Afenifere Advocates for Rail Links and Enhanced Amotekun in South-West

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called upon the governors of South-West states to prioritize the development of a regional rail link that would connect Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti. This initiative aims to enhance economic integration and improve security measures within the region.

The organization proposed the extension of this rail network to include Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta states through collaboration with those state governments.

This appeal was articulated in a communiqué following Afenifere's caucus and general meetings, which took place at the Akure residence of Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the National Leader of the group.

According to the communiqué, which was signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere urged South-West governors to focus on a rail infrastructure project that would connect the capitals of the six states, emphasizing that establishing such a transport link would provide a framework for both security enhancements and economic integration.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, Afenifere expressed significant worry about the escalating insecurity across the South-West and other regions of the country, highlighting that incidents of banditry and kidnapping have become alarmingly frequent.

"Afenifere is deeply troubled by the widespread occurrence of banditry and kidnapping in the South-West, which have become almost daily realities. This state of affairs is intolerable," the communiqué further stated.

The organization emphasized the necessity for immediate and decisive action from state governments and security agencies to confront the challenges of insecurity, while also reiterating their long-standing call for the enhancement of the regional security outfit, Amotekun.

"We urge state governors in the South-West to empower the Amotekun security outfit. We also appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state governments to accelerate the process of establishing state police," the communiqué added.

Afenifere extended its sympathies to the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo in Ondo State, Oba Olu Falae, the community of Ilu-Abo, and the Ondo State Government in light of a recent terrorist incident affecting the area, describing these events as profoundly disturbing.

Regarding the new tax regime set forth by the Federal Government, the organization voiced concerns, suggesting that while aimed at relieving low- income earners, its current structure might exacerbate their difficulties. They therefore called for a reevaluation of the N800,000 income threshold to allow a broader segment of Nigerians to benefit from tax exemptions.

The organization praised the Federal Government for its ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects nationwide but urged contractors to expedite their efforts and ensure quality results, particularly on critical highways, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other significant routes in the South-West. They also welcomed the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife- Akure Road and expressed hope for its imminent completion.