Atttn:::::
PRESS RELEASE …..
Earlier today, after leading all structures of NANS to a meeting with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to present our position and recommendations on the immediate rescue and safe return of the students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, we proceeded to Oriire Local Government as scheduled to meet with the families of the victims and visit the schools where this heinous act was perpetrated.
En route to Oriire Local Government, we made a stop at a Conoil Filling Station in Bodija. While refueling more than 40 vehicles in my entourage, I observed a group of unruly individuals who, without provocation, aggressively approached members of our delegation, apparently because we did not join their protest.
I addressed the students in my entourage to ignore their provocation. I made it clear that, as an organization, our primary mandate at that moment was to proceed to Oriire Local Government Area to visit the families of the victims and the schools where this unfortunate incident occurred. I explained that we are an ideology-driven organization and that every organization operates according to its own modus operandi.
However, before I could turn my back, a mob came at us, and in a fierce manner, the Aluta Forces on the ground repelled them. It was at that point that I realized that these unruly individuals were members of the "Take It Back Movement." Let me be clear: NANS, as an organization, has a long history of protests and advocacy. However, any attempt by the "Take It Back" Movement to incite, spite or provoke members of our organization, or to harass NANS comrades, will be met with fierce resistance. We have a history of being brotherly to all organizations, but we will not tolerate any attack on our organization. If there is any recurrence of what we witnessed today, it will be met with the same fierce resistance.
It is important to note that, shortly before this moment, we had earlier participated in a peaceful protest alongside the National Union of Teachers(NUT) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chapters of Oyo State, without any form of fracas, as our agitations remain the same and our demands are collectively aligned.
Going forward, I call on the security agencies to investigate the activities of the "Take It Back Movement." Individuals should not be allowed to cause public disorder under the guise of activism.
In the foregoing, as President of NANS, I have sworn to protect the integrity of the organization. Henceforth, any attack or act of disparagement against the organization will be met with fierce resistance. As an organization, we will repel any such attack going forward.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
AKINTEYE BABATUNDE AFEEZ
NANS PRESIDENT