- The Forum also condemned Mr. Henry Adewumi Okunomo for calling for a nationwide protest and economic shutdown.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for a peaceful discussion to address the recent fuel price increase.
At a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Comrade Bilal Kurfi, the chairman of the Forum, stated that NANS did not organize any protests or demonstrations and warned the public against fake protest calls by non-students with hidden agendas.
Bilal Kurfi showed empathy towards the student population facing challenges due to the recent economic policies.
The Forum of Zonal Coordinators emphasized that collaborating with relevant stakeholders through discussions will yield better results in finding lasting solutions to the issue.
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 requested 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.
The Forum also condemned Mr. Henry Adewumi Okunomo for calling for a nationwide protest and economic shutdown.