THE Amayanabo of Opobo King Dandeson Douglas Jaja has blamed the cross-border conflict, political and chieftaincy tussles in Okrika communities in Rivers State on the inability of the chiefs of the area to manage the affairs of their people.

Jaja said the numerous court cases resulting from the legion of disputes over land ownership and acquisition resulting in prolonged violence was contrary to what obtained in the past in the land.

Speaking at a book launch in Port Harcourt, he said it was regrettable that the people could be so polarized over matters that could be handled as a family and in brotherly manner, appealing to the chiefs, elders and opinion leaders to put their house in order for the benefit of the people and all.

Also, former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan Prof. Tekena Tamuno told the Okrika people to put the spirit of violence to shame so as to attract human and infrastructural growth to the area.

Tamuno delivered a paper entitled "Peace in Niger Delta" at the launch of the book "Okrika, a Kingdom of the Niger Delta reasoned that the time had come for the people to embrace one another "as brothers and sisters" and sheath their sword.

The author of the book Prince Charles D.S. Ogan said he was propelled to writing the book because "the Okrika kingdom that was highly respected has lost its glory in recent past."

Accordingly, Ogan said it was only natural that events in the past be chronicled and solution proffered with a vision to straighten things and help Okrika rise to what it was and perhaps beyond.