Following the outcome of a meeting and fact finding exercise over allegations of diversion of food items levelled against the management of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said it had withdrawn threats of planned protests against the authority.
The students body in a statement signed by Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez,
President of the Senate of NANS Headquarters stated that a fact finding exercise by the association showed that allegations of diversion of 42,000 metric tons of food items meant for distribution to various states across the country by NEMA were not only spurious but unfounded.
The statement read in parts, “Having made our findings to establish the veracity or otherwise of these allegations, it is crucial to set the records straight and dispel any misconceptions regarding this matter.
“Disinformation must be frowned at, and consequently, informing the public of the outcome of our findings and acquitting the management of NEMA of blame becomes important.
“As representatives of Nigerian students, we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions are rooted in facts and driven by a commitment to truth and justice.
“Therefore, in realization of this, I, Dist. Sen. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (BABTEE), the President of the Senate, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Headquarters recently led a productive meeting with the Director-General of NEMA, where comprehensive explanations was made and documents presented showed that the allegations were unfounded.”
The association emphasised that the clarification has become imperative because the claims of diversion were completely baseless “As such, the need for this public information and enlightenment becomes imperative.”
“In all honesty and without mincing words, NEMA has demonstrated a commendable level of transparency and accountability in its operations.”
According to the association, findings showed that the food items in question have been distributed to states as planned, with the active involvement of the DG, Mrs. Zubaida Umar in ensuring that the items reached their intended destinations, saying only Akwa Ibom State experienced a delay due to late payment for transportation costs.
It cautioned that the delays should not be hurriedly misconstrued as an act of diversion or malfeasance on the part of NEMA, saying the DG’s direct involvement in the distribution process is an affirmation of her commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their locations, receive the assistance they need.
The association frowned at the unpatriotic attitude of certain individuals in states that may have been tampering with the items, thereby preventing the same from getting to all the vulnerable segments of the society, saying it would beam its searchlight on such condemnable acts wherever they occur.
“To this end, we unequivocally withdraw any threats of planned protests against NEMA that are based on unfounded allegations.
“Consequently, the meeting between the leadership of NANS and NEMA is a productive and progressive step towards ensuring that all and sundry continue to benefit from the laudable work of NEMA.”
NANS said further engagement with government agencies will open avenues for collaboration with NANS, the association remains committed to working together to develop programmes that will educate and sensitize students on disaster management and preparedness.
It reiterates its committment to the welfare of Nigerian students and the broader Nigerian populace.
