Presidency: Afenifere was wrong in endorsing Jonathan –YCE

Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) yesterday picked holes in the
endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second
term in office by the Yoruba socio-political organisation,
Afenifere.
The publicity secretary of the Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin,
recently said in Akure after a meeting between Afenifere and
President Jonathan, that the group had endorsed Jonathan for
a second-term in office. The meeting was reported to have
been held at the residence of the National Chairman of
Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, during Jonathan’s
presidential campaign to Ondo State.
But rising from its National Executive meeting held at its
national headquarters in Ibadan, YCE, popularly known as
‘Igbimo Agba Yoruba,’ distanced themselves from the
endorsement. The meeting was presided over by its president,
Major General Adeyinka Adebayo (retd).
YCE’s position came few days after Afenifere Renewal Group
(ARG), also condemned Afenifere’s endorsement.
Prof Bayo Olateju, who read the communiqué of the meeting
said: “YCE is not a party to any purported endorsement given
by any group or groups to a presidential candidate and so
dissociates itself from such action as YCE did not at any time
sit with any group of people to consider and come to such
decision.
“Nigerian Presidency should go to the best candidate who has
the vision and mission of taking Nigeria and Nigerians from
poverty to wealth; from insecurity of lives and property to
living secured, prosperous and in abundance; regardless of
party affiliations, religion or tribe.”
While saying that YCE is apolitical, Olateju described Afenifere
as a political group. He, however, cautioned that as
respectable elders of Yoruba nation, caution should be taken
in endorsing any candidate. YCE cautioned political parties
against provocative and inflammatory public statements,
capable of causing another civil war in the country. The
Yoruba elders urged politicians to respect the peace accord
signed in Abuja recently and shun violence or any act that
could destabilise the country.
Instead of attacking personalities during campaigns, YCE said
politicians should concentrate on issues such as economy,
security, stable electric power, industrialisation, employment,
education for all, sustenance of the nascent democracy and
good healthcare for the aged.
Reacting to the call for postponement of the general elections,
the elders said the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has “not suggested any postponement and therefore,
the February dates still remain sacrosanct.”
The council also advised the Assistant Inspector General of
Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, to do his work as a true
professional and discharge his duties without fear of favour