The student union leaders from across Nigeria gathered for the 84th National Senate sitting in Ibadan, where the issue of the planned nationwide protest on August 1st took center stage.
Akinteye Babatunde, the President of the Student Union, expressed deep concerns about the potential for the protests to escalate into violence, disrupt national peace and stability, endanger lives, and lead to the wanton destruction of property and lives.
Babatunde stated that the protest lacks clear leadership and specific demands, posing a significant risk to the nation if citizens fail to embrace caution in handling social issues.
“Protests are deeply concerning due to the possibility of escalating to violence, disrupting national peace and stability, endangering lives, and leading to wanton destruction of properties and lives,” Babatunde said.
The student union leaders acknowledged the prevailing hunger and challenging economic situation in the country, but they urged the recognition of some indelible imprints of the current administration.
They emphasized that while the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution, the consequences must be carefully considered, citing the October 2020 EndSARS protests as a product that the country is still recovering from.
Victor Olojede , a Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor, who represented the governor at the Senate sitting, said that Governor Seyi Makinde had appealed to the student union leaders not to join the planned protest.
In other resolutions, the student union leaders highlighted areas in which the present administration should be commended, suggesting a more balanced and constructive approach to addressing the nation’s challenges.
The student union’s stance on the planned protest underscores the need for a measured and responsible approach to social issues, prioritizing national stability and the well-being of citizens.
