Mr. Sunday Asefon, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Student Engagement, has made serious allegations against certain groups and individuals whom he describes as cabals and enemies of Nigeria, claiming they are behind the planned protests. He expressed concern that these cabals are fundamentally opposed to the innovative policies introduced by President Tinubu, particularly those that prioritize youth involvement in governance and policy-making.
During a town hall meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, Asefon elaborated on these points, emphasizing that the opposition is accustomed to a political system where appointments are largely determined by age rather than merit. In contrast, he pointed out that President Tinubu has made a concerted effort to change this outdated practice by bringing in younger individuals into key positions and implementing policies that do not align with the interests of the entrenched groups opposing him.
Asefon took the opportunity to highlight the significant achievements of the current administration, particularly in the education sector, asserting that no previous president has accomplished as much as President Tinubu has within just one year of his tenure. He noted that the administration has successfully made student loans a reality, addressed long-standing disputes between the federal government and academic lecturers, and introduced various policies that are designed to benefit young people across the nation.
Despite these accomplishments, Asefon expressed regret over the failure to effectively communicate President Tinubu’s achievements to the general public, especially within university campuses where many students remain unaware of the positive changes taking place. He admitted, “I have failed because I couldn’t go to campuses to tell them what our president has been achieving since one year in office. But I’m sure that is the Nigeria many of us have dreamed of,” indicating a strong belief in the potential of the current administration.
Additionally, Lucky Emonefe, who is the President of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANs), weighed in on the situation by urging Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu’s government during this transitional period. He expressed concerns that if the protests were to take place, they could be hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives, potentially leading to chaos and disorder. Emonefe stressed that it is crucial for the president to address the concerns raised by Nigerian students in order to foster a more stable environment.
In light of these discussions, other stakeholders present, including political leaders and representatives from civil society organizations, encouraged the public to reconsider the necessity of the protests and instead embrace dialogue as a more constructive means of addressing grievances. They emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration in achieving the desired outcomes for the nation.
