Proposed Students Protest; Disclaimer and Appeal for Calm

Attention of the Leadership of the National Association of Kogi State Students (KSU CHAPTER) has been drawn to a purported planned protest by some faceless and  unidentified group of persons who described themselves as students of Kogi State, over the simultaneous industrial action embarked upon by Kogi State owned Tertiary Institutions Academic and Non-Academic Staff for non payment of eight months salary arrears  amongst other demands.

In view of the above, this is to inform members of the general public that NAKOSS KSU Chapter which is the umbrella body of Kogi State Students is totally unaware of this plan and thus seek to be disassociated from such. The post leading to this  has been going on, on several media platforms. I bear in mind controversies that are most likely to be surrounded by this disclaimer amongst which are blackmails  and refusal to believe in the genuinety of the purpose for this. We must however not relent in our bid to keep the reputation of the Association sacrosanct as we have a proper and matured means of communicating information on every given issue.

As an association and a student body precisely we believe in the practice of due process, respect for constituted authorities, lay down rules and orders and as well as objective  consultations. It is not untrue that even as individuals we have the right to demand for good governance and in particular security of our individual or collective rights but then we must try as much as possible to present our issues or grievances  without deformation of characters or violating the right of others. The first step to be taken in a situation like this is the process of consultation which has already started from both the Student Leadership and University Management angle. Evident to this claim is the letter of appeal written and addressed to the Governor of Kogi State by SUG and NAKOSS KSU chapter on the need for quick response of government to the demands of both Unions and address other matters of students concern like that of  the medical students who are stagnated at the preclinical stage of their study, this appeal was made  in the best interest of the students as it is most disheartening that we who are at the receiving end of it all are made to go through this harrowing experience owing to strike action embarked upon twice just within 10 months.

The need for this disclaimer and appeal for calm became pertinent because of the need to educate Parents, guardians, concerned security agencies, other constituted authorities and as well as the general public that we the students of Kogi Sate in Kogi State University Anyigba, will never get involved in any activity that will not guarantee the lives and properties of her members or pose threat to the fledging peace in the state.

You may recall that Protest as a lawful means of seeking or demanding for right should be a last resort after all peaceful means of demanding for same has been exhausted. But with the consultation so far, assurance has been given that very soon government will engage leadership of both Unions in a wholistic discussion geared  towards addressing their demands. Our position is to always represent the interest of we the students and in this case  express our obvious grievances arising from the inconveniences of the strike action  and not to be used as an instrument by any of the parties to fight the other.

It is very unwise, quiet embarrassing and not comprehensively objective for some faceless and specifically unidentified individuals who describe themselves as stakeholders majority of whom are neither students nor legally constituted authorities to embark on an action such as this without proper consultations of neither the student leaders of affected institution nor congress. I personally have respect for every Kogi State Students and shall never be part of any activity that will jeopardise their right especially the right to quality education which is very fundamental. It is not always about me as a person but the office which is our collective wealth.

NAKOSS KSU chapter will always continue to work in collaboration with our principal student body which is the SUG under the able and visionary leadership of Comrade Shaibu Philip Omepa to ensure that the voice of the students are heard in every issue of general concern.

Fellow students while the process of consultations continues and we patiently and diplomatically await the response of government to our appeal, we seek for your patience and understanding because as students we must always try no matter the situation to be ambassadors of peace, so that at the end of the day our studentship will be justified without doubt in our intellectual capability, quality of good character and patriotism  as the leaders of tomorrow.

Interest of few who are attention seekers must never be allowed to override our collective demands. The situation is worrisome, this we are aware of but remember two wrongs can never make a right and there is no government at any level that does not have it flaws and this is the reason why your suggestions and constructive criticisms are always needed for the system to be right.

In conclusion, Please inform others that despite our shortcomings, just like the way we have never failed to represent you well in the past when it comes to issues like this, we have no reason to comprise on your interest at this critical point. Remember we are all involved. My unalloyed loyalty and appreciation goes to the KSU SUG president, Comrade Shaibu Philip Omepa who in collaboration with my very humble self and other concerned persons  has known no rest since the declaration of the strike action.

Thanks and God bless us all bountifully.

NAKOSS President

KSU, Anyigba.