The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC), Edo State, has scheduled Friday March 23, 2024 for a 10,000 students’ march in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Chairman of the NANS JCC, Edo State axis, Comrade (Amb.) Ehis Daniel Omuokhonlen stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to newsmen in Benin City.

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He said the 10,000 students’ march is against electioneering violence in view of the forthcoming September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo state.

Comrade Omuokhonlen noted that the peaceful march will involve all higher institutions and NANS members across Edo state, beginning from five junction down to the popular King’s Square.

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While clarifying its purpose and intentions, the NANS Chairman said the march is not politically motivated, state-sponsored or targeted at select authorities, personalities and individuals.

“Contrary to opinions, the march — NOT a protest — is borne out of a sincere and genuine heart. We are not targeting any person or office, nor is the march sponsored by anybody or government.

“I challenge any public office holder who claims to have contributed to the planning process or sponsored us to come forward with proof and undeniable evidence.

“As the theme: ‘Marching for the survival of Nigerian Students in Edo State’ suggests, we are only marching for our survival and safety, and saying NO to electoral violence in our dear state during the forthcoming September 21, 2024, governorship election.”

He said the march will demand the safety of students, particularly those serving as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad-hoc officers during the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

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“For instance, it is a widely known fact that our fellow students usually serve as Ad-hoc officers to INEC during elections. As representatives of the students, it is our responsibility to ensure their safety at all times.

“Therefore, it is not out of place to demand for our safety before, during and after the election. We are also asking that the sanctity of the electoral system be maintained and upheld by political actors and the electoral umpire.”

According to Comrade Omuokhonlen, the march is also an avenue to draw the incoming state government’s attention to the Students’ Community, emphasizing that it must never be neglected.

“We deserve representation in government and a voice in decision-making processes that affect our lives. We demand students’ inclusiveness in governance of our dear state.

“Even as the electioneering campaign process is ongoing, we have barely heard from candidates about their plans for the students and students’ community if elected.

“Like some of our counterparts in other states, we the ever-corrosive, indomitable, intellectual, great and i-can-never-be intimidated Nigerian students in Edo state equally deserve support for our education, such as state bursary and special educational grants from time to time”, he said

The statement noted that as representatives of the students, with their welfare paramount, the march will also avail NANS the opportunity and avenue to empower the students with school fees payment by the NANS Chairman, free power banks, Ambassadorial roles to NANS, airtime, and more.

“To be clear, our march has absolutely nothing to do with any particular institution but encompasses all institutions across the state. We are therefore using this medium to disassociate ourselves from any similar gathering or arrangement targeting or singling out any institution, office or person as we are not part of it. Our march will hold at the city centre and hearts of Benin and not within the campuses or prescint of the school.

“We reiterate that our peaceful march is neither a protest nor demonstration. We are only embarking on a pro-students’ solidarity/awareness walk/march. We are already making all the necessary arrangements with the relevant security agencies in the state to guarantee the safety of our students and public infrastructure.”

The NANS Chairman enjoined all students to join the students’ body as they march for the survival, safety, and welfare of Nigerian students in Edo State, noting, “together, we can make our voices heard and create a better future.”