The pan-Yoruba socio political organisation, Afenifere has told President Bola Tinubu that the unsettling developments, arising from the escalating cases of frightening bloody security breaches claiming many casualties across the country, are the strongest indications that now is the time to restructure Nigeria into a balanced federation.
Restating its longstanding advocacy for restructuring, the body accompanied the call with the twin recommendation for the establishment of state police, which, together with restructuring, it believed will save Nigeria from criminals and relaunch her on the path of harmony and peace.
Indeed, the group urged Tinubu to use his authority as President of the country to establish state police and restructure the country.
it urged the President to, as a matter of urgency, forward a bill for the immediate restructuring of the country and creation of state police to the National Assembly.
Afenifere advised President Tinubu to act urgently on restructuring and state police establishment at its expanded executive committee meeting held at the Akure, Ondo State home of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
The meeting was chaired by a former Presidential candidate, ex-Secretary to the Federal Government, and now the Olu Of Ilu Abo, Oba Olu Falae.
In the communique read by its spokesman, Comrade Jare Ajayi, after the meeting, Afenifere stressed the need for urgent restructuring of the country, stressing that it remains the most viable solution to Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges.
It said, “We strongly believe that the time for restructuring is now. We urge the Presidency to send a bill to the National Assembly to initiate the process immediately”.
Besides, the body expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity despite ongoing efforts by both federal and state governments to contain the security crisis.
Afenifere raised concerns about the country’s future as a foremost geopolitical research consultancy, SBM Intelligence, released fresh data, highlighting the leading role of Boko Haram in the series of bombings and attacks across Nigeria in the past three years.
It stressed the need for the procurement of modern technology equipment to combat insecurity in the country, the frontline Yoruba group expressed worry about unabated attacks by bandits.
According to the communiqué, “Of particular concern is the situation of insecurity in Yorubaland and in parts of Nigeria. Note was taken of the seeming genocide, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, and in the North and certain parts of the South-East of the country.
“Afenifere also considered some of the socio-economic situations prevailing in the country.
“After a comprehensive deliberation, the meeting resolved as follows: ‘Afenifere takes note of various efforts of the governments to combat the increasing security situation in the country.
“The organisation feels that, much as the security agencies are trying their best, a lot still needs to be done to achieve the desired objectives on security.”
In view of the above, the body recommended state police to be established without further delay.
In this respect, it called on Tinubu to forward an executive bill to the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the establishment of state police in line with his pronouncement that state police is now a necessity.
