Afenifere Sends Powerful Warning To Tinubu Over Wike's Conduct
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against those using federal power to interfere in the affairs of state governments. The group expressed concern about the increasing abuse of federal authority, particularly in Rivers State, where recent local government elections were marred by disruptions attributed to federal forces.
Condemnation of Federal Overreach in Rivers State
In a statement issued by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, HRH Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, the organization condemned what it described as the misuse of federal institutions during the local government elections in Rivers State. Afenifere specifically criticized the role of the judiciary and the Nigerian Police in the electoral process, accusing both institutions of contributing to the destabilization of the state.
“The judiciary has been used to muddy the election process, and the police have failed in their duty to maintain peace in the state,” the statement read. Afenifere called this a clear abuse of power, underscoring the need for state autonomy to be respected within the Nigerian federation.
Opposition to Local Autonomy Bill
Afenifere also voiced strong opposition to the Local Autonomy Independent Electoral Commission Establishment Bill 2024, currently under consideration in the National Assembly. The bill, which seeks to transfer the conduct of local government elections from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to a federal body, was described by Afenifere as a direct attack on Nigeria’s federal structure.
The group warned that the bill, if passed, would lead to the “conquest” of Nigerian citizens under a one-party dictatorship. It called on all patriotic citizens, particularly members of state assemblies, to reject the proposed legislation.
Call for Decentralization of Power
Afenifere reiterated its longstanding stance that only the decentralization of power from the federal government to the states can ensure true representative governance in Nigeria. According to the group, the current concentration of power in the federal government has led to inefficiency and abuse, particularly in cases like the Rivers State elections.
The statement pointed to the actions of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, as an example of the dangers of overcentralized power. Wike was accused of using federal influence to interfere in the affairs of Rivers State, seeking to control the local government elections for personal political gain after falling out with his former political allies.
Allegations of Judicial and Police Complicity
Afenifere also condemned the judiciary’s involvement in what it described as a "kangaroo court judgement" that undermined the Rivers State local government elections. According to the group, the court ruling, which withheld the state’s voter register, was part of a broader strategy to sabotage the elections. Additionally, the group criticized the federal police for withdrawing from their responsibility to ensure free and fair elections in the state.
The group further called on Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to recognize that the Nigerian Police is meant to serve the entire federation, not just the federal government. Afenifere urged him not to allow the police to be used as a tool for political manipulation at the federal level.
In conclusion, Afenifere expressed concern that the continued centralization of power and the abuse of federal institutions could lead to the erosion of Nigeria’s federal system, and called for immediate action to safeguard the principles of federalism
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