Afenifere Criticizes Tinubu's Bias In Given More Yorubas Federal Appointments
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has voiced strong opposition to what it views as President Bola Tinubu's partiality toward the Yoruba ethnic group in recent federal appointments. The group has asserted that such practices contradict its core principles and warned of the risks to Nigeria’s inter-ethnic harmony.
Critique of Yoruba-Dominated Appointments
Afenifere expressed its disapproval of Tinubu’s concentration of key positions within the criminal justice and economic sectors among Yoruba appointees. In a statement by Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faleye, the organization outlined its concerns from Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.
The group underscored its stance, stating:
“We can never condone the outrageous bias by Tinubu to make Yorubas head of all arms of the criminal justice system (EFCC, DSS, Attorney-General and Chief Justice); the economy (Coordinating Minister of the economy, CBN, Finance, Blue Economy, Digital Economy, Trade, Industries and Investment, Bank of Industry, Solid Minerals); as well as the forces (army, police, customs, immigration, DSS).”
Afenifere argued that this apparent favoritism could undermine the longstanding inter-ethnic cooperation in Nigeria and disrupt the peace and unity that have sustained the nation.
Commitment to Anti-Hegemony Principles
Drawing from its founding principles, Afenifere emphasized that it stands against any form of ethnic hegemony, irrespective of the group involved. The group recalled its opposition to perceived northern domination under former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that its values remained the same under Tinubu’s administration.
Afenifere stated,
“We cannot fight for decades against Fulani hegemony only to support Yoruba or any other hegemony. Our progenitor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, once warned against tying Afenifere solely to Yoruba interests.”
Upholding Democratic Values and Social Welfare
Afenifere reaffirmed its commitment to social democratic values and asserted that it would not endorse any government seen as oppressive or undemocratic. The group criticized the administration’s economic policies, which it claimed have exacerbated poverty, adding that it values governance that promotes human welfare above ethnic considerations.
“As omoluabi Yorubas and advocates for the good of all people, we won’t support any government that enacts anti-people policies. Nor would we support a government whose actions have pushed over 14 million people into poverty within its first year,” the statement read.
Backing for Peter Obi in 2023 Presidential Election
The organization highlighted its endorsement of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election as a reflection of its commitment to inclusivity and social justice. Afenifere noted that it supported Obi's campaign, led by Afenifere chieftain Akin Osuntokun, due to its dissatisfaction with Tinubu's approach to leadership.
The statement concluded by noting Afenifere’s long-standing principles and moral responsibility, explaining,
“President Tinubu is no stranger to Afenifere, but our principles could not allow us to endorse him as President. Our experience with his 24-year precedents in Lagos confirmed our stance.”
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