A faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denied reports suggesting that the organization plans to protest against the recent hike in fuel pump prices by shutting down major cities across Nigeria.
Earlier, a notice allegedly released by Okunomo Henry Adewumi, who is recognized as the President of the Senate in NANS, claimed that the student body would organize a massive protest on September 15, 2024, if the government does not reverse the fuel price increase.
However, this announcement was swiftly dismissed in a statement issued by Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the Senate President of NANS.
In the statement, NANS clarified that it did not authorize or support any protest, labeling the announcement as false and not representative of the organization’s stance. The statement emphasized that NANS remains committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive dialogue with stakeholders, rejecting any actions that could lead to unrest.
NANS called on security agencies to investigate the source of these misleading reports and take appropriate action against individuals or groups using the NANS name to incite public disorder.
The student body expressed concern that such misinformation could threaten national security and harm the reputation of the millions of Nigerian students it represents.
Part of the statement reads, “The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been made aware of rumours 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.”
