In a significant political development, the prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization Afenifere has aligned with former US President Donald Trump's condemnation of foreign interference in Nigeria's domestic affairs. The group's stance comes amid growing concerns about external influences on the nation's sovereignty.
Strengthening National Sovereignty
Afenifere's leadership has emphatically rejected what they describe as "unwarranted meddling" in Nigeria's internal matters by foreign entities. This position resonates strongly with Trump's longstanding criticism of international intervention in the affairs of sovereign nations.
The organization stated: "We stand firmly against any form of external pressure or interference that undermines Nigeria's ability to determine its own political destiny. Every nation deserves the right to self-determination without external coercion."
Urgent Call for Security Overhaul
Beyond the sovereignty issue, Afenifere has intensified its longstanding demand for the establishment of state police forces across Nigeria. The group argues that the current centralized policing system has proven inadequate in addressing the country's diverse security challenges.
The key arguments for state police include:
- Better understanding of local security dynamics
- Faster response times to emergencies
- Enhanced community policing relationships
- Customized security approaches for different regions
Addressing Nigeria's Security Crisis
The demand for constitutional reforms enabling state police comes against the backdrop of escalating security challenges nationwide. From banditry in the northwest to separatist tensions in the southeast and farmer-herder conflicts in the middle belt, Nigeria faces multiple security threats that require localized solutions.
Afenifere emphasized that "the time for cosmetic security measures has passed" and that fundamental structural changes are necessary to protect citizens and ensure national stability.
Political Implications and National Discourse
This dual-position statement places Afenifere at the center of two critical national conversations: the preservation of national sovereignty and the urgent need for security sector reform. The group's alignment with Trump's anti-interference rhetoric adds an international dimension to the domestic policy debate.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex security and political challenges, Afenifere's pronouncements are likely to influence ongoing discussions about constitutional amendments and security architecture restructuring.
The organization has called for immediate legislative action to facilitate the creation of state police forces, positioning this reform as essential for Nigeria's long-term stability and security.
