Afenifere Urges Nigerian Governors to Unite in Defence of National Integrity

In a passionate call to action, the pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, has urged Nigerian governors to put aside their differences and unite in defence of the country’s national integrity. The organisation expressed concern over what it described as “increasingly calculated manoeuvres” by some political elements aimed at undermining the cohesion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and discrediting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Otunba Kole Omololu, stated that these orchestrated campaigns, often masquerading as democratic dissent, are crossing the line into a vicious attack on the nation’s global reputation. Omololu lamented that some individuals have taken to international platforms to propagate negative narratives about Nigeria, ostensibly under the guise of advocacy or reform.

“We believe that this growing trend of externalising domestic political grievances does little to advance our collective cause,” Omololu said. “Instead, it undermines national pride and compromises Nigeria’s standing within the international community. To besmirch one’s own country on foreign soil is neither sagacious nor patriotic.”

Afenifere specifically referenced a recent incident at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where Nigeria was allegedly de-marked and misrepresented. The organisation described this as a “grievous affront” to national values.

As a non-partisan yet nationally conscious organisation, Afenifere reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, progress, and sovereign dignity of Nigeria. The organisation emphasised that personal ambition and self-interest should not eclipse the sanctity of the country’s shared identity and national image.

In a show of appreciation, Afenifere commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for speaking up in defence of the President and the nation. The organisation urged Nigeria’s political leaders, particularly governors, to repudiate the culture of acquiescent silence and speak with a unified voice.

“We call upon members of the Progressive Governors Forum and the South-West Governors Forum to rise to the occasion and defend Nigeria’s democratic institutions and international esteem,” Afenifere stated. “Let no holder of public office allow transient political calculations to eclipse the primacy of national interest. The stakes are too significant, and posterity will not be kind to those who falter when the dignity of our Republic stands in jeopardy.”