Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday, warned members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) against blocking the Kaduna-Abuja highway in the name of protest.
Governor El-Rufai who gave the warning in a statement issued by the State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said that the move by NANS and other people in the State to block the highway over the ASUU Strike is unacceptable and a prelude to the breakdown of law and order.
According to him, “By this notice, individuals or groups planning to restrict citizens’ movements are advised to desist in the interest of public peace.
“While the Kaduna state government is not depriving citizens of the right to express discontent, public security and safety must always be the foremost consideration.
“The danger of barricading a strategic route like the Kaduna-Abuja road is better appreciated within the context of ongoing security operations covering the route and other areas of interest.
“Keen attention must also be given to the possibility of certain gatherings degenerating into violence.
“Citizens are therefore strongly advised against participating in such processions, particularly those which will impact the normal socio-economic activities of other citizens, or expose lives to unnecessary danger.
“Citizens may kindly be reminded that collective security should remain the first and most important consideration at all times.”
The commissioner advised individuals, unions and other groups to take note of the advisory and keep off the road.
The students had vowed to block the busy highway to protest the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
NANS had last week blocked the Lagos-Ibadan expressway to drive home their demand for immediate resolution of the Federal Government and varsity teachers’ dispute.
They also staged a protest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday
