Office of the Director Special Duties NANS Zone A, Clarifies Minister of Defence’s Visit to Zamfara State Amid Misleading Claims

This announcement was made to address misconceptions, reinforce the successful outcomes of the visit, and call attention to the commitment of federal and state leadership to improving security for students in Zamfara State.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone A, represented by Comrade Habibullahi Bello, the Director of Special Duties, has on Sunday 27th October 2024, issued an important clarification regarding the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammad Badaru Abubakar’s visit to Zamfara State.

Background on the Honourable Minister’s Visit

The Minister’s visit, which took place earlier this week, was focused on addressing the pressing security issues faced by Zamfara State and ensuring a secure learning environment for students in the region.

The Honourable Minister engaged with Zamfara’s student representatives, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to combating insecurity. These discussions provided an opportunity for students to share their concerns and aspirations directly with government officials, offering a renewed sense of hope among the student community.

Key Highlights of the Clarification Statement

1. Authenticity of Student Representation

In the statement, NANS Zone A confirmed that the students who met with the Honourable Minister were indeed legitimate representatives of Zamfara State students. Under the leadership of the Director of Special Duties, the selected delegates held meaningful discussions with the Minister, which were aimed at addressing the unique security challenges faced by students in the area.

Contrary to the claims made by certain individuals – specifically, Ibrahim Halilu and Nurudeen Muftau – all students in attendance were verified representatives from Zamfara.

“We categorically state that the individuals who met with the Minister are the authentic representatives of Zamfara State students, under my leadership as the Director Special Duties.”

NANS Zone A condemned attempts to politicize this crucial event, stressing the importance of unity among student bodies during this critical period.

2. Commendation for National and State Leadership

The association expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu GCFR and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for their tireless efforts to address insecurity in Zamfara. The coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments have been crucial in re-establishing a safe environment for Zamfara students.

NANS Zone A also acknowledged the Honourable Minister’s dedication to security, both for the immediate student population and for Nigeria as a whole. He reinforced that security is fundamental for national growth, investment, and the stability of educational institutions across the country.

“The Honourable Minister’s commitment to guaranteeing security for all Nigerians, emphasizing that without security, there cannot be investment or national growth.”

This statement emphasized that the minister’s visit provided hope to students, demonstrating the federal government’s dedication to combating insecurity and fostering a positive environment for learning.

3. Warnings Against Outside Interference and Impersonation

NANS Zone A took the opportunity to caution individuals, particularly those from outside Zamfara, against interference in the affairs of Zamfara State students.

The association singled out an individual affiliated with the Kaduna State government who has allegedly attempted to impersonate student leaders and fuel unrest. Such interference, it was stressed, serves only to create disunity and disrupt the unity among students from Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states.

“We will take decisive actions against any person or group attempting to impersonate or fueling disunity among Zamfara State students’ community under the unity of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara for pecuniary gains.”

By issuing this warning, NANS Zone A reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Zamfara State students and maintaining a peaceful and cohesive student community.

NANS Zone A’s Commitment to Security and Unity

Under the leadership of Comrade Habibullahi Bello, NANS Zone A remains dedicated to advocating for campus safety and unity among students. The organization reassured the public that it would remain steadfast in its mission, combating any attempts to exploit or manipulate students for personal or political gains.

NANS Zone A urged all stakeholders and the general public to disregard any misleading information and recognize the genuine leadership structure of NANS within Zamfara State.

Addressing Misinformation

To counteract the misleading narratives surrounding the Minister’s visit, NANS Zone A has called on the public, state institutions, and stakeholders to recognize the legitimacy of the association’s representation and leadership. By uniting in support of verified student representatives, NANS Zone A hopes to foster a supportive environment where students can focus on their education without fear or disruption.

Recipients of the Clarification Statement

The statement was circulated to several important offices and departments to ensure that all relevant authorities are informed of the official position of NANS Zone A. The recipients included:

1. Office of the Executive Governor, Zamfara State
2. Office of the Honourable Minister of Defence, Abuja
3. Secretary to the State Government, Zamfara State
4. Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Zamfara State
5. Department of State Services, Zamfara State Command
6. Nigeria Police Force, Zamfara State Command
7. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Zamfara State Command
8. Executive Secretary, Zamfara State Scholarship Board
9. Office of the SSA to the President on Students Engagement
10. NANS Stakeholders’ Forum, Zamfara State

A Stand for Security, Unity, and Accountability

The Office of the Director Special Duties of NANS Zone A stands firm in its commitment to support the Zamfara student community by upholding security, unity, and integrity. The association has reiterated its stance against any attempt to sow discord or politicize the affairs of students in Zamfara State.

With ongoing support from both federal and state government officials, NANS Zone A envisions a secure and peaceful learning environment where the students of Zamfara State can focus on their academic pursuits and future aspirations. The association calls on all stakeholders to join in supporting the authentic voices of Zamfara’s student representatives and to disregard unfounded claims that only serve to distract from the pressing issue of campus security.