The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack all his cabinet ministers who are not performing well in the delivery of their mandates.
The student body has, however, appealed to the Federal Government to raise the student loan upkeep from N20,000 to N40,000 to address rising educational costs.
NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde, who addressed newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said Nigerians, especially students, have been severely affected by the astronomical increase in fuel prices in the country.
He acknowledged the efforts of President Tinubu and his administration in implementing reforms aimed at steering the country towards growth and stability.
“However, we urge the President to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians as these reforms take shape. We respectfully ask that these policies be rolled out in phases to give citizens the breathing space to adapt and survive.
“While we understand that the removal of fuel subsidies is intended for the greater good, we ask for visible benefits amid the current hardship.
“Furthermore, we call for the dismissal of non-performing ministers. Many ministries have been passive, indifferent, and silent, failing to communicate their plans or progress to the Nigerian people. It is time for a more dynamic and accountable government.
“In addition, we urge the government to prioritise the reduction of excessive government spending. At a time when Nigerians are being asked to make sacrifices, it is only fair that those in power lead by example,” he stated.
Babatunde, while expressing strong opposition to protest actions against the fuel price hike, insisted that protests would be a last resort should negotiations with the government fail.
He announced the composition of a 10-man committee headed by the NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, to engage the Federal Government and key stakeholders on the need to reduce the price of fuel in the country.
Other members include NANS Senate President Akinteye Babatunde, Comrade Muhammad Muazu Hina, Vice President External Affairs, Comrade David Bariereka, NANS Secretary General, Comrade Huzaifa Uthman, NANS Deputy Senate President, Oladimeji Uthman, NANS Senate Clerk, Obinta Juliet, NANS Director of Gender, Comrade Bilar Kurfi, Alao John, NANS Zone D Coordinator, and Mimido Joy, NANS Public Relations Officer.
Babatunde that NANS has resolved to take its demands directly to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Federal Government.
“To this end, we are constituting a 10-man committee representing all structures of NANS to engage with these bodies within the next week. Our goal is to present our demands, highlight possible solutions, and expedite efforts to reduce fuel prices while securing tangible solutions to the challenges we face,” he added.
He added, “In light of the financial difficulties facing students, we also take this opportunity to appeal to the government to increase the student loan upkeep from N20,000 to N40,000. This adjustment is essential to help students cope with the rising cost of living and ensure they can continue their education without undue financial strain.”
Speaking further on the purported planned protest, the NANS President, Babatunde, urged security agencies to address decisively any individuals or groups attempting to disturb the peace under the guise of NANS.
He emphasised that NANS has not made any declaration for a protest at the national, zonal, or JCC levels, saying that should the need arise for such action, “we will communicate it clearly and in coordination with all NANS structures.
“In the meantime, we are giving a clear directive to security agencies to deal decisively with any individual or group that seeks to disturb the peace of the nation under the guise of NANS.
“Any organisation or group wishing to protest is free to do so, as it is their constitutional right. However, they must not do so under the name of NANS.
“We reiterate our commitment to the Nigerian students and the nation at large. We will continue to act with prudence, wisdom, and diligence in our quest for justice, fairness, and progress. This is not the time for chaos
but for strategic, thoughtful action,” he stated.
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