Today in Port Harcourt, in my capacity as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and in obedience to my call for a nationwide Democracy Day Walk, I led Nigerian students in this historic course.
As we commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democracy, I spoke to the press and reaffirmed the association’s firm commitment to the ideals of democracy.
In my address, I commended our heroes past and those still living, who have, in diverse ways, sustained and preserved our democracy despite differing national sentiments and perspectives on governance.
I emphasized that all Nigerians must unite as true patriots to protect and preserve our democracy, stressing that the dividends of democracy include, most germane among them, security and the welfare of citizens.
While I appealed to the Federal Government to do everything within its capacity to ensure the immediate rescue and safe return of our students who were abducted in Oyo State and Borno State and who remain in captivity at this moment, I also commended the efforts and sacrifices of our security operatives and urged them to intensify their operations in order to achieve lasting results.
Furthermore, I commended His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for consolidating June 12 as the official Democracy Day of the nation, while continuing to honour Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, GCFR, and all veterans of the NADECO struggle for democracy.
I maintained that as students, we are not passive observers in the nation’s history. Nigerian students have consistently played central roles in the most defining moments of our national development, and it is evident that we have always stood at the forefront of change. Our responsibility today is to deepen the culture of democratic participation within our institutions, communities, and in the choices we make as citizens of Nigeria.
Moving forward, I appealed to Nigerian students and assured them of my continued commitment to the advancement of their welfare and aspirations, affirming that their mandate is safe with me and that I will continue to do everything within my capacity to amplify their voices and protect their interests.
Thank you.
Yours in service,
Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS
President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
