Thursday, 17 April 2025 04:33

Afenifere accuses Tinubu of ‘destructuring’ Nigeria, demands urgent reforms

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of dismantling the foundational pillars of Nigeria’s federal structure and worsening the nation’s social, political, and economic conditions.

In a scathing statement jointly signed by its Leader, Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere said it is “alarmed at the rate and audacity” with which the Tinubu government is allegedly “destructuring” Nigeria, noting a steady erosion of democratic freedoms, institutional checks, and economic stability.

“Instead of restructuring towards a prosperous and egalitarian federation, Tinubu is destructuring Nigeria with his autocratic attack on the fundamental pillars of democratic federalism,” the statement read.

Afenifere accused the administration of suppressing dissent, pointing to the recent banning of the politically charged song “Tell Your Papa” by rapper Eedris Abdulkareem as evidence of shrinking democratic space. The song was a direct response to controversial remarks made by Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, regarding the country’s situation.

“The ban signals a leadership disconnected from citizens’ realities and inclined more to autocratic control than fostering freedom and creativity,” Afenifere stated, warning that such actions threaten artistic expression and public discourse.

On the economy, the group criticized what it called “ultraliberal policies” like the removal of fuel subsidies and currency floating, blaming them for spiraling inflation, rising unemployment, and eroding purchasing power. According to the group, these policies have compounded the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

“The promise of economic prosperity remains unfulfilled, marooning the majority in hardship. Rather than offer succour, the government is further suffocating the democratic space,” it said.

Afenifere also raised alarm over worsening insecurity, referencing recent data from HumAngle’s Conflict Tracker which reported 1,420 deaths and over 537 kidnappings in the first quarter of 2025 alone. It condemned fresh attacks by bandits and Fulani herdsmen in Plateau, Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Nasarawa states, and renewed calls for the federal government to ban open grazing and adopt ranching as a long-term solution.

In Ondo State, four communities in Akure North LGA were attacked, resulting in the deaths of 20 residents and the abduction of nine surveyors. In Benue State, armed herders reportedly killed three members of the state’s security force, sparking widespread protests and property destruction.

The group reiterated its demand for the establishment of state police, insisting that a single national police force cannot adequately secure a nation as large and diverse as Nigeria.

“Politics aside, best practices tell us that one police hierarchy cannot meet the security demands of a country like ours. Yet, for political reasons, the Tinubu administration continues to resist state policing,” Afenifere said.

The group declared its solidarity with Nigerians facing “insecurity, economic hardship, and suppressed freedoms,” and urged the government to shift from rhetorics to real reform. It called for policies that would stimulate economic growth, protect free speech and assembly, and ensure safety for all citizens.

“We urge the government to implement pragmatic plans geared toward collective safety, equitable development, and freedom for all,” the statement concluded.

Afenifere’s remarks add to the growing voices of concern over Nigeria’s current trajectory under the Tinubu administration, reflecting broader calls for political restructuring, social justice, and inclusive governance.

June 26, 2025

How to ace a job interview in 90 seconds, from an Ivy League communication expert

Sophie Caldwell You only have about 90 seconds to make a strong first impression in…
June 26, 2025

Peter Obi decries ‘coordinated lawlessness’ after brother’s property is demolished in Lagos without court order

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned what he described as a brazen act of…
June 23, 2025

The reason even successful people struggle to get out of bed some days

Sometimes after a long, productive day, I only have the energy to scroll on social…
June 21, 2025

Man convicted of posing as flight attendant to fly for free 120 times

A 35-year-old American man has been found guilty of impersonating a flight attendant at least…
June 26, 2025

17 soldiers killed, dozens injured in fierce gun battles with terrorists in Niger, Kaduna

Seventeen soldiers have been confirmed dead and at least ten others injured following coordinated attacks…
June 26, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 629

Seven Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza, pressure on Netanyahu for ceasefire The Israeli military said…
June 25, 2025

Tesla robotaxi launch: Why getting from dozens to millions of self-driving cars won't be easy

Tesla (TSLA.O) finally has a robotaxi. Now comes the hard part. The electric-vehicle maker deployed…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.