NANS Threatens to Hold Government to Ransom as They Insist on Nationwide Protest Over Fuel Price Hike

On Friday, September 6, Henry Okuomo, the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), announced that the organization will proceed with its planned nationwide protest in response to the recent increase in petrol prices. Speaking on Channels Television, Okuomo emphasized that the protest aims to address the burden of the rising fuel costs on students and the broader Nigerian public.

“We are not threatening a strike. That is what we are going to do because of the current situation of the country. Nigerians are currently facing a lot. We are facing hardship, and now, the government has increased fuel prices again. This has affected us as students. And as student leaders, we don’t have a choice now but to fight for the people.

We are occupying one of the largest stakes in the country, having over 40 million Nigerian students in the country. With that, we think we should make our voice loud at this time to save the Nigerian people from this undue stress and suffering being put upon them by the government. We have determined that on the 15th of this month, no going back. We are hitting the street hard.” he said

The clarification by Henry Okuomo follows a previous denial from Afeez Akinteye, the president of NANS, who had initially refuted claims of a planned protest against the petrol price hike. A circular circulating on social media had suggested that NANS was organizing a strike, prompting Akinteye to request an investigation into the source of this misinformation. He had stated that NANS was not planning any strike. However, Okuomo’s recent statement confirms that NANS will indeed proceed with the nationwide protest in response to the fuel price increase.

“We strongly urge the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard these false reports. The individuals or groups behind these rumours are faceless entities who seek to exploit the name of NANS for their malicious purposes. They aim to destabilise the country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.

We hereby call on the security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the origin of this misinformation. Those responsible for spreading these falsehoods 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.

Furthermore, we urge security agencies to act decisively in apprehending any individuals or groups attempting to use the name of NANS to incite unrest or disrupt the peace of our nation. We must collectively ensure that the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld at all times.

NANS remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will continue to pursue this mission through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels. Let it be known that NANS stands firmly for peace, progress, and the unity of our nation.”