The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has urged traditional rulers, clergy, and community leaders from the region to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution methods to resolve conflicts in their domains.
The Commission noted that the call comes on the heels of its drive to take proactive steps to promote peace and stability in the region.
Speaking at a recent capacity-building workshop in Port Harcourt, NDDC Board Chairman, Chiedu Ebie, stressed the importance of effective conflict management, citing that conflicts are an inevitable part of life.
The workshop, themed “Transformative Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution: Evolving Inclusive Approach,”aimed to equip traditional rulers, clergy, and community leaders with the necessary skills to mitigate various forms of conflict.
Ebie highlighted the challenges of litigation, noting that people often allow their egos to dictate their actions, leading to prolonged and costly legal battles.
Instead, Ebie advocated for alternative dispute resolution methods, which can help resolve conflicts more efficiently and effectively.
This approach, he said, prioritises dialogue, empathy, and collaboration, enabling communities to address the root causes of conflict rather than just its symptoms.
He revealed that the workshop is part of the NDDC’s broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the Niger Delta region, saying that by building the capacity of community leaders and promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, the NDDC aims to create a more harmonious and prosperous region for all.
He said, “Conflict is part of our life. Every day, there is a conflict. The issue is how do you deal with conflicts when they come up. By providing training and support for alternative dispute resolution, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing conflicts and promoting peace in the region.”
Also, the NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of proactive conflict management.
He noted that the Niger Delta region has learned valuable lessons from its experiences with conflict and that it’s essential to equip community leaders with the necessary tools to prevent and manage disputes effectively.
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He stressed the importance of inclusive conflict management and transformative dispute resolution, stressing that traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community leaders play a vital role in resolving conflicts and promoting peace in their communities.
He said: “We are an interventionist agency. Our intervention is not only limited to road building. The traditional rulers, youths, women, and all stakeholders in all the states of the NDDC need to work together. We need to work together to ensure regional integration.
“This is because we know we have a common challenge, which ranges from ecological, environmental, and development challenges. Once we are united, we cannot allow crises to take over any part when there is peace in other parts of the region.”
Meanwhile, Godwin Ogbedegbe, Acting Director of the Department of Conflict Resolution (DCR), explained that the programme aims to explore inclusive approaches that prioritize dialogue, empathy, and collaboration.
He noted that this approach enables communities to address the root causes of conflict rather than merely its symptoms.
Also, the participants stressed the importance of conflict resolution through dialogue rather than resorting to violence or court action.
One of the participants, a traditional ruler, Oba Segun Williams Akinwuni, highlighted the critical role that traditional rulers play in resolving conflicts within their communities.
He advised against taking every matter to court, instead encouraging community-led dialogue to resolve issues amicably.
Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) Rivers State chapter, HRM Samuel Amaechi, echoed this sentiment.
He stressed the importance of conflict resolution, particularly among traditional rulers, clergy, community development committees, and women’s groups. Amaechi stressed that being proactive in resolving conflicts is crucial to preventing violence or protests.
Chairman of TROMPCON Delta State, Anthony Ogbogbo, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, noted that the approach to conflict resolution needs to evolve. He emphasized the importance of adapting to new approaches, as traditional methods may no longer be effective.
