NANS suspends June 12 protest, cites hijack by politicians

The National Association of Nigerian Students has suspended its planned June 12 nationwide protest, saying politicians have hijacked the protest to pursue their personal agenda.

The students’ body alleged that some politicians with “different agenda” have perfected plans to hijack the protest to “ventilate their political opinions and sentiments.”

NANS President, Sunday Asefon, who announced the suspension of the planned protest during a briefing on Friday, accused some unnamed politicians of hiding under the planned protest to push for the removal of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He told reporters that the students’ body was not associated with the secessionist campaign or the ‘Buhari-must-go’ campaign slated to hold on Saturday by some politicians and activists.

Asefon stated that the earlier protest planned by the students’ body was aimed at decrying the insecurity in the country, especially the serial abductions of students.

He said: “Having considered the current security realities and the danger to the lives of our members in case of possible hijack of the planned protest, I in consultation with all the structures of NANS, therefore, announce the suspension of our proposed protest for June 12.

“The suspension of the protest is necessary to avoid a clash of interest and clash with security agencies that are on red alert to protect the nation’s infrastructure from security breaches on the proposed date as a result of many other protests slated for the date.

“We intend to protest for better security and improved welfare for our students, we must therefore not put the life of any of our students at risk to ventilate our grievances.”

Asefon further noted that the protest was not canceled but postponed, adding that a new date would be announced for the demonstration.

According to him, the planned protest will hold at a later date which will be announced to student leaders in the 36 states, including the FCT.

“I, therefore, call on all our structures across the country to suspend the planned protest for a later date that will be announced soon after due consultation with student leaders across the thirty-six states of the federation including the FCT.

“If our voices must be heard clearly, we must ensure that no other interest other than ours takes the center stage in our protest,” he said.