By Umar Sani
The Coalition of Nigeria Students, CNG has berated National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS for taking side with Seyi Tinubu on the recent disagreement with Shamsuddeen, son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
Presenting a press briefing in Bauchi on Thursday, the Coalition’s North East Zonal Coordinator, Saleh Ibrahim stated that NANS actions are politically motivated to undermine the submission of Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed.
Saleh noted that “It is unfortunate that NANS, a body meant to uphold the interests of Nigerian students, has deviated from its purpose and is now being used as a tool for baseless attacks and political propaganda.
“The Coalition of Nigerian Students, CNG strongly condemns the misleading and politically influenced statement issued by the Senate President, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS against Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed. Their attempt to twist his well-meaning remarks on Seyi Tinubu’s so-called philanthropic efforts is nothing more than an intentional misrepresentation designed to mislead the public.”
According to Saleh, Shamsuddeen Mohammed raised a valid and fundamental concern-governance should not be replaced by politically motivated handouts.
He insisted that Nigeria’s youth need sustainable solutions, not temporary distractions.
The coalition revealed that contrary to NANS’ claims, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed did not criticize philanthropy, rather, he rightly questioned the exploitation of philanthropy as a political branding tool.
He explained that going by Seyi Tinubu’s tour “The real problem in Nigeria is not a lack of individual generosity but the failure of government structures to provide lasting solutions.
“Handing out cooked food on the streets, as Seyi Tinubu did, is not an empowerment program-it is a temporary show that does nothing to change the economic reality of the people.
“True philanthropy should aim to build capacity, provide long-term support, and uplift communities permanently.”
Recall that, Shamsuddeen, the son of the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has made an appeal to Seyi, son of President Bola Tinubu, not to reduce Bauchi youths to beggars on his tour to the state by giving them handouts.
Shamsuddeen, in a Facebook post on Monday, urged the President’s son to provide Bauchi youths with employment opportunities, resources to start businesses, and training in crypto trading, among other forms of empowerment, rather than temporary handouts.
The governor’s son’s remarks come at a time when Seyi Tinubu is touring northern states to give out to the people, particularly as Muslims observe the Ramadan fast.