The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of importance, forward a bill for the immediate creation of a state to the National Assembly.

During an expanded executive committee meeting held at the Akure country home of the national leader of the group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the organisation emphasised that the move became imperative following the spate of insecurity in the country.

In a communiqué issued by the organisation through its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group urged Tinubu to use his authority as President to ensure the actualisation of the process as well as the restructuring of the country.

While stressing the need for the procurement of modern technology equipment to combat the insecurity in the country, the frontline Yoruba group expressed worry about unabated attacks by bandits.

The communiqué read: “Of particular concern is the current situation of insecurity in Yorubaland and in some other parts of Nigeria. Note was taken of the seeming genocide, particularly in Benue and Plateau States and in the North West, North East, and certain parts of the South East of the country.

“Afenifere also considered some of the socio-economic situations prevailing in the country. After a comprehensive deliberation, the meeting resolved as follows: Afenifere takes note of various efforts of the governments to combat the increasing security situation in the country. The organisation feels that, much as the security agencies are trying their best, a lot still needs to be done to make the desired objectives on security be achieved.

“While commending the efforts of the military and other security agencies, Afenifere is of the strong opinion that the current situation cannot be quelled by force of arms alone. There is the need for strong policies on truth, justice, and a determination to ensure that no set of people constitutes danger or a threat to other people.

“In light of the above, Afenifere is recommending the following steps: State police must be established without further delay. In this respect, Afenifere calls on President Bola Tinubu to forward an executive bill to the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the establishment of state police in line with his pronouncement that says that state police is now a necessity.

“While the above are important, the need to deal with internal collaborators is also very crucial. As stated by various people in the position to know, including some top government officials, elements within the community, in political offices, and among security agencies are collaborating with those who are terrorising the country.

“Note is taken of the fact that some states have promulgated laws on anti-open grazing. Note is also taken of the call by the federal government on states to come up with ranches with a view to putting a stop to open grazing. Afenifere fully supports this and calls for urgent enforcement of anti-open grazing laws.

“As we, Afenifere, have repeatedly advocated, restructuring the country is capable of resolving socio-political and socio-economic challenges of the country. For this reason, we strongly believe that the time for restructuring is now. As such, we call on the Presidency to send a bill to the National Assembly for restructuring the country now.”

Meanwhile, the group commiserates with the immediate and extended families over the demise of one of its chieftains and former governors of Kwara State, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo.

“Afenifere recalled the patriotic roles played by the former governor in various efforts to restore democracy to Nigeria. This became more evident during the NADECO struggle for the restoration of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.”