Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, has expressed worry over security breaches in recent times in the country saying the development “is quite worrisome”.
In a communique issued at the end of a caucus meeting held at the residence of the Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti said “the successes being recorded by the military in its fight against terrorists, especially in the North East and North Central, are noted with commendation. In spite of this however, the spike in internal security recently is worrisome”.
The organisation called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently take steps that would be more effective in tackling the insecurity behemoth that is threatening socio-economic well-being of the people.
The communique issued and signed by Jare Ajayi, national publicity secretary, Afenifere Worldwide said ” in addition to strengthening the capacity of security agencies, especially the Police, the time is ripe for President Bola Tinubu to issue an executive order to enable states and local government councils to establish own Police Services. Such decentralization of the Police will facilitate the curtailment of breaches in internal security”.
“While States are putting machinery in motion for State Police, an Executive Bill should be sent to the National Assembly by the Presidency to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution that deal with the establishment of the Nigerian Police.
The meeting also urged the government to adhere to the deadline for the commencement of production of petroleum products by some refineries in the country.
“The government should ensure that the deadlines given are adhered to. For instance, the December deadline given for Port Harcourt Refinery to resume production should be met.
“This is with a view to bringing the cost of petroleum products down as high costs of these products are contributing to the soaring prices of commodities and services in the country!
Afenifere also resolved that the push for restructuring in Nigeria should be taken to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “who was a key participant in the struggle against military rule and agitation for a restructured Nigeria.
“The meeting acknowledge that although he is a member of the vanguard in the quest for a new Nigeria, there is the need to remind him, so that he does not forget what needs to be done, how to do it – and doing it on time too.
According to the organisation, indications coming from the Central Bank are raising the hope of Nigerians that the value of the Naira will soon be boosted with a view to strengthening the purchasing power of the people.
Afenifere however urged the Federal Government through its various organs in charge of finance and fiscal policies to accelerate actions that will strengthen the value of the currency, enhance productivity, reduce costs of items and services all geared towards reducing inflation and enhancing the welfare of the people.
It therefore observed that Yoruba language is under threat of extinction due to the fact that many Yorubas, especially elites, prefer to communicate with their children in English rather than in their native language.
“To prevent the language from going into extinction therefore, Afenifere called on Governments in Yorubaland to make the language the medium for teaching at elementary and lower level of secondary education. And make it compulsory for students at school certificate examination level. It also called on parents and guardians to change their attitude by ensuring that their children are versed in Yoruba language.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives from various State Chapters of Afenifere as well as a Co-ordinator of the organization in the United States of America and Canada.