NANS Diaspora Disowns Francis’ Statement, Insists NAACT Not Consulted

The global president of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-D), Comrade Chris Juwon Fayomi, has rejected a statement issued by Ogbonnaya Francis, president of the Nigerian Association in the Australian Capital Territory (NAACT), describing it as unauthorised and misleading.

Fayomi, in a statement he signed yesterday, said the position expressed by Francis did not represent NAACT, its leadership, or its members, stressing that it was made without consultation or collective input.

He said, “Let it be made unequivocally clear that the statement does not represent NAACT. It was issued without approval. Ogbonnaya Francis acted entirely on his own.”

Quoting Adaobi Emefiele, Fayomi described the development as disappointing, noting that it was troubling for a senior figure within the community to abandon due process and issue what he called a divisive public attack.

He added that no Nigerian community state president across Australia had taken a similar position, describing Francis’ action as isolated.

Fayomi further questioned the motive behind the statement, noting that Francis had remained silent on critical issues affecting Nigerians, including the hike in service charges.

“This inconsistency raises serious questions about motive, judgment and representation,” he said.

The NANS-D president also clarified that NAACT was neither consulted nor involved in the matter, insisting that it fell outside the association’s mandate.

He reaffirmed confidence in his leadership, stating that his advocacy reflected the genuine concerns of Nigerian students abroad, backed by verifiable public feedback.

Fayomi urged the Ambassador’s office. Jane Adam Bassey to prioritise unity among Nigerians in Australia through open and direct engagement.

He warned that reliance on individuals without a mandate for damage control could deepen divisions and erode trust within the community.

“Dialogue, not deflection, is the path forward,” he stated.