The Pan Yoruba Social-Political Organization, Afenifere has said it is not support of the planned protest against hardship bedevilling Nigerians.
In a statement issued and made available to Journalists in Akure on Monday by the national organising secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, said the planned protest has taken on a clear sinister dimension outside the tenets of constructive engagement.
Basically, Omololu said the group recognises that Nigerians are experiencing economic challenges and hunger, but justifies that many countries are also battling a global economic downturn.
“Afenifere 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 in their power.
“It is every citizen’s right to protest as a way of headlining their grievances to the government. It is on record that the president was in the forefront of peaceful protests against dictatorship alongside our leading Afenifere and democratic lights like Pa Adebanjo, Oba Olu Falae, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, and Prof Wole Soyinka and Gen. Alani Akinrinade which they were in custody at various times, with many fleeing into exile like our current President at the time. So, Afenifere appreciates the philosophy of protest that is meaningful, purposeful and corrective at its core, and would stand for the citizens’ rights so long as its objectives are noble, peaceful and not design 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.”
Reacting to Ayo Adebanjo’s-led decision which expressed support for the planned protest scheduled for August 1, the group said Adebanjo is not the authentic voice of the Afenifere noting that any form of communication from him, or his proxies should not be seen as the position of Afenifere.
“It is important here to reiterate that Pa Reuben Fasoranti is the Leader of Afenifere and the authentic voice of the group. Pa Ayo Adebanjo is not the leader, as the role of acting leader is already abrogated, while the Council of Elders headed by the Leader himself, Pa Fasoranti, now determine 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 be acting as impostors, and should not be entertained by the media or general public as Afenifere representatives.
“It goes without saying that outside Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo is a Brand, and he does not need Afenifere to air his legitimate views. It is instructive to advise the media to note and publish his views as an individual as distinct from Afenifere, while all those using his name and that of Afenifere under whatever guise should desist henceforth.
“In light of the above, it therefore becomes necessary for Afenifere to clearly declare its stance against the proposed Rage given the undercurrents of threats of hijack and descent into anarchy, while asking youths and the general citizenry to exercise restraints, embrace dialogue and give the government enough latitude to restore confidence in the economy.
Afenifere noted that it does not want the Kenya experience which has caused ruination to the struggling economy of Kenya as Nigeria cannot afford a crippling crisis of carnage and rage.
The group also implored the securities services to safeguard the life of the citizens from hoodlums and anarchists who look to hiding under the guise of protests to unleash destruction on the nation.
Fidelis David
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