The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly rejected the allegations that it is planning a nationwide shutdown of major cities. NANS has clarified that it neither announced nor endorsed any such protest, labeling the claims as unfounded.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the association’s Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, NANS asserted that the rumors circulating on various platforms do not represent the views or intentions of the organization.
The statement reads, “We have become aware of widespread rumors and misinformation suggesting that NANS is orchestrating a large-scale shutdown of major cities across Nigeria. We want to make it clear that NANS has not initiated or supported any such protest. These claims are entirely groundless and do not reflect our organization’s stance.”
NANS emphasized its commitment to peaceful advocacy and constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders, rather than disrupting public order.
The statement continues, “As the representative body for Nigerian students, our focus remains on peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement. We understand the importance of maintaining peace and stability in our country, particularly during these challenging times. NANS will not support any actions that could lead to civil unrest or disrupt public order.”
NANS has urged the public, media, and all stakeholders to disregard these false reports, highlighting that the individuals or groups behind these rumors are anonymous and aim to exploit NANS’s name for their own agendas.
The statement further urges, “We strongly advise the public to ignore these misleading claims. The faceless individuals behind these rumors intend to create unnecessary tension and destabilize the country. We disassociate ourselves completely from any such plans or intentions.”
NANS has called for a thorough investigation by security agencies into the origins of this misinformation. It stressed that those responsible for spreading these falsehoods should be identified and held accountable, as such actions threaten national security and undermine genuine efforts to effect positive change through legitimate means.
The statement concludes with a call for security agencies to take decisive action against those misusing NANS’s name to incite unrest. “We urge security agencies to act promptly to apprehend those using our name to provoke disturbances or disrupt national peace. Upholding the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law is crucial.”
NANS reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students through lawful and constructive means, emphasizing its commitment to peace, progress, and national unity. The statement ends with appreciation for the support of Nigerian students and the public, urging vigilance against those who seek to mislead for personal gain.