We’re not party to Jonathan’s endorsement, say Yoruba leaders

Some prominent Yoruba leaders yesterday pilloried the faction of Afenifere which, purportedly acting in the interest of the Southwest, said on Tuesday that it had endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for second term.

The group spoke after meeting with the President in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Some of the group’s members, including its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Secretary Chief Seinde Arogbofa and some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chiefs attended the meeting.

Yesterday, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and some leaders, such as Senator Ayo Fasanmi and Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, castigated the group.

The ARG condemned the use of its insignia to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, adding that it is not a party to the endorsement.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary Kunle Famoriyo, the group said the use of ‘Afenifere’ to promote Mr. Jonathan is fraudulent and an attempt to deceive the Yoruba people.

He said: “It has come to our notice that some broadcast stations are using ARG’s name and logo to promote the said endorsement.

“This is fraudulent and we wish to advise media houses to be wary of such fraudulent promoters, especially now that public interest must be defended by the media.”

“We believe there is a difference between ‘transformation,’ which President Jonathan promised Nigerians in 2011 and mere ‘reform’ of the same governance culture that Nigerians have rejected,” said Mr. Famoriyo.

“The ARG does not dictate to the generality of the Yoruba people, rather it gives voice to their feelings and aspirations. The extensive consultations we have made showed that Yoruba people have come to a firm conclusion that they have been at the shorter end of the stick under the Jonathan-led government, under whose administration, nepotism and ethnocentrism have taken over as the emblem of our presidential politics.

“ARG therefore stands with the aspirations of Yoruba people for change. As echoed in Abeokuta recently at the public lecture organised by the Ogun State chapter of ARG, the change that we demand includes a public pledge to restructure the country in such a way that power will devolve to the most efficient federating unit.”

Senator Fasanmi condemned the decision of the Afenifere leaders. He said: “I must say that I am amused by the decision of my colleagues. I can’t imagine that the likes of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Ayo Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi would sit down and take such a decision.

“They have to tell us what the Jonathan administration has achieved in the past six years for us in the Southwest to cast our votes for him. A President that has failed to tackle corruption, failed to secure lives and property, and mismanaged the economy does not deserve second term. It is a tragedy that the so called Yoruba leaders are rooting for such incompetent person. I feel sad. What legacies are we leaving behind for the coming generation?  Is it legacy of impunity and corruption, which the Jonathan regime represents?

“They have spoken for themselves, not for the Yoruba people. The Yoruba know their leaders. Nigeria is on the move, the progressives too are on the move. I am sure the people of the Southwest will pitch their tent with the progressives. APC will win not only in the Southwest but across the country on February 14 and 28.

“I remember the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo used to tell us we should always stand firm under the stroke. We should ensure our votes count. There is need for change from a decadent to a vibrant regime.”

Senator Durojaiye advised the Afenifere leaders to be cautious in making political decisions. He said in another three weeks, we will know the true mind of the Yoruba.

“The Yoruba people will point out who their leader is. I know the direction the Yoruba are going; they want change, they are very wise that they cannot be led by nose. I won’t be surprised if 80 per cent of the Yoruba will say ‘let’s go this direction’ and the remaining 20 per cent will go the other way.”

He said if the President could not implement the recommendations of the National Conference six months after it was submitted, why do we have to wait for another one year for it to be implemented? I believe Yoruba are highly intelligent to know the difference between the facts and mere propaganda.

“I foresee in a matter of weeks when God will manifest the change we are yearning for. My appeal to all is that we should not overheat the polity because no nation has survived two civil wars – to borrow the words of Gen. Theophilus Danjuma.”

To Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, no group can lay absolute claim to Yoruba votes. In that respect, any directive from any group cannot change the minds or the decision of the people on whom to vote for.

We’re not party to Jonathan’s endorsement, say Yoruba leaders