The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been torn apart over the distribution of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by the federal government to universities nationwide.
A faction of the NANS leadership, including the deputy president, comrade Huzaifa Sabo Usman of the Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State; national ex-officio, Anderson Chimezie Uwakwe of the Federal College of Land and Resources Technology, Owerri, Imo State; vice-president (Special Duties), Egbo Johnpaul Nnamchi of the Enugu State College of Education and public relations officer, comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy, of the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, along with their other colleagues accused the NANS president and senate president, comrades Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez respectively of applying favouritism in the distribution of the buses.
In a petition they jointly signed and made available to newsmen in Awka, Anambra State yesterday the aggrieved NANS leaders appealed for urgent intervention of President Bola Tinubu to reverse the manner Emonefe and Afeez distributed the CNG buses so as to save the nation’s universities from being thrown into crisis.
The NANS petition reads in part, “His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, Dear sir, ‘Petition against unequal distribution of CNG buses by the President, National Association of Nigerian Students and a vote of no confidence on Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez’. On behalf of the Nigerian Students, we write to express our utmost indignation and disappointment at the egregious unequal distribution of the CNG buses recently donated to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
“This decision, made by the President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Comr. Lucky Emonofe in collaboration with the Senate President Comr. Babatunde Akinteye Afeez, is a flagrant disregard for the principles of equity, justice, and transparency.
“The buses meant to benefit all Nigerian students, have been selectively distributed leaving many students without access to this vital resources.
“This unequal distribution will inevitably lead to a shortage of transportation options within our campuses, causing undue hardship and economic challenges for Nigerian students.
“The economic implications of this unequal distribution cannot be overstated. Many students rely on affordable transportation to commute from campuses, and the shortage of this buses will only exacerbate the economic challenges facing Nigerian students. This will lead to increased costs for alternative transportation, which will further burden students who are already struggling to cope with the situation.
“Mr. President, we urge you to take immediate action by addressing this issue, as it will inevitably have far-reaching consequences on your political integrity. The unequal distribution of the buses will not only tarnish the image of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) but also undermine the trust and confidence of students in your leadership, particularly during these economically challenging time across the country”, the aggrieved NANS leaders stated further.
The NANS’ leaders also appealed to the various security and anti-corruption agencies including the police force, DSS, EFCC and ICPC to investigate the CNG bus distribution to ensure that justice prevailed.
“We demand a thorough investigation into the distribution process to identify those responsible for the unequal distribution of the buses. We call for the immediate redistribution of the buses to ensure that all students have equal access to this resource.
“We demand that the President and Senate President of NANS be held accountable for their actions and that appropriate disciplinary measures be taken due to the shortage of these buses within campuses.
“We believe that it is your responsibility as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that the resources meant for the benefit of all students are distributed fairly and transparently”, the NANS leaders stated.
