The National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN) has withdrawn from a planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, citing the safety and security of its students as paramount.
The association’s decision follows reports of a youth-led nationwide protest aimed at addressing the country’s economic hardship.
In a statement released yesterday, NFSAN national president, Comrade Choice Uchenna Enebeli, explained that while peaceful protest is a legitimate and powerful tool for expressing discontent, the potential consequences must not be overlooked.
She said, “A protest can quickly become volatile and escalate into violence, which would undoubtedly endanger our students and undermine our goal of promoting safety and security.
“Additionally, we must consider the potential long-term effects of a protest. While the immediate objective may be to voice dissatisfaction, the aftermath can result in social unrest and increased tensions.
“We cannot risk jeopardising the stability and progress of our communities, especially when our students are already vulnerable.
“It is important to remember that rising prices, hunger, and other forms of hardship are not unique to Nigeria.
“Other countries around the world are facing similar challenges, and they are finding solutions instead of resorting to potentially destructive protests.”
She urged protest organisers to remember that significant change takes time and that protests may not be the most effective approach to addressing these issues under the current circumstances.
“We understand and share the frustrations that have led to calls for protest. However, as an organisation dedicated to the well-being of our female students, we cannot in good conscience support a movement that is likely to have harmful consequences.
“We should not allow a repeat of what happened during the EndSARS protests. Protesters forgot that government property is essentially public property owned by the citizens whose taxes fund it. Any protest that targets such property is wasteful, foolish, and senseless.
“We will not participate in burning and looting. We prefer to see smiles, not pain and anguish, on the faces of Nigerians.”
