The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intensify efforts on economic reforms to facilitate Nigeria’s recovery and strengthen its economy.
Following its caucus meeting held on Tuesday at the residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Afenifere expressed deep concern over the escalating banditry crisis affecting regions in Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo States, alongside the alarming violence resembling ethnic cleansing in Benue, Plateau, Niger, and Katsina States.
“While some positive outcomes from recent economic initiatives are beginning to emerge, we call on the government to redouble its commitment to reform policies to ensure a robust economic rebound,” the group stated.
In a communiqué released after the meeting and shared with LEADERSHIP in Akure, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, emphasized the urgent need to expedite the implementation of the long-promised state police system.
Although acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, Afenifere highlighted that much more must be done to effectively tackle the widespread insecurity plaguing various parts of the nation.
The organisation also endorsed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s proposal that local communities be empowered and financially supported to safeguard themselves.
“We believe that alongside both military and non-military approaches to combating banditry and terrorism, community leaders, politicians, and residents must actively identify and neutralize internal traitors and collaborators aiding criminal elements,” the statement read.
“Equally important is the establishment of firm policies grounded in justice and equity, ensuring that no ethnic or social group poses a threat to others, particularly within their ancestral territories,” it added.
Afenifere further recommended the acquisition and strategic deployment of advanced technological tools such as drones and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, coupled with enhanced motivation and support for security personnel.
The group also called for the removal of obstacles hindering the enforcement of Anti-Open Grazing Laws enacted by several state governments, aiming to reduce the destruction of farmlands and mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders.
Commending the federal government’s ongoing road infrastructure projects across the country, Afenifere urged for the acceleration of reconstruction efforts on key routes including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure Road, Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, and Ibadan-Abeokuta Road.
“We appeal to the relevant authorities to ensure that contractors mobilized to these projects promptly commence work, and those already on site expedite their activities,” the communiqué stated.
Regarding national restructuring, Afenifere reiterated its position that this reform is essential to resolving many of Nigeria’s challenges and called for the immediate presentation of a restructuring bill to the National Assembly.
Lastly, the meeting extended warm congratulations to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on his ascension to the prestigious throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
