July 24, 2024
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos State chapter, has distanced itself from the planned August 1 to 10 nationwide protests against bad governance.
The protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, according to organisers, was to draw attention of the President Bola Tinubu-led government to the plight of Nigerians, hunger and rising cost of living.
But the students said they would rather have a ‘solidarity walk’ to support and encourage Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his great support to students.
The students said their solidarity walk would also hold from August 1 to 10 to drum support for peace, especially to prevent a recurrence of the 2020 #EndSARS experience.
According to them, the Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos had been good to students, saying they had no reason to join the protest.
They said students would prefer constructive dialogue with governments to achieve collective goals.
At a news conference by a coalition of student leaders, Chairman of NANS, Lagos Axis, Lekan Alimi, who spoke for others, described the planned protests as ‘absolutely uncalled for’.
He said: “While it is our democratic right to voice our concerns, it is equally important to acknowledge the strides and successes achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Tertiary Education.
“After extensive deliberations, we have come in unison and in one voice to say ‘Thank You Lagos’ for being prompt and responsive to many needs of the people through the THEMES+ Agenda. It is also important to note that the governor has maintained open lines of communication with student leaders, as evidenced by the recent parley with Mr. Governor. This ongoing engagement highlights a genuine interest in addressing our concerns and finding solutions that benefit us all.
“In these trying times, it is crucial that we remember the importance of stability, peace, and constructive dialogue in achieving our collective goals. Given these significant contributions and the progress we have witnessed, we strongly state that we are not in support of any protest against the government in Lagos. We understand the frustrations and challenges faced by many, but we must also recognise the advancements and opportunities that have been provided to cushion the economic effect on the nation, and we hope other states can emulate the Lagos State Government.
“We cannot afford to let the destructive events of the past, such as the EndSARS protests, repeat themselves. Our priority is to defend and preserve the peace and prosperity of Lagos. We urge all students to channel their energies into constructive dialogue and positive action, such as volunteering for community development projects, participating in student-government initiatives, and engaging in academic and extracurricular activities that promote excellence.
“We believe that with time, patience, and continued collaboration with the government, we will see further improvements and solutions to the issues we face. Let us stand together in unity and purpose, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to a better future for all.
“As a demonstration of our support for the Lagos State government and our commitment to peace and stability, we announce our intention to hold a Solidarity Walk in support of the government from the 1st to the 10th of August, coinciding with the proposed dates of the planned protest by some unknown individuals. We will not let the voices of discord and destruction drown out our message of unity and progress…”
Also speaking, Chairman, National Female Students Association of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), Comrade Titilayo Ekundayo, said: “Lagos has been at peace and will continue to be at peace. We students are saying no to protest in Lagos State. We appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving opportunities to women in the state, and we female students will shun any form of protest.”
President of the National Association of Lagos State Students, Comrade Hafiz Olufowobi, said Governor Sanwo-Olu had done a lot in the state, so there was no basis to embark on a national protest in the state.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has tried his best to ease hardship on students across Lagos State. We are not in support of any protest. This is our state, and we don’t have anywhere to go if #EndSARS happens again. We are saying no to protest in my state,” he stressed.
