Segun Atanda/
Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba organization, has requested for the provision of advanced arms for the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) aka Amotekun Corps to combat rising security challenges in Southwest Nigeria.
Rising from its monthly General Meeting at the Country Home of its Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo at Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State yesterday, the group called on southwest governors to “fully equip the Corps in a greater proportion of weaponry than available to terrorists now ravaging our land”.
Afenifere mentioned in its communique, signed by Chief Adebanjo and the National Publicity Secretary, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, the takeaways from its meeting with Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde: “On the Amotekun South West Security Networks: The Governor briefed the delegation on the activities of the Amotekun Security Corps. The delegation noted the immense contribution of the Amotekun initiative, commended and urged the governments of all South West states to fully equip the Corps in a greater proportion of weaponry than available to terrorists now ravaging our land.”
Afenifere’s delegation to Gov. Makinde was led by its Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan to sympathise with the government on the Ibadan explosion that claimed lives and properties.
Afenifere stated: “The delegation and the host Governor Seyi Makinde noted that the unfortunate incident was made possible under the pseudo-Federal military constitution where explosives of that magnitude may be used in states without regulations by the state government.”
The group also discussed cases of increased terrorists attacks in Nigeria and Yorubaland.
The communique reads in part: “The Meeting was incensed by the activities of terrorists all over the country and its incursion into Yoruba land, the latest being the gruesome and sacrilegious murder of two Obas in Ekiti State. The Meeting noted the unfortunate kid gloves with which the Federal Government continued to treat Security matters and therefore called on the people to rise in their own defence stating that no action is illegitimate in self defence.
“…On the Plateau Christmas eve terrorists attacks: Afenifere received reports of the visit of the delegation of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum to the Government and people of Plateau State and the Middle Belt on the killings by terrorists in several parts of Plateau State on the eve of Christmas last year.
“The delegation which was led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Leader of Afenifere and Deputy Leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum included other leaders across the federation and received by the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, traditional rulers, Leaders of Thought in Plateau State and other parts of the Middle Belt. It was resolved by all that the country needed be urgently restructured as a true federation with a new constitution using the reports of the 2014 National Conference as minimum template. The imperative of State Police was emphasised in the overall security of the nation.”
Those at the meeting reiterated that Afenifere is the Yoruba interpretation of Action Group, a political party founded in 1951 by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his colleagues on social welfarist ideology. The Group is constituted by those who subscribe to its ideology.
The group further stated: “Afenifere is thus not a Yoruba sociocultural group or social club of Yoruba.
“The General Meeting as the highest organ, expressed the appreciation of Afenifere for the untiring activities of its leadership in line with the objectives and aspirations of its founding fathers. The Meeting thus resolved and passed a vote of confidence on Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the Leader and Oba Oladipo Olaitan as the Deputy Leader of the Organisation.”
Afenifere also announced: “The Meeting approved the following appointments. (1) Mr. Alade Rotimi-John as Assistant Secretary General; (2) Prince Justice Jadesola Faloye as Assistant National Publicity Secretary.”
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