Pan Yoruba group, Afenifere has urged Southwest governors to build a regional rail line linking Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States, as a powerful strategy to boost economic integration and strengthen security across the region.
It said in view of contiguity, socioeconomic value chain, and especially the historical connections, the rail network could be extended to Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta States in collaboration with the governments of those states.
Afenifere canvassed this during its caucus and general meeting held at the Akure home of its National Leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group said, “The body also called on these governors to come up with a rail line project that will link the capitals of Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states. The rail-line and effective security corridor can be extended to Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states as well.”
Also,the group expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the South-West and other parts of the country, warning that banditry and kidnapping had become almost a daily occurrence.
It said, “Afenifere is very concerned that banditry and kidnapping are now so rampant that they are occurring in the South West almost on a daily basis. This is unacceptable.”
The group urged state governments and security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps to address the situation, while reiterating its call for the strengthening of the regional security outfit, Amotekun.
“We call on state governors in the South-West to empower the security outfit Amotekun. We also appeal to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the state governments to expedite action on the much-vaunted state police,” it said.
The group also sympathised with Oba Olu Falae, the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo in North Local Government, the people of Ilu-Abo and the Ondo State Government over a recent terrorist attack in the community.
“Expressing serious concerns over acts of terrorism occurring in various parts of Yorubaland, participants called for urgent actions to put a stop to the unfortunate incidents,” the communiqué stressed.
On the new tax regime introduced by the federal government, Afenifere said although the policy was intended to relieve low-income earners, its current structure might end up worsening their burden.
“Note was taken that the intention of the government with the tax laws is to relieve low-income earners of financial burdens, but the way it is presently structured, low-income earners are likely to be at the receiving end,” the group said.
It therefore appealed for an upward review of the N800,000 income threshold to allow more Nigerians benefit from tax reliefs.
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