A faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has distant itself from the planned nationwide protest announced the students’ body on Wednesday.
Recall that NANS had announced that it is planning a massive shutdown of major cities across the country to protest the hike in fuel pump price.
In the notice released by Okunomo Henry Adewumi, President of the Senate (NANS), earlier on Wednesday, said the group will shut down major cities across the country. It gave September 15, 2024 as the deadline for the protest if the fuel pump price hike is not reversed.
But in twist, another notice emerged signed by NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, later on Wednesday.
The statement explained that the student association did not announce or endorse the planned protest. And, therefore, described the reports of the planned protest as baseless.
Afeez added that the earlier statement did not reflect the position or intentions of NANS.
NANS, therefore, urged 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 the nation.
It stressed the need to collectively ensure that the integrity of democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld at all times in the country.
The Afeez group also called on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the origin of the misinformation.
The statement emphasized that those responsible for spreading falsehood should be identified and held accountable. It added that the use of NANS name to propagate 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.
The statement read, “The leadership of NANS has been made aware of rumours and misinformation circulating across various platforms. Thereby, 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 organization.
“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 rumours are faceless entities. Who seek to exploit the name of NANS for their own malicious purposes. Their aim is clear: to destabilize the country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.”
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