NANS DISSOCIATES FROM TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, INSISTS ON PEACEFUL ADVOCACY
Read Time:2 Minute, 3 Second
By: Balogun Ibrahim
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has distanced itself from the Take It Back (TIB) Movement led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, accusing the group of advancing political interests under the cover of activism.
NANS said it would not participate in any protest organised by the movement, stressing that its style of advocacy and engagement differs significantly from that of the group.
In a statement issued in Abuja, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, alleged that the Take It Back Movement has increasingly blurred the boundaries between activism, journalism, and partisan politics, raising questions about its actual motives.
According to Akinteye, the movement’s actions indicate a pursuit of political objectives rather than genuine advocacy on issues affecting Nigerians.
READ MORE…
He also rejected reports challenging his status as a student, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading. Akinteye maintained that he remains a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology and faulted the publication for failing to verify the facts before publishing the report.
The NANS president urged media organisations to uphold professional standards by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and proper fact-checking in their reports.
Akinteye further claimed that the Take It Back Movement is increasingly being viewed as a political platform rather than an independent advocacy organisation. He alleged that some individuals have linked the movement to groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), although he did not provide evidence to support the assertion.
Addressing the recent abduction of students and teachers in parts of the country, Akinteye stated that NANS would not join Sowore or the Take It Back Movement in any protest related to the incident.
He, however, praised organised labour and education stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), for their efforts in advocating for victims of kidnapping and insecurity.
According to him, NANS remains committed to demanding the safe release of abducted students and ensuring that authorities fulfil their responsibility to protect schools and educational institutions nationwide.
Akinteye emphasised that while the association will continue to defend the interests of Nigerian students, it will do so through peaceful, lawful, and constructive means.
He reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to national peace and stability, insisting that the association would not support actions capable of inciting violence or disrupting public order.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0