Newsbreak: President Tinubu meets Afenifere leaders in Aso Rock
By Abimbola Oludare and Ologeh Joseph Chibu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to meet leaders of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere in Abuja on Wednesday (Today).
The meeting is expected to hold in Aso Rock. Sources told Irohinoodua that the Afenifere team was led by Pa Rueben Fasoranti, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation,(SGF), Chief Olu Falae and Chief Omololu Abagun.
A reliable source said some Itsekiri leaders were expected to be at the meeting slated for Wednesday afternoon. It was the first time the group was meeting with President Tinubu. Earlier scheduled meeting was postponed at the last hour.
‘The meeting was organised at the request of Afenifere. The door of the Presidency is open to all Nigerians. The President had met leaders of Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF), some Igbo and Middle Belt groups. He also met with several leaders from across the country in the past and he will do so in the future. The meeting is routine,’ a reliable source in the Presidency told Irohinoodua.
He said the meeting was expected to focus on how the President can improve the socio-economic situation in the country, build sustainable growth and advance peace and prosperity of the country.
The source said ‘We look forward to useful suggestions from every group across Nigeria. The President wants to tap from the wealth of experience of reputable groups including socio-cultural and professional groups.’
He said Falae who as the former SGF was expected to make suggestions that would enrich the wealth of experience of the President.
President Tinubu received the support of Afenifere in 1999 when he sought to contest for the Lagos State Governorship election which he won. In later years, Afenifere was factionalised along political divisions. In the last Presidential election, Pa Fasoranti supported President Tinubu while his Deputy, Pa Ayo Adebanjo supported Mr Peter Obi. Many Afenifere leaders also supported the emergence of former President Bola Tinubu in 2015.
Another source said one of the issues Afenifere would raise with the President is the issue of restructuring, a key demand of the group since its precursor was founded in 1945.
