Yahaya Bello appeals to students to halt proposed June 12 protest

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has appealed to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to stop the proposed June 12 national protest, considering the security situation in the country.

Bello made the appeal when the leadership of the association paid him a consultation visit on Thursday in Abuja, urging them to respect the recognition of the Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also promised to engage with Buhari and facilitate a meeting with him over their demands, if they would heed to his advice.

The governor also added that considering the current situation of the country, a protest might only make things worse.

He warned that persons who do not have the interest of the country at heart might hijack the protest which could turn disastrous.

Bello also advised the students not to allow themselves to be used by some elites and politicians, who would want them to be seen only as troublemakers and not responsible enough to hold leadership positions.

“There are few who want to destroy us by setting us up and saying, these are the youths, who want to be the leaders of tomorrow destroying properties, shouting Aluta and causing chaos.

“They will cross their legs afterwards, irrespective of their political parties, dining and wining together.

“I have seen it all and I refuse to be part of it because by so doing we cannot build this country,” he said.

The students, thereafter, agreed to put a stop to their proposed June 12 protest following the interventions of the governor.

The National President of NANS, Mr Asefon Sunday, who confirmed the suspension, appreciated the governor for his advice with a promise to halt the proposed protest after meeting with its other Members today June 11.