The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced the withdrawal of their members from a planned protest against the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over allegations of the diversion of 42,000 metric tons of food items meant for distribution across various states.
In a statement signed by NANS Senate President, Akinteye Afeez, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Friday, NANS described the allegation as a misconception by the public.
After conducting a thorough investigation, NANS found that the claims of diversion were completely baseless.
Afeez reiterated the student group’s commitment to collaborating with NEMA in organizing programs that will educate and sensitize students on disaster management and preparedness.
He stated, “The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) wishes to address the recent calls for a protest against the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) under the leadership of the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, based on allegations of the diversion of 42,000 metric tons of food items meant for distribution across the country.
“After our investigation, it is crucial to set the record straight and dispel any misconceptions regarding this matter.
This information must be frowned upon, and it is important to inform the public of the outcome of our findings, which have cleared the management of NEMA of any blame.
“As representatives of Nigerian students, we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions are rooted in facts and driven by a commitment to truth and justice.
“In light of this, I, Akinteye Afeez, President of the Senate, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), recently led a productive meeting with the Director-General of NEMA, where comprehensive explanations were provided, and documents presented showed that the allegations were unfounded.
“Following our discussions, it became clear that the claims of diversion were completely baseless. Therefore, public enlightenment on this matter is imperative.
“In all honesty, NEMA has demonstrated a commendable level of transparency and accountability in its operations.
After rigorous investigations, we have verified that the food items in question have been distributed to the states as planned, with the DG herself, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, actively ensuring that these items reached their intended destinations.
“During our fact-finding meeting with the agency, we discovered that all states have already received their allocations, with the exception of Akwa Ibom, which experienced a delay due to late payment for transportation costs.
However, this delay should not be misconstrued as an act of diversion or malfeasance on the part of NEMA.
“We must emphasize that the leadership of NANS is now fully aware of NEMA’s efforts, and we appreciate the agency’s dedication to its mandate.
The DG’s personal involvement in the distribution process reaffirms her commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, receive the assistance they need.
“However, it is disheartening and unfortunate to see that certain individuals at the state level may have tampered with the items, thereby preventing them from reaching all the vulnerable segments of society.
Our organization will be closely monitoring such condemnable acts wherever they occur.
“These unpatriotic elements are not acting in the best interests of the Nigerian people, and their actions are a disservice to the countless individuals who depend on NEMA’s support during this critical time in our country’s history.
“To this end, we unequivocally withdraw any threats of planned protests against NEMA based on unfounded allegations.
Taking action without adequate fact-finding would not only undermine the credibility of NANS as an organization that stands for truth but also unnecessarily disrupt the vital work NEMA is doing to support vulnerable populations across the country.
“Consequently, the meeting between the leadership of NANS and NEMA marks a productive and progressive step toward ensuring that everyone continues to benefit from the laudable work of NEMA.
“We believe that the agency’s transparent and efficient handling of its responsibilities deserves to be commended, not criticized.
The DG and her team have shown that they are more than capable of delivering on their mandate, and it is imperative that we, as students and future leaders, stand by them.
“Furthermore, our recent discussions with NEMA have opened avenues for collaboration between the agency and NANS.
We are committed to working together to develop programs that will educate and sensitize students on disaster management and preparedness.
“This partnership will ensure that NANS can play a constructive role in supporting government agencies and ensuring they continue to serve the Nigerian people effectively.
“In conclusion, rather than protesting against NEMA, we should channel our energies toward supporting and collaborating with the agency to ensure they continue to deliver on their mandate.
“NANS remains committed to the welfare of Nigerian students and the broader Nigerian populace.
We will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our actions are always in the best interest of the people we serve,” he concluded.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE