The Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere United States Chapter, has urged Nigerians and the entire Southwest to ignore the call for a nationwide protest as it would worsen the already bad situation in the country.
It would be recalled that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, recently scheduled a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28, 2024, on the situation in the country.
In a statement signed by the president of the Afenifere US chapter, Dr. Duro Akindutire, he noted that “Truly, we understand the economic situation of the country and its untold hardship on the citizens, particularly the masses with whom we identify.
“However, we strongly feel embarking on any form of protest or industrial action during this period will be counterproductive as it is bound to worsen an already bad situation in the country.
“Also, while we recognize people’s legitimate right to protest, it is instructive to state that doing so during this period will do more harm to the country and the people than good. Holding a nationwide protest under the present circumstances could lead to a breakdown of law and order, including being hijacked by unscrupulous elements to cause havoc.
“Therefore, we advise the NLC to call off the planned protest in the interest of peace, and we also urge people in the southwest to shun the planned protest or any action that will further cripple the economy.
Recall that these problems were inherited from the previous administration, and with the understanding that governance is a continuum, President Tinubu has vowed to confront the challenges head-on, hence the need for us as a people to give him time to get it right. As a matter of urgency, Afenifere USA also calls on the federal government to fulfil the electoral promises made to the people to rekindle their hope in this administration.
“Furthermore, we call on all state governors to rise to their responsibilities by empowering and supporting their local governments to put up interventions or palliatives that would make food and other basic necessities of life affordable for the masses.
“More importantly, we advise every tier of government, particularly the states through their local governments, to implement people-focused programs and shun ostentatious lifestyles that are not good for the optics at this austere time. Afenifere, USA, uses this medium to commend the federal government on the ongoing discussions on the new minimum wage for civil servants, including the establishment of state police to curb insecurity. We believe these are the right steps in the right direction, and we hope they materialize quickly for the people’s benefit.
May God give Mr. President and his team the wisdom and will to do what is right for the people and the country.”
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