NANS accuses leaders of bias in distribution of CNG buses
A faction within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is embroiled in controversy regarding the allocation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated to universities across the country.
This group has accused NANS National President, Lucky Emonefe, and Senate President, Babatunde Afeez, of favoritism in the bus distribution process.
Additionally, the faction has passed a vote of no confidence on both leaders.
The petition outlining these grievances was signed by several prominent figures within the student body, including Deputy Senate President Huzaifa Usman from Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State; National Ex-Officio Member Anderson Uwakwe from the Federal College of Land and Resources Technology, Owerri, Imo State; and Vice President for Special Duties Egbo Johnpaul Nnamchi from Enugu State College of Education.
Other signatories included Gundu Mimidoo Joy (Public Relations Officer, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State), Abdulkaman Muhammad, Muhd Muazu, Mamuna Bello, Paul Edoh Gabriel, Kabiru Saminu, and Okafor Ernest Obinna.
The petition, which was made available to journalists in Awka on Monday, was also sent to various key figures, including President Bola Tinubu, the Director General of the Department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Matters, the Minister of Transportation, NANS Zonal Coordinators, NANS JCC Chairmen, and all Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents.
The petition urgently called on President Tinubu to intervene to prevent the escalation of tensions and protect his political reputation.
Part of the petition read: “Your Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Petition Against the Unequal Distribution of CNG Buses by the NANS President and Senate President, and a Vote of No Confidence in Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez.”
“On behalf of Nigerian students, we write to express our utmost indignation and disappointment at the egregious unequal distribution of the CNG buses recently donated to the National Association of Nigerian Students.”
“This decision, made by the NANS President, Lucky Emonefe, in collaboration with the Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye Afeez, flagrantly disregards the principles of equity, justice, and transparency.”
“The buses, intended to benefit all Nigerian students, have been selectively distributed, leaving many students without access to these vital resources. This unequal distribution will inevitably lead to a shortage of transportation options on campuses, causing undue hardship and economic challenges for Nigerian students.”
The petition further pointed out the economic consequences of the biased distribution, emphasizing the reliance of students on affordable transportation for commuting between campuses.
“The shortage of these buses will increase transportation costs, further burdening students already struggling with the economic challenges in the country.”
The petition called for President Tinubu to act promptly on the issue, warning that inaction could harm his political reputation and erode trust in the NANS leadership.
The faction demanded a comprehensive investigation into the distribution process, a prompt redistribution of the buses, and disciplinary measures against the NANS President and Senate President.
“We hereby pass a vote of no confidence in the duo of Lucky Emonefe and Babatunde Akinteye Afeez. We urge you to ensure that resources meant for the benefit of all students are distributed fairly and transparently,” the petition concluded.
