National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Daniel Ayantoye
The leadership of National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), has said that the elongation of its Tenure in office was not intentional but as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.
The Association said the pandemic which led to the shutting down of academic activities as well as banning of interstate travel by the federal government has made it difficult to organise its convention.
In a statement signed by NANS Senate President, Gambo Abu Mohammed and made available to CAMPUS FOCUS on Saturday, June 20, 2020,
Mohammed however assured that virtual meetings will commence with other leaders of the Association to further strategies the way forward.
The statement read in part, “As a Senate, let me state without hesitation that; at no time did I wish to elongate or disrupt age long traditions of NANS regarding tenure, which was evident in seamless and coordinated manner I discharge the pre-convention in IMT Enugu.
“I have chosen to address you on this day, as we are all aware precisely on 14th March, 2020 we all converge in Enugu state to unanimously pick a date and venue for our national convention which sadly is this week 19th of June, 2020.
“Unfortunately, we are confronted with the outbreak of COVID-19 which have ravage the world, economy and livelihood of families all over the world, as one who have absolute respect for the constitution and constitutionality as the bedrock of every sane society. I am embarrassed and ashamed that; even as we are supposed to be observing elections to usher in new administration, we are stock with an emergency that requires reason, rules and consensus above sentiments in order to weather our way out of current realities as a people, without resorting to balkanization of our organization as some actors may wish for.
“Haven taking time discussing with students/leaders, I’ve also responded to an invitation by the security all to finding a way towards resolving this debacles, dissenting voices and claims of disenfranchisement have been given a clear mandate to have an interface with the President of NANS.
“The convention as slated by the Senate pre-convention was for June 19th-21st which would have signaled the end of our tenure and successful transition and the end of our administration. The inability to hold this convention was as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Therefore, the onus is on us now to find a way acceptable to all for our convention to hold, particularly our senators In this regard, I’ve consulted with security and have appeal to some leaders to assist us get clearance, whilst it’s important I begin to inform as such, that a schedule breakdown of the transition process following health guidelines by NCDC as followed.
He said “In the coming days we’ll commence virtual sessions with Zonal Leadership, JCCs, SUGs, Presidential aspirants and stakeholders on the best way of holding our national convention.
“Verification and publishing of schools would immediately commence by the Assistant General Secretary (ASG) being the Chief accreditation officer via JCCs, to be assisted by Zonal Coordinators and vetted by security agencies in their States.
“The convention planning committee (CPC) would also be published in the process.
“We are open to suggestions, contributions to ensure the success of the convention
“Finally, I want to appeal to all men of Goodwill that the success of this year’s NANS convention is dependent on cooperation of all and I beseech you to please assist in any way possible to navigate the curve place on us by the global pandemic.” He added.
