Afenifere calls on Yorubas to refrain from joining NLC protest, as 65 CSOs pull-out

Pan socio-cultural group, Afenifere has called on all indigenes of Yoruba land to refrain from the planned nationwide protest being staged by the Organised Labour.

On February 16, the NLC had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

This decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government regarding the widespread hardship.

In a statement he personally signed, the National leader of Afenifere’s faction, Chief Reuben Fasoranti said, “As the National Leader of Afenifere, and leader of the Yoruba, I address all and sundry today with a deep understanding of the challenges facing our dear country at this critical time.”

“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, he hinted that “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 is 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 and it requires collective understanding and resilience from every citizen as we navigate through these challenging times,” he said.

He continued adding that, “We cannot afford a preference for the euthanasic approach of painless death of our nation, where we are 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.”

He assured that the elders are actively engaging with the government to address the concerns of their 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,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, 65 Civil Society Organisations have pulled out, saying the strike might stir up anarchy and cause more hardship on citizens.

The Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Forum also warned against going the way Sudan went, and called for dialogue with the Federal Government.

“Any attempt to embark on a nationwide strike during these critical periods of hunger and a harsh economy could be hijacked by hoodlums and criminal elements, who have been waiting for the slightest opportunity to unleash terror; disrupt public peace, loot business premises and markets,” the CSOs said.

The Coalition of the CSOs which disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Buba Ibrahim Mohammed and Comrade George Phillips, the Coordinator and Secretary, insisted that the strike action will only stir up civil unrest and further worsen the already bad security situation as well as damage the fragile economy.

According to the Coalition, “The views gathered from some of their members and citizens across the country were that the labour unions are trying to undermine the current Tinubu led administration and create a process for breakdown of law and order to score cheap political points.

“As Civil Society Organisations, we do understand the depth of economic challenges facing the ordinary citizens, especially the workers, but we cannot fold our arms and support a move that will further damage and threaten our peaceful coexistence.”

While stating that it’s not unaware that the labour unions had the constitutional right to make demands and embark on strike to drive home their demands, it maintained that NLC and TUC should know that Nigeria is already sitting on a keg of gunpowder that must not be allowed to explode.

“Part of the reason we have refused to join forces with labour unions to create anarchy and cause more hardship for the people is that we are making frantic efforts to meet with the federal government to discuss how to amicably resolve the issues at stake.

“We recognise the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities,” they added.