THAT ALL MAY BE WELL WITH AFAS

Again, the clock has begun ticking for the faculty’s political timeline. With the swearing-in of the Executive and Faculty Legislative Council(s), a new narrative for the Executive– led by Eniola Francis, and the FLC—led by Rt. Hon. Muhammed Salahudeen– has been set in motion. It is hoped that their administration fosters unity, redeems the political image of the faculty and bring our faculty to better plains.
The faculty witnessed quite an unstable political terrain last session. It all started with the power tussle and struggle for supremacy between the Executive and the FLC. The House, led by Peter Olagunju (who later resigned), had ordered the Executive led by Daniel Anawgwaonye (Simple) to vacate the inner chambers of the general office—which according to the FLC was to curtail the misuse of office by the Executive. While the Executive’s misuse of the office holds true on many occasions, the order by the House was apparently overboard. As expected, the Executive refused the order, which created a grudge between the two organs. Series of events followed, leading to the President’s impeachment on the grounds of being ‘unruly’. The impeachment, however, brought the excesses of the House to a climax, as reactions sparked from AFASites. It took the intervention of the Dean, Dr. Afis Oladosu, and the Sub-dean, Dr.(Bar) Oke to settle the chaos. The story, however, did not end there as the peace that seemed to be returning gradually to the faculty was again disturbed by a missing sum of twenty five thousand naira (#25,000) advanced budget saga collected on Olagunju’s order. This was followed by series of resignations, as well as that of Olagunju, whose reason for resigning, according to his resignation letter, was the violation of the constitution by some parties. Upon Olagunju’s resignation, his deputy, Olumide Osinuga was voted in as Speaker. Although the flames of rancor were not totally put out, Osinuga’s emergence seemed to restore some calm to the House. An investigation by the Audit and Investigative Committee then showed discrepancies in the association’s financial reports, which again, sent rumors of suspension and impeachment flying in the air. This, again, caused an uproar between the two organs. The faculty management, again, intervened and ordered that all financial reports be submitted to the Faculty Officer.
While we may want to assume that the days of political rancor are over, it is should be remembered that the flame can be rekindled if the chords are struck again. That all may be well with AFAS, it is expedient that the mistakes of the previous administration are not overlooked. Both organs must to learn from the failures of their successors, to record any success at all. Without bias to the efforts and results of the previous administrations, Mr. President and Mr. Speaker might want to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors.
It is common knowledge that the Executive and the Legislature are always in an a feud. Most times, there is a struggle for power and supremacy. While the constitution states clearly that no organ is above the other, there is an unspoken competition over who wields the greater power. The House prides itself as the most powerful organ, although, they do not admit they do. This especially was what resulted in the drama that has brought the political state of the faculty to its current state, all of which could have been prevented if both organs did not get involved in the needless competition for power. The constitution states explicitly the roles of each organ gives all equal powers.
It cannot be denied that many of the political unrest experienced in the House last session were a result of Olagunju’s style of leadership. The Speaker may want to learn a thing or two from his weaknesses.
Asides the competition for power, the opaqueness that clouds financial matters in student administration cannot be overemphasized. Often times, financial records are kept as a shady deal, even while the constitution states that financial records be published for all members of the association. Throughout the previous session, the Financial Secretary refused to publish the financial statement for AFASites, because according to him, he might be attacked. All of these only breed mistrust for student administration. Unfortunately, many student leaders have been found guilty of misappropriation and embezzlement. The faculty has in the past gone through series of impeachment and suspension sagas, arising from unbalanced financial records, which did not only affect political stability, but also spread the notion that student administration was soaked in guile. Transparency and accountability must be ensured by the President and the Speaker, for the good of all.
Passiveness and turning a blind eye to negligence of duty are mistakes the President should not wish to make in his administration. As the President carries out his constitutional duties, he must also be sure to keep an eye on his cabinet and ensure everyone performs their duties. Although Simple carried out his constitutional duties, he failed in ensuring that all members performed their duties. During his administration, we had executive members who only occupied the position by title. There was the Assistant General Secretary who was almost non-existent. His inactivity made one wonder if there were ever a need for an AGS. Then there was the Social Director who became an absentee. It took countless summons to the House to remind him of his duties. It would therefore do everyone a lot of good, if the President ensured all members of his cabinet are active.
Mistakes are bound to be made, but when they are repeated, they become bad choices. AFASites have entrusted a part of their free will to their leaders, it is only hoped they the right choices are made for them. The session has begun on a rather peaceful note. Long may it last.
AFAS PRESS PUBLICATION