Business
Traditional Rulers Seek Role In Pipeline Protection
Traditional rulers
from oil producing communities have called on the Federal Government to empower them to provide security against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
The monarchs made the call when they paid a solidarity visit to President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Thursday.
Leader of the delegation, Eze Akunueze Ahurunkwe II, paramount ruler of Mgbirichi/Abakuru Land of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, said they made the request because the pipelines were in their domain.
“Of course, these pipelines are in our domain and that is why we are advocating a forum so that the traditional rulers in the oil communities will be empowered to provide security against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism’’, he said.
He said they also told the president that they were worried by the abduction of the school girls of Chibok, Borno, and the activities of the Boko Haram sect in general.
“This is a courtesy visit of solidarity with the President to discuss some issues affecting our nation.
“Of course, we are worried about the issue of Chibok girls and the activities of Boko Haram in general.
“We are very prayerful for the President to succeed as he has been working assiduously to make sure they are released. We are very prayerful’’, he said.
The monarch said that the delegation thanked Jonathan for convening the national conference and for developing infrastructure across the nation.
Their meeting with the President was held behind closed doors.