Nationwide Protest: Ogun Students Decline Participation

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) have announced their decision not to partake in the upcoming nationwide protest against hunger and poor governance. The protest, known as #EndBadGovernance, is set to occur across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 1 to 10.

Rally Against Planned Protest

On Wednesday, students in Abeokuta held a rally to voice their concerns about the potential for the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums, leading to chaos and disruption of peace. During the rally, NAOSS National President Thomas Kehinde addressed journalists, urging students to avoid participation in the protest.

Key Statements from NAOSS

Kehinde emphasized the collective stance of Ogun State's student community against the planned protests. He highlighted the organizers' mobilization efforts across the country and reiterated the students' intention to abstain from the protests.

We, the leaders of the collective student structures in Ogun State, have staged this rally to emphasize that the student community in Ogun State will not be part of the planned nationwide protests.

Concerns Over Potential Violence

Kehinde expressed concerns about the possibility of the protest being hijacked by hoodlums, leading to looting, robbery, and vandalization of both public and private infrastructure. He cautioned that such protests could escalate from peaceful demonstrations to violent events, potentially resulting in harm.

We want to caution that such protests could be hijacked by hoodlums to perpetrate looting, robbery, and vandalization of both public and private infrastructure, as well as attacks on targeted personalities.

Reference to EndSARS Protests

The bitter memories of the EndSARS protests and the resulting destruction and alleged killings were also cited as reasons for avoiding participation in the planned nationwide protests.

As Nigerians, the bitter experience of the EndSARS protests is still lingering in our memories. Therefore, to avoid a replay of the wanton destruction and alleged killings that accompanied the EndSARS protests, we hereby emphasize that students in Ogun should stay away from the nationwide protests.

Commitment to Non-Violent Advocacy

Kehinde reassured that student associations in Ogun State are dedicated to the welfare of their members and will not support activities with a high risk of violence and destruction. He urged students to remain calm and trust in their leaders to address their concerns through non-violent means.

Leaderships of student associations in Ogun State, as organized associations dedicated to serving the interests of students, will never drive their members to participate in activities that have a high propensity of leading to violence and destruction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ogun students, represented by NANS and NAOSS, have firmly stated their decision to abstain from the planned nationwide protests. They emphasize the importance of peaceful and constructive advocacy, urging their peers to stay away from potentially violent demonstrations.