Concerned group of students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has risen against the forthcoming national demonstration tagged: Protest Against Bad Governance, slated for August.
The concerned students, which cut across Christian and Muslim divide and also across all ethnic groups in Nigeria, are canvassing under the slogan of ‘Say No to Anarchy, Dialogue Over Chaos; Let There Be Peace.’
The students said, in a press statement that, “As concerned members of our esteemed university community, we have always been united in our stand against bad governance. Our collective voices have played a pivotal role in advocating for accountability and transparency.”
The students said, however, it is now crucial to reassess “our approach, ensuring that our methods remain peaceful and constructive. It is important to prioritize the safety and well-being of every student, fostering an environment where our advocacy can thrive without compromising our values or safety.”
The students explained that their new position is against the backdrop of recent significant developments that continue to show that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is in a positive direction.
The OAU students insisted that the government has taken certain bold decisions, including the government’s approval and commencement of student loan disbursements and the approval of the new Minimum Wage in the country, among others.
“The student loan scheme represents a substantial stride forward in supporting students’ educational pursuits. This initiative underscores the government’s recognition of the importance of accessible education for all.
“Furthermore, the move towards local government autonomy is a commendable step in the federal government’s efforts to decentralize power and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots level. Such measures are vital in promoting more responsive and effective governance,” the students emphasized.
The OAU students said, “In light of these developments, it is imperative that we channel our energies into more constructive avenues of advocacy, engaging in meaningful dialogue and participating in fora that can create platforms for discussing our concerns and proposing solutions in a peaceful and organized manner.”
Specifically, the students stated that, “Our fight against bad governance is far from over, but it must be waged with wisdom, unity, and a steadfast commitment to peace. We must avoid any actions that could potentially lead to harm or disrupt the progress we aim to achieve.”
They stressed that by embracing peaceful advocacy, “we not only protect ourselves but also uphold the integrity of our movement. Let us stand together, using our voices and collective power to advocate for change in ways that reflect our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights. Our journey towards better governance is a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires patience, resilience, and a continuous dedication to peaceful and constructive engagement.”
