The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, in Oyo State yesterday met telecommunications service provider, MTN, to address the unending xenophobic attacks targeted at Nigerians in South Africa.
At the meeting which had the joint campus committee chairman, Asubiojo Olujuwon, in attendance, NANS made it clear that the call for picketing of South African businesses by Comr. Bamidele Akpan led National NANS leadership cannot be said to be out of place, considering the continual killings and humiliation, looting and destruction of businesses, shops and facilities belonging to Nigerians in South Africa.
“This administration of NANS, Oyo State however as a firm believer in the potency of dialogue decided to toe the path of consultation before considering other actions, hence, the meeting.
“The MTN management duly represented by her top officials expressed utmost dissatisfaction on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and how it is adversely affecting their operations also, – citing instances of attacks on facilities and direct staffs of the company.
“MTN went futher to present various steps the organization has taken to project their anti-xenophobic stance and expressed readiness to do more.
“The leadership of NANS, Oyo State insists that MTN Nigeria has not been doing enough and made known her stance to take decisive actions as suggested by the National Leadership should MTN not intensify their commitment to the anti-xenophobia campaign.
“The leadership of NANS, Oyo State also met the management Of ShopRite and communicated the displeasure of the Nigerian students and Nigerians nationwide to the Southafrica owned company.
“As we continue to engage MTN, ShopRite and other South African businesses, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to move in as the duty of any responsible government is not just the security of lives and properties within her territory but their safety in the diaspora.
“The leadership of NANS, Oyo State thanks NANS National leadership for the bold steps so far on this unfortunate happening and as the custodian of Nigerian Students in Oyo State assures the Comr. Bamidele Akpan National leadership of our commitment to the struggle, we however urge the National leadership to let NANS, Oyo State handle this situation our way.
“All suggestions, actions, and movements on this struggle as regards the Pace Setter state should therefore be channeled directly to the leadership of NANS, Oyo State, as we are aware of clandestine plans by certain quarters in collaboration with some national elements to cause unnecessary trouble in the state for personal gains, any such action will therefore be treated as mischievous and illegal.”
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