An elder statesman and leader of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasorantinti, has advised candidates who lost in the February 25 presidential election to avoid acts capable of endangering the unity of Nigeria.
Pa. Fasoranti also endorsed Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for re-election on Saturday, March 18, urging Lagosians to troop out in large numbers to vote for him.
In a press statement by Oladiran Adesua, Administrative Secretary to the Afenifere leader, and made available to newsmen in Akure on Wednesday, the nonagenarian observed with worry “unwholesome” utterances of certain Nigerians who believe that their candidates ought to have been declared winner of the presidential election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Mahmood Yakub, declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress(APC) winner of the election and followed it up with presentation of Certificate of Return to Tinubu.
But reacting on Wednesday, the Afenifere leader did not mention names, but the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who is the runner up and the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, who came third, are challenging the outcome of the election.
Atiku and Obi have gone to court seeking the nullification of the declaration of Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the election and President-elect.
In the statement, Mr Fasoranti said the said individuals had gone to the extent of threatening the continued corporate existence of Nigeria if their preferred candidate was not declared winner of the election.
“I want to place on record that Afenifere is not on the side of these persons, and unequivocally condemn this conduct. I want to repeat our oft-stated position that Afenifere is committed to the unity of Nigeria as a truly federal political entity.
“I will however wish to plead with those candidates who lost in the election to consider their various campaign promises of a better Nigeria and call their supporters to order while they pursue their grievances through legitimate legal channels as provided for in the electoral law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; this is prejudice to the olive branch being waved by the acclaimed winner of the election.
“I also call on the generality of Nigerians to remain calm and law abiding in any part of Nigeria that they may reside especially before and during the governorship and thirty six Houses of Assembly elections of 18th March 2023.”
While congratulating President-elect, Mr Tinubu, Mr Fasoranti recalled his visit on 30 October 2022 to seek the support and blessing of Afenifere and other Yoruba leaders.
He said Mr Tinubu received the unalloyed endorsement of the group and was told to focus on two key areas of security and the economy, noting that the security situation in the country had worsened over the last few years with Nigerians unsafe to travel freely on the highways.
The Afenifere leader also used the occasion to endorse the candidacy of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying the Lagos governor had made landmark achievements and deserves a second term in office.
Besides mentioning some developmental projects, Mr Fasoranti also named Lagos State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as commendable, saying that such called for continuity.
“I Therefore, wish to join my voice to those of other patriotic Nigerians that there is need for continuity in the state by lending my support to the second term bid of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as governor of Lagos State,” he said.
“In addition, I believe that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as APC President, will benefit Lagos State more if the state has an APC Governor to compliment whatever the President has for Lagos State.”
