4th September, 2024
By Ibukun Emiola
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has refuted rumours of a planned protest to shut down the country, urging security agencies to apprehend those spreading such false information.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, NANS Senate President Babatunde Akinteye addressed the circulating rumours and misinformation, which suggested that the organization was preparing to stage a massive protest across the nation’s major cities.
“We wish to categorically state that NANS has not announced or endorsed any such protest,” Akinteye clarified. “These reports are entirely baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organization.”
Akinteye emphasized that NANS, as the umbrella body representing Nigerian students, remains committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the country, particularly during these challenging times.
“Any action that could lead to civil unrest or the disruption of public order is not, and will never be supported by NANS,” he affirmed.
The NANS President urged the public, media, and stakeholders to disregard the false reports, identifying those behind the rumors as faceless entities seeking to exploit NANS’s name for 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,” Akinteye stated.
He called on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the origin of the misinformation, insisting that those responsible 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,” he added.
Akinteye also called for collective efforts to uphold the integrity of the nation’s democratic processes and the rule of law, reaffirming NANS’s commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels.
“NANS stands firmly for peace, progress, and the unity of our nation,” he concluded.
“We appreciate the ongoing support of Nigerian students and the public, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and not fall prey to those who seek to manipulate and mislead for their selfish gains.”
