NAOSS National Body Disassociates Self From Planned August 1 National Protest

The National body of the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) have announced they would not be a part of the planned national protest by some Nigerians, tagged #End Bad Governance in Nigeria”.

Dtruth Insights reports that the national protest is planned for August 1 to 10 to draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu-led government to the plight of Nigerians, hunger, and rising cost of living in the country.

However, in a statement on Tuesday evening by the National President of NAOSS, Comrade Akinnibi Miftau said the association has decided not to participate in the planned demonstration.

According to the statement, “The National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) NHQ, led by Comr. AKINNIBI Miftahu, with the Slogan ‘Epoch of Excellence’ write to to inform you all about a critical decision made by the National Executives of NAOSS concerning the upcoming national protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria. This protest, scheduled for August 1 to 10, aims to draw the attention of the President Bola Tinubu-led government to the pressing issues of hunger and the rising cost of living faced by many Nigerians. While we recognize and empathize deeply with the concerns driving this protest, NAOSS National Headquarters has decided not to participate in the planned demonstration.

“Firstly, NAOSS has always stood firmly for the rights and welfare of our members and the broader Nigerian society. We acknowledge the severe hardships that many Nigerians are enduring, and we are committed to advocating for positive change through constructive and peaceful means. However, we believe that participating in this particular protest may not align with our strategic approach to achieving long-term solutions.

“Our decision is based on a careful evaluation of the potential outcomes and risks associated with the protest. We are concerned about the safety and security of our members amid the current volatile environment. The primary responsibility of NAOSS is to safeguard our students, and we cannot, in good conscience, expose them to potential harm or unrest that may arise during such a large-scale protest.

“Furthermore, NAOSS has always been a proponent of engaging in dialogue and constructive engagement with the government and relevant stakeholders. We believe that meaningful change can be achieved through ongoing discussions, policy advocacy, and active participation in democratic processes.

“We are currently in the process of drafting a comprehensive policy recommendation to address the issues of hunger and rising living costs, which we intend to present to the government.

“It is also important to note that our decision does not imply a lack of support for the grievances expressed by the protest organizers and participants. On the contrary, we stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who are calling for better governance and improved living conditions. Our approach, however, emphasizes sustainability and the importance of institutional engagement.
We urge our members to channel their energies into initiatives that foster unity, peace, and constructive dialogue.

“Moreover, we encourage our members to remain vigilant and law-abiding during this period. It is essential to prioritize personal safety and the well-being of our communities. We advise against participating in activities that may lead to confrontation or escalate tensions. Instead, let us focus on building a united front that can push for change through legal and peaceful means.

“To this end, NAOSS National Headquarters is open to collaborating with other student bodies and civil society organizations to develop and implement alternative strategies for advocacy. We believe that by working together, we can amplify our voices and achieve more significant impact without resorting to potentially disruptive measures.

“In conclusion, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of our members and the betterment of Nigeria as a whole. Our decision to abstain from the #EndBadGovernance protest is made with the utmost consideration for the safety, security, and long-term interests of our association. We call on all members to support this decision and continue to engage in positive and constructive advocacy. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”