Estimated reading time: 10 minute(s)
The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Organisation, Afenifere, has described the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo Igboho as a Prisoner of Conscience.
Afenifere called on the international community to prevail on the Governments of Nigeria and Benin Republic to release Sunday Igboho forthwith.
Afenifere stated this in a communique, issued at the end of its first annual General Meeting of the Year 2022,held at the country home of the Acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi
The group.at the meeting presided over by the Acting Leader stated that not only that, Adeyemo should be released, the Federal Government should also pay Sunday Igboho the damages awarded to him by the court upon the savage attack on his person and property.
It also called on the Federal Government to release the leader of Indigineous People of Biafra , Nnamdi Kanu even if on Political consideration as happened in the case of Asari Dokubo under the then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The group reiterated its call for restructuring of the Nigeria’s, saying i “It is convinced that Restructuring of Nigeria’s State before the 2023 Election is achievable”.
It noted that one of the things that has been a great cog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress today was the rubishing of true federalism.
According the communique, true federalism must be allowed to be effectively operational immediately, saying “In other words, states and local government councils must be allowed to enjoy self governance as bprovided for them in the Constitution.”
It stated, “Afenifere is convinced that Restructuring of the Nigerian State before the 2023 General Election is achievable.
“It is achievable through the adoption of the Reports of the 2014 National Conference and the 2018 Mallam El-Rufai Committee of the APC on True Federalism with desirable modifications where necessary..
“Before and after independence, various efforts have been made to have a country, Nigeria, that everyone would be proud of. A country in which every one lives a happy life and there is life more abundant for all.
“Afenifere however has no doubt whatsoever that the country can never get out of its present logjam, let alone, develop, unless there is Restructuring.”
Deliberating on security situation in the country, Afenifere said 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.
It stated, “In recent times, we have consistently expressed concern on the situation of insecurity in Nigeria today. We have also always recommended what we consider as the ways out of the unprecedented security challenges facing us.
“In this respect, we strongly call on the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the introduction of State Police equipped with requisite means to enhance security in the states and that of the federation ultimately.”
The communique stated that the meeting was attended by some leaders and members of Afenifere from all the states in Yorubaland including Delta, Kwara and Kogi.
Among the leaders in attendance were the former Governor of Kwara State, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Chief Supo Sonibare, Chief Sola Ebiseni, the Secretary General, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Chief Korede Duyile, Abagun Kole Omololu, Hon. Leke Mabinuori, Chief Kofoworola Doherty, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, Chief Tunde Onakoya, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose, Chief Segun Olawoyin and Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Chief Olu Pesu, Reverend Goke Omigbodun to mention a few.
