The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation (Afenifere) has appealed to the organizers of the August 1 national protest to embrace dialogue and be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s present government.
Afenifere urged Nigerians to ignore Pa. Ayo Adebanjo’s group that supported the planned protest, saying the group does not want the Kenya experience which has caused ruination to the struggling economy of the country.
The group who further stated that any form of communication from Adebanjo, or his proxies should not be seen as its position, noted that Nigeria cannot afford a crippling crisis of carnage and rage, not now, and not ever.
In a statement by its Acting Secretary General/National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere urged the securities services to safeguard the life of the citizens from hoodlums and anarchists who look to hide under the guise of protests to unleash destruction on the nation.
While acknowledging the realities of economic challenges and hunger in the land, Afenifere, however, called on the government at the federal and subnational levels to step up efforts to address these issues with all in their power.
The statement further said, “On the Authority of the Leader of Afenifere, Chief R.F. Fasoranti, OFR, Afenifere states that; it acknowledges the realities of economic challenges and hunger in the land, while we also cannot deny that there is a global economic downturn ravaging most nations of the world, developed, developing or underdeveloped alike.
“We therefore call on the government at the federal and subnational levels to step up efforts to address these issues with all that they can. It is every citizen’s right to protest as a way of voicing their grievances to the government.
“Afenifere appreciates the philosophy of protest that is meaningful, purposeful, and corrective at its core. It would stand for citizens’ rights so long as its objectives are noble, peaceful, and not designed to cause Rage and mayhem.
“The planned anti-Tinubu National Strike is however taking a clear sinister dimension that is outside the tenets of constructive protests. With the threats of violence and force against public officials and family (veiled and unveiled) thrown into the protest mix, it is pertinent that every well-meaning citizen and organisation would stand against such ill-conceived and already tainted protest at such a time like this when the government is striving to get the nation out of the economic woods.”
“I’d like to remind you that Pa Reuben Fasoranti is the leader of Afenifere and the group’s authentic voice. Pa Ayo Adebanjo is different from the leader, as the acting leader has already been abrogated. At the same time, the Council of Elders, headed by the Leader himself, Pa Fasoranti, now determines the position and direction of Afenifere. In light of this, any communication from PA Adebanjo or anyone in his proxy does not represent the position of Afenifere. Such would only act as impostors and should not be entertained by the media or general public as Afenifere representatives.”
