Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, has urged the Federal Government to address the prevailing economic crisis in the nation. Additionally, the group has called upon the government to attentively consider the demands put forth by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in order to avert the impending industrial action.
These directives were articulated in a communiqué released following a meeting held at the residence of the acting National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, on Tuesday. The Secretary General of the association, Chief Sola Ebiseni, shared the communiqué with our correspondent in Akure, Ondo State.
The group pointed out that the removal of the oil subsidy and the implementation of various economic policies, which were hastily enacted without adequate consideration of their potential consequences, have resulted in severe impoverishment of the Nigerian populace.
Afenifere emphasized that the Nigerian Labour Congress, in its role, was responsibly reacting and advocating for mass action against the removal of the subsidy. Furthermore, Afenifere called upon the government to reduce the nation’s governance expenses for the greater benefit of the country.
It said, “Afenifere restates its commitment to welfare economics as opposed to the neo-liberal economic policies currently being pushed. The government needs to open up to Nigerians and those in power come down from their ostentatious lifestyles.
“From the humongous number of 50 ministers with an intractable number of aides, it is unacceptable that the people are being called upon to make further sacrifices. Government is called upon to look into the plight of Nigerians and listen to the NLC to avert the looming strikes in the interests of the already prostrate economy.”
On the outcome of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, the Afenifere, expressed its support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi’s decision to challenge the result of the tribunal.
“Afenifere remains convinced and undeterred on the just principles with which we agreed to support Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party. In line with our disagreement with the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the 2023 elections, we support a further appeal to the Supreme Court in the interest of the nation.
“Afenifere cannot reconcile with such pronouncements that the INEC is at liberty to return to the manual collation of election results and all the primitive electoral brigandage associated. Neither is it true with our political structure that Nigeria is now a 37-state federation as the Court of Appeal erroneously pronounced.
“Afenifere remains resolved that no person or group of persons shall hold the reins of power except in the proven interest of a fair, equitable, inclusive and thus united Nigeria in their peaceful, prosperous and harmonious diversity,” the group stated in the communique.
