The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denied involvement in a purported “#FreeNnamdiKanu Protest” circulated on social media.
In a press statement yesterday, NANS President Comrade Olushola Oladoja dismissed the report as a deliberate attempt to drag the student body’s name into political controversies unrelated to its mandate.
He says, “The entire claim is false, mischievous, and designed to drag the name of our noble Association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body.”
The NANS leader clarified that the Association had no intention of organising or participating in any protest linked to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), or in any agitation sponsored by individuals such as Omoyele Sowore.
“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that NANS is not, and will not be, part of any protest organised or influenced by Omoyele Sowore or any other politically motivated group or individual,” Oladoja said.
He stressed that NANS, as the umbrella body representing all Nigerian students at home and abroad, strongly believes in the rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement.
“We understand that the matter concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is currently a legal issue before a competent court of law. It would therefore be inappropriate, unlawful, and irresponsible for NANS to take a partisan position or mobilise any form of protest on a matter before the judiciary.”
Oladoja accused Sowore and his associates of trying to exploit NANS’ name for personal and political gains. “Whatever Mr Sowore and his group are planning or doing is for their own political interest and has nothing to do with NANS. We advise him and his co-travellers to stop using the name of NANS to give credibility to their politically driven agenda.”
