By John Ogunsemore
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has debunked claims by one Henry Okunomo that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, is weakening the association’s core mandate by meddling in its affairs.
It also refuted Okunomo’s claim of being a former Senate President of NANS.
This is contained in a statement issued by National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NANS, Comrade Adeyemi Samson Ajasa on Wednesday.
Appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Okunomo said, “With the involvement of the president’s son in the organisation, he has done everything possible to make the association porous.
“I am afraid we might not become anything useful in the organisation except for a few who have the association at heart.”
Reacting, Ajasa stated that neither the president’s son nor any other political actor is meddling in its affairs as claimed by Okunomo, warning that NANS would not tolerate anyone using the name of the association as a tool of blackmail or political manipulation.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students has been compelled to address recent misleading statements made by one Mr. Henry Okunomu, particularly his false claim of having served as a former Senate President of our esteemed organisation, and his attempts to link NANS to unsubstantiated allegations against Mr Seyi Tinubu.
“It is deeply concerning that media platforms that we considered to be reputable would grant their platform to individuals peddling falsehoods and seeking to tarnish the image of a formidable organisation like NANS.
“For the record, NANS unequivocally states that Mr. Henry Okunomo has never held the position of Senate President within our association,” the statement reads in part.
“Furthermore, we want to clearly state that Mr. Abubakr is in no way the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. The legitimate and duly elected President of NANS, representing the Nigerian student populace, is Comr. Olushola Oladoja.”
Ajasa maintained that NANS operates with established procedures and a constitution that guides its activities, including the election of its leadership during conventions.
“Just as formal organisations and political parties have processes for participation, NANS adheres strictly to its guidelines.
“Aspiring leaders undergo a thorough process that includes obtaining forms, comprehensive screening, and other crucial steps well in advance of our conventions. The security of our conventions is paramount, with law enforcement agencies actively participating to verify the studentship and credentials of all participants. Our leadership is determined through a democratic and transparent process, guided by our constitution, not by external influence or financial inducements.
“The suggestion that financial resources can bypass our established protocols and constitutional requirements is not only false but also deeply insulting to the thousands of dedicated students and leaders who uphold the values and procedures of NANS.
“For the record, NANS is never an arm of any political party, government or politician. This is reflected in the various positions we have made over unfavourable policies that affect the interests of our members, the Nigerian students, irrespective of whose ass is gore.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that NANS will not tolerate anyone under whatever guise to use the name of the association as a tool of blackmail or political manipulation.
“Our engagement with individuals considered to be valuable to the ideals and vision of the current NANS leadership either in the political landscape or in corporate organisations, is strictly official and ensures that the interests of Nigerian students are protected at all times.
“We are an organisation dedicated to the progress and well-being of Nigerian students, and we will vigorously defend our integrity and constitutional processes against any attempt to undermine them,” the statement further reads.
Ajasa urged media outlets to exercise greater diligence in verifying the credentials and claims of their guests, particularly when discussing sensitive matters involving reputable organisations.
“The integrity of public discourse relies on responsible journalism and the avoidance of misinformation,” he added.