The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately initiate constitutional processes for creating state police forces, citing Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
In a communiqué issued after an expanded Executive Committee meeting at the Akure residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the group specifically demanded that the President submit an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for necessary constitutional amendments.
The statement, signed by National Publicity Secretary Jare Ajayi, acknowledged federal security efforts but insisted on urgent reforms: “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.”
The organization emphasized that sustainable security requires policies rooted in equity: “State police must be established without further delay. We call on the President to use his authority to ensure that the process leading to the actualization of State Police gets done immediately.”
Beyond policing reforms, Afenifere recommended: Deployment of advanced surveillance technology (drones, CCTV systems); Identification and prosecution of collaborators aiding criminals within communities and security agencies; Immediate restructuring of Nigeria’s governance framework.
On national restructuring, the group reiterated: “Restructuring is capable of resolving the socio-political and socio-economic challenges of the country. We strongly believe that the time for Restructuring is now.”
They urged the Presidency to forward a Restructuring Bill to lawmakers without delay.
The communiqué concluded with condolences to the family of former Kwara Governor Cornelius Adebayo, honoring his contributions during the NADECO struggle following the June 12, 1993 election annulment.
The demands come amid worsening insecurity nationwide, with Afenifere positioning state policing as critical for localized security responses. The group’s intervention adds pressure on Tinubu, who has previously expressed support for policing reforms, to accelerate action during his administration’s first year.
