By Johnson Nwankwo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said it would mobilise its members for a nationwide protest in all the major cities in Nigeria, effective September 15, 2024.
NANS said the protest was in response to the recent fuel price hike and the failure of the federal government to find a lasting solution to the attendant pains being faced by a majority of Nigerians. The body therefore demanded an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike.
The notification has been sent to various security agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, Nigerian Armed Forces, and all state governors, it was gathered.
It read in part, “We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective 15th September 2024, in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices.
“The incessant increase in fuel prices has brought untold hardship to the masses, and we can no longer stand idly by while our future is mortgaged by the actions of a few. We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike.”
The body called on all Nigerian students across the country to wake up to this clarion call, “as we will be occupying all major cities on the 15th of September, 2024”, adding that, “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.
“We urge you to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the shutdown, as we assure you that our protest will be peaceful and lawful.”
In a counter-release, however, NANS denied any plan to embark on a nationwide protest.
Its Senate president, Afeez Akinteye, urged the public to disregard the “rumour”.
The statement read,“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.
“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 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.”
