#EndSARS: We can’t afford continue running Nigeria in old ways – Afenifere

 

BY NICHOLAS ABE

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The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, says it is not surprised by the #ENDSARS protests that have rocked Nigeria for several days, as it is a natural flow from the cumulative actions of mindless ruling elites, over the years.

Afenifere, in a statement issued Monday by its Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, said the country cannot afford to continue running in the old ways, while saluting the Nigerian youth for rising up to say enough to the excesses as symbolised with the #ENDSARS.

“The Nigerian youth have always shown indignation against state irresponsibility at critical stages over decades.

“In 1961, they shot down the Anglo-Nigerian defence pact. In 1978, they took over the streets of Nigeria in the ‘Ali Must Go’ crisis. In 1986, they had a showdown over the killings of four ABU students by the police and in 1992, it was the anti-SAP revolt.

“And, at a time the government was thinking that it had removed the spark of protests in Nigeria with organised labour compromise over the hike in fuel prices and electricity tariff, the young people woke up again over the extra-judicial killings and other brutalities of SARS,” Pa Fasoranti recounted.

According to the elder statesman, “For decades, and more stridently in recent times, patriotic citizens have ceaselessly clamoured for a new constitutional order to arrest the downward spiral of our country into the abyss of political destruction.  We have witnessed, over the years, the systematic savaging and plundering of our collective well-being in a mindless frenzy of corruption, bigotry, injustice and social decadence, perpetrated with disdain and impunity. The signs have been clear for some time, that we were approaching the tipping point. Events of the past few days, will appear to suggest that the last straw is nigh.

“As proud forebears of the struggle for the emancipation of Nigeria from the clutches of oppression and injustice, we salute the courage and responsible initiative of the youth in peacefully pressing for justice and social reforms as encapsulated in the #ENDSARS protests.  This is the culmination of a lifelong struggle by devoted patriots to bring about a new social and constitutional order in our polity, to institute a new dawn of peace and progress embedded in social justice.”

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While appealing to the protesters to continue to conduct themselves orderly, he warned the government to avoid any precipitate action that could escalate the tense situation as, according to him, “no amount of threats and unleashing of violence will get these young people off demanding a better deal.”

He added: “The demands contained in the #ENDSARS are all reasonable demands for good governance, better security for life and property and a stable economy.

“We call on the President, the National and State Assembly and Governors to heed to the patriotic demands of our youth and be willing to absorb the financial consequences by reducing their own salaries and expenses; as well as the costs of running government. The economic implications will boost employment, stimulate demand and pull our country out of depression. The government has to act now, tomorrow may be too late.”

The Afenifere leader said the youth protest has provided Nigerian government the opportunity to rethink its position on the political restructuring of the country.

He said: “This is not the time for long speeches. The message is clear: Let us NOW rescue Nigeria from imminent disintegration and destruction. Let us RESTRUCTURE our country into a fairer, more just and equitable polity NOW.

“To enhance nationwide security, create STATE POLICE NOW.

“To enhance nationwide development and progress RETURN CONTROL OF RESOURCES TO STATES NOW.

“To ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence DEVOLVE MORE POWERS TO THE STATES NOW.

“To reduce corruption and cost of governance REDUCE THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT NOW.

“NOW is the time. Tomorrow may be too late. #RESTRUCTURENOW.”