The Zone B South-South of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG) have dissociated themselves from what they called a planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), purportedly organized by a parallel leadership of NIDSUG under Mr. Romeo Kemepadei.
The National Association of Nigerian Students is the umbrella body for Nigerian students both at home and in the diaspora, serving as a rapid response organization for the day-to-day running of students’ activities.
In separate press conferences in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the two groups condemned the Mr. Romeo Kemepadei-led faction of NIDSUG for spearheading the planned protest. Isaac Ogieva, President of NANS Zone B, South-South, and Comrade Scott Ogunseri, National President of the Niger Delta Student Union Government (NIDSUG), described Kemepadei as “illegitimate and roguish.”
They stated that the proposed protest, initiated by Romeo Kemepadei and Mr. Idowu Ayemobuwa, is unauthorized and illegitimate. Ogieva, the NANS Zone B President, declared: “We condemn such calls and advise our members, IOCs, parastatals, and ministries to disregard any information from these impostors. On this note, we unequivocally state that NANS Zone B is not involved in any such planned protest and has not authorized any individual or group to represent it in this regard.”
“As a law-abiding and responsible organization, NANS Zone B remains steadfast and committed to promoting the welfare and interests of Nigerian students through peaceful and constructive means. We urge all students and the general public to disregard any information or propaganda suggesting that NANS Zone B is involved in any planned protest against NDDC.”
On his part, Ogunseri, the National President of NIDSUG, said the national executives: “disclaim, counter, and disassociate ourselves from the planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) orchestrated by impostors. The proposed protest, initiated by Mr. Romeo Emieye Kemepade and Mr. Idowu Ayemobuwa (Hero), is unauthorized and illegitimate. We condemn such calls and advise our members, IOCs, parastatals, and ministries to disregard any information from these impostors.”
Both student bodies acknowledged the NDDC management’s laudable projects and programs, stating that they have been beneficial to students. “Our intention is to foster peace, unity, and growth in our region, not promote crisis.”
“We want to use this medium to appreciate the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led NDDC management for their support in providing solar lights, awarding foreign scholarships, and constructing hostels and classrooms across various higher institutions of learning in our region. We also appreciate the board and management for the youth and student empowerment programs, especially the youth internship program, which is soon to be implemented.”
“In this regard, and to maintain peace in our region, we call on the security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for sponsoring, initiating, and participating in unwholesome activities such as illegal protests aimed at causing unrest in our region.”
“Furthermore, we urge the management and staff of the NDDC to collaborate with NANS Zone B and the legitimate Niger Delta Students Union President, Comrade Scott Ogunseri, and executive member, Comrade Isaac Ogieva, to prevent impostors from orchestrating violence and unrest due to their self-serving interests.”
They called on the security agencies to intervene and arrest anyone participating in unauthorized protests. “We request the arrest of impostors claiming to represent NIDSUG. We seek continued dialogue with the NDDC for regional development.”
The students later presented some requests to the NDDC management, saying: “We propose the approval of the NIDSUG-proposed Niger Delta Bursary. We request internship opportunities for students.”
They added: “We appeal for the expansion of the Overseas Scholarship to accommodate more beneficiaries. We request consideration for local scholarships to complement the Students’ Loan proposed by President Bola Tinubu.”
