The Progressive Students Movement has appealed to the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines to withdraw its decision to revoke the visa of the Acting President of NANS Philippines, Ojukwu Leonard.
The group linked the embassy’s action to Leonard’s criticism of an embassy official, Adesina Edward Oloje, whom he accused of meddling in student activities and influencing the leadership structure of NIDOPHIL without a legitimate electoral process.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the PSM’s National Director of Political Affairs, Olamide Atunise, said matters escalated on Wednesday, December 3, when the Chargé d’Affaires, Adeshina Oloje, allegedly visited Leonard’s institution to push for the enforcement of a letter recommending the cancellation of his admission.
Atunise said students were taken aback that the embassy could “abandon pressing diplomatic duties” to pursue actions aimed at a single student leader.
According to the group, Leonard’s comments focused on what he believed to be undue interference by Mr Oloje, rather than addressing longstanding concerns affecting Nigerians studying in the Philippines.
The PSM added that even after Leonard retracted his remarks and expressed remorse, the embassy insisted on revoking his visa, a move the organisation described as punitive and avoidable.
It noted that Leonard is widely regarded as a committed and responsible student leader who has consistently championed the interests of Nigerian students both in the Philippines and within NANS Diaspora.
The group also recalled his contributions to efforts that led to a Senate hearing into the killing of a Nigerian student by Chinese nationals in the Philippines.
PSM said tensions heightened after Leonard assumed office as zonal president following the suspension of his predecessor over alleged financial impropriety. It maintained that as one of the founding figures of NANS Diaspora, his rights must not be trampled on.
The organisation further accused the embassy of mishandling student-related concerns, including what many Nigerians describe as steep increases in charges for passport interventions under Mr Oloje’s watch.
It urged the embassy to “temper justice with mercy” and soften its stance, stressing that the mission’s duty is to safeguard Nigerians abroad rather than victimise them.
The group warned that “an injustice to one is an injustice to all,” insisting that Leonard should not be penalised for raising issues that affect the wider student community.
