Authentic NANS President Sworn in (Posted April 19, 2010)

By Essien Ndueso
S/A to Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information & Social Re-Orientation

...As predecessor says, "There are no factions in NANS."

The leadership controversy in the National Association of Nigerian Students has been finally brought to an end with the inauguration of the winner of the elections conducted on December 13, 2010 at the Women Development Center, Abuja.

Presenting the elected officials for the administration of oath, Comrade Smart Edwards out going Senate President said that it was high time for truth to be said and records be kept straight. He presented the Ini Ememobong led Executive council to the Commissioner for Oaths Barr. David Okokon for the administration of oath.

In his hand over speech,Com.Bashir Baballe said he was happy to witness the event and bring to an end the confusion which had trailed the leadership of the Association. He said �it is bad and insincere for people who did not win elections to claim they won and deceive the innocent citizens. I wonder who handed over to them, because this is the only inauguration I am attending and the only one I will attend. I am handing over to Comrade Ini Ememobong today because he won the elections which we conducted. I am also bold to say that he is my successor because he is a bona fide student and therefore is fit to be the leader of Nigerian students. Some of the people who claim to be NANS Presidents are not even students, so I wonder how they can lead students if they are not students themselves."

Comrade Baballe further charged the new President to ensure that the interests of Nigerian students are at all times paramount on his mind.

Hon. Philip Shuaibu, Majority leader of Edo State House of Assembly who represented the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole said that the Government of Edo state decided not to support any factional leader, but to identify with the authentic leadership of NANS because of the forthright disposition of the Government. We do not entertain any NANS faction and Edo cannot serve as a safe Haven for such questionable character.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State,Chief Dr Godswill Akpabio said that young people must undertake leadership responsibilities with integrity, diligence and sincerity. The Governor who was represented at the event by Hon. John Akpan Harry, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports insisted that the clich� youths are leaders of tomorrow was outdated and expired as globally young people are exhibiting strong leadership capacities. Nigerian youths must rise to the occasion and act responsibly. They must learn, prepare and wait someday their time will come. He said, "It is important for young people to have their eyes on the bigger picture, it will keep them focused and their energy will certainly not be misdirected."

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Ini Ememobong said, "I accept the mandate of Nigerian students freely given but hardly won as a mark of the acceptance of the change process which we professed during our electioneering. We promised to effect a radical change in the public perception of our organization. We will work assiduously towards achieving the objectives of the founding fathers of the organization, which is to ensure that the aspirations of Nigerian students are achieved and their interests protected. It is certainly a tortuous and demanding path that we have chosen, but we trust that God will grant us the courage to change the things we can, the fortitude to bear those we cannot and the wisdom to differentiate between them."

The event was attended by the creme de la cr�me of NANS including Com. Tijani Kabiru, former NANS President, Com. Musa Alechenu, Special Assistant to Edo governor on student matters, Com. Olamide George, Personal Assistant to Ondo Governor on Students matters, Hon. Onofiok Luke, Speaker Nigerian Youth Parliament, President, National Association of Polytechnic students, National Coordinator, National Association of Monotechnic students, com. Olarotimi Tajudeen, immediate past Assistant Secretary general etc among others.

Also sworn in alongside the President were Com. Danjuma Serki as Vice President National Affairs, Com. Toye Olayiwola V.P External Affairs, Com. Isah A. Ogirima V.P Special Duties, Com Uko Ukpong Secretary, Com. Agbabiaka Ahmad Senate President, Com. Oviawe Ighabon Financial Secretary, Com Solace Godwin Treasurer, Com. Martin Zoho deputy Senate President,Com. Bashir A. Yusuf Public Relations Officer, Com. Ibrahim Yerima, Director of travels and Exchange, Com. Omoturinmise Tokunbo Ex Officio 1.