25th February, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Sunday appealed to Yorubas and people of other nationalities not to join the protest or rally called in protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ administration over the current hardship in the country.
Significantly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has picked February 27 and 28 for a nationwide protest and rally over hardship in the country
Already, there have been protests in Oyo and Osun States over inceasing cost of living qnd high prices of food as a result of removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira by the Timubu administration.
However, the Federal Government, in a statement by the Attorney General of the Federation qnd Minister of Justice had described the call for nationwide protest by NLC as illegal.
Also, the Igbo social political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned Igbo people against taking part in the protest
Toeing the same line, Afenifere, in a statement by its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Sunday also urged Yoruba people not to join the NLC or other protests.
Fasoranti also urged Nigerians to come to terms with the realities of the nation’s challenges, which, according to him, the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working hard to resolve.
“As a responsible leader, I appeal to every Yoruba man and woman, young and old, and our fellow citizens across the nationalities, to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions, ,” he stated.
“The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected. However, we must come to terms with the realities of our national challenges, which the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving to resolve.
“While acknowledging the hardships faced by our people, it is important to recognise that these economic measures, although difficult, are part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria.
“The government’s commitment to implementing these measures is a testament to its dedication to addressing the root causes of our economic challenges, inherited from the ills of the previous years.”
The elder statesman who admitted that the impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms is challenging to everyone urged Nigerians to belive that the government is committed to their welfare.
“Let us engage in constructive dialogue and contribute positively to the ongoing economic reforms. Join me in appealing for unity and understanding among our people. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger as a nation.
“It is important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira is not undertaken lightly, as we all know the great damage done to our national prosperity through the nefarious activities of the agents of darkness within the oil and financial sectors.
“These measures by the Federal Government, though painful in the short term, are designed to create a more sustainable economic environment that will benefit us all in the long run. It requires collective understanding and resilience from every citizen as we navigate through these challenging times,” Fasoranti said.