ABUJA — The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, has responded to an open letter addressed to him by Comrade Aligwoekwe Minister Udochukwu over his recent comments on national issues, particularly regarding the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
In his official response released today, Akinteye said he welcomes constructive criticism but stressed the need to correct what he described as a “false impression deliberately created” by the letter.
He stated that at no point did he interfere with the constitutional responsibilities of anti-corruption agencies or attempt to shield anyone from lawful investigation. According to him, his position remains that “every public office holder must be subject to the rule of law, and anyone found culpable after due process should face the full weight of the law.”
The NANS President said what he opposes is “trial by media, political persecution, and the destruction of reputations based solely on allegations before the conclusion of lawful investigations.”
Speaking on Gbajabiamila, Akinteye noted that the Chief of Staff has over the years demonstrated commitment to education and student welfare, both as Speaker of the House of Representatives and in his current role. He added that acknowledging such contributions does not mean placing anyone above the law.
Akinteye also defended the role of NANS in national discourse, saying the association has never limited itself to campus issues. “NANS has historically served as the conscience of the nation, speaking on matters of governance, democracy, accountability, national security, economic policies, and social justice whenever they affect the lives and future of Nigerian students,” he said.
He further outlined NANS’ engagements under his leadership on tuition hikes, insecurity on campuses, student loans, welfare, and employment opportunities, stating that "our record speaks for itself.”
The NANS President rejected attempts to politicize his position or portray it as a defense of corruption, saying “supporting due process is not an endorsement of wrongdoing; it is a defense of justice and the rule of law.”
He called on the author of the letter to adopt a more balanced view of leadership, adding that advocacy for students’ welfare and participation in national conversations are not mutually exclusive.
“I remain fully committed to the constitutional mandate entrusted to me by millions of Nigerian students. Our focus remains unwavering: protecting students’ welfare, strengthening educational institutions, promoting good governance, and ensuring that Nigerian students always have a courageous and independent voice,” he concluded.
The statement ended with: “Long Live the National Association of Nigerian Students. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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