Apex Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere has disowned a group which claimed to be its faction calling for the suspension from office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Omololu, and made available to LEADERSHIP.
Omololu described the statement, which he said was falsely attributed to Afenifere as a mischievous, unauthorised communication, and categorically rejected the call.
He maintained that there are no factions in Afenifere, noting that there is only one under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
Omololu stressed that the authentic Afenifere leadership had never at any time authorised any of its officers, serving or retired, to issue what he called a prejudicial, defamatory or politically-motivated statement.
“The public is hereby advised to disregard the fraudulent individuals hiding under the name of Afenifere to pursue personal or partisan agendas.
“We are fully aware that certain members of the Labour Party in Yorubaland have continued to masquerade as speaking for Afenifere.
“These political opportunists, whose actions are driven by bitterness and selfish ambition, are hereby, sternly
warned to desist from dragging the revered name of Afenifere into disrepute,” he said.
He further said that the statement, which attempted to link the SGF to an EFCC investigation involving a private individual, was not only dishonest but a deliberate act of blackmail.
Omololu emphasised that it was public knowledge that the said investigation was initiated on the strength of a complaint by Senator Akume himself, upon observing some irregularities.
The Afenifere chieftain said that the attempt by those he called the faceless group to twist available facts into an accusation of complicity was irresponsible, malicious and embarrassing to the Yoruba nation.
“We wish to reiterate that Afenifere stands firmly on the side of due process, justice and rule of law.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be allowed to conduct its investigations without pressure, coercion or threats of orchestrated protests.
“Afenifere, as a non-partisan and principled socio-political-cultural body, will not be used as a vehicle for any political vendetta,” he further said.
Omololu maintained that Afenifere would continue to defend the integrity of its name, the unity of Nigeria, and the dignity of Yoruba leadership.
LEADERSHIP recalls that one Andrew Uchi, initially thought to be an aide to the SGF was arrested by the EFCC in March over alleged multibillion naira bribery and money laundering.
Uchi was accused of acquiring properties in Abuja; Jos, Plateau State; and Makurdi, Gboko, and Tarka Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Additionally, two Bureau de Change operators were said to be under investigation for their alleged involvement in the money laundering scheme linked to him.
However, the SGF’s office has since distanced itself from Uchi, saying he was never an aide to Akume.
The office urged the public not to speculate or draw conclusions as investigations were still ongoing, adding that it appreciated the understanding and support of the public on the issue.
“It is imperative to state categorically that the office’s leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct.
“It has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.
“We recognise the efforts of the EFCC to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable,” it said in a statement.
In spite of the clarification, the Afenifere faction called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend Akume and free the investigation of the case from his undue influence.
The group further issued a 7-day ultimatum to the EFCC to update the public on the status of the pending investigation or risk a nationwide protest.