Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has proposed the development of a rail line connecting the capitals of south-west states as part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security and connectivity.
Gatekeepers News reports that the group also urged south-west governors to strengthen the regional security outfit, Amotekun, to tackle the rising wave of banditry and kidnapping in the region.
The recommendations were made during Afenifere’s caucus and general meetings, held on Monday and Tuesday at the residence of the organisation’s leader, Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.
In a communique signed by Jare Ajayi, national publicity secretary, Afenifere expressed deep concern over escalating insecurity, describing the situation as “now occurring almost on a daily basis” across the south-west.
“Afenifere is very concerned that banditry and kidnapping are now so rampant that they are occurring in the south-west almost on a daily basis,” the communique reads.
“The meeting considered this unacceptable and called on governments, security agencies, and community leaders to rise to the challenge and find lasting solutions to the menace.
The group also extended sympathy to Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, HRM Oba Olu Falae, the people of Ilu-Abo, and the Ondo State government over a recent terror incident.
“Expressing serious concern over acts of terrorism occurring in various parts of Yorubaland, participants called for urgent action to put a stop to the unfortunate incidents,” the communique added.
Afenifere specifically called on south-west governors to empower Amotekun and appealed to President Bola Tinubu and state governments to expedite action on the establishment of State Police.
The organisation also proposed the creation of a rail line linking the capitals of Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti States, noting that the network could be extended to Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States in collaboration with the respective governments.
In addition, Afenifere commended the federal government for ongoing road construction and reconstruction, while urging faster completion of projects across the country.
The group also commented on the newly implemented federal tax laws, cautioning that low-income earners could be adversely affected under the current structure.
“Note was taken that the intention of the government with the tax laws is, among other things, to relieve low-income earners of financial burdens,” the communique said.
“But the way it is presently structured, low-income earners are likely to be at the receiving end. In this regard, we are pleading that the threshold of N800,000 be raised generously so as to enable more low-income earners to benefit.”
The federal tax committee has repeatedly stated that the newly enacted laws are designed to protect low-income earners.
