• Yoruba socio-cultural group demands overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture

…also wants urgent fiscal autonomy for LGs

By Bukola Olamona

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed grave concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, the unending hardship across the country, and the failure of successive governments to implement true federalism through restructuring.

Rising from its caucus meeting held at the Akure residence of its Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, the group reiterated its position that restructuring remains the most potent solution to the country’s myriad of challenges.

The session, which had in attendance representatives from Afenifere State Chapters including those from Kogi and Kwara States, was presided over by Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, OFR, following a welcome address by Pa Fasoranti.

According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere expressed deep worry over the resurgence of banditry, kidnapping and extra-judicial killings in several parts of the country, particularly in the South-West states of Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti and Oyo.

Other affected states listed included Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Anambra, Edo, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna.

The statement reads: “The Federal Government and security agencies must urgently redesign the nation’s security architecture. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, must, in collaboration with State Governors, evolve a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of insecurity and decisively tackle them.”

The group specifically called on South-West governors to strengthen Amotekun, the regional security outfit, through increased funding, training, motivation and deployment of modern technology such as drones to track and fight crime.

In reaction to the Supreme Court ruling affirming local government financial autonomy, Afenifere backed the decision and urged grassroots residents to closely monitor how their LG allocations are utilised.

It also called on governors to cooperate fully with the Federal Government for the immediate implementation of the court’s verdict.

While insisting that the time for State Police is now, Afenifere urged governors to curb the menace of herders destroying farmlands and terrorising farmers.

“Track these herders and, more importantly, identify the owners of the cows with which our people’s lives are being destroyed,” the group charged.

On agriculture, Afenifere advised Yoruba state governments to revive the old farm settlement system, empower LGs to establish community farms and ensure farm inputs are made available at subsidised rates to promote food security.

The pan-Yoruba body called for the elevation of Yoruba language to a mainstream medium of instruction in nursery, primary and junior secondary schools across Yoruba-speaking states. It also urged Houses of Assembly in the region to conduct their legislative activities in the language where possible.

While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing projects such as the dualisation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road and the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso road, Afenifere reminded him of his long-standing advocacy for true federalism.

“We call on President Tinubu to fast-track restructuring in the interest of peace, equity and national development,” the group stated, urging the Federal Government to also prioritise the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa road and other critical infrastructure captured in the position paper earlier submitted to the President.

The meeting congratulated Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade on his ascension as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, expressing hope that his reign would uplift the Yoruba nation.