JUST IN: NANS faction denies nationwide protest

A faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denied any involvement in or plans for a nationwide protest that would lead to the shutdown of major cities.

The faction NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, clarified in an official statement on Wednesday that the organization has neither announced nor endorsed such actions.

The statement called on security agencies to take immediate action against those using the name of NANS to incite unrest or disrupt national peace.

NANS urged security forces to thoroughly investigate the source of these false claims, ensuring that those responsible are identified and held accountable.

The student body further urged the public, media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false reports, condemning those behind the rumours as faceless entities trying to exploit NANS’s name for their malicious purposes.

The statement reads: “The leadership of NANS has been made aware of rumours and misinformation circulating across various platforms, suggesting that NANS is planning a massive shutdown of major cities across the country. We wish to categorically state that NANS has not announced or endorsed any such protest. These reports are entirely baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organization.

“As the umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerian students, we have always been committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders. We understand the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in our nation, especially during these challenging times. Any actions that could lead to civil unrest or the disruption of public order are not, and will never be, supported by NANS.

“We strongly urge the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard these false reports. The individuals or groups behind these rumours are faceless entities who seek to exploit the name of NANS for their own malicious purposes. Their aim is clear: to destabilize the country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.

“We hereby call on the security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the origin of this misinformation. It is imperative that those responsible for spreading these falsehoods are identified and held accountable. The use of the NANS name to propagate such dangerous and unfounded claims is not only a threat to national security but also a grave disservice to the millions of students who genuinely seek positive change through legitimate means.

“Furthermore, we urge security agencies to act decisively in apprehending any individuals or groups attempting to use the name of NANS to incite unrest or disrupt the peace of our nation. We must collectively ensure that the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld at all times.

“NANS remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will continue to pursue this mission through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels. Let it be known that NANS stands firmly for peace, progress, and the unity of our nation.

“We appreciate the ongoing support of Nigerian students and the public, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and not to fall prey to those who seek to manipulate and mislead for their own selfish gains.”