The President-General and Grand Commander of All Aluta Forces of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, has distanced his organization from reports circulating in some sections of the media about a proposed “mother of all protests” aimed at demanding the unconditional release of students and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement titled, “Clarification on Misinformation and a Note of Caution to Nigerian Students Regarding the Proposed Solidarity and Advocacy Movement Over the Continued Captivity of Abducted Students and Teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State,” which he personally signed and made available to the press, Afeez explained that upon assuming office as President-General of NANS, he expressed deep concern over the prolonged captivity of the students and teachers who were abducted nearly three weeks ago in Orire Local Government Area.
He stated that the prolonged captivity of the victims prompted him to call for a solidarity and advocacy movement aimed at securing their immediate release, contrary to reports suggesting that NANS was planning a “mother of all protests.”
“I have observed with great concern the manipulative actions of some political jobbers who are attempting to exploit the situation for their selfish interests. It is indeed unfortunate that some callous and unpatriotic individuals would choose this path. As a responsible and empathetic organization, we will not allow ourselves to be used as instruments for the advancement of selfish political agendas,” he said.
Afeez further noted that there had been a wave of false and misleading information claiming that NANS was planning a “mother of all protests.”
“We wish to categorically state that this information is entirely false and should be disregarded by the public,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our current mobilization is strictly an advocacy and solidarity movement, not a protest. We have a well-structured timetable of activities aimed at constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy. At no point has the leadership of our organization declared or approved any ‘mother of all protests.’
“Members of the public, particularly our members, are strongly advised to avoid faceless groups or individuals attempting to exploit the name of our organization to create tension or unrest in the state.”
He also urged security agencies to remain focused on their primary responsibility and not be distracted by false alarms or fabricated protest claims.
“Their continued attention is needed to ensure the safe return and protection of our students and teachers,” he added.
According to him, the advocacy movement in Oyo State is solely intended to support ongoing efforts to secure the release and safety of all affected students and educators.
“It is not, and has never been, a call for any form of mass protest or disruption,” he emphasized.
The statement further called on all NANS structures, stakeholders, student leaders, activists, and well-meaning Nigerians who wish to participate in the initiative to exercise caution and disregard any misleading information concerning the proposed solidarity and advocacy walk that does not originate from the leadership of NANS.
Afeez also urged all interested persons to await official and authorized directives from the leadership of NANS.
