In a recent statement from his Ughelli, Delta State, South-South Nigeria Mayoral Palace, former militant leader Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has urged the splinter faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to direct their inquiries towards the former federal administration regarding its handling of Nigeria’s crude oil sales.
Akpodoro’s call comes amidst growing agitation among Nigerian students over economic hardships and fuel price hikes. He suggested that the students should question why the previous administration sold Nigeria’s crude oil for up to two years in advance and collected the proceeds before leaving office.
“If Adewumi and his factional NANS must protest—though they lack the power—the group should head to Daura and ask the retired General why he sold Nigeria’s crude oil for more than two years ahead and collected the revenue,” Akpodoro stated. “We were alarmed to learn from Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Mr. Yemi Cardoso that the former administration pre-sold the nation’s crude and collected the funds. It is time Buhari renders his stewardship to the students and leaves Nigerians out of this manipulation.”
Akpodoro emphasized that the only legitimate leadership of NANS is under Comrade Lucky Emonefe. He urged security agencies to target those he described as impostors, who he claims are using the guise of student leadership to foment civil unrest and disrupt national peace. He called on the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS) to address any troublemakers aiming to disturb the peace under the pretext of protests.
He further stressed that well-meaning citizens are awaiting the President Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to fulfill its promises of democratic reform and that threats and protests should not be the solution.
On September 4, 2024, a letter signed by Okunomo Henry Adewumi announced plans for a protest on September 15, urging students to shut down major cities in response to the recent increase in petrol prices. Akpodoro countered this by asserting that only the Comrade Omonefe-led NANS presidency has the authority to call for such actions and criticized other factions as illegitimate and disruptive.
The ongoing discourse reflects the broader discontent among Nigerian students and citizens regarding the country’s economic management and the administration’s policies.
