The Member representing Jere Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Satomi has appealed to the National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS) and by extension their counterparts in the North East sub- region to shelve any plan of joining the proposed nationwide protest slated to kick-start on 1st August, 2024.
Satomi said, although, it is evident that average Nigerians are suffering the economic hardship which he described as temporary, but there are many ways to engage the government through dialogue without embarking on protest which could have severe consequences, as some miscreants will by all means hijack the process.
The Lawmaker disclosed this in his goodwill message at the 2024 week -long Golden NUBOSS celebration and Award/Dinner night which took place at the El-Kanemi Hall, University of Maiduguri.
The occasion attracted students from within and outside the state, including National Executive of students’ bodies from the 19 Northern states including Abuja.
Satomi who was among the award recipients as the ‘Companion and Ambassador of NUBOSS’ following his immense contributions to the development of education, especially his scholarship schemes and payments of WAEC/NECO/ JAMB fees to thousands of indigenous students, cautioned the students to also desist from unnecessary dependence or usage of social media and internet, which always divert them from learning.
Hon. Satomi, a former student of University of Maiduguri, former primary and secondary school teacher and accidental politician said: “I want to commend the organizers of this programme, it was very constructive engagement and a roundtable deliberations which has brought about students from about 19 Northern states including Abuja, where we discussed extensively on way forward.
“I am very happy that unanimously, you have agreed not to partake in the planned nationwide protest. Government is aware of your predicaments and the hardships. But sincerely, protest can lead to so many bad things, especially now that we have a very fragile security situation.
“While we acknowledge the grievances that have fueled the call for a nationwide protest, we firmly believe that dialogue and constructive engagement remain the most effective means of achieving lasting solutions to our problems.
” I am sure, Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Democrat who has listening ears, therefore, there is going to be light at the end of the tunnel, because, with the support from members of the National Assembly to the present and, there are many developmental programmes aimed to uplift the standard of all Nigerians, particularly through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as well many interventions by the federal government.
“More so, the recent Autonomy granted to the local governments, will definitely give a room for those at the grassroots to feel the dividends of democracy,” Satomi stated.
In their separate remarks, Senate President of NUBOSS, Tijjani Goni and National Union of Borno State Students President, Amb Ahmad Kyari Ahmad commended the organizers of the weeklong programme aimed at recognizing distinguished personalities who have shown commitment, and patriotism to Union and development of education in the state.
They commended Governor Babagana Zulum, Commissioner for Education and Executive Secretary of Borno State Scholarship Board as well as Honorable Ahmed Satomi for providing funds to many students undergoing studies at various institutions within and outside the country.
The highlight of the occasion was formal presentation of Ambassadorship Awards to deserving personalities for their contribution to the development of education and support to students in the state.
