…Senate President reiterates the need for patience, due consultation in the heat of the moment
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), during its Plenary Session held in Ado-Ekiti today, absolved Ekiti State Government of any malicious involvement in the recent near breakdown of Law and order that occoured at the Federal University (FUOYE) and environmental Oye-Ekiti.
While addressing Executive members of NANS from the six geopolitical zones of the country, and representatives of Ekiti State Government (the First Lady, Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Hon. Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Aare Muyiwa Olumilua, and SA Youths & Student Matters, Comrade Moses Ademiloye) in a very hospitable meeting, the Senate President of the Association, Gambo Abu Mohammed said that the Plenary was scheduled to address pressing issues facing Nigerian students nationwide, while importantly discussing the issues that emanated from the FUOYE incidents a few months back.
Gambo who is also a Post-Graduate Student of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) University, Minna in Niger State, noted that the Association, over the years, has built cordial relationship with Ekiti State Government under Dr. John kayode Fayemi’s administration inclusive.
He acknowledged the impactful contributions of Governor Kayode Fayemi and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi to the growth and development of Nigerian youths at various levels, now and in times past.
He, however, refutes any assertions that the State Government deliberately attacked students of FUOYE during the crisis, adding that H.E. Erelu Bisi Fayemi has always been a mother-figure to all students of various institutions in the State.
“The investigation was actually carried out by NANS FUOYE President in the person of Comrade Danielson Bamidele who gave a report of the incident and after a critical study of that investigation; we concluded that Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi is innocent of any accusation whatsoever. It is quite an unfortunate incident and more unfortunate that Her Excellency was at the scene of the crisis.
“Thereafter, NANS made certain demand with Ekiti State government and I have been reliably informed that the government has complied with all our demands. We acknowledged the respect that the State government has given to the Association and this is a clear indication that this State government truly cares about the wellbeing and development of their youths,” he said.
While making his submissions, the Senate President in the company of NANS Public Relations Officer and other delegates apologized to Governor Kayode Fayemi and the First Lady, HE. Erelu Bisi Fayemi for the misunderstanding the FUOYE crisis generated.
He concluded by praying for the families of the deceased, saying that may God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He also sued for continuous peaceful coexistence between the State government and the Association.
In her response, Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi said that any responsive and responsible government must attend to the pressing needs of the people. She also affirmed that the FUOYE incident has not deterred her from showing love and respect to Nigerian students and the youths at large, saying that the unfortunate occourrence has only inspired her to do more in supporting the dreams and aspirations of the youths, within and outside Ekiti State.
The First Lady also pleaded with the NANS executives to remain good ambassadors of Nigerian students nationwide. She advised them to shun violence but rather embrace a constructive approach in making their demands from governments at all levels.
Also speaking was the immediate past NANS National Public Relations Officer who also doubles as the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Senate Sitting, Comrade Idowu Odebunmi who contributed that the meeting was strategic to building further, healthy relationship between NANS and the State Government.
He also noted that the Sitting affords members of NANS from other states, the opportunity to explore the State’s rich tourism and cultural sphere while experiencing good governance in action.
“This is needful in a time like this. We want to ensure that Ekiti Stat maintains a good record of hospitality and tranquility. As a State that prides in Knowledge and Honour, we want every delegate at the Sitting to understand how the State government has positioned Nigerian students for greater heights,” he said.
He, however, appreciated officials of the State government, particularly H.E. Erelu Bisi Fayemi for affording NANS the privilege to hold the rare meeting in Ekiti State despite the damaging effects of FUOYE incident.
In his words, SA Youths & Social Matters to Governor Fayemi, Comrade Moses Ademiloye said that the Sitting was timely, knowing that 2019 is coming to a close as the State government plans to unfold new development agenda for Ekiti State.
He also thanked NANS delegates for their usual cooperation as well as their efforts towards building a sustainable working relationship with Ekiti State government.
