By Banji Ayoola
Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, on Wednesday, called for a government of national unity to tackle the worrisome insecurity plaguing the country and midwife a new democratic dispensation.
Besides, it stressed its position that Nigeria should be restructured into a true and balanced federation before the forthcoming 2023 elections, and state police be established by willing states.
It also berated the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s handling of the security challenges, alleging that he lacked the capacity to resolve the country’s challenges, hence the need for a government of national unity.
These, as contained in a communique by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, are part of the resolutions reached at the group’s second general meeting held at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, the country-home of its acting leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
While accusing the Federal Government of allegedly showing that it was incapable and unwilling to tackle the identified problems in the country, Afenifere recommended that states that are ready for the management of a police force should be allowed to establish state police.
It commended the performance of the Amotekun Security Network operating in the South West in collaboration with the security agencies.
According to the group, all criticisms against the establishment of the state police are unfounded and self-serving with the performances of the security outfit.
To the group, the performance of Amotekun Security Network in the South-West, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has shown clearly that all the criticisms against state police are unfounded and self-serving.
Afenifere, according to the communique, lamented that the situation is now so precarious that no part of the country is safe at any time, noting: “The meeting reviewed the various challenges that Nigeria is facing, particularly the chocking insecurity that is threatening the country. The meeting also discussed the general elections slated for next year, 2023.
“An issue that Afenifere has been advocating, restructuring, was discussed once again.
“First, the situation in the country is now so dire that there is an urgent need to approach the issue in a more decisive manner. In view of the seriousness of the situation and considering the fact that the current administration, under President Muhammadu Buhari, has shown that it is incapable and unwilling to tackle the identified problems, Afenifere hereby strongly advocates Government of National Unity.
“Second, such Government of National Unity is to tackle the insecurity problems and midwife a new Democratic Government.
“We also recommend that states that are ready must be allowed to establish their own police forces.”
Following is the full text of the communique:
“The pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, held its second general meeting 2022 on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The meeting held at the country home of the Acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.
“The meeting was attended by some leaders and members of Afenifere from all the states in Yorubaland.
“Among the leaders in attendance were the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Chief Supo Sonibare as well as Chairmen and Members from the States.
“The Ag. Leader welcomed Members and urged them to be more committed. The meeting deliberated extensively on various issues pertaining to the Nigerian nation, especially in the way they affect the Yorubas.
“The meeting reviewed the various challenges that Nigeria is facing particularly the choking insecurity that is threatening the country very seriously. The situation is now so precarious that no part of the country is safe at any time.
“The meeting also discussed the general elections slated for next year, 2023. An issue that Afenifere has been advocating, Restructuring, was also discussed once again.
“After extensive deliberations, Afenifere resolved as follows:
“The situation in the country is in a more decisive manner. In view of the seriousness of the situation and considering the fact that the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has shown that it is incapable and unwilling to tackle the identified problems, Afenifere hereby strongly advocates for a Government of National Unity.
“Such a Government of National Unity is to tackle the insecurity problems and midwife a new Democratic Government.
“Once again, Afenifere is reiterating its position that restructuring of the Nigerian State must take place before the much-vaunted elections.
“We also recommend that States that are ready must be allowed to establish their own Police Forces. The performance of Amotekun Security Network in the South West in conjunction with the Nigerian Police has shown clearly that all the criticisms against State Police are unfounded and self-serving.”
