Abuja – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dismissed recent leadership claims. The association calls these claims false. NANS also strongly spoke against political interference in its matters. This happened after reports questioned the real NANS leaders.
A statement released on Wednesday gave the association’s stand. Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, the NANS Public Relations Officer, signed this statement.
NANS Denies False Leadership Claims
NANS stated clearly that a person named Henry Okunomu is not who he claimed to be. Mr Okunomu said he was a former Senate President of the association. NANS denied this. The statement read, “For the record, NANS unequivocally states that Mr Henry Okunomu has never held the position of Senate President within our association.” NANS warned the public not to be fooled by these claims.
Mr Okunomu had appeared on television and made his claims. NANS also corrected reports about the current president. NANS said a person named Mr Abubakr is not its president. The association made it clear who the real leader is. According to NANS, the only president, chosen by its rules, is Comrade Olushola Oladoja. The statement said, “The legitimate and duly elected President of NANS, representing the Nigerian student populace, is Comrade Olushola Oladoja.”
Media Duty and NANS Process
The student body showed disappointment with some media houses. NANS said some media groups allowed false information by not checking who their guests were. The statement read, “It is deeply concerning that media platforms we consider reputable would grant their platform to individuals peddling falsehoods and seeking to tarnish the image of a formidable organisation like NANS.”
NANS explained how its leaders are chosen. The association follows its constitution and uses a clear convention process. People wanting to be leaders go through checks. This includes getting forms and screening before meetings. NANS said the idea that money can bypass their rules and constitution is false and insulting.
NANS Stands Alone
NANS repeated that it is its own body. The association said it is not part of any political party, government, or politician. The statement said, “NANS is never an arm of any political party, government or politician.” It added that their actions against policies that hurt students show this.
NANS issued a strong warning. It warned against using its name for political purposes or to cause trouble. “Let it be unequivocally stated that NANS will not tolerate anyone… using the name of the association as a tool of blackmail or political manipulation,” the statement said.
The statement ended by asking media platforms to check facts better. It also repeated NANS’s goal to protect the rights of Nigerian students. NANS said, “We remain focused on our core mandate and will not be distracted by such antics.”
By Abiodun Labi
