NANS Diaspora Rejects Francis’ Claims, Says Australian Nigerian Body Was Not Consulted
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-D) has distanced itself from a recent statement credited to Ogbonnaya Francis, describing it as unauthorised and not reflective of the position of Nigerians in Australia.
In a formal response, NANS-D Global President, Comrade Chris Juwon Fayomi, stated that the comments attributed to Francis were made without the knowledge or approval of the Nigerian Association in the Australian Capital Territory (NAACT), insisting that due process was not followed.
Fayomi emphasised that the statement did not represent the views of NAACT’s leadership or its wider membership, noting that no consultations were held before it was made public. He described the move as a unilateral action that risks creating unnecessary tension within the diaspora community.
According to him, it was concerning that a prominent member of the Nigerian community would bypass established channels and issue what he termed a divisive public commentary. He added that leaders of other Nigerian associations across Australia had not taken similar positions, suggesting that the stance was not widely supported.
The NANS-D president also raised concerns over what he described as selective activism, pointing out that the same individual had remained silent on pressing issues affecting Nigerians abroad, including rising service-related costs.
He further clarified that the matter in question falls outside the scope and mandate of NAACT, reinforcing that the association was neither involved nor consulted at any stage.
Reaffirming his leadership stance, Fayomi maintained that his advocacy continues to reflect the collective concerns of Nigerian students overseas, backed by consistent engagement and feedback from stakeholders.
He called on Nigerian diplomatic representatives in Australia to promote unity through inclusive dialogue, warning that reliance on individuals without a clear mandate could deepen divisions within the diaspora.
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