By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement, AYDM a coalition of 130 pan Yoruba civil society and artisan groups has called on the Federal Government (FG) to decentralize military institutions in Nigeria.
It wants the Nigerian Defence Acadamy, (NDA) and other military institutions to be established in the six geo political zones as a minimum guarantee against parochial military adventures in politics.
The group in the communique signed by Geneal Secretary, Popoola Ajayi asked the central Government to pay $100b compensation to Lagos State for the movement of the capital from Lagos in 1991 in line with global best practices.
The AYDM called for equitable distribution of Military institutions across the country to prevent military interference in politics. The group argued that the current concentration of military establishments is detrimental to the security of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
In its communique released on Thursday AYDM asked the Federal Government to return Old Western Nigeria assets seized by the military like Obafemi Awolowo University, the Nigeria House in London and some Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA) offices.
The group demanded the $100b compensation for Lagos State, citing the financial and infrastructural losses the state incurred following the relocation of the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja
It argued that Lagos, as the former capital, deserves compensation for the economic impact of the move.
The group further appealed to South West Governors to take concrete steps in strengthening regional security.
It urged the governors to empower the Amotekun security outfit by providing advanced training in intelligence gathering and equipping them with sophisticated weapons, including drones, to enhance their effectiveness in protecting Yoruba territories.
The group proposed the establishment of a South West Intelligence Bureau (SWIB), dedicated to crime prevention and counterterrorism efforts in the region.
“This bureau would focus on gathering actionable intelligence to tackle insecurity more decisively within the South West.
“In addition to security measures, the group advocated for the creation of a South West Agricultural Bank aimed at empowering farmers in the region, making them the primary shareholders. They also recommended setting up an Artisan Development Fund to support training, education, and loan grants for Yoruba artisans and traders, who were once globally recognized for their skills in the 1960s, 1970s but are now poorly trained without work ethics which affects the development of skill and infrastructure in the South West.”
The group also demanded the immediate return of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to the South West States, arguing that the institution was unjustly taken over by the Federal Government through military decrees in 1976.
They further called for all federal universities to be returned to the states or regions where they are located, asserting that local control would enhance the management and development of these institutions.
The group’s demands reflect a broader call for self-determination and resource allocation and management by indigenous peoples urging the Federal Government and South West Governors to take swift action to address these concerns before it is too late.
It asked all armed non State actors to leave the South West forests and territories before 21 days or face mass revolt.
