The Forum of Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged a shift from protests to constructive dialogue in response to the recent fuel price hike.
The forum emphasized that discussions with relevant stakeholders would be more effective in addressing the issue and finding long-term solutions, rather than resorting to demonstrations that could be manipulated by individuals with selfish motives.
In a statement, the forum clarified that NANS has not called for any protests or demonstrations, urging the public to disregard any calls for protests from non-student groups with ulterior agendas.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Forum Chairman Comrade Bilal Kurfi expressed empathy towards the student community, acknowledging the challenges posed by the economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Kurfi stated, “Rather than having students take to the streets in protests that could be hijacked and further escalate tensions, we believe dialogue should be the tool to resolve the current crisis. We are intellectuals, not street urchins or political thugs for hire by moneybags to destabilize the nation.”
He further emphasized the forum’s commitment to peaceful and constructive engagement, adding, “NANS is dedicated to fostering peaceful dialogue, and we will not be part of any action that jeopardizes the safety and well-being of our members or the general public.”
Kurfi continued, “The student body intends to engage in discussions with the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to seek a reduction in fuel prices and mitigate the inflationary impact on our peers.
Protests led by non-students pretending to be our colleagues could destabilize the nation, and we believe dialogue is a far more productive route.”
The forum assured the student community that it would take civil and democratic actions concerning the fuel price increase and expressed confidence that President Tinubu, as a sympathetic leader, would address their concerns.
In addition, the forum denounced calls for a nationwide protest and economic shutdown by Mr. Henry Adewumi Okunomo, distancing itself from such actions.
