April 28, (THEWILL) – Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called for a Government of National Unity (GNU) before the 2023 election, to tackle the security challenges facing the country.
According to the group, only a government of national unity will midwife a new democratic government.
The group made the call in a communiqué at the end of a meeting held at the Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, country home of its acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
According to the communiqué signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi. Afenifere said the Muhammadu Buhari administration lacks the capacity to resolve the challenges facing Nigeria, hence the need for a Government of National Unity.
It also accused the Federal Government of showing that it was incapable and unwilling to tackle the identified problems in the country.
In addition, Afenifere recommended that states that were ready for the management of a police force be allowed to establish one.
It, however, commended the performance of the Amotekun Security Network operating in the South West in collaboration with the security agencies.
According to the group, all criticisms against the establishment of the state police are unfounded and self-serving with the performances of the security outfit.
The communique reads: “The pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, held its second general meeting 2022, on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The meeting was held at the country home of the Acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.
“The meeting was attended by some leaders and members of Afenifere from all the states in Yorubaland.
“Among the leaders in attendance were the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Chief Supo Sonibare, as well as Chairmen and Members from the States.
“The Ag. Leader welcomed Members and urged them to be more committed. The meeting deliberated extensively on various issues pertaining to the Nigerian nation, especially in the way they affect the Yorubas.
“The meeting reviewed the various challenges that Nigeria is facing, particularly the choking insecurity that is threatening the country very seriously. The situation is now so precarious that no part of the country is safe at any time.
“The meeting also discussed the general elections slated for next year, 2023. An issue that Afenifere has been advocating, Restructuring, was also discussed once again.”
After extensive deliberations, Afenifere resolved as follows:
“The situation in the country is in a more decisive manner. In view of the seriousness of the situation and considering the fact that the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has shown that it is incapable and unwilling to tackle the identified problems, Afenifere, hereby, strongly advocates for a Government of National Unity.
“Such a Government of National Unity is to tackle the insecurity problems and midwife a new Democratic Government.
“Once again, Afenifere is reiterating its position that restructuring of the Nigerian State must take place before the much-vaunted elections.
“We also recommend that States that are ready must be allowed to establish their own Police Forces. The performance of Amotekun Security Network in the South West in conjunction with the Nigerian Police has shown clearly that all the criticisms against State Police are unfounded and self-serving.”
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