“Release Femi Adeyeye” – OAU Protests

The Students Representative Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun State, has reportedly began protest  over the arrest of Femi Adeyeye, Giwa Temitope.

Recall  that personnel of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force shot at the UNILAG students and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students protesting against fees increment by the school authorities.In a press statement on the development, the OAU council described the arrest of the students as a breach of their fundamental rights as citizens of Nigeria.

The statement reads: “The Great Ife Students Union Students’ Representative Council expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the recent unlawful arrest of NANS National PRO, Giwa Temitope, Femi Adeyeye, and several others who were peacefully participating in a march against fee hikes. This arrest has raised serious questions about the preservation of our fundamental rights as citizens of Nigeria.

“As students, we firmly believe in the power of peaceful protest as a means to express our concerns and grievances. The right to protest is a fundamental pillar of our democracy, and it should not be trampled upon by any authority. We stand united in our belief that the voices of the youth and students must be heard and respected“In the spirit of our nation’s history, where great leaders have championed the cause of justice and equality, we are reminded of the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Furthermore, Martin Luther King Jr.’s words resonate with our cause: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“Our generation will not stand idly by while the cost of education becomes an insurmountable burden. We will fight for affordable education for all. We also urge all stakeholders, including the government and educational institutions, to engage in open dialogue with students to address the pressing issue of fee hikes and find solutions that benefit everyone.

“The Great Ife Students Representative Council sends a strong warning signal to the members of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to uphold the principles of justice and release the arrested individuals immediately. We call upon the relevant authorities to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“In conclusion, we stand in solidarity with our fellow students and youth across the nation, and we reiterate our call for the immediate release of the arrested Comrades. Together, we shall continue to strive for a better future and a more equitable society where students from poor houses can have access quality and affordable education.”