The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described Wednesday's invasion and snatching of the mace from the Senate as a mockery of Nigeria’s democracy and a bad example to the youth.
The association, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Bestman Okereafor, and released in Enugu State on April 19 lamented that despite the high number of security operatives attached to the national assembly such embarrassing action was successfully achieved without challenge and possible apprehension of any of the suspected hoodlums, a situation it said, is not good for the image of the country.
NANS said, “The leadership of NANS received with dismay the news and video currently in circulation about the invasion of the Nigeria upper chamber and subsequent snatching of the Senate’s mace and symbol of authority. We see this as a pure mockery of the nation’s democracy and no doubt a disheartening precedent for Nigerian youths at a time when the youths are gathering momentum to take up leadership positions at different levels in the country. We are calling on the present senators to serve as role models to Nigerian youths by consistently conducting themselves in a manner expected of good leaders.”
NANS charged public office holders, especially senators to be good role models to youths.
“Senators should not conduct themselves in a manner capable of destabilizing the democracy been enjoyed in the country. NANS is, however, calling on appropriate authorities to as a matter of urgency look into the circumstances surrounding the invasion and unbiased persecution of anyone linked to the invasion," the association said.