The United Patriots Assembly of Nigeria (UPAN) has submitted a petition to the National Assembly, urging them to intervene with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to address ongoing alleged irregularities at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) since its establishment in 1939.

In the petition to the National Assembly, UPAN’s national facilitator, Ambassador Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo, accuses the overseeing ministry of sidelining the host communities of NIFOR in the appointment of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the institute. He contends that over the course of 84 years, individuals from these communities have only been appointed as NIFOR’s CEO once.

Ambassador Edokpolo commends Honorable Chief Billy Osawaru, a member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, for raising the issue in the National Assembly. This motion, titled “84 Years Systemic Marginalization of the Benins in NIFOR,” was based on UPAN’s petition.

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Edokpolo emphasizes that the host communities of NIFOR have endured this neglect for far too long. He criticizes the exclusion of Benin individuals from holding the Chief Executive position at NIFOR, warning that if this continues, they may resort to seeking assistance, including organizing protests by the youth at NIFOR and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja.

He points out that the population of these host communities has grown by over 500% since 1939, and they no longer have access to their land for cultivating essential crops like cassava and maize, which are crucial for food security in the local communities and rural areas.

Edokpolo questions why these communities should suffer from hunger and make sacrifices when their qualified sons and daughters are unjustly excluded from leading the institute. He asserts that they cannot tolerate this socio-cultural disregard for the Benin nation any longer.

Edokpolo recalls a previous incident in 2017 when Dr. Napoleon Aisueni, a member of their community, was appointed as Acting Executive Director but was later asked to retire and reapply to comply with existing regulations. Although Dr. Aisueni successfully sought legal redress, the appointment was revoked by the Ministry. Subsequently, Dr. Celestine Ikuenobe was appointed as Acting Executive Director, further complicating the situation.

UPAN believes that the Ministry’s actions, including advertising the NIFOR Chief Executive Officer position, are exacerbating tensions in the area. They demand that the National Assembly steps in to ensure that the rule of law is respected and that the advertisement is canceled until the court case is resolved.

Additionally, UPAN requests the withdrawal of all substantive appointments made during the court case, as they view these appointments as illegitimate and contempt of court. They also ask for an out-of-court settlement with Dr. Napoleon Aisueni and emphasize the importance of prioritizing the safety of lives and properties in the host communities.

UPAN proposes that competent contractors from the host communities be given preference for contracts awarded by NIFOR as a form of reparation for the hardships caused by the institute’s occupation of their land. In conclusion, Edokpolo emphasizes that they have tolerated the Ministry’s actions for too long and call for immediate action by the National Assembly.