of projects sited in their communities.

He stressed that in the absence of a desirable atmosphere, it would be difficult to achieve progress and development which are the cardinal mandate of the commission.

“Traditional rulers are key to community peace and development in the Niger Delta region. We want to collaborate with all of you in handling the resources in your communities for sustainable development.

“We recognise traditional rulers as custodians of the traditions, history and customs. We are asking you to be a catalyst for development. Poor management of information is another problem.

“You must manage information, heritage and culture. NDDC was established in 2000 to promote the community’s interest. Unfortunately, communities are not taking firm ownership of projects sited in the localities. They are abandoned and left to waste,” he lamented.

Dr Evelyn Ijeoma Orji made a presentation on “Fostering sustainable peace in Nigeria Delta communities: Leveraging peacebuilding skills of traditional rulers.”

Also, another resource person, Dr Carol Bichene Ebuta, presented a paper on “Organising critical community stakeholders for partnership and governance: How Traditional rulers in the Niger Delta can drive the process.”

Both speakers regretted that Nigeria was ranked low in the global index as the 147th country where peace was lacking, and conflict taking centre stage. They advised the monarchs to jettison the “Not my Child Syndrome,” which propagates a carefree attitude.

Reacting, two monarchs, Eze Akawueze Raphael Ikegwuruka, of the Mgbirichi/ Agbakuru community in Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, and the state chairman of TROMPCON and the monarch of Oguta autonomous community, Eze Nani Nzeribe, regretted that many a time, the submissions made by the monarchs requiring the support and political will of the leaders were not adhered to.

“There is no traditional ruler in this hall that you give N1 million to provide peace in his community that will not do that,” he declared, urging the authorities to empower monarchs to provide peace and security in their communities.