Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the distinguished head of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, made a strong appeal to President Bola Tinubu in a recent speech that was captured on camera for The Sun. He asked Tinubu to make history by leading a radical revision of Nigeria’s current constitution. According to Adebanjo, such an initiative is necessary in light of the escalating socio-political tensions to prevent the country from imploding. His passionate appeal, made in a conversation with EMMA NJOKU, touched on a number of important subjects, such as the widespread insecurity that bedevils Nigeria. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
When probed about the entrenched insecurity gripping the northern region, with insinuations hinting at vested interests seeking to undermine President Tinubu’s nascent administration, Adebanjo dismissed such notions as diversionary tactics. He invoked revelations disclosed by Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (retd) during a televised program, wherein it was alleged that the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was apprised of the identities of individuals implicated in the Boko Haram insurgency and other nefarious activities. Notably, a purported committee comprising 20 service chiefs purportedly furnished President Buhari with a comprehensive dossier enumerating the culprits behind the insurgency as early as 2018. Despite the airing of this expose in 2023, the presidency’s conspicuous silence on the matter has been deafening. Adebanjo underscored the gravity of these allegations, suggesting complicity and a lack of decisive action on the part of the government.
He said: “Have you seen the list till today? The United Arab Emirates caught and imprisoned some Nigerians and sent their names to the Federal government. Did you know who those people are till today? So President Bola Tinubu should not just tell us that he has given the military a marching order to fetch the terrorists, he should match the order with implementation in the Presidency.”
Moreover, Adebanjo underscored the disconcerting reality that the architects of terrorism in Nigeria are not enigmatic figures shrouded in mystery; rather, they operate within the corridors of power with apparent impunity. He invoked a Yoruba adage, likening the situation to an insect undermining the very fabric of society from within. He questioned the efficacy of governmental committees ostensibly tasked with addressing the scourge of terrorism when the perpetrators are ostensibly well-known to those in positions of authority. Drawing attention to the paradoxical scenario where prominent figures like Sheikh Gumi engage in dialogue and negotiation with terrorists, Adebanjo highlighted the glaring ineptitude or complicity of the state apparatus in combating the menace.
In light of these revelations, Adebanjo implored President Tinubu to embark on a crusade to redeem the integrity of governance by holding accountable those complicit in perpetuating acts of terror and corruption. He stressed the imperative for tangible action to complement rhetoric, urging a proactive approach to apprehending and prosecuting individuals implicated in acts of terrorism and financial malfeasance within the petroleum sector. Adebanjo’s admonition serves as a clarion call for decisive leadership and accountability in confronting the multifaceted challenges confronting Nigeria. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
