How Nigeria survived Niger Delta militancy, IPOB threat – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday explained that the royal fathers’ intervention nipped in the bud the bombing of oil installations by Niger Delta militants, and the secessionist threat of Indigenous People of Biafra in the South-east region.
The traditional rulers, Osinbajo said, played major roles in the restoration of peace to the regions when the country came under threat from the two groups.
The vice president disclosed this while declaring open the 10th National Development Summit of Nigerian Traditional Rulers in Abuja.
He tasked the royal fathers to take greater responsibility in resolving conflicts in the country, describing dialogue and engagements as important as law enforcement in tackling disputes.
According to him, traditional rulers were better positioned “to champion this vision of continuing dialogue and engagement because of the respect you command from the widest possible range of stakeholders and parties.” “Dialogue and engagement are just as important as law enforcement, especially in situations triggered by misunderstandings and disagreements between people and communities who have existed peacefully side-by-side for centuries,” the VP added.
While underscoring the role of law enforcement agencies in deterring criminality and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, Osinbajo noted that neglecting the place of non coercive conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms, would do a great disservice to the citizens.
“You are also repositories of important intelligence that can be useful in detecting suspicious or criminal activity.
The partnership between traditional authority and government is therefore crucial.
“I can say without fear of contradiction that the new vision for the Niger Delta would not have happened without the support of traditional rulers and leaders in the region.
We have made it a priority to meet with them and carry them along, and ask for their wisdom and their support in resolving issues with stakeholders and communities.
This was also our approach in the wake of secessionist agitation by IPOB in the South East,” he further explained.

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