It has been observed that local communities working collaboratively with government security agencies is one sure way to bring a definitive end to hostilities in the country. The Oil and Solid Mineral Producing Areas Landlords’ Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN), therefore proposed to leverage on the critical influence of traditional governance “as the fulcrum for inclusive administration in local communities.”
•Okon
Its Bot president/chairman, Bishop Udo Azogu, said in Abuja: “OMPALAN proposal aims to address multi-faceted challenges facing local communities in Nigeria through a unified platform called the Community Administration Council (CAC). It is a cost-effective, bottom-up initiative that seeks to bring together entrenched community institutions such as council of chiefs, town unions, women/youth organisations and community vigilantes under one functional umbrella for the attainment of set goals underpinning peace, unity, stability and progress.
“This initiative is designed to mitigate the mismanagement of resources and tensions arising from the current fragmented governance structure as well as build momentum to address mounting insecurity in local communities.”
OMPALAN National Coordinator, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Justice Andrew Okon (retd), added that by promoting community cohesion and collaboration, the CAC “is tailored to facilitate the creation of wealth and equitable redistribution of resources in local communities, enhance cross-border security, combat criminal activities like cultism and associated crimes; and establish popular ownership of government policies and programmes at the grassroots level.
“The CAC will promote the rule of law, create a favourable environment for investment and sustainable development, stimulate investment in human resource development and promote inclusive governance.
“Its implementation will not only deter criminals from exploiting community vulnerabilities but also ensure their accountability within society. The CAC can be fine-tuned to enhance its effectiveness in addressing local challenges.”