By Magnus Emuji

As citizens of Nigeria and Delta State in general usher in the year 2026, a frontline community leader and the Isagba of Okpanam Kingdom, Chief (Dr.) Paul Nwayalani, has harped on the need for government at all levels to strengthen the local security outfit popularly known as the local vigilantes to assist in tackling the ravaging insecurity challenges in their different localities.

Nwayalani, who gave the advice in his Obodogba country home, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State in an exclusive interview with journalists, dismissed the call for state police, which according to him would be used to serve the interest of politicians in government and compromise the safety of the people.

He said that local vigilantes were in better position to win the war against crimes , pointing out that most of the criminal activities in any community would not have been possible without the community members being involved and that every community knows their people.

On the economy, Nwayalani enjoined Tinubu led federal government to do everything humanly possible to bring down the souring inflation down , adding that the high inflation and unhealthy policies of government were responsible for the level of poverty ravaging the country.

Nwayalani told political leaders to show unwavering commitment to put the country in the right path for meaning growth and development.

While commending the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa and the current governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for their efforts in transforming the state to an enviable height, Chief Nwayalani urged the state government to articulate more policies and programmes in 2026 geared towards surpassing its achievements.

Speaking on the 2027 general election, Chief Nwayalani cautioned politicians against unnecessary gang up by aligning with a political platform with the sole purpose of unseating any administration for their own benefits, recalling that in 2015 similar strategies were unleashed to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan out of power.

Nwayalani, however, implored Nigerians to be extremely careful in the choice of their leaders in 2027 , noting that leadership was not an easy task , hence only only individuals with unblemish track records and with the understanding of the problems of the country and capacity to proffer solutions should be voted into power.

He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the traditional ruler of Okpanam, HRM, Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, the Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom and described him as a focused, pragmatic, unassuming leader and unionist with the uncommon passion for the uplifment of the community.

He reminded the youths in the community the importance of abstaining from crimes and embrace peace and unity at all times, urging them to always show respect to their elders .

Nwayalani said that most of the youths of nowadays have lost moral values and discipline , even as he enjoined them to embrace skills and other genuine means of livelihood telling them that the era of land selling and racketeering had gone .