June 12 Protest: NANS Calls Off Protest, Distances Self From Buhari-Must-Go, Secession

The National Association of Nigerian Students has called off the June 12 protest it once called for, distancing itself from the campaigns for the break out of the Yoruba nation and the Indigenous People of Biafra movement, as well as from the Buhari-Must-Go campaigns.
Recall that the President of the association, Sunday Asefon had lamented the worsening insecurity in the country and the ripple effects on students who fell victim to kidnapping and banditry at will, and had said the NANS had relocated its national headquarters to the North Central State pending when the kidnapped Islamiyya students would be released.He then declared 11th June as the national students’ day of prayers, saying prayers shall be offered for the repose of our students who have died in the hands of kidnappers. In the same vein, he declared 12th June as the National Day of Peaceful Protest to call on the government to act decisively towards addressing insecurity in our schools, campuses and also announce a proactive measure or strategy towards ensuring safer schools.
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In a new statement titled, ‘NANS Suspends June 12 Protest Over Concerns About Safety Of Protesters And Fear Of Possible Hijack By Politicians – Comrade Sunday Asefon’, Asefon said the planned the planned protest has been hijacked. According to him, the June 12 protest was hitherto aimed at decrying the insecurity in the country, especially the serial abductions of students, however, “some politicians with different agenda have perfected plans to hijack the protest to ventilate their political opinions and sentiments”.
Clearing the association off any ulterior-motived campaign, Asefon said the students’ body was not associated with the IPOB/Yoruba nation secession or the Buhari-must-go campaigns which are also slated to hold on Saturday by some politicians and activists. Stating the need to avoid a clash of interest and clash with security agencies, Asefon called off the protest. Giving explanations, Asefon, however, noted that the protest is cancelled but postponed, adding that a new date would be announced for the demonstration.
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“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”, the statement reads in part.TRENDING VIDEO OF THE DAY: Tiwa Savage Stole One Of My Biggest Songs – Seyi Shay Gives Her Own Side Of The Story Photos Credit: Getty