NANS Disowns Planned Protest Linked to Sowore, Warns Students Against Political Manipulation
…Says alleged link to Omoyele Sowore’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest is fake news
…reaffirms commitment to peace and education.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has distanced itself from reports circulating on social media claiming that the association is organising or participating in a planned protest by an activist Omoyele Sowore on “#FreeNnamdiKanu” warned parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used by politicians protest.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the President of NANS, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, described the report as false, mischievous, and politically motivated, stressing that the association has no involvement with any protest allegedly linked to activist Omoyele Sowore or his associates scheduled on October 20.
“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that NANS is not, and will not be, part of any protest organized or influenced by Mr. Sowore or any other politically motivated group,” Oladoja said.
“The entire claim is designed to drag the name of our noble association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body.”
Oladoja explained that as the umbrella body representing Nigerian students both at home and abroad, NANS remains committed to the principles of rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement.
He emphasized that the issue involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a legal matter currently before a competent court, and it would therefore be inappropriate and unlawful for NANS to mobilize students for any form of protest on the matter.
“Whatever Mr. Sowore and his group are planning is for their own political interest and has absolutely nothing to do with NANS,” he added.
“Our focus as a responsible students’ organization remains on education, youth development, peace, and national unity, not partisan agitation.”
The NANS President also urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used by politicians “who exploit the vulnerability and energy of young people for personal gain.”
“We call on parents to warn their children not to be deceived or lured into joining any protest sponsored by selfish and self-serving politicians who do not mean well for the nation or the student community,” he stated.
NANS further called on the general public, the media, and security agencies to disregard any publication or message suggesting that the association is mobilizing for any politically motivated protest.
The student body reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful advocacy, and initiatives that promote the growth of the education sector and the progress of Nigerian youths.
“NANS remains a united, law-abiding, and patriotic association committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria,” Oladoja concluded.
“We will continue to champion the interests of students through dialogue and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, not through chaos or politically induced protests.”
