National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dissociated itself from the planned protest slated to hold on 15th of September against fuel price hikes.
In a statement signed by NANS senate president, Afeez Akinteye on Wednesday, the
students group described the information as a false information and rumor.
The NANS senate president in the statement further described the information as a baseless one that does not represent the position of NANS.
Akinteye however called on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the source of the misinformation.
“The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been made aware of rumors and misinformation circulating across various platforms, suggesting that NANS is planning a massive shutdown of major cities across the country. We wish to categorically state that NANS has not announced or endorsed any such protest. These reports are entirely baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organisation.
“As the umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerian students, we have always been committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders. We understand the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in our nation, especially during these challenging times. Any actions that could lead to civil unrest or the disruption of public order are not, and will never be, supported by NANS
“We strongly urge the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard these false reports. The individuals or groups behind these rumors are faceless entities who seek to exploit the name of NANS for their malicious purposes. They aim to destabilise the country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.
“We hereby call on the security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the origin of this misinformation. Those responsible for spreading these falsehoods must be identified and held accountable. The use of the NANS name to propagate such dangerous and unfounded claims is not only a threat to national security but also a grave disservice to the millions of students who genuinely seek positive change through legitimate means.
“Furthermore, we urge security agencies to act decisively in apprehending any individuals or groups attempting to use the name of NANS to incite unrest or disrupt the peace of our nation. We must collectively ensure that the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld at all times.
“NANS remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will continue to pursue this mission through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels. Let it be known that NANS stands firmly for peace, progress, and the unity of our nation.
“We appreciate the ongoing support of Nigerian students and the public, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and not to fall prey to those who seek to manipulate and mislead for their selfish gains.
Earlier
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a nationwide protest, slated for September 15, 2024, across major cities in Nigeria to express displeasure over the new pump price announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
This was stated by NANS, adding that, “The protest, tagged ‘Fuel Price Hike: A Threat to Our Future,’ will take place on September 15, 2024, across major cities in Nigeria.”
This announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement signed by NANS National Senate President, Comrade Henry Okunomo, a copy of which was made available to the press in Kano.
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He stated that NANS is “appalled and disheartened by the recent announcement of yet another hike in
fuel prices by the NNPC.”
Furthermore, the statement issued a clarion call for a nationwide protest against what it described as an “egregious act.”
“We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and a more compassionate approach to governance,” Okunomo said.
“We urge all Nigerian students, civil society organizations, and the masses to join us in this peaceful demonstration as we demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and a more compassionate approach to governance.”
According to him, “We shall not be silenced, and we shall not be intimidated. We shall rise in unison to demand a better deal for Nigerian students and the masses.”
He further disclosed that “This latest development is the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back, as it has become patently clear that the NNPC, under the leadership of its Director-General, Mele Kyari, has failed woefully in its primary responsibility of ensuring a stable and affordable fuel supply.”
Since his appointment, Mr. Kyari has presided over a regime of unrelenting fuel price increases, with each hike further exacerbating the suffering of the masses. This, Okunomo argued, is a clear indication of Kyari’s “gross incompetence and inability to deliver on his mandate.”
“The NNPC, under his watch, has become a behemoth of inefficiency, perpetuating a cycle of hardship and despair for the Nigerian people,” he added.
NANS, therefore, demands the immediate removal of Mr. Mele Kyari as the Director-General of the NNPC. “His continued stay in office is an affront to the sensibilities of the Nigerian people and a stark reminder of the government’s insensitivity to their plight,” the statement concluded.
