•Obi Efeizomor
The issue of insecurity in northern senatorial district of Delta State dominated the agenda as traditional rulers from the nine local government areas met recently at Owa Oyibu, headquarters of Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state, to seek solution to the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery and killing of citizens in the different communities.
Some communities have abandoned their farms, while some had their women molested, with the worst hit being the communities on the railway line where several persons had been either killed or abducted and motorcycles forcefully taken away by hoodlums in broad daylight, reports Nigerian Tribune.
The meeting held at the palace of the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor II, however, resolved to forge a united front against the rising criminal activities in their respective domains.
They also resolved to put aside their differences and work for the accelerated development of the state and Delta North senatorial district in particular.
The host and chairman, Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, Obi Efeizomor II, who expressed displeasure over the lack of unity among royal fathers, stressed the need for them to do away with whatever differences that might be militating against their unity.
“The truth is that we are in danger and yet we are not united. We need to make sacrifices and move forward. My prayer is that we will put behind us what is happening today. Our people are in grave danger; they are dehumanising our people. They are killing our people. Please, let us put behind our differences and be our brothers’ keepers. Let us reorganise and we will be at peace with ourselves,” Efeizomor stated.
He further said 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 speak with one voice on issues of common interest towards the development of the people and communities.
Others who harped on the need for unity among the group include the second vice chairman of the rulers’ council and the Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Dr Henry Kikachukwu I, who said no sacrifice was too much to ensure the unity of the forum.
The former deputy governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue in attendance, appreciated the privilege to sit in the midst of the respected traditional rulers, urging them to unite and rise above partisanship as leaders who politicians should look up to as dependable guides in matters of good governance and development.
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 Dr Okowa’s contributions to the unity and continued growth of the organisation by standing behind him through thick and thin in the overall interest of the area.
Meanwhile, interim executive members to pilot the affairs of the forum for the next three months have been elected.
They are Obi of Owa, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor (chairman); Obi of Ubulu-Unor Agbogidi Henry (1st vice chairman); Ezie of Ezionum (second vice chairman); Obi of Abavo, Uche Irenuma 11 (welfare officer); Obi of Umunede Agadagidi Ezeagwu Ezeweali 1 (assistant treasurer) and the Obi of Issele-Uku is the assistant financial secretary, among others.
Others are the Akor of Oko Anala kingdom (financial secretary); the Obi of Akumanzi, Henry Jegbefume (public relations officer 1); the Obi of Atuma-Iga, Daniel Ugbodu (Secretary); the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, Charles Anyasi III (assistant secretary), while the Obi of Ukala, Clement Ifeanyinachukwu Ejiofor is the public relations officer.
Under the interim leadership arrangement, the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge holds the position of Legal Consultant, the Ukuata of Umukuata, Friday Abaja (humanitarian services consultant) and the Ebu of Umuebu is the consultant and government interface.
Also elected is the Obi of Onicha-Ugbo, Victor Chukwuyemeze who serves as treasurer to the forum.
