The student community in Enugu State has announced they will not participate in the nationwide protest organized by unnamed groups against the perceived hardship in the country. This decision emerged from a recent meeting of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Enugu State chapter.
The students expressed concerns that the proposed protest, scheduled for August 1st - 10th, could escalate into chaos, leading to loss of lives and property similar to what occurred during the EndSARS protests. Instead, they called for dialogue, aligning with their longstanding principles of consultation, consolidation, and confrontation.
“We must consult and consolidate on our consultation before we confront,” NANS stated in their communique.
The Chairman of NANS in Enugu State, Comrade Prisca Okeke, presented the communique after their town hall meeting, which focused on “The role of students in nation building and national stability.” This meeting was held in response to the worsening economic conditions and increasing hardship in the country.
Key Points from the Town Hall Meeting
State of the Campuses:
High Cost of Living: Students are struggling with the soaring costs of basic necessities, adversely affecting their quality of life.
Increasing Rate of Inflation: The rising inflation has intensified the financial burden on students and their families.
Students and Staff Welfare: There is an urgent need to enhance the welfare of both students and staff within educational institutions.
Resolutions from the Meeting
Urgent Government Action: NANS calls on the federal government to address the widespread hardship by implementing policies that directly and positively impact citizens' lives. This includes measures to curb inflation and make essential commodities more affordable.
Stakeholder Consultation: The government is urged to engage relevant stakeholders in meaningful dialogue to find sustainable solutions to the nation's economic challenges. A collaborative approach is essential for developing effective policies that address the root causes of these issues.
Protest Participation: NANS acknowledges the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and association. However, considering the potential for societal disruption, they have decided not to participate in the proposed nationwide protest. This decision aligns with the national body's call for a peaceful resolution, demonstrated through a peaceful march in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The student leaders in Enugu State expressed deep empathy for the prevalent hardship in Nigeria and the citizens' outcry. However, in the interest of maintaining peace and preventing a repeat of the EndSARS experience, they advocate for alternative means of addressing these issues. They reaffirm their commitment to peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the country's economic challenges.
Conclusion
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Enugu State, has chosen dialogue over protest, emphasizing the need for consultation and consolidation before confrontation. Their approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students while addressing the economic hardships affecting the nation.
Signed:
The Student Leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Enugu State.
This comprehensive report encapsulates the key points from the NANS Enugu State chapter's meeting and their stance on the proposed nationwide protest. It highlights their commitment to peaceful dialogue and the importance of collaborative efforts in resolving the country's economic issues.
