By Our Correspondent
The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) has strongly distanced itself from the ongoing political controversy surrounding the alleged campaign refund dispute involving politicians in Ogun State, warning political actors and their supporters to stop dragging students into partisan conflicts.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National President, Aare Oluwafemi Ajayi (FM Castro), the association declared that Ogun students are not political tools, campaign weapons, or instruments for settling political scores, insisting that the student body remains independent and committed solely to advancing the welfare of students.
The association expressed concern over what it described as increasing attempts by individuals and faceless groups to impersonate student organizations by issuing politically motivated statements in the name of Ogun State students.
According to NAOSS, such actions are fraudulent, misleading, and amount to a direct attack on the credibility and integrity of student unionism.
"We are watching, with growing concern, as our name is dragged into disputes that have nothing to do with us. Let it be clear: students are not political mercenaries, campaign weapons, or instruments for settling scores," the statement read.
NAOSS emphasized that its primary concerns remain the pursuit of quality education, affordable tuition, improved campus security, increased access to scholarships, youth empowerment, and policies that directly benefit students, rather than involvement in political rivalries.
The association warned those allegedly impersonating the organization to immediately desist, stressing that they neither possess the mandate nor the authority to speak on behalf of Ogun State students.
It further cautioned that anyone found hijacking the identity of the association for political purposes would be exposed and held accountable.
"To those behind these impersonations: stop. You do not speak for us, you have no mandate from us, and NAOSS will not sit back while our identity is hijacked for political convenience. Continue at your own risk, as we will not hesitate to expose and name those responsible," the statement added.
The student body also directed a firm message to politicians and their supporters, urging them to refrain from dragging students into political disputes or sponsoring fake groups to create the false impression of student endorsement.
According to NAOSS, the era of exploiting students for political gain has ended, insisting that Ogun State students must not be used as pawns in political campaigns or propaganda.
The association disclosed that it would, at the appropriate time, provide political guidance to its members only after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the NAOSS Senate leadership, senators, and other statutory organs of the association.
It stressed that any future position taken by the association would emerge through due democratic consultation and would not be influenced by external pressure from political interests.
NAOSS reiterated its commitment to maintaining its non-partisan status, stating that its engagements with governments and political office holders would continue to be based strictly on policies and programmes affecting the welfare of Ogun State students.
The association further urged members of the public and the media to disregard any statement issued by unauthorized individuals claiming to represent Ogun State students, emphasizing that only the duly elected national leadership led by Aare Oluwafemi Ajayi has the constitutional authority to speak on behalf of the association.
Reaffirming its resolve to protect the integrity of the student movement, NAOSS declared that its identity is neither for sale nor available for political manipulation.
The association called on well-meaning stakeholders, the media, and members of the public to support efforts aimed at exposing and holding accountable anyone impersonating the organization for partisan purposes.
It maintained that students deserve respect, genuine representation, and leadership focused on educational advancement and good governance rather than political exploitation.
