25th January, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Pan-Yoruba Socio-cultural and Political Organization, Afenifere has told President Bola Tinubu to put machinery in motion for the purpose of restructuring Nigeria.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of Afenifere’s General Meeting held at the Akure residence of the leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti on Wednesday.
The communique was signed by Comrade Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere Worldwide.
The body said the unfortunate blast in Ibadan clearly underscored the need to allow the federating units in the country to control mineral resources in their respective areas with particular reference to mining and exploration.
“The reasoning behind this was that had it been that states were in control of mining for instance, Oyo State government was likely to know how explosives were being moved around. Such would have made last week’s horrendous blast that claimed many lives, traumatized hundreds of people and destroyed properties running into Billions of Naira would have been prevented.
“Afenifere again reiterated that the time for Restructuring the country is now. It therefore urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to set the machinery in motion for the purpose.
“The organization took note of the fact that the President, a known democrat and federalist would not hesitate to do things that will quicken the country’s quest for true federalism in which people would have self-determination within the context of one nation that is genuinely democratic and federal,” the communique said.
Afenifere also took note of the report that Miyetti Allah Hore set up a 1,144 strong Nomad Vigilante militia in Nassarawa ostensibly to provide security for Fulani herders.
“Afenifere was of the opinion that Miyetti Allah, being a non-state actor, should not have power to do a thing like that. It therefore considered the action of the Department of State Security (DSS) to checkmate Miyetti Allah on the issue as timely and in order,” it stated.
The meeting expressed the hope that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would be giving the necessary push so that life could be easier for the people of Nigeria.
“Among the means of achieving this are taking steps that would strengthen the value of our currency, the Naira, reduce costs of energy (fuel in particular) through local production of petroleum products as well as regular supply of electricity.
“In view of the current high cost of living, Afenifere urged the Federal Government, through its various organs in charge of finance and fiscal policies, to accelerate actions that will strengthen the value of our currency, enhance productivity, reduce costs of items and services all geared towards reducing inflation and enhancing the welfare of the people,” it stated.
The organisation renewed its call on governments in Yoruba speaking states to further encourage the teaching and usage of Yoruba language in schools.
“This can be done by making the language the medium for teaching at elementary and lower level of secondary education as well as making it compulsory for students at school certificate examination level,” it added.
It also urged parents and guardians to teach their children the language as well as encourage its usage as much as possible both in verbal and literary communications.