Comrade Levi Okuru, Coordinator, NANS Zone B (South South axis) disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has insisted on proceeding with the planned nationwide protest against the increase in petrol prices.
Comrade Levi Okuru, Coordinator, NANS Zone B (South South axis) disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Okuru who is the Chairman, Council of NANS Coordinators also debunked a statement attributed to one Bilar Kurfi, that the planned protest had been cancelled.
He emphasised that the protest was a necessary action in response to the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians and caused by the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
The statement read, “We, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), hereby debunk the spurious statement attributed to one Bilar Kurfi, purporting to distance himself from the September 15th proposed nationwide protest.
“This statement is nothing short of a brazen attempt to undermine the collective resolve of Nigerian students and sabotage our struggle for a better nation.
“We categorically state that Bilar Kurfi has no locus standi to speak on behalf of NANS or its leadership. His claim to be the Chairman of the Council of NANS Coordinators is a mere fabrication, a desperate attempt to cling to relevance.
“As the Chairman of the Council of NANS Coordinators, I, Comrade Levi Okuru, affirm that I have not made any decision to either support or oppose the proposed protest. I am currently engaged in consultations with other zonal coordinators to determine the best course of action before September 15th.
“However, I must emphasize that we are not pleased with the current hike in fuel prices, which is affecting all students across the country. Many campus shuttles are no longer operational, and students now struggle to attend school daily. The call is for a reduction in fuel prices, and I appeal to the government to find a means to reduce the cost of fuel in the country to avoid the September 15th proposed nationwide protest.
“Following the circular being circulated by some government machineries from OAUSTECH, aimed at discrediting the Senate President of NANS, we note that this is a normal tactic in our struggle. You can't organize a struggle of this magnitude against the oppressors without them trying to get back at you. We consider it a badge of honor when a student leader's school disowns them, as it shows they are not in bed with the oppressors. Our NANS constitution clearly provides for deferment in such cases.
“We commend our Senate President, Comr. Okunomo Henry, and pass a vote of confidence on the Pedro Chibuzo Obi and Henry Okunomo-led NANS administration for their unwavering commitment to the welfare and rights of Nigerian students.
“We warn Bilar Kurfi to cease parading himself as a leader of NANS and to desist from further attempts to cause confusion and disunity among our ranks.
“Let it be clear: NANS will not be swayed by the whims of individuals bent on undermining our collective struggle. We will continue to stand united, unwavering in our pursuit of a better Nigeria.”
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