The Niger State Government says it has released N14 million for the medical treatment of Mr Dauda Mohammed, a former President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Mr Jide Oritunsin, the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Minna.

Mohammed, who was NANS’ President from 2011 to 2012, requires urgent medical treatment for liver cirrhosis in a recommended Indian hospital.

NANS’ President, Mr Chinonso Obasi, on Wednesday led a peaceful protest to the Niger Government House to demand for the immediate release of funds for Mohammed’s treatment.

Obasi said that the association wanted the assistance of the state government for the former president, who hails from the state because NANS had already secured visa for the trip.

The NANS’ president said that the delay in releasing the fund was putting Mohammed’s life in danger.

However, Oritunsin told NAN that the governor had approved NANS’s request before their peaceful protest, adding that due process must, however, be followed before the release of fund.

“While the process was on, Sallah break set in and delayed the process of release of the money.

“For NANS to accuse the government of deliberate delay was unfair. It is on record that this year alone close to 500 Nigerlites have been assisted on health issues.

“I wonder why the government will single out Mohammed and deny him assistance.

“The life of every Nigerlite is important and government will not shy away from her responsibility because the life of every indigene ‎is important,” he said.

Oritunsin said that government released the money on Wednesday for transfer to Mohammed’s account for the treatment.

When contacted, Obasi said that the Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr Mustapha Jubril had confirmed the release of the fund. (NAN)

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