Tender Unreserved Apology To Tanko, NANS Urges INEC

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tender an unreserved apology to the vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Prof. Ishaya Tanko.

The students body condemned the attack from citizens on Tanko following the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections that took place on Saturday 18th March 2023, saying that he remains an Icon of nation building to Nigerian Students.

NANS Senate President, Comrade Felix Attah said in a statement on Saturday that

Nigerian Students stand firmly with Ishaya because his pedigree as a distinguished Professor.

The statement reads in parts, ‘We have followed with keen interest the turn out of events since two weeks after the Governorship Election and various Candidates returned elected, and also we are aware of the Outcry by the Public from different quarters of the Country, We will refrain on speaking further on the matter because cases have been filed in court.

“Our main concern is the attack from citizens on a gentleman and father to us, the person of Prof Ishaya Tanko who remains an Icon of Nation building to Nigerian Students.

“However, following the Governorship and State House of Assembly that took place on Saturday 18th March 2023, he has been subjected to all manner of attack and intimidation on social media and his good name is being dragged to the mud for an offence he did not commit.

“Knowing Professor Tanko fully well as a man who cannot be used to destroy our democracy, we initially dismissed those allegations and false informations sent to the Zonal Structures of NANS.

“However, we have noticed the intensified media campaign against him to the extent that innocent women are being instigated against him, we took the pain to investigate the various allegations- the allegation of falsification of result and bribery. We found no merit in them.

“The complaint took place at the ward ; not even at the Local Government collation centre. What is happening is just a deliberate attempt to call him a bad name and drag his hard earned reputation to disrepute.

“Professor Tanko has pursued his agenda of promoting “Integrity, Openness and Accountability” with uncommon vigour and sincerity of purpose.

“By anchoring his message on this tripod, Game Changer” as Professor Tanko is fondly called, has continued to champion the cause of impactful Academic enterprise through effective human resource development and cutting-edge Research activities with high community focus.

“May we use this medium to also call on the INEC chairman prof Yakubu MAHMOOD to tender an unreserved apology to our dear Vice Chancellor. For an Injury to our Lecturer (Life member of NANS) is an injury to all of us,” it added.