The Forum of Zonal Coordinators of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for a shift from protests to constructive dialogue regarding the recent fuel price hike.
The coordinators emphasised that engaging in discussions with relevant stakeholders will be more effective in addressing the issue and finding sustainable solutions, rather than resorting to demonstrations that could be hijacked by those with selfish interests.
It maintained that NANS did not called for any protests or demonstrations, and urged the public to disregard any call for protests by non-students with ulterior motives.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, the chairman of the Forum, Comrade Bilal Kurfi sympathised with the student population over the challenges posed by what he called well-intentioned economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said, “Rather than the student population marching to the streets in protests that could be hijacked to further heighten the already escalating tensions in the system, we believe that dialogue, rather than confrontation, should be adopted to resolve the current crisis. We are intellectuals, not street urchins or political thugs who can be hired by anyone or a group of moneybags to destabilise the country.
“NANS is committed to peaceful and constructive engagement, and we will not be part of any activity that may compromise the safety and well-being of our members and the general public.
“The students shall engage in dialogue with the federal government and NNPCL to seek a reduction in petrol prices to mitigate the effects of inflation on our colleagues.
“The idea of protests being called by some non-students masquerading as our colleagues could destabilise the country, and this is not an option for us. We prefer dialogue over actions that could be deemed partisan and counterproductive to the development and unity of our nation,” he added.
The Forum urged the entire student population to await its civil and democratic actions regarding the price hike and assured them, that President Tinubu, as a sympathetic leader, will listen to their concerns.
Additionally, the Forum also denounced one Mr. Henry Adewumi Okunomo, who called for a nationwide protest and the shutdown of the economy.