The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vowed that the two major political parties would not hold further activities in Abuja until the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is called off.
Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have slated their special conventions for Abuja.
The students’ body said it was shocked by the audacity of those saddlled with the responsibility of managing the education sector and labour matters but failed to do so, coughing out millions to aspire for the highest office.
Both ministers of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba and his labour and employment counterpart, Chris Ngige have since joined the presidential race.
However, NANS President, Sunday Asefon, in a statement on Sunday said the Union would frustrate all activities leading to the selection of candidates by the two major parties if the strike continues.
He said, “We have also in the past weeks seen those saddled with great responsibility in the education sector and those saddled with responsibilities of resolving labour crises declaring interest to contest for the seat of the President come 2023.
“We are surprised by their effrontery and total disrespect to the Nigerian people for having the courage to even mute the idea of contesting talkless of picking up the 100million naira presidential form while students languish at home because of their collective failures.
“Politicians have shown no concern to the plight of the students but are only busy in their selfish and inordinate ambitions to become the next President.
“Let me say without mincing words, the two major political parties should forget any political gathering in Abuja who elsewhere except there is a solution to the lingering ASUU strike.
“We will frustrate all the activities leading to the selection of party candidates if we remain on strike. We also want to advise the government and the politicians who are busy campaigning to be President to either resolve the ASUU crises or give direct orders to the security operative to shoot us at the site during party conventions to select a presidential candidate. If we remain on strike, they should just forget it.”
