The national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti MFR on Tuesday, congratulated President Bola Tinubu, on his election as the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Commission of West African States.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the organization, Comrade Jare Ajayi.
The great political figure who described Tinubu as a democrat in his message expressed optimism that he will take advantage of his present position to influence Nigeria and ECOWAS member states, positively.
Premium Politics reported that President Tinubu was unanimously elected Chairman of the organization on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at its 63rd extra-ordinary meeting held in Bissau, the Capital City of Guinea Bissau.
However, in his congratulatory statement, Pa Fasoranti expressed optimism that the president will use the opportunity he has as Nigerian President and Chairman of ECOWAS “to better a lot of Nigerians and uplift the conditions of the region’s citizens to ensure that Nigerians and Africans generally experience a new lease of life that everyone would be happy about”.
He further reminded the president, of the welfarist ideas contained in his manifesto that he (Tinubu) shared with him when he visited him in Akure in October 2022.
“The ideas contained in the ‘Renewed Hope’ manifesto, if faithfully implemented, have the potential of enhancing the welfare of Nigerians, uplifting the status of our country, and earn greater respect for our race among the global communities,” he stated.
The political leader however, identified the areas in which the administration of Tinubu should focus urgently “to adroitly redirect the fortune of our nation back onto the glorious path,” such as security, high cost of living, high unemployment rate, social and economic dislocation, declining agriculture, infrastructural deficit, high tariff and irregular supply of electricity as well as the urgent need to revamp our education and health sectors.
“The president was also enjoined to ensure that prices of petroleum products come down to the level that would be affordable by the common man”.
He stated that being a core Afenifere person himself, it was not surprising that Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria synchronizes with Afenifere ideology.
He revealed that the core of Afenifere philosophy is the welfare of the people, enhancing and projecting Yoruba interests. ‘The philosophy encapsulates the concept of Omoluabi and life-more-abundant-for-all.’
“Incidentally, Yoruba interests are not at variance with the overall interests of the majority of Nigerians.
“Yorubas believe in equity, justice, and fairness. They believe in peaceful co-existence whereby one does not constitute a threat to his or her neighbour.
“Being democrats, Yorubas also believe strongly in each nationality in Nigeria (that so desires) to be in a position to determine its affairs within the ambit of the federal system in Nigeria. That was why we are pushing Restructuring,” he said.
The statement further explained that Afenifere’s philosophy goes beyond partisan politics.
“That is why the organization, in itself, is not a political party but a Philosophy.
“For by being a political party, all those who are not members (of the party) would automatically not be in Afenifere.
“Whereas Afenifere is for all Yoruba adults who are willing to advance Yoruba interests and are ready to be members of the apex Yoruba organization.
“We can put our weight behind political concepts that are in tandem with our philosophy as most welfare programmes meant to better a lot of people can only be fully realized through governmental policies.
“And as we all know, the situation in this era is such that governments are formed only through political processes.
“In a nutshell, Afenifere identifies with President Tinubu’s vision as it correlates with the organisation’s philosophy. For, it is when a people’s social and cultural philosophy and practices are noble that their political philosophy and political practices would be people-centred. And it is when government policies are people-centred, such a government would be in a position to pursue people-oriented programmes,” the statement added.
The elder statesman however expressed optimism that President Tinubu will deliver, urging him ‘not to disappoint Nigerians.