In a statement made available to The PUNCH, Friday, signed by its Chairman, Secretary-General and Director of Safety & Security; Eruobami Ayobami, Olaniyan Saleem and Ismail Mafo, respectively, the student body urged its members to avoid being used for any form of electoral malpractice while exercising their right to vote.
The statement partly read, “It is with great pleasure that we write to address the entire Nigerian students in the state.
“It is evident and obvious that university students in the state hold a substantial percentage of the entire population of the state, contribute to the daily economic routine and as well a major stakeholder in decision-making.
“As students, we are aware of every issue affecting our immediate environment and the entire society at large.
“We want to state that as the governorship election is nearer, we urge, and as well, charge the entirety of Nigerian students to come out en masse to vote for the right candidate of thier choice, as we are a tool to make a difference.
“We also want to reiterate that we shun any form of vote-buying, electoral malpractice and most importantly, violence.”
The PUNCH reports that the last governorship election in the state four years ago, was at first declared inconclusive by the electoral body and a re-run was held in other parts of the state before ascertaining a winner – in person of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
Addressing this, NAUS urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to discharge its duty at the polls effectively, saying “We implore implore the INEC officials to be diligent and steadfast in discharging thier duties so we can have a peaceful and controversy-free election.”
“As Nigerian students, we will continue to make our voices heard and will never be silent about things that matter to us and the entire citizens,” the statement concluded.
