NANS ZONAL STRUCTURE DISOWNS ATIKU ABUBAKAR ISAH, DECLARES OMOYELE SOWORE AND HIS PLATFORM AS BETRAYAL OF THE STRUGGLE
The attention of the leadership of the zonal structures of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been drawn to the ignoble actions and utterances of one Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, who recently declared himself as the President of NANS-an act which is both illegal and deceitful.
It is utterly disappointing that a senior cadre like Comr. Abubakar Atiku, whose active participation in NANS dates back to between 2000 and 2010, would resort to such desperate antics. More alarming is the fact that this same individual contested the Kogi State governorship election under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the recent off-cycle election, yet today has descended so low as to impersonate the office of NANS President without contesting or even participating in the democratic process of the recently concluded NANS Convention.
We are shocked beyond measure that Comr. Abubakar Atiku, an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the only institution he attended as a student activist, has allowed himself to be used as a political tool to discredit the very structure that made him. His actions are not only embarrassing but constitute a slap on the face of genuine comrades who have continued to uphold the sanctity of the students’ movement.
The Zonal and State structures of NANS hereby dissociate ourselves totally from Comr. Abubakar Atiku and his self-acclaimed presidency. He is neither a candidate in the last election nor constitutionally qualified to contest. It is, therefore, criminal for him to parade himself as the President of NANS.
We understand that his actions may be tied to the ongoing political realignments in the country. However, it is evil and unacceptable for any product of NANS, whether senior or junior cadre, to allow our collective identity to be exploited for political hatchet jobs. We advise Comr. Atiku to reflect deeply and retrace his steps before it is too late. For someone aspiring to become a state chief executive, nothing can be more shameful than engaging in a petty and dirty fight with a legitimately elected student leader.
For the records, we affirm and recognize Comr. Olushola Oladoja is the only legitimate President of NANS, duly elected by Nigerian students. He remains the leader we voted for and continue to stand with.
Furthermore, we express our deep disappointment and sense of betrayal at the continued attacks on NANS by Comr. Omoyele Sowore, former President of the University of Lagos Students’ Union and an active Senator of NANS in the 1990s. Sowore, through his Sahara Reporters platform, has chosen to undermine the image of an organization he once belonged to by continuously publishing false and fabricated stories against NANS.
Let it be known that the spirit and letter of the struggle will one day demand accountability from Sowore, who has since demonstrated nothing but bitterness and frustration against the movement. Since the time NANS respectfully declined to join his visionless #RevolutionNow protest, he has resorted to blackmail and propaganda against the association.
We hereby declare Sahara Reporters as persona non grata in all student events and activities across the federation. We warn strongly that the medium should stay clear of student affairs or be ready to face the wrath of Nigerian students in full measure.
NANS will not allow itself to be hijacked or dragged into self-serving and unpatriotic protests or political distractions. We shall continue to remain an independent and progressive voice of Nigerian students across all institutions.
Signed:
Zone A Coordinator, NANS
Zone B Coordinator, NANS
Zone C Coordinator, NANS
Zone D Coordinator, NANS
Zone E Coordinator, NANS
Zone F Coordinator, NANS
You must be logged in to post a comment Login