The Senate Arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed the postponement of this year’s general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a press statement issued by NANS’ Senate President, Royce Odoh Ochai, the association commended the electoral commission for the shift in the election date.
“We cannot but appreciate Professor Attairu Jega for deeming it fit to give room for a level playing ground for all aspirants and more so, for giving us the opportunity to reach out to our members who are yet to collect their PVC.
“As much as we can, we shall continue to sensitise the youths and students structure on the need to allow a violence-free election, knowing full well that the youths and students are the harbingers of peace and destruction in any given society, as such the need to orientate our students on the need to shun violence remains sacrosanct,” Ochai said.
The association also frowned at the way desperate politicians are enticing students with money so as to use them as tools for political vandalism. The association then implored such politicians, candidates and all political parties to desist from such.
Speaking further, the association condemned the press briefing held by the Vice-President, External Affairs, Tosin Ogunkuade on behalf of the association.
“Inasmuch as we dissociate NANS from the politically sponsored press briefing, the Senate also frowns at the manner Ogunkuade is politicising the organisation,” it said.
Yakubu Temitope
(Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti).