The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation — Afenifere — has urged Nigerians particularly Yoruba to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may further escalate tension in the country.
Afenifere said man and woman, young and old, and fellow citizens across the ethnic nationalities in the country should any protest for now.
Its plea comes on the heels of planned protest or rally by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) scheduled for February 27 and 28.
Persecondnews reports that the two-day mass action is to protest the hardship currently being faced by Nigerians following astronomical rise in the prices of foods, goods and services.
Pockets of protest had been staged in Kano, Niger, Oyo and Osun, among other states, asking the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the situation.
Afenifere leader, nonagenarian Chief Reuben Fasoranti, said in a statement on Sunday that Nigerians should come to terms with the realities of the nation’s current challenges.
According to him, the President Bola Tinubu administration is working to resolve the challenges it inherited from the previous administration.
“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.
“The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected. However, 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 recognize that these economic measures, although difficult, are part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria.
“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,” Fasoranti said.
He also called on Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, admitting that the impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms is challenging to everyone.
The elder statesman appealed to Nigerians to trust the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the welfare of the citizens.
Fasoranti stated: “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.
“It is important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira is 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.”
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