By Abubakar Yunusa
The Progressive Students Movement has called on the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines to reverse its decision to revoke the visa of the Acting President of NANS Philippines, Ojukwu Leonard.
The group said the embassy’s move followed Leonard’s criticism of an embassy official, Adesina Edward Oloje, whom he accused of interfering in student affairs and influencing the leadership of NIDOPHIL without a credible election.
In a statement on Saturday, the PSM’s National Director of Political Affairs, Olamide Atunise, said the development escalated on Wednesday, 3 December, when the Chargé d’Affaires, Adeshina Oloje, allegedly visited Leonard’s school to push for the enforcement of a letter seeking the cancellation of his admission.
Atunise said students were shocked that the embassy could “abandon pressing diplomatic duties” to pursue actions targeted at a single student leader.
According to the group, Leonard’s remarks had centred on what he saw as undue meddling by Mr Oloje, instead of addressing the wider challenges facing Nigerians in the Philippines.
The PSM noted that despite Leonard withdrawing his comments and expressing remorse, the embassy had remained adamant about revoking his visa, a move the organisation described as punitive and unnecessary.
The group described Leonard as a credible and vibrant leader who had consistently advocated for Nigerian students’ welfare in the Philippines and within NANS Diaspora.
It recalled that Leonard played an active role in pushing for a Senate hearing on the killing of a Nigerian student by Chinese nationals in the Philippines.
PSM said tensions rose further after Leonard became the zonal president, following the suspension of the former leader over allegations of financial misconduct. It stressed that as a founding figure of NANS Diaspora, his rights must not be violated.
The organisation also accused the embassy of a pattern of poor handling of student matters, including what Nigerians have complained is an exorbitant rise in charges for passport interventions under Mr Oloje.
The PSM urged the embassy to “temper justice with mercy” and reconsider its stance, saying the mission is expected to protect Nigerians abroad, not victimise them.
It warned that “an injustice to one is an injustice to all”, insisting that Leonard must not be punished for speaking up on issues affecting his fellow students.
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