By Felix Khanoba
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) says it will soon wade into the political crisis between the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
NANS which said the move is to ensure an amicable resolution of the crisis, accused Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, of fuelling the political conflict.
The student body expressed worry that the lingering crisis is sparking anger among ‘comrades’ in the country, which if not resolved would negatively affect future aspirations of others in the struggle for a better Nigeria.
A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday by NANS Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Azeez, said it was refreshing to hear the NANS President, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan has agreed to wade into the crisis.
He recalled that Edo State has been enmeshed in political disagreements between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, on the one hand, and Oshiomhole who is also a former governor and some other political figures in the state on the other hand.
“Philip Shaibu must be called to order, this is what all well meaning comrades should tell him. He cannot be busy putting clogs in the wheels of progress,” Adeyemi said.
“The same Philip mismanaged the goodwill shown him by students that led to a faction of his Presidency in NANS, his ending to which the same Oshiomole picked him up.
“If the governor and his deputy are afraid of the Ambode debacle, experience should tell them the outcome of a house divided against itself,” he added.
He recalled that Oshiomhole staunchly supported Shaibu to become a member of the National Assembly representing Etsako Federal Constituency even against his own biological son between 2015-March 2016,after serving as the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly from February 22, 2010-June 21, 2015
The NANS spokesman said the students’ body decision to intervene on the issue was not unconnected to negative signals the wrangling has sent to the public, adding that the association could not also folds its hands as Edo State has produced over three of its former presidents and two or more of its Senate Presidents, Vice President, among others.
He said NANS was conscious of the fact that the political crisis in the state was capable of derailing the provision of needed democratic dividends and impact negatively on education delivery.
The PRO while urging Shaibu to desist from attacks and “verbal war” with Oshiomhole, insisted that the deputy governor should retrace his steps and embrace the olive branch extended by Adams Oshiomhole for peace to reign in the state.
