NANS factions reconcile, vow to resist interference from politicians

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has vowed to resist any attempt by any political party or politician to promote division in the organization.

The resolution of the students’ body followed the resolution of the crisis rocking the union.

It would be recalled that the convention held last September split the body into two factions – one led by government-preferred candidate, Usman Barambu of Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, and the other led by Umar Farouk Lawal of Bayero University Kano, the preferred candidate of students.

However, addressing a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja on behalf of the leadership of the Natives on the unity of NANS, its Chairman, Olalekan Edwards said the crisis rocking the union has been resolved.

He disclosed that the inauguration of all new executive members would now hold on Thursday, 10th November 2022 at the NAF Conference Center.

He said: “May I state unequivocally that all dispute resolution mechanisms were triggered and to the glory of God, all aggrieved parties were brought to the table and a new course was championed for us all. It is a case of win-win for all as there was no victor no vanquished, rather, at the end of it, all the victory is accrued to Nigerian students. ”

Edward noted that it was public knowledge that the NANS convention held in Abuja produced a new national executive with Barambu as President to lead the organization in this dispensation.

He explained that like several other organizations, the body had post-election skirmishes as not everyone would leave without grievances.

Edwards noted that as one big family, they must always find ways of resolving issues for the betterment of the entire Nigerian students both at home and in the diaspora.

He said the union was committed to running an all-inclusive government of NANS where the total welfare and well-being of Nigerian students both at home and in the diaspora will be of paramount interest.

Commending all aggrieved parties for consenting to dialogue and hence finding a common ground to work together for the collective interest, he added: “In the cause of uprooting the balkanization of the most populous body of voters, we no doubt had to reach out to many past leaders, men of influence and reach to stretch out their olive branches to warring leaders, disenfranchised persons and followers; this was a herculean task as students were also at home and on the streets, in protests, [and] confrontation with police and reconciliation was becoming near impossible.”

He noted that it became imperative to mobilise former student leaders to work round the clock to harmonize all interest groups outside and inside the organizational structure.

“Finally, today we have come to a successful conclusion of a United NANS. As an organization going forward, we will resist any attempt by any political party or politician aimed at encouraging or promoting division in our noble organization. Nothing will stop Nigerian Students from working as one indivisible entity during the forthcoming general election in deciding who and who will lead us as leaders,” he stated.

Edward stressed that Nigerian students account for almost 30 per cent of registered voters in Nigeria, hence, the unnecessary interference in NANS’ affairs by politicians.