Why we won't participate in nationwide protest - Delta students

Students of tertiary institutions in Delta State, have dissociated themselves from the planned nationwide protest. 

The planned protest, tagged #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, is scheduled for August 1 to August 10, which according to the organisers, the protest is to draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the plight of Nigerians and rising cost of living. 

President, National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU), Comrade Monday Wiska, at a press conference in Asaba, said students of tertiary institutions in Delta State were strongly in support of the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and vowed to protect Delta against such a protest. 

Flanked by student leaders across the state higher institutions, Comrade Wiska, highlighted various interventions of the Oborevwori-led administration in the education sector and called on students in the state to boycott the planned protest as it was not in the best interest of the students. 

According to him; "we are here today to address a very pressing global issue that bothers on our students community in Delta State over the alleged planned nationwide protest. 

"As a voice of students body, I urge all students to boycott the nationwide protest that is planned to take place on the 1st of August, 2024. 

"While it is important to stand up for our rights and advocate for our concerns, the upcoming protest do not serve the best interests of students. 

"With the level of security information in our disposal, the protest described to be disruptive and could potentially harm our academic progress and may also lead to conflicts and unrest on campus, jeopardizing our safety and well-being. 

"I must unequivocally state that as students leaders, we seriously frown at the current hardship in the nation but it is important to note that this hardship is not caused by our state as the state government has opened the application/registration of the 2024 Students Special Assistant Scheme (Bursary Payment) to help alleviate the financial burden on students of Delta State. 

"This is a deliberate action that underscores the commitment of the state government to assist students and we are currently in talks with the state government to consider an upward review of the Bursary so as to help mitigate the hardship in the country. 

"The Delta State Government has provided a conducive learning environment for our students and are doing more in infrastructure on campus and we don't want any protest that is capable of destroying these infrastructures on campus.

"It is worthy to note that the current hardship we are experiencing today is a global issue and of which our state government has been giving palliatives to vulnerable groups in the state to help alleviate this hardship over time. 

"The State government has been very students friendly and has provided the opportunity for us to always channel the concerns, interest and aspirations of our students over time. 

"We have security information that some misguided elements are planning to penetrate some campuses in the state to cause harm and unrest in our students community using this planned protest as disguise. 

"Lastly, we wish to appeal to our students not to be deceived by anyone whatsoever and not to partake in any protest and also to assure them of our already existing good working relationship, collaboration and partnership with the State Government in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to our students in Delta State."