The union expressed deep concern about his administration’s economic policies have forced people into poverty, turning many into beggars.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶ ... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶
Yoruba Union, Igbinmọ Majekobaje Ilẹ-Yoruba, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign following the recent increase in fuel prices and the escalating hunger affecting the southwest region and Nigeria at large.
The union expressed deep concern about his administration’s economic policies have forced people into poverty, turning many into beggars.
It condemned the implementation of IMF policies in collaboration with imperialist forces, which they claim has stifled both small and large-scale businesses, to the detriment of the Yoruba people.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Convener, Olusola Oluwaseyi Badero, the union condemned the government for allowing the fuel pump price to rise from ₦600 to ₦900, at a time when many Nigerians cannot afford two basic meals a day.
He explained that the Yoruba, known for their culture of Omoluabi (honour and integrity), have been reduced to begging due to President Tinubu’s anti-people policies.
“We are not only calling for Tinubu’s resignation, but we also demand an apology to the Yoruba people for tarnishing their reputation. Our people have been kidnapped and killed by invaders, while they are now unable to farm or secure their livelihoods,” Badero stated.
He said, “Despite the suffering of his people, Tinubu has shown no remorse. Instead, he continues to increase their hardships through higher taxes and draconian policies.”
Badero recalled that during his campaign in Ogun State, Tinubu promised to reduce the fuel price. However, shortly after his inauguration, he raised the price without consulting the people.
He said, “Tinubu has run out of ideas and should resign honorably. Nigeria is not a family business where he can raise prices at will. Our people are struggling to send their children to school, and with a bag of rice now costing ₦80,000, many families cannot even afford basic meals. Most southwestern states have not even implemented the new minimum wage.”
The organisation declared that it would not sit idly and watch Yoruba people suffer, even if a fellow Yoruba man holds the presidency.
It said, “We are known as Omoluabi—a people of honour. We will not tolerate anyone who dishonours the Yoruba nation by subjecting our people to modern-day slavery.
“Tinubu asks for patience, yet he has purchased a new presidential jet for ₦150 billion, luxury yacht, bulletproof Escalades, and a mansion for the Vice President—all in one year. Meanwhile, he raised the fuel price and enacted policies that further impoverish the people.”
The union also called on all Yoruba people across Nigeria to join the October protests and legally express their dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration.
“We must not allow Tinubu’s government to intimidate us. Protesting is our constitutional right and cannot be taken away,” it said.
Badero added that the Tinubu administration has failed the people, and the Yoruba Union is ready to protect the interests of the Yoruba, who have been oppressed by the current government.
In the wake of the recently concluded #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests, which swept across the nation from August 1 to 10, 2024, organisers are gearing up for another round of demonstrations slated for October called ‘Fearless in October’ protests.
This forthcoming wave of protests aims to sustain the momentum generated by the previous movement, further amplifying the voices of Nigerians demanding meaningful change.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, a key force behind the protests, has corroborated plans for the October demonstrations.
According to Adenola, the upcoming protests will build upon the successes and lessons gleaned from the August protests, seeking to intensify pressure on the government to address the country’s pressing challenges and usher in an era of responsible governance.
