The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has said that social unrest would not provide any solution to the hardship Nigerians are currently experiencing.
The association said it understands what Nigerians are facing because of the state of the nation’s economy, warning against embarking on unrest.
NANS has also called on those behind the planned protest to come out in the open and stop hiding their identities, adding that it is necessary for Nigerians to interrogate their motives for the planned action.
The National President of the student body, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, in a statement on Wednesday, said there is a need to have a clear assessment of the situation and the necessary steps to take instead of embarking on mob action.
The body also assured that Nigerian students would not be part of any step or action to set the nation on fire, noting that cutting off the head is not the antidote for headache.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) found it necessary to address the pressing concerns and burning contemporary issues affecting our beloved country and, most importantly, the student community.
“Firstly, NANS acknowledges the significant hardship being experienced by citizens across Nigeria due to the implementation of recent reforms and policies by the government.
“These measures, though aimed at steering our nation towards sustainable development, have undoubtedly brought about economic challenges that have impacted every Nigerian household. We understand the frustrations and difficulties the citizens are facing, and we are deeply empathetic to the plight of all Nigerians.
“However, we must remain steadfast and patient. The transformation we all desire is not an overnight process. It requires collective resilience and perseverance. We are optimistic that in no distant future, the positive outcomes of these reforms will become evident. Citizens’ patience and understanding are vital during this period of adjustment.
“NANS also wishes to categorically distance Nigerian students from any protest against the government at this time. We have observed that certain individuals and groups are attempting to exploit the current economic situation to incite unrest.
“This is evident in the fact that the organizers of the protests have chosen to hide their identities while making inflammatory statements that are capable of engendering chaos. They are simply economic saboteurs because their aim is to add to the current economic realities facing Nigerians for selfish political gains,” NANS said.