Abia State students under the banner of National Association of Abia State Students (NAASS) have briefed reporters on issues affecting them and the security of the state.

The briefing was held at the press centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Umuahia, the state capital. The NUJ chairman in the state, Mr Hyacinth Okoli, thanked the students for identifying with the press.

Okoli challenged students to restore the glory of education in the state, urging them to shun violence and embrace negotiation as the best tool for agitation.

At the press briefing, the NAASS national president, Jude Ezeibe, noted that the essence of the conference was to redeem the image of students following the rumours that politicians were using students to disrupt peace in the state.

Jude said: “It has come to our notice that students are being used by some politicians to cause mayhem in some parts of the state. We want to state it categorically that we are students with dignity and character. We cannot be bought over by any proponent of chaos or their agents. We are not political but we are a pro-development group.

“Our goal is to make sure that the interests of Abia students are protected. We encourage the performing government and suggest ways the performance can be sustained.”

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Theodore Orji on Students’ Matter, Mr Christian Afulike, stated that the governor would continue to partner with students to ensure peace.

Former president of National Association of South East Nigerian Students (NASENS), Kingsley Lawrence, urged the students to support the governor to develop the state.