The continuous detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a source of discomfort for the Igbo nation, with students bearing the brunt of the consequences. The NANS Chairman emphasized the urgent need to join the voices of well-meaning Nigerians in calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in line with the decision of the Apex court of competent jurisdiction. The association highlights the adverse effects of the self-imposed compulsory Monday sit-at-home on education, economy, and mental well-being, and appeals to all stakeholders to disassociate themselves from this activity for the sake of the region's future.
ENUGU NANS PRESS RELEASE ON DETECTION OF NNAMDI KANU/SIT-AT-HOME
Gentlemen and Ladies of the Press,
I'm comrade Prisca Okeke, The Chairman of the Enugu State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS
I stand here today flanked by the SUG presidents of all the higher institutions in Enugu State to address a matter of grave concern to all Nigerian students in Enugu State.
The continuous detention of mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a matter that stirs discomfort right at the heart of the Igbo nation. As igbos, Nnamdi Kanu is our father, our brother and our kinsman but beyond all that As students, we have become the grasses that suffer while the elephants fight. That is why it has become necessary that we join our voices with that of other well meaning Nigerians to call for the release of mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with decision of the Apex court of competent jurisdiction.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a man that so dearly loves the Igbo nation and it is on the strength of that love that his entire agitation is premised. He would not in any way be happy that our Igbo land is bleeding, that our economy is suffering and most importantly that the education of the younger generation is beleaguered. This is the burden that this self imposed compulsory Monday sit at home brings on the igbo nation. And I ask, Do we lose ourselves in a bid to find ourselves?. These burdens are too great a price to pay.
Education is the bedrock of Every nation and every nation that must grow must allot maximum premium to it's education.
I stand here today to inform our leaders, igwes and our Igbo brothers and sisters that the cumulative effect of excluding Mondays from the rest of the working days is weighty on our academic calendars, the dire consequences it heralds for our education is not a price any region seeking to compete favourably is willing to pay.
In time, our youths and children will not be able to compete effectively with other regions who enjoy unaltered academic calendar.
We are concerned about the future of our young students in their formative stages because of the mental toll it has taken on them. The idea of sitting at home every Monday has become dangerously fascinating to them not because they understand the core reason for the sit at home but because it clearly rules out a week day earmarked for serious work in the academia. This fascination feeds the innate human aversion for work and discipline which our entire exposure and training seeks to starve.
Can we overemphasize the economic implications?
Our parents and guardians are battling a dwindling economic power in the face of outrageous fee hike. Those of us whose parents earn their income from their daily businesses are now finding it hard to meet up with payment of tuition fees.
The cumulative effect of all of these is a direct weight on our education. A weight so heavy that we cannot afford to bear.
This press conference is a special appeal to every well meaning Igbo person to lend voice and support To the task of ending sit at home in Igbo land
It is a special appeal to the entire Enugu people to rise to support the government of Enugu State who are already at the fore front of ending sit at home. His Excellency Peter Mbah can not effectively help ndi Enugu if Enugu people do not want to be helped. It is a wake up call to our students to realise that it is our future that is at stake.
This monday sit at home idea is more like one drinking poison and expecting it to kill his enemy.
By this press conference, we the National Association Of Nigeria Students Enugu State Chapter NANS appeal to our parents, guardians, teachers, government officials, traders, religious organizations, and even the Artisans in our society to dissociate themselves from this ruinous activity called monday sit at home that if not nipped in the bud could portend significant danger for the southeast region and the education of the younger generation.
If Education is the bedrock of any nation, then any venture that sabotages our education becomes our collective enemy.
