By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) leadership is currently grappling with a crisis over the distribution formula of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to higher institutions nationwide.
A faction of the student body is accusing its National President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, and the Students’ Senate President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye Afeez, of being selective in the distribution formula.
The faction also voted with no confidence in the two leaders.
The accusation was contained in a petition jointly signed by the Deputy Senate President, Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, Kano State; Comrade Huzaifa Sabo Usman, National ex-officio; Comrade Anderson Chimezie Uwakwe of the Federal College of Land and Resources Technology Owerri, Imo State, Vice President Special Duties; Egbo Johnpaul Nnamchi, Enugu State College of Education; Comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy, Public Relations Officer, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Abdulkaman Muhammad; Comrade Muhd Muazu; Mamuna Bello; Paul Edoh Gabriel; Kabiru Saminu; and Okafor Ernest Obinna made available to journalists yesterday in Awka, Anambra State.
In the statement, a copy of which was also sent to President Bola Tinubu, Director-General, Department of State Services, DSS Headquarters, Abuja; Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Force Headquarters, Abuja; EFCC; ICPC; SSA to the President on Students Affairs; Minister of Transportation; NANS Zonal Coordinators; NANS JCC Chairmen; as well as all SUG Presidents, asking particularly President Tinubu to urgently intervene to avoid a breakdown of law and order and to save his political integrity in the country.
The petition read in part: His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dear Sir, Petition against the unequal distribution of CNG buses by the President, National Association of Nigerian Students, and a vote of no confidence on Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez. On behalf of the Nigerian Students, we express our utmost indignation and disappointment at the egregious unequal distribution of the CNG buses recently donated to the NANS.
“This decision, made by the President of NANS, Comr. Lucky Emonofe, in collaboration with the Senate President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye Afeez, has a flagrant disregard for equity, justice, and transparency principles.
“The buses meant to benefit all Nigerian students have been selectively distributed, leaving many students without access to this vital resource. This unequal distribution will inevitably lead to a shortage of transportation options within our campuses, causing undue hardship and economic challenges for Nigerian students.”
“The economic implications of this unequal distribution cannot be overstated. Many students rely on affordable transportation to commute from campuses, and the shortage of these buses will only exacerbate the economic challenges facing Nigerian students. This will increase costs for alternative transit, burdening students already struggling to cope with the situation.
*Mr. President, we urge you to immediately address this issue, as it will inevitably have far-reaching consequences on your political integrity. The unequal distribution of the buses will tarnish the image of NANS and undermine students’ trust and confidence in your leadership, particularly during these economically challenging times across the country”.
“Furthermore, this incident will likely be perceived as a gross dereliction of duty by the NANS President and the Senate President, which will, in turn, reflect poorly on your administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness. It is imperative to take decisive action to address this issue and restore the trust and confidence of students in the leadership of NANS.
“Given the fact above, we request that you take the following actions: We demand a thorough investigation into the distribution process to identify those responsible for the unequal distribution of the buses.
“We, therefore, call for the immediate redistribution of the buses to ensure that all students have equal access to this resource. We equally demand that the President and Senate President of NANS be held accountable for their actions and appropriate disciplinary measures taken against them due to the shortage of these buses within campuses.
“From the foregoing, we pass a vote of no confidence on the duo of Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez. It is your responsibility as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that the resources meant for the benefit of all students are distributed equitably, fairly, and transparently.
“We hope that you will take immediate action to address this issue and restore the trust of Nigerian students in the leadership of NANS.”
