Afenifere Supports August Protest, Criticizes Tinubu’s Economic Policies
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has announced its support for the upcoming #EndBadGovt protest scheduled for August. In an interview on Arise TV, Afenifere spokesman Justice Faloye explained that the group had previously warned President Bola Tinubu about the adverse effects of his economic policies, which have driven many Nigerians into severe poverty.
“We are not organizing the protest, but we recognize the reasons behind it, which stem from widespread hunger, and we caution against any potential violence. Although we don’t know the protest leaders, we endorse their cause,” said Faloye.
He highlighted that Afenifere had cautioned Tinubu about the negative repercussions of removing the fuel subsidy, but the president was confident in his decision. “He believed he could achieve what previous governments could not,” Faloye remarked.
Faloye further criticized the government’s policies, stating, “The current economic policies are the real threat to the nation, not the protesters. Removing subsidies abruptly, as seen in other countries like England or America, would also trigger protests. Expecting people to endure hunger is unjust.”
When asked if he supported Tinubu or believed the president had failed, Faloye responded, “Definitely, he has failed. His approach is superficial. The economy needs restructuring. We are still operating under a colonial economic model.”
