By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Former executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, have called on Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu more time to fix the country.

The ex-NANS executives also appealed to citizens to appreciate the many achievements the president has recorded in office within the last one year, saying rebuilding the country was not a day’s job as being envisaged in some quarters.

To this end ,the former student leaders urged organisers of the planned protest, particularly student leaders across the country to embrace dialogue with the government rather than taking to the street as according to them, the consequences could be enormous given that those with bad intention could highjack the protest to achieve ulterior agenda.

Addressing a news conference, Monday,in Abuja, the former student leaders, operating as Former NANS Leaders Forum, said having considered all that the present administration has done and the implications of going to the street to protest against issues that only dialogue can easily addressed,they have decided to consult widely on the issue before making their position known.

Those who were at the event that took place at the NUJ Press Centre,ABUJA,included Comrade Tijani Kabiru,NANS President 1999/2000 who is the National Converner;Comrade Ambrose Obiora,NANS National Director of Sports 1996/1997;as Deputy National Converner;Comrade Ugolo Victory,former Vice President,Ex-Affairs;George Uzor,former National Mobilisation Officer;Engr. Kasali Omotayo, National Caucus Leader;Adakole Ochai, Committee Secretary;Etsu Mohammed,forrmer Chairman, Convention Committee; Princess Mimi, Treasurer/Admin;Umelo Uzodinma, former Senate President and Chinedu Klinsman, former Director of Sports, respectively.

Acknowledging the causes of the planned protest,the forum advised government to take steps to strengthen security in rural and farming areas to ensure the safety of farmers, noting that such would promote increased agricultural production.

The forum equally called on the government to involve independent monitoring groups to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of intervention programs; adopt policies aimed at stabilizing the nairato curb inflation and improve the purchasing power of Nigerians; introducea lease model for the provision of busses to improve public transportation and implement subsidies for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce the cost of transportation and energy.

Reading a prepared text before newsmen,the group said,”Today, we stand before you as representatives of the Former NANS Leaders Forum, a collective of past leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), united by our love for Nigeria, deep concern for the state of our nation, and our aspiraton for a better Nigeria.

“Following a resolution to review the state of the nation (Nigeria), a holistic appraisal was made and the outcome formed the basis for holding this maiden press conference After much deliberation and careful consideration, we have convened to address the severe hardship and escalating tension gripping our country. The rising inflation, widespread unemployment, and economic instability are taking a heavy toll on the lives of everyday Nigerians, leading to increasing distress and uncertainty about the future.”

The group hailed President Tinubu for the achievements he has made within the last one year.

“Today we aim to share our insights, express our collective concems, end offer actionable recommendations to heip alleviate the hardships faced by our fellow citizens. We believe that through dialogue and concerted efforts, we can navigate these challenging times and work towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.

“The removel of fuel subsidies, which had long been a drain on government finances,led to an immediate increase in fuel prices, which caused a ripple effect on the cost of transportation and goods. This unpleasant experience has witnessed significant public discontent.

“The exchange rate unification aimed at curbing corruption and enhancing transparency in the forex market has resulted in a sharp devaluation of the Naira, increasing import costs and inflation and a resultant economic hardship, exacerbated poverty and widened inequality gap.

“The Students’ Loan programme is laudable and we applaud President Bola Tinubu for the policy. The loan policy expected to ensure that students from less privileged backgrounds can access higher education without the burden of immediate financial constraints.We believe that the policy will reduce dropouts rate and in a long time increase our innovative and productive workforce.

“The temporary removal of import duties on essential food items aimed at reducing the cost of these goods,thereby making them more affordable for the average Nigerian is welcomed.

“The administration’s initiative to distribute rice aimed at providing immediate relief to households struggling with food insecurity,due to rising inflation and economic hardships is a welcome development, though it is a short-term alleviation measure.”

The group commended the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC,and the government for resolving the issue of the new minimum wage, urging the states and the private sector to comply.

However,it said there was the need that policies that specifically address the high inflation rates, noted that it could include measures to stabilize the Naira, control food prices and subsidize essential goods temporarily to each the burden on the population.

According to the,huge investment in infrastructure ” is crucial for supporting economic diversification,improved roads, adequate power supply,and security is needed to boost agricultural yield and industrialization which in turn will lead to sustainable economic growth and development.”