The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) JCC Lagos Axis has released a press statement as regards the fourteen (14) student union leaders arrested and tortured by the Nigeria Police. Below is a full text of the Press release:
PRESS RELEASE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS) JCC LAGOS AXIS
RE: 14 STUDENTS UNION LEADERS ARRESTED AND TORTURED BY THE NIGERIA POLICE
THE TRUE SIDE OF THE STORY BY MOSES SAMSON ADEWALE, CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS, LAGOS AXIS.
“I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those who do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the system of exploitation. I believe that there will be that kind of clash, but I don’t think it will be based on the color of the skin…” Malcom X.
After series of consultation with the management of the University of Lagos, over the illegal rustication and suspension of the student leaders and the students union respectively have met outright undemocratic and unfatherly rejection, our grievances have been registered through more resolute consultations, peaceful protest and addressing a World Press Conference.
As law abiding citizens who believe in the Judiciary as the last hope of a common man, University of Lagos Students’ Union, ULSU had approached the court to seek justice against the unending sabotage of the rule of law as exercised by the management of University of Lagos. Worrisomely, the victimization does not only include violation of right to fair hearing as contained in chapter 4, sections 36, 39 and 40 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria but also brutally jeopardizes and demonically transgresses the fundamental human rights.
THE BRUTALIZATION OF HARMLESS STUDENTS BY THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE.
On Monday, 10th October 2016, the students under the platform of the constitutionally recognized National Association of Nigerian Students, Lagos chapter in solidarity with the victimized students of the University of Lagos, Akoka attended a court proceeding in respect of the unjust act on students as presented before the court.
After the adjournment of the court proceeding, the executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, JCC Lagos State decided to have an emergency executive meeting along with some available comrades in order to prepare for a press conference so as to brief the World on the struggle so far. On their way to the venue, a total number of five students missed their way to Bariga since they are not familiar with the route, they decided to stop at Unilag-Yaba junction while waiting for direction from the NANS JCC Chairman. Instead of the men of the Nigerian Police Force to direct them, they alleged, molested, arrested and detained them which is a clear collaboration of the management of University of Lagos and the Nigeria Police Force (Sabo Police Station) to further inflict pain and to psychologically demoralize the already traumatized students.
The Nigeria Police had on Tuesday, 11th October, 2016 refuted a publication by a leading Online news outfit, Sahara Reporters that gave a concise and truthful report about the incident and further goofed by terming the law abiding students who came under the platform of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as students of Lagos State College of Education as stated in a press release issued by the Nigeria Police. This action is not only capable of pitching both schools against each other but defaming the school known to be a front runner in producing teachers of high caliber and esteem.
While we advise the police who are funded by tax payers’ money to desist from pitching their tents with an undemocratic and draconic management that has continued to be despotic with its moves against the students and their voice which is the vibrant University of Lagos Students’ Union, ULSU , we also demand that the Nigeria Police apologise to students, staff and management of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education formerly Lagos State College of Education for the defamation they caused them, treat injured students and compensate them accordingly.
While we promise to resist further demonic actions against students and their umbrella Union, NANS, by the management of University of Lagos, we advise that all security agencies shouldn’t allow themselves to be used against the victimized students and the poor masses.
To this end, we say, Aluta continua, Victoria ascerta!!!
SIGNED:
Samson ADEWALE Moses,
Chairman NANS, Lagos State
