The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly denied any involvement in a rumoured protest against fuel price hikes, scheduled for September 15th, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NANS Senate President Afeez Akinteye dismissed the circulating information as false and unfounded.
Akinteye said that the claims of a planned protest do not represent the stance of NANS, labelling the reports as baseless rumours.
He reassured the public that NANS remains committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive dialogue with relevant authorities, rather than actions that could incite unrest or disrupt public order.
“The leadership of NANS is aware of the rumours suggesting that we are organising a massive protest to shut down major cities. We categorically state that NANS has not endorsed or announced any such protest. These reports are entirely untrue and do not reflect the intentions of our organisation,” Akinteye stated.
He further called on security agencies to investigate the source of the misinformation, urging them to identify and hold accountable those responsible for spreading these false claims.
According to Akinteye, the misuse of NANS’ name to incite unrest is a serious threat to national security and a disservice to the genuine interests of Nigerian students.
“We urge security agencies to act decisively in apprehending any individuals or groups attempting to use the name of NANS to incite unrest. NANS stands for peace, progress, and the unity of our nation, and we will continue to pursue our mission through peaceful and lawful means,” Akinteye concluded.
NANS also called on the public and media to disregard the false reports and remain vigilant against those attempting to manipulate public sentiment for personal gain.
The organisation reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students through legitimate and constructive channels.