The National Association of Nigerian Students (NAN) has dissociated itself from what it called “false claims that NANS is planning to organize or participate in the so-called “#FreeNnamdiKanu protest”.
In a statement issued by NANS President Olushola Oladoja, the group warned parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used by selfish politicians.
It said: “We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that NANS is not, and will not be, part of any protest organized or influenced by Omoyele Sowore or any other politically motivated group or individual. The entire claim is false, mischievous, and designed to drag the name of our noble Association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body.
“We understand that the matter concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a legal issue currently before a competent court of law, and it would therefore be inappropriate, unlawful, and irresponsible for NANS to take a partisan position or mobilize any form of protest on a matter before the judiciary.
“Whatever Mr. Sowore and his group are planning or doing is for their own political interest and has absolutely nothing to do with NANS. We advise him and his co-travelers to stop using the name of NANS to give credibility to their politically driven agenda. Our focus as a responsible students’ organization remains on education, youth development, peace, and national unity Not partisian agitation.
“We therefore call on parents and guardians across the country to warn their children and wards not to be deceived or lured into joining any protest sponsored by self-serving politicians who do not mean well for the nation or the student community.”
It warns that those individuals would want to exploit the vulnerability of the youth for personal gain while abandoning them when crises erupt.
“We also urge the general public, the media, and security agencies to disregard any publication or message claiming that NANS is mobilizing for a protest related to Nnamdi Kanu or any other politically motivated cause. Our focus is on constructive engagements, peaceful advocacy, and developmental initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to the progress of our education system and the future of Nigerian youth.
“We will continue to champion the interests of students through dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders not through chaos or politically induced protests.” It concludes.