Monarchs Forge Common Front against Insecurity in Delta
Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Delta North traditional rulers yesterday attended an enlarged reconciliatory meeting of all monarchs in the nine local government areas of the zone held at the palace of the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor II.
The monarchs resolved to forge a united front against threatening insecurity, including kidnapping and other criminal activities in their respective domains and across Delta State.
They also decided to put aside their differences and work for the accelerated development of the state and Delta North in particular.
The royal fathers expressed concern over the incessant cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and killing of citizens in the different communities, stressing that it required that the traditional rulers came together and work with the security agencies and government at different levels in tackling the menace.
In his welcome address, the host and Chairman, Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, Efeizomor II, stressed the need for the royal fathers to do away with whatever differences they may have.
He noted that unity within the body of traditional rulers in Delta North was invaluable if the burning issues affecting their respective communities are to be properly addressed for the desired peace and sustainable development of the area.
Obi Efeizomor charged the royal fathers to forgive one another, make needed sacrifices and to speak with one voice on issues of common interest towards the development of the people and communities.
He reminded the members that their positions as traditional rulers would be greatly challenged if they failed to mend fences at a time a son of the area was no longer the chief executive officer of the state.
“The truth is that we are in danger. We are in danger, and yet we are not united. We need to make sacrifices and move forward. My prayer is that we’ll put behind us what is happening today.
“Our people are in grave danger; they’re dehumanising our people. They’re killing our people. Please let’s put behind our differences and be our brothers’ keeper. Let’s reorganise, and we’ll be at peace with ourselves”, Efeizomor observed.
In his remarks, the Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Dr Henry Kikachukwu I, who is the Second Vice-Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, stressed that no sacrifice was too much to make to ensure the unity of the forum.
Former deputy governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, while expressing his appreciation for the privilege to sit in the midst of the respected traditional rulers, urged them to unite and rise above partisanship.
He harped on the need for sacrifice by individual members so that no external forces can break into their ranks and undermine the integrity of the royal forum in the manner of partisan politics.
The Obi of Abavo, Uche Irenuma II, commended the immediate past governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for his role in engendering the spirit of togetherness in the fold of Delta North traditional rulers, and thereby promoting good progress in the senatorial district of the state.
He said that the forum should reciprocate Okowa’s contribution to the unity and continued growth of the organisation by standing behind him through thick and thin in the overall interest of Delta North.
