REVEALS: What Afenifere Told Yoruba People Over Protests Against Hardship Under Tinubu Government
A pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere has appealed to Yoruba people and Nigerians not to join the planned nationwide protest scheduled for this week.
The NLC had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, to kick against the current hardship, rising inflation and high cost of living in the country.
The decision came after a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Nigerian Government regarding the economic challenges.
There has been tension in the country amid the current hardship, rising inflation and high cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira by President Tinubu’s administration.
The floating of the naira allows the market forces to determine its value. The policies have pushed up the prices of goods and services astronomically, increased the rate of inflation and worsened hardship in the country.
Ibom Focus reported Last week that the naira exchanged for N1980 to $1 on the parallel market and N1780 on the official market as the swift decline continued amid the government’s clampdown on currency speculators.
Meanwhile, there have been protests against hardship, rising inflation and high cost of living in several parts of the country following some economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
For instance, there have been protests in Kano, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Oyo and Osun states to express their displeasure with the unprecedented level of hunger in the land.
A press statement signed by the Afenifere national leader on Sunday, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, noted that his address was with “a deep understanding of the challenges facing our dear country at this critical time”.
“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.
He continued, “The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected, yet 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 fostering long-term economic stability.
“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.
“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.
“Understandably, the immediate impact of these economic reforms is challenging to everyone, but it is crucial to allow the government the necessary time to realise the intended benefits.
“It’s important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira was 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.
“We cannot afford a preference for the euthanasia approach of painless death of our nation, where we’re propped up with loans and subsidies until a total collapse into a failed nation, while we have the opportunity of painful healing through treatment with multiple surgeries that will guarantee not just our survival, but restored health, vigour and thriving life. We must endure today’s hardship for tomorrow’s prosperity.
“I implore you to trust in the government’s commitment to the welfare of our nation. 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.
“I want to assure you as the Leader of Afenifere, that we’re actively engaging with the government to address the concerns of our people.”
“Let us remain steadfast, patient, and united in the face of these challenges, confident that our collective resilience will pave the way for a more prosperous future,” the statement added.
