Breaking News
Afenifere to FG: Be More Proactive to End Nigeria’s Insecurity
•Urges govt to avert NLC strike
•Demands apology from Obasanjo for humiliating Oyo obas
Fidelis David in Akure
A pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on the federal government to take proactive steps to curtail the growing insecurity in Nigeria and by extension, give the people hope.
Afenifere also urged the government to listen to the demands of the Nigerian Labour Congress to avoid the planned industrial action.
In a communique issued after its monthly meeting held at the residence of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday, Afenifere also demanded apology from former president Olusegun Obasanjo for recently humiliating some traditional rulers from Oyo State.
The communique, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi read: “The meeting called on the federal government and security agencies to be more decisive and more pro-active. Four approaches are hereby recommended for immediate consideration and action. Immediate deployment of anti-terrorism devices and proper motivation of security personnel.
“Immediate engagement of local leaders in areas, where insecurity is rife. Reports have it that leaders in those areas are somehow complicit in how bandits succeed in their nefarious activities. Deliberate efforts be made to get the youths gainfully engaged so as to make them unavailable for anti-social and inhuman activities. Cases of banditry and terrorism be discharged expeditiously. Perpetrators of banditry be made to pay heavy prices.”
The group, after carefully reviewing the present situation on social, economic, security and political situation in Nigeria, particularly in Yorubaland, it called on all the state governors in the zone to improve regional co-operation in order to enhance the standard of living of the people.
“The meeting observed that the Development Agenda for the South West of Nigeria (DAWN) and the Yoruba Agenda launched at Ibadan in 2017 provide a roadmap that the state governments can use to transform Yorubaland.
“Afenifere appeals to the government and Labour leaders to engage more in consultation view a to quickly resolve the issues surrounding the fuel subsidy removal and the attendant difficulties Nigerians are facing. Afenifere calls on the government to redouble its efforts in finding a lasting solution to the intractable problem of exchange rate in order to bring succour to the teeming population of our people, in no distant future,” it stated.
Afenifere also reiterated its support for President Bola Tinubu and hailed the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) judgment that affirmed his victory in the 2023 presidential election.
According to the group, “After a careful study of the verdicts of the Presidential Election Tribunal, Afenifere commended the five Honourable Justices for their industry, erudition and attention to details as reflected in the 738-page judgment, which has enriched our jurisprudence on law and adjudication of electoral disputes.
“Afenifere reaffirms its support for the current government ably led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the government in the onerous task of resuscitating our economy and improving the quality of life of all citizens.”
The group, therefore, asked former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to apologise to Oyo traditional rulers for ridiculing them, the Yoruba culture and tradition, at Iseyin, Oyo State on Friday, September 15, 2023, where Obasanjo commanded the royal fathers at the gathering to stand up (and after complying), were ordered to sit down.
“Afenifere was taken aback by the avoidable and unwarranted incident that took place at Iseyin, Oyo State on Friday, September 15, 2023, where former President Olusegun Obasanjo commanded Royal Fathers at the gathering to stand up (and after complying), were ordered to sit down. It was as though a military commander was giving orders to his troops.
“We Yoruba respect our traditional institutions, the arrowhead of which, are our traditional rulers, who, traditionally and spiritually, have acquired the status of deities. It’s not surprising that they are referred to as ‘Igbakeji Orisa’!
“In view of the attempt to ridicule the respected Obaship institution in Yorubaland, Afenifere hereby demands an unreserved public apology to Obas from former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Our tradition describes, who we are.
“As such, no effort must be spared to prevent the rubbishing of our noble tradition. In that wise, it’s hereby recommended that Royal Fathers are spared the trouble to stand up at public functions as obtained in the United Kingdom among others,” Afenifere added.
