Nzuko Umunna greets Pa Adebanjo on emergence as Afenifere’s Leader

 

The pan-Igbo think-tank, Nzuko Umunna, has congratulated the Yoruba nation on the peaceful transition of leadership to elder stateman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, as the new Leader of Afenifere.

NU said the rancour-free exercise that saw the enthroning of Pa Adebanjo was a testament to his widespread acceptance and the confidence reposed in him by the Yorubas.

“We align fully with this position, and have no doubt whatsoever that Pa Adebanjo, who has forged a historic handshake especially with Nzuko Umunna and generally with Ndigbo, will acquit himself most creditably in this latest national assignment,” NU affirmed in a statement issued Wednesday by its Coordinator, Ngozi Odumuko and Secretary, Paschal Mbanefo.

NU described the Afenifere new leader as a relentless Awoist and confidante of the late sage, saying he had always placed premium on cementing the bond of brotherhood and solidarity between the Igbo and their Yoruba compatriots.

“Instructively, Pa Adebanjo participated actively at the ‘Handshake Across the Niger’ conference jointly hosted by Nzuko Umunna and Afenifere,” NU recalled.

READ: Suspected armed Fulani herdsmen kill daughter of Afenifere leader, Fasoranti

While assuring Pa Adebanjo and the new Afenifere leadership of its support and solidarity, the Igbo group expressed confidence that “his experience, courage and uncommon sense of history will position Afenifere especially for the challenges of nation-building and in confronting the threats that assail our peoples.

It continued: “We urge the entire Yoruba nation to accord him the same support.

“We also congratulate Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the Alaago of Kajola Ago, on his election as the Deputy Leader of Afenifere.

“Nzuko Umunna congratulates the revered Pa Reuben Fasoranti on his principled and outstanding tour of duty especially at critical moments and even at a ripe old age of 95 years.

“Nzuko Umunna will soon engage with the new Afenifere leadership in order to further cement the strategic partnership between our organisations and peoples.”