Peace has been described as a catalyst for development.
Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku who made the assertion during Capacity building for Niger Delta Stakeholders on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Port Harcourt Rivers State, insisted that the commission executes projects and embarks on human capacity building to douse tensions in the region.
The capacity building with the theme, Fostering Lasting Peace Through Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR was timely considering various conflicting issues across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC Dr. Samuel Ogbuku enjoined people of the region to resolve their differences as family members.
Represented by Chief of staff, Rev. Julius Oworibo, the MD acknowledged that there may be different opinions, but with peaceful stance, issues would be resolved.
“Here in Niger Delta, we want to ensure that we live in peace among ourselves to be able to make progress.
We want to make sure there is development, the things you are looking for, roads, bridges, shoreline protection, water can only come when there is an enabling peaceful environment.”
Similarly, Acting Director, Dispute and Conflict Resolution NDDC, Mr. Godwin Ogedegbe explained that it was necessary to explore alternative means in conflict resolutions.
Mr. Ogedegbe stated that peace building would facilitate infrastructure development, human capacity building and food security in the region and nation at Large.
“I intend to reflect my MD/CEO’s quote that anchors our discourse today that ‘The Renewed Hope & Economic Reforms Agenda of Mr. President (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) is a Social Contract in form of induction we entered in NDDC with the commitment of ensuring the Vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda is being transformed into Reality in the Niger Delta Region with infrastructural & Human Capital Developments”.
In a keynote address, Executive Director African Centre for leadership, Dr. Otive Igbuzor who advanced the importance of alternative Dispute resolution in peace making, insisted that alternative dispute resolution prioritizes reconciliation, dialogue and inclusiveness.
According to Dr. Igbuzor, community based peace moves were essential in entrenching peaceful coexistence especially in Niger Delta region.
While noting that forceful methods were not comprehensive in resolving conflicts in all cases,
Dr. Igbuzor stated that militarization often angers the people and worsens issues instead of solving them.
He gave insight into Forms of ADR
“1. Negotiation – A voluntary and informal process where parties communicate directly to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
2. Mediation – A neutral third party (mediator) facilitates dialogue, helping parties to resolve disputes amicably while maintaining control over the outcome (Menkel-Meadow, 2015).
3. Conciliation – Similar to mediation, but the conciliator plays a more interventionist role by suggesting possible solutions.
4. Arbitration – A quasi-judicial process in which an arbitrator makes a binding decision after hearing both sides, often considered faster and less formal than”
The keynote speaker called for institutionalization of Alternative Dispute Resolution,
Capacity development, and
Awareness campings.
In the same vein, president Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri stressed the need to attend to environmental issues affecting communities in Niger Delta region caused by oil exploration.
Source:Gabriel Okechukwu
