The Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS), has condemned the indefinite suspension of a 500-level student of Modibbo Adama University (MAU),Yola, Adamawa State, Promise Bitrus, describing it as an attack on students’ constitutional rights.
In a press release signed by its National President, Comrade Sani Adamu and issued to our correspondent, ANNS said Bitrus was suspended solely for organising a peaceful protest to express grievances affecting students on campus.
The students’ body also condemned the “simultaneous indefinite suspension’ of activities of the Northern Nigeria Students Forum – GAMJI Students at MAU, which it described as a critical platform for unity, welfare and intellectual engagement of Northern students in the institution.
“ANNS views this action as a direct attack on the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as guaranteed by Section 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution.
“Criminalising peaceful advocacy will only deepen frustration and instability on campus”, the statement said.
ANNS has given the Management of Modibbo Adama University and the Vice Chancellor a 72-hour ultimatum effective immediately to take three actions which include: lifting the indefinite suspension placed on Promise Bitrus unconditionally, reinstatement of the activities of GAMJI Students at MAU, and resisting from further intimidation, harassment, or victimisation of students who engage in peaceful and lawful protest.
The association warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel it to mobilise all Northern Nigerian Students nationwide, in conjunction with other sister bodies, for a mass peaceful action to demand justice.
ANNS said it remains committed to peace, dialogue, and the rule of law, and urged the university management to act in the interest of students and academic stability.
The group also called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, NANS and other stakeholders to intervene to ensure that justice is done.
According to ANNS, students’ leadership exists to serve as a bridge between management and students adding that victimising student leaders who speak up sets a dangerous precedence.