in tables, charts, figures and photo plates. This study is supported with focused photographs/discussion and interview sessions and social infrastructures. Secondary data were collected from official publications of National Population Commission (NPC), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and publications of Niger Delta Commission (NDDC) and related reports of SPDC (various years) among others.
Analytical Procedures
Data collected for this study were analysed using statistical software packages such as SPSS, gretl and Minitab 17. Population figures were estimated using the linear geometric and exponential growth rates as stated in equations 1, 2 and 3. It assumes that growth is a continuous process rather than an annual increase.
r = (π·πβ π·π
π·π )π
πβ¦β¦β¦. (1)
r = (π·π
π·π) π πβ -1β¦β¦β¦.. (2) πβπ (π₯π¨π πππ·πβ π₯π¨π πππ·π) β¦β¦β¦β¦ (3)
Barceley (1970) and Poland et al (1981), pointed out that the exponential growth rate is appropriate and realistic way of representing the effect of human population growth. The geometric and exponential models arrive at almost the same result when deployed in population forecast.
4.9.3: Population Dynamics and Socio-Demographic Information
Settlement History of Shoreline Communities in the Proposed Project Locations
The first migration out of Otu-Ife (or Ile-Ife as it was later to be known) was led by Prince Ijo (alias Idekoseroake, The Etekuro, The Kala-Suo) mentioned in the ancestral tradition as being the first son of King Adumu. Between 650 β700 AD. Prince Ijo led his migration out of Ife to the Benin region, where he encamped and established a settlement (Uzama!) At this time other ORU people, as well as the EFA people were settling in the Benin region.
a b
Ijaw World Studies (2011) has shown that, the Ijaws originated ancestrally from the Aborigins ORU people (H) ORU or Horus people, the Aborigin Kwa People, the Aborigin Bantu and Semi-Bantu people, and numerous other unnamed Aborigins e.g. the TWA PIG between 500-700AD, the various ancient aborigines lived in autonomous and semi-autonomous communities arranged in form of confederacy, which are now kingdom refer to as Borgh (Bussa), Beni (Nupe), Ife (Yoba), Beni (Ado) and Ijo (Ijaw). King Adumu VIII instructed his son Prince Ijo to move and settle in the coastal region in view of defending the territory. Prince Ijo proceeded to the Central Niger Delta with his follows and came across isolated ancient communities of ORU people in remote settlements of the Central Delta (The TOBY or ANCIENT PEOPLES). This is the birth or genesis of the Ijo (Ijaw) people. The KUMONI-ORU who settled the Niger Delta with the most ancient inhabitants known as the ORU (TOBU OTU) who gave birth to the IJOS (Table 4.24).
Table 4.24: Chronological Summary of the Formation of the IJO (IJAW): BCE-BC and 2000 BCE β 600 CE (AD)
Date Niger Delta Region: The Ijaws
100-600 Proto-Ijo(Oru) ancestors Nupe settled in Benin and Delta fringe 620 β 650 Proto β Ijaw (Oru) Settled in the Niger Delta Northern Fringes 650 β 690 -do-
690 β 750 Prince Ijo (Idekoseroake) leaves Ife to Benin kingdom and western Niger Delta King Adamu died , Ogu Senior army commander Succeeded him
800 -1000
Prince Ijo sent expeditions to settle in the central delta Nun River, were towns such as Kula, Gbaran, Oporoma, Agadasba-bou, Apoi, Ijos ke, Oproza, Arogbo from Warife 1190 β
1200
Foundation of the Nembe Settlements (obioku) Dispersals from other ancient centres such as Agadagba-bou, Isoma-bou, Obiama, Apoi
1400 β 1500
More ijo ancestors left Benin region for the central Detla. Migrations within the delta.
Kala-Ekule becomes the first crowned king of Nemba. Marked the arrival of European along the coast. The ancestors of the Kumbo Kabo and Gbaran leave Oproza town because of the activities (scare trade) of the Portuguese in the area. Mein and a large number of Ijo followers leave Benin for Aboh then to the central Delta area of Igbedi Creek. They establish Ogobiri which lead to major migrations from Igbedi creek to the Western and Eastern Delta.
1500-1600
Awomekalaso establishes herself at Kalabari. Pereziagha retakes Ikoro (an old ancestral settlement of the Ijos) and establishes Olodiama-Ibe, in the western delta fringe. The Arogbos establish an army camp at Kurama (Lagos) in response to the Benin invasion of Lagos region.
1700-1900
Atlantic slavery, trade in captives, raiding and kidnapping, in full swing in the West African subregion. This leads to migration within the delta.
1900- British colonial acquisition of the Niger Delta and southern Nigeria 1914- The amalgamation of Southern and Northern Nigeria
1960 -present
Nigeria granted so called independence. The creation of states. The Ijo (Ijaw) administratively partitioned into several regions, later into several states.
Source: Ijaw World Studies, 2016 and SPDC, 2018
According to SPDC (2018) the settlement history of the communities was documented with specific reference to H-Block micro influence area, as contained in the Colonial Intelligence Report of the 1920s that the people of Obioku, Odioma, Ibidi, Twon Brass, Okpoama, Beletiama, Egweama, and Iwoama are said to have migrated from Ogbolomabiri (Nembe) on account of a civil war. On the other hand, the people of Sangana Opu-Okumbiri, Oginibiri, Okumbiri Beleu, Liama, and environs are of the Akassa Clan. Among the Ibanis of Bonny LGA, historical accounts have it that the people migrated from present-day Bayelsa State and settled in the present area by the eleventh century. Unlike many other communities, Ikaba (The progenitor of Dieama Community) came from a place called Iselema β present day Itshekiri. He migrated to Oruamabiri to serve the King Deity of Nembe called OGIDIGA.
History has it that Ogidiga also came from Iselema β present day Itshekiri. When the deity migrated to Oruamabiri, a young virgin maiden was brought with the deity to serve him as it was stipulated that only a virgin maiden that has not started seeing her monthly circle, is allowed to serve him. Her name was Inai. She was at Oruamabiri serving the deity called Ogidiga. Much later, Ikaba also came to dwell in Oruamabiri by the influence of Ogidiga.
Inai later grew up to an adult and got married to Ikoli and gave birth to Warikubu. Ikaba became very prominent and influential and was like the Second in Command in Oruamabiri.
Ikaba was a typical fisherman popularly known for his fishing escapades.
He could spend months in his fishing adventure and return home. Ikaba later got married to Warikubu β daughter of Inai and Ikoli and together, they started their fishing adventure. In one of their adventures, they settled at a place called Owu-Pogu close to present day Dieama community. At this place, they mysteriously lost one of their children. They became uncomfortable staying at Owu-Pogu as a result of the mysterious disappearance of their child.
In search for better and safer place, Warikubu β Ikabaβs wife, went further into the canal and saw a place that seems suitable for habitation. On her arrival back home, she related her latest discovery to her husband β Ikaba. They both went together and saw that it was suitable for habitation. While taking a walk around the place, they saw a deity in the form of Clay-Pot.
Ikaba said to the deity to leave the place before his final settlement if the deity was a bad one, otherwise, the deity could stay. When they went back for final settlement, the deity was still there, they assumed that it was a good deity. So, IKABA named the deity as Suo-Yai β Idele (The king deity of Dieama Town).
Population Size, Growth and Distribution
There are several factors that could influence the population dynamics of an area. These factors are environmental dynamics, changes in economic and social activities, emerging public policies, conflicts, migration, discovery of natural resources such as crude petroleum and gas deposits, fertile agricultural land etc., among others. The population of the communities is presented in Table 4.25 above based on official publication by National Population Commission (NPC) as well as projected values based on 3.2% annual growth rate using exponential growth model as stated in the study methodology. The study adopted NBS (2019) NPC (2019), SPDC 2011 and Akpan, 2017 assess the population size, growth and distribution in the shoreline communities as presented in Tables 4.26 and 4.27.
Table 4.25: Population Figures of the Local Government Areas- State
S/N LGAs Senatorial
District
Land size Male Female Both sexes
1 Brass A 1,410,764 94,359 89,768 184,127
2 Ekeremor C 1,820,232 137,753 131,835 269,588
3 Kolokuma/opokuma B 363,334 39,952 39,314 79,266
4 Nembe A 763,877 66,768 64,198 179,606
5 Ogbia A 699,013 92,015 87,591 186,869
6 Sagbama C 951,650 95,667 91,202 186,869
7 Southern Ijaw B 2,695,862 165,329 156,479 321,808
8 Yenegoa B 711,024 182,240 170,045 352,285
9 Beyelsa State 9,415.752 874,083 830,432 1,704.515
Source: Authors. A = Bayelsa East, B = Bayelsa Central, C = Bayelsa West
Table 4.26: Baseline Population of Stakeholder - Communities
S/N Communities Population Census, 1991
Census, 1996 Males Females Both Sexes
1. Li β ama 1 & II B 3,088 3,523 4,611 7824
2. Oginibiri 655 768 1,433 1696
3. Okunbiri 660 711 1,372 1,624
4. Okunbiri-Beleu 1,535 1,053 2,588 3,063
5. Ibidi 1,630 1,316 2,946 3,486
6. Obioku 1,107 1,467 2,574 3,046
7. Beletie-ama 2,120 2,315 4,435 5,249
8. Egweama 4,116 3,989 8,105 9,592
. Twon Brass 8,025 6,460 14,425 17,072
10. Ewoama 2,307 1,892 4,199 4,969
11. Okpuama 7,613 7,349 14,962 17,707
12. Diematown 628 651 1,279 1,514
13. Odioma 2,961 2,765 5,726 6,777
14. Sangana 2,212 2,846 4,058 4,808
Source: Authors Computation, 2019
Table 4.27: Baseline Population of stakeholder community 1991Β± 30 years
S/N Communities /Status
1991 1996 2006 2010 2015 201
8
2020 Male Femal
e
Both sex
1 Liama I & II 1088 3523 6611 7924 1046 0
1147 4
12742 135 03
14010
2 Oginibiri 665 768 1433 743 981 1076 1195 126
7
1314
3 Okunbiri 315 395 710 843 1113 1221 1356 143
7
1490 4 Okumbiri β
Belou
1535 1053 2588 3063 4043 4436 4925 522
0
5416
5 Ibidi 1630 1316 2946 3486 4602 5048 5606 594
0
6164
6 Obioku 1107 1467 2574 3046 4021 4411 4898 519
1
5386
6 Beletieama 2120 2315 4435 5249 6929 7601 8441 894
5
9281
7 Egweama 4116 3989 8105 9592 1266
1
1389 0
15424 163 45
16959
8 Twon βBrass 8025 6400 1442
5
1707 2
2253 5
2472 1
27452 290 91
30184
9 Ewoama 2307 1892 4199 4969 6560 7196 7991 846 8786
S/N Communities /Status
1991 1996 2006 2010 2015 201
8
2020 Male Femal
e
Both sex
8
10 Okpuama 7613 7349 1496
2
1770 7
2337 3
2564 0
28473 301 73
31306
11 Dieama 623 651 1279 1514 1999 2193 2435 258
0
2677
12 Odioama 2961 2765 5726 6777 8946 9814 10898 115
49
11982
13 Sangama 2212 1846 4058 4803 6340 6955 7723 818
5
8492
Source: Computed by the Author, 2019
Using the 1991 and 1996 Census figures as benchmark. In 1991, the total population of the surveyed communities ranges between 315 to 7613persons. It is expected that by 2020 the population will increase to between 1314 -16,959 persons at a growth rate of 3.2%. This analysis is consistent with the current population density for Rivers and Bayelsa States which stands at 260.45 and 109.59 persons per km2, a figure that rose to 387.4 and 161.97 persons per km2 in 2005 (RVSG, 2006; BYSG, 2018). The benchmark population density being applied here is a maximum of 75 persons per hectare (pph) which is categorized as low density (Obateru, 2000). This is in line with the terms of reference that presents three different scenarios for population density in the H-Block Project micro-influence areas, assuming normal growth rates (3.0%); slight population change in growth rate (3.5%) and high population change in growth rate (5.0%).
Findings reveals a marginal increase (3%) in population across the fourteen (14) communities in the study area. Therefore, the study deduces that, increase population in these communities may likely be exert pressure on existing resources and facilities over time in the study area thereby causing uncontrolled social and economic tensions. This prediction is in tandem with the a priori expectations of population growth rate. On the other hand, increase population may likely lead to productivity and enhances innovative drive on effective and efficient management of resource and sustainable environment. The analysis and outcome are based on thirty (30) years population projection using 1991 base year as shown in Table 4.26 above. This finding is consistent with SPDC and Akpan (2017), which concluded that, population growth may impact negatively on the living standards, resources use and the environment which may cause changes in the communitiesβ landscape for a very long period of time if nothing is done to checkmate the rapid growth.
Several studies have linked stability of societies to stability of families. Findings reveals that, on average over 70% of the sampled population in the study area are married. Similar trend was observed across all the communities. Beletieama, Ewoama, Ibidi, Okunbiri-Belau and Obioku communities had the highest number of married households in the study area (see figure 4.20). Respondents with single status is estimated at 20% while those with separated
the shoreline communities of the proposal OML 77 and 74 3D Re-shoot seismic data requisition project are predominantly married married with children and other dependent relatives. This result is consistent with Ojile (2008), Umoh 2017 and Akpan, (2018).
However, SPDC (2014) reported much lower figures as obtained from this study.
Source: Field survey, 2019
Figure 4.20: Distribution of Marital Status
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) standards was used as the basis for determination of household size. Figure 4.21 above present the household size in the study area. Result shows that, household size of 7-9 persons and 4-6 persons and above is 45% and 30% respectively. Households with 1-3 persons and 10 persons and above is presented by 12% and 9% respectively. The average household size across the project communities is 7 persons. This value is in line with the size of 6 persons established for communities in Niger Delta (NDDC, 2006). This result is consistent with study by Ojide (2011) that there are average of 8 persons with other relatives per household. Large households were prevalent in the project communities especially in Twon-Brass). Review also shows that, the average household size in the region is 6 persons with considerable variations among the individual states and Local Government Areas.
Generally, household sizes are larger in the rural communities (with an average of 8 persons).
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Marrital Status of Respondents
Married Single Divourced Widowed
Figure 4.21: Household Size and Headship Distribution in the Study Area Source: Field Survey, 2019
Figure 4.22 presents household headship in the study area. It reveals that, across the communities, over 58% are male headed households while 42% of the households are female headed households in the study area. Focus group discussion (FGD) session with the discussants reveals that, in the past 10-15 years, most men lost their lives as a result of engagement in militancy activities, as well as communal conflicts. The result shows a slight difference (increase) in female headed households compared with Niger Delta Report (NDR) baseline report shows that 93% male headed households against 7% of female headed households in the Niger Delta region. This result is in tandem with Ojide, 2011, SPDC and Akpan, (2018).
Figure 4.22: Distribution of Household Headship in the Study Area Source: Field Survey, 2018
21%
26% 32%
21%
Distribution of Respondents by Household size
7 8 7 4
0 20 40 60 80 100
Distribution of Respondents by Headship
Male Female
Age β sex structure
The age-sex composition of the communities is presented in Figures 4.23 and 4.24. Over 40% of the males across the project communities are within the bracket 35-45years. Males in Twon-Brass, Beletieama, Ibidi and Okumbiri- Belau were more with 21-40 years. However, 20% of the male population is above 65 years of age while the females were found more in the age bracket of 41-50 years. In Liama, Obioku, Dieama and Samgama committees both males and females are within the age bracket of 20-30 years. This is consistent with Akpan (2018). The age-sex structure in the proposed project communities deduced that, there is a strong patriarchal headship structure. Like in many other communities in the Niger Delta, men traditionally are the head of households. The women in turn support the men especially in raising the children and in carrying out householdsβ chores. It was observed that, there are three different types of male headed household namely; the English tradition (monogamy), the African Polygamy and the single male/female status. Men are recognized and known as the decision makers except in few instances where women are bread winners they then direct and take key decision in the family.
Figure 4.23: Age and Gender Distribution in the Study Area Source: Field survey, 2019
Figure 4.24: Sex Distribution of Respondents Source: Field Survey, 2019
Findings on educational attainment is presented in Figure 4.25. It shows that in all the communities, the modal educational attainment is secondary education. Over 50% attended and completed primary school. Respondents who attended secondary, vocational/technical, tertiary education represents 25% and 15% respectively. Quite negligible proportion of the population (5%) had non-formal education and learning through experience respectively.
This trend is observed in virtually across all the project communities. The findings is consistent with SPDC and Ojide (2011) which stated that, approximately 95% of the total population in most communities in the Niger Delta has some form of education, with more than half (51%) having attempted and completed secondary education, 21.1% on avenue completed primary and tertiary education respectively while approximately 5% of the inhabitants have no formal education. SPDC 2008 reported that there is an appreciable proportion of residents in the Niger Delta some formal educational training indicating a satisfactory literate society. The literary level (those who can read and write) in the project area could be described as being sufficiently high judging by the level of educational attainment (formal training), exposure, knowledge and understanding of issues discussed during the Focus Group Discussions (Figure 4.26).
Figure 4.25: Age-Sex Distribution of Respondents Source: Field survey, 2019
Figure 4.26: Education Attainment in the study Area Source: Field Survey, 2019
Judging by the level of educational attainment (formal training), exposure, understanding and participation on issues discussed during focus group discussion and interview sessions in the communities. Figure 4.27 buttressed the adult literacy situation in the study area. Findings reveal that over 85% of the population are functionally literate while 15% has no formal education. Similarly, desk review in the schools visited reveals low teacher pupil ratio of 1.46 compared with the national average of 1:36. The low teacher β pupil ratio affects class control, effective teaching and learning as well as pressure on educational facilities in the study area.
Figure 4.27: Adult Literacy Source: Field Survey 2019
Table 4.28 reveals the levels of educational attainment in the Niger Delta region where the study will be conducted. Adult literacy is over 70% across the states while attainment of primary education is less than 50 % except Akwa Ibom State. Secondary and tertiary education attainment is less than 505 across the states. Statistical estimates in the project communities shows the proportion of children attending primary school in the Niger Delta region at 80% which compares favourably with the estimated national average of 54%
(UNDP, 2006). The improvement in education attainment recorded so far may be attributed to several factors including availability of social and physical infrastructure such as potable water, electricity good roads, security, as well massive support in school blocks construction by the multinationals (Shell Petroleum Company Development (SPDC), State Government, donor agencies and private sector investment in education.
Table 4.28: Levels of Educational Attainment in the Niger Delta States
State Adult
Literacy(%)
Attainment of pri. Sch.
(%)
Attainment of sec.sch (%)
Attainment of Post sec.
Sch.(%)
No. of Jobs in Sector (2000)
Abia 84.1 39.6 43.6 16.8 9.276
Akwa Ibom 76.3 54.4 44.4 8.3 13.683
Bayelsa 78.7 38.8 49.3 11.9 3,525
Cross River 82.2 44.6 42.8 12.6 11,425
Delta 77.4 37.9 43.6 18.5 15,720
Edo 69.7 49.3 38.8 11.9 10,959
Imo 79.3 46.1 42.7 11.2 14,145
Ondo 78.8 45.0 44.2 10.8 12.342
Rivers 79.9 33.4 49.5 17.1 4.011
The Region 78.7 43.3 43.2 13.5 95,076
Source: Niger Delta Regional Development and SPDC (2017)
The dependency ratio describes how much pressure an economy faces in supporting its non-productive population. The higher the ratio, the greater the burden carried by working age persons. The dependency ratio for the proposed project communities was computed using derived equation. The dependency ratio computed in the study area is 72.7% compared with the national dependency ratio of 88.2%. The implication is that, for every working-class youth (person) there are about 7 to 8 person dependants. The working population are likely subjected to increase tax to in order to compensate for the larger dependent population. This result reveals that, social security and safety net is lacking across the communities and requires intervention probably from donor agencies government and other multinationals.
This is consistent with national average of total dependency ratio of 87.2 ratio implying a change of 0.28%. This finding reveals a high dependency ratio meaning that those of working age and the overall micro-economy in the proposed project communities may face a greater burden in supporting the aging population. The youth dependency ratio focuses on those over 61. The project when implemented is expected to reduce the economic burden of the active labour force in the community through employment and engagement in dominant economic activity.
Figure 4.28: Assessment of Dependency Ratio Source: Field survey, 2018
4.9.4: Political Structure and Governance
Traditional Governance System, Power Structure and Social Organization
The project communitiesβ shares similar governance system. Two major types of governance system were identified during field visit, (the formal and informal system). The formal system is the presence and subjection to local, state and federal governance structure.
Primarily, the informal governance system was practice before the colonial administration.
Considering the ancestral stock of the people of Benin kingdom who migrated to the coastal area known today as the Niger Delta Region, because of fishing or fear of the activities of the Portuguese some centuries ago. The governance structure as presented in figures 8a and b below, shows the Amanayabo as the Paramount Chief or King of the Ijaw kingdom supported by the Council of chiefs or elders. They are known as the community executives. Previous studies (Akpan, 2018, SPDC 2009, Umoh, 2017 etc.) reported that, Brass is one of the few most permanent settlements along the shoreline communities. However, it has given birth to several satellite towns and villages (constituentsβ villages under its jurisdiction. They include among Liama, Oginibiri, Okunbiri, Okunbiri-Belou, Ibidi, Eletieama, Dieama, Odioama and Sangama all in Bayelsa State, while Obioku community is in Rivers State (Figure 4.29).
These communities and other satellite settlements belong to the Ijaw tribe and Kalabari under the formal jurisdiction of Brass and Nembe Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.
During consultation with the community leaders (adult men, women and the youths), it reveals that there are strong community development committees in all the project communities. They are known according to the prevalent resources; oil and gas committee construction committees, village project committee, security and surveillance committee among others.
The committees work in synergy with the community structures to promote peace, project initiation and implementation, provide security to community and public facilities and enforces law and order in the project communities. Interestingly, identified was the harmonies relationship between SPDC and other donor agencies through the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between host communities and the operating company(s) including SPDC. The women groups equally are very vibrant and active across
all the project communities. The women leaders oversee family affairs contribute immensely to community development. All the governance organs identified in the study area work in harmony with other committees. The existence of community and faith-based organization was also assessed in the proposed project communities. Community based organizations (CBOs) such as community Development Committees etc, and active faith-based organizations (FBOs) such as Churches, healing centres etc. were also identified and classified. These organizations though broad based are created to promote social affection between families and kindredβs as well as inter and intra community co-existence.
Figure 4.29: Traditional Governance System in the Project Communities
Political Structure and Governance
The study reveals that similar traditional governance system peculiar to the Ijaws of the Niger Delta are practiced in all the 14 committees. At the apex of community political structure is the village Head. Umoh (2017) and Akpan (2018) reported that, each community has its village council with Chairman that works hand in hand with the village head. In the hierarchy of political structure, family heads preside over the affairs of their families. The traditional leadership and system in Brass and Nembe Kingdoms to which the fourteen(14) communities belong is structured into hierarchies with about five (5) functional organs namely: the Paramount chief/king (the clean head), the traditional council, Youth Executive Council and women leader), Development Organisation (e.g. Liama Development organization, Oginibiri Development Organsiation and so on, a representative council, advisory council, project and development committee, youth and women associations.
There is a 15-18-man council of chiefs from each of the project communities, headed by a Paramount Ruler (Chief). The Paramount Ruler and the Council of Chiefs Wield much power
Paramount Chief (King)/Caretaker Chief Amanayabo/Kiridabo
Council of Chiefs/Elders Community Executives
Community Development Committee
Women
Group Youth
Association
Community based Organisation
and influence in the traditional governance of the communities (Brass β Kingdom) and must be properly consulted for any before any projected is imitated or implemented in the area.
Evidences have shown that, traditional institutions in the Niger Delta are very strong and have remain stable over time. These institutions are subject to the Amananyabo kingdom and Brass and Nembe traditional ruler council. Figures 4.30 below shows the hierarchy of influence as well as line of authority across the fourteen (14) communities in the project area.
It reveals that the higher the position in the ladder of influence, the higher the influence/power vested on the individual or group as in the case of village council.
Figure 4.30: Traditional/Political Governance Structure Succession Issues
Most African traditional communities especially in the Niger Delta upholds that, the tenure of traditional rulers (Paramount Rulers, Clan/District Heads and village Heads) is for life (Plate 4.20). They are succeeded only when they pass through transition. According to Umoh (2017) and SPDC (2017) and Akpan (2018) the tenure of village heads and paramount ruler is for life. In the case of a Paramount ruler, special rites are usually undertaken during the selection and the candidate that finally emerges is always from the ruling or Royal family. In communities, where the proposed OML 77 and 74 projects will be implemented, it was gathered that, at the demise of the Village Head, it is the responsibility of the Village Council to choose (among their kindredβs) the candidate to succeed the demise chief. There are changing dynamics in the positions of the village chairmen and community executive councils. For instance, the tenure of the community executive council is three (3) years while
the youths and women leaders are two years term respectively. Also, there is a condition guarding their operations and activities. However, if any executive member of the council or associations errs or violates the principles guiding the association as provided in the constitution he/she could be remove from office and may face sanctions by the members.