The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on governors of the South-West to embark on a regional rail line project linking Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states as part of efforts to enhance economic integration and strengthen security across the region.
The group said the proposed rail network could be extended to Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states in collaboration with the governments of those states.
This position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of Afenifere’s caucus and general meetings held at the Akure residence of its National Leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
According to the communiqué, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the organisation urged South-West governors to prioritise a rail infrastructure project that would connect the capitals of the six states, noting that such a transport corridor would also serve as an effective security and economic integration framework.
Beyond infrastructure, Afenifere expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity in the South-West and other parts of the country, warning that banditry and kidnapping had become almost a daily occurrence in the region.
“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. This is unacceptable,” the communiqué stated.
The group called on state governments and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to address the situation, while reiterating its long-standing demand for the strengthening of the regional security outfit, Amotekun.
“We call on state governors in the South-West to empower the security outfit Amotekun. We also appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state governments to expedite action on the much-vaunted state police,” the organisation said.
Afenifere also sympathised with the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo in Ondo State, Oba Olu Falae, the people of Ilu-Abo and the Ondo State Government over a recent terrorist attack on the community, describing such incidents as deeply troubling.
On the new tax regime introduced by the Federal Government, the group expressed reservations, noting that although the policy was intended to ease the burden on low-income earners, its current structure could worsen their plight.
It therefore appealed for an upward review of the N800,000 income threshold to enable more Nigerians to benefit from tax reliefs.
The organisation commended the Federal Government for ongoing road construction and rehabilitation across the country but urged contractors to accelerate work and ensure quality delivery, citing major highways including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other strategic South-West routes.
Afenifere also welcomed the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife-Akure Road and expressed hope for its timely completion.
By Fidelis David in Akure
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