The Oil and Solid Mineral Producing Areas Landlords’ Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN), an umbrella NGO of eminent Nigerians and other stakeholders in the oil, gas and solid minerals industry, has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the situations ravaging the country, particularly the increasing insecurity and food crisis and declare a state of emergency.
In a letter to the President, OMPALAN said it has watched with great concern, the rising political and social tensions threatening the unity, peace and stability of Nigeria, arising from biting austerity, mounting insecurity linked to massive kidnappings and frequent bloodletting from terrorist attacks on indigenous communities, seamless depreciation of the Naira against the Dollar resulting in spiraling inflation, widespread hunger and deepening ethnoreligious and inflammatory rhetorics.
In their response to the disturbing developments, OMPALAN posited that peace is not à la carte menu. The association issued a series of statements aimed at restoring constitutional peace, maintaining order, and preserving Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty. They highlighted the increasing challenges faced by Nigerians, including insecurity and hunger which are pushing the country towards potential anarchy. OMPALAN urged citizens to exercise restraint to stabilize the situation and foster an environment conducive to investment. Additionally, they called on the Federal Government to promptly address ravaging insecurity, agriculture and food security by declaring a state of emergency. Recognizing the nation’s volatile state and heightened tensions, OMPALAN emphasized the need for robust monitoring and enforcement measures to combat institutional corruption, particularly in the delivery of government mitigation programs such as the NDDC, Oil Derivation Fund Commission and North East Development Commission. OMPALAN also recommended that State Governors organize Local Government Council elections through INEC in their respective states to douse rising political tensions and revive the appeal of good governance. Additionally, OMPALAN suggests implementing a community-driven approach to policing and wealth distribution, as outlined in their blueprint, to address inter-communal issues and promote sustainable development. The letter was signed by leaders of the organization from the six geopolitical zones of the Country viz: Bishop Udo Azogu: President/Leader, South East Zone; Prof John Ndanusa Akanya, OON: Deputy President/Leader, North Central Zone; Prof Aliyu Abdullahi Jibia: Vice President Executive (National Chairman)/Leader, North West Zone; Prof Eyo Etim Nyong: Vice President, Administration (National Secretary)/ Leader, South-South Zone; HRM Oba (Dr) Olubayo Adesola Windapo: Vice President, Chieftaincy Affairs/Leader, South West Zone and H.E Amb (Senator) Haruna Garba: Principal Trustee, for North East Zone.