NANS, Niger Delta Students Disown Planned Protest Against NDDC   

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) have distanced themselves from a planned protest against the management and board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, NANS Zone B coordinator Isaac Ogieva said the planned protest was being organised by Romeo Kemepadei, the leader of a faction of NIDSUG.

Ogieva said: “The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B wishes to dissociate itself from any planned protest against the NDDC, purportedly organized by the illegitimate leader of the NIDSUG, Mr Romeo Kemepadei.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students is the umbrella body of Nigerian students both at home and in the diaspora, which serves as a rapid response organ for the day-to-day running of students’ activities.

“On this note, we unequivocally state that NANS Zone B is not involved in any such planned protest and has not authorized any individual or group to represent it in this regard.”

On his part, NIDSUG national president, Scott Ogunseri, called on multinational oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region as well as ministries and parastatals to provide information about any protest against the NDDC.

Ogunseri said: “The National Executives of the Niger Delta Student Union Government (NIDSUG) hereby disclaim, counter, and disassociate ourselves from the planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) orchestrated by imposters.

“The proposed protest, initiated by Mr Romeo Emieye Kemepade and Mr Idowu Ayemobuwa (Hero), is unauthorized and illegitimate. We condemn such calls and advise our members, IOCs, Parastatals, and Ministries to disregard any information from these impostors.

“We acknowledge the NDDC management’s laudable projects and programs, which have benefited our students. Our intention is to foster peace, unity, and growth in our region, not promote crisis.”