A segment of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has repudiated an announcement indicating that the organization is orchestrating a substantial shutdown of key urban centers throughout the nation as a form of protest against the escalation of fuel pump prices.
A communiqué disseminated by Okunomo Henry Adewumi, the President of the Senate of NANS, on Wednesday, articulated that the organization would initiate a shutdown of major cities nationwide on September 15, 2024, should the increase in fuel pump prices remain unaddressed.
Nonetheless, this communiqué was refuted in a declaration signed by the NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, on Wednesday.
The declaration clarified that the student organization neither announced nor endorsed the proposed protest.
It characterized the reports concerning the anticipated protest as unfounded, asserting that they do not accurately represent the stance or objectives of NANS.
The student organization called upon security agencies to take prompt and effective measures to apprehend any individuals or factions attempting to exploit the name of NANS to instigate disorder or undermine the tranquility of the nation.
It underscored the imperative to collaboratively preserve the integrity of democratic procedures and the rule of law at all times within the country, urging security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the source of the misinformation.
The declaration accentuated the necessity for identifying and holding accountable those responsible for disseminating false information, contending that the use of the NANS name to propagate perilous and unfounded assertions poses not only a significant threat to national security but also a serious disservice to the multitude of students who earnestly pursue positive reform through legitimate avenues.
Parts of the statement read, “The leadership of 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 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.”
