The Reuben Fasoranti-led faction of Afenifere says the planned protest has taken on a “clear sinister dimension” outside the “tenets of constructive” engagement.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Abagun Kole Omololu, the
national organising secretary of Afenifere, said the planned protest is
“ill-conceived,” noting that it is coming when the government is trying to
address the issues.
Omololu said Afenifere recognises that Nigerians are
experiencing economic challenges and hunger, adding that many countries are
also battling a “global economic downturn”.
“It is every citizen’s right to protest as a way of
headlining their grievances to the government,” the statement reads.
“The planned
anti-Tinubu national protest 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.”
The demonstration, dubbed ’10 Days of Rage’, is being
organised against the economic hardship in the country.
The federal and state governments, including President Bola
Tinubu, have appealed to the youths to shelve the planned protest.
Security agencies said the protest will be hijacked by some
elements planning to perpetuate violence.
‘ADEBANJO DIDN’T SPEAK FOR AFENIFERE ON PLANNED PROTEST’
Recently, the Ayo Adebanjo-led faction of Afenifere
expressed support for the planned protest scheduled for August 1.
Justice Faloye, the publicity secretary of the faction, who
spoke in an interview on Arise TV, said the group warned the federal government
about the implications of its economic policies on Nigerians.
Faloye said the planned protest was triggered by the
economic crisis in the country, which he noted was caused by the policies of
the Tinubu-led government.
Reacting to the comment, the Fasoranti-led faction said
Adebanjo is not the “authentic voice” of the Afenifere.
Omololu said any form of communication from Adebanjo, 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,” he said.
“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 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 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.”
CRACKS IN AFENIFERE
In 2022, Adebanjo was appointed the acting leader of
Afenifere to succeed Fasoranti.
However, shortly after the appointment, there was a division
in the Yoruba socio-political group.
In the buildup to the 2023 elections, the Adebanjo-led
faction of Afenifere endorsed Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the
Labour Party (LP), while Fasoranti’s group backed Bola Tinubu of the All
Progressives Congress (APC).
In January, the association scrapped the roles of the acting
leader and deputy acting leader.
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