The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s move to nominate 48 ministers, deeming it an insensitive decision considering the economic challenges the nation is grappling with.

In a communique issued following a meeting at the residence of its leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Ogun State, Afenifere expressed its discontent with the lengthy list of ministerial nominees presented by Tinubu.

Chief Sola Ebisen, the Secretary General of Afenifere, released the statement to The PUNCH, in which the organization branded Tinubu’s extensive ministerial roster as “irresponsible” and “most bizarre.”

The communique conveyed Afenifere’s stance: “Afenifere condemns as most unconscionable that a government pleading for understanding and sacrifices from the people in the aftermath of a sudden and harsh removal of petrol subsidy and other cowboy economic policies, would present such unprecedented humongous list of 48 ministers and other such appointments for political appeasement in search of legitimacy.”

The organization further expressed its dismay at the paradoxical situation in which the majority of Nigerians are grappling with daily survival while political leaders display opulence and irresponsibility.

Afenifere criticized the parliament’s perceived lack of authority in reining in Tinubu, referring to the situation as “executive rascality” that leaves the people feeling powerless.

During this transitional phase in the nation’s political landscape, Afenifere remarked on the evident pretenses of those who had touted progressive values but are now acting as power-hungry opportunists.

Addressing the recent coup in Niger Republic, Afenifere urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to opt for diplomatic solutions to address the situation in the country. The organization also called on the Nigerien military to recognize the illegality of undermining the sovereignty of Niger’s people and to uphold constitutional principles.

Source: Punch