The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has urged Nigerians to shun the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest slated to commence on August 1.

In a statement by its national organising secretary, Kola Omololu, Afenifere noted that it was aware of the economic challenges in the country but urged youths to embrace dialogue with the government.

It said the group was against the planned protests, citing threats of anarchy and stressed that Reuben Fasoranti remained its leader, and “any communication from PA Adebanjo or anyone in his proxy does not represent the position of Afenifere.”

“In light of the above, it, therefore, becomes necessary for Afenifere to clearly declare its stance against the proposed rage, given the undercurrents of threats of hijack and descent into anarchy, while asking youths and the general citizenry to exercise restraints, embrace dialogue and give the government enough latitude to restore confidence in the economy,” it said.

Afenifere said it does not want the experience of Kenya’s protest, which turned into violence, saying Nigerians cannot afford a crippling crisis on its economy.

“Afenifere does not want the Kenya experience which has caused ruination to the struggling economy of Kenya. Nigeria cannot afford a crippling crisis of carnage and rage, not now and not ever,” it said.

Nonetheless, Afenifere acknowledged the rights of citizens for a peaceful demonstration, explaining that it was on record that the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu, was at the forefront of “peaceful protests” in the past against dictatorship alongside leaders of Afenifere and some democratics like Ayo Adebanjo, Olu Falae, Wole Soyinka, Bola Akinyemi among others before fleeing into exile.  

“So, Afenifere appreciates the philosophy of protest that is meaningful, purposeful and corrective at its core, and would stand for the citizens’ rights so long as its objectives are noble, peaceful and not designed to cause Rage and mayhem,” the statement partly read on Monday.

The group acknowledged the economic challenges in other countries, urging the Nigerian government to address issues.

“Acknowledging citizens’ rights to peaceful protests once again, Afenifere, therefore, sues for peace and admonishes the youths and organisers of the protest to embrace dialogue and be patient with the government,” it added.

Afenifere’s stance comes in the wake of threats from security agencies on the protesters and organisers of the nationwide #EndBadGoverance protest, who have been demanding an end to the current economic and untold hardship in the country under Mr Tinubu’s regime.

While Nigerians have insisted on embarking on protests, the police warned against blocking major streets. They demanded the details and locations of where the protests would be taking place to avoid being hijacked by hoodlums.

Speaking in an interview on Arise TV last Thursday, Afenifere spokesman Justice Faloye stated that the group warned Mr Tinubu about the consequences of implementing his flawed and ineffective economic policies, which have plunged millions of Nigerians into abject poverty.