Why Political Apathy is no Longer a Choice for AFASites
Lawal Maruf
The screening exercise for the recently concluded AFAS bye-election witnessed 5 finalists aspiring for the separate vacant executive positions. While this revelation was perhaps an amazing one, it was a reflection of the unending nonchalant and indifferent character of Afasites towards political affairs in the public glare.
It raises the concern of why individuals who have nothing less than 3 months to spend on Campus should be interested in politics at this Eleventh Hour?. Also, One would have to ponder on their whereabouts before this moment. Well, the response is not far-fetched. Since taking students’ leadership position has been relegated to a leverage to building resumé. And not for the purpose of selfless service. It should not be an issue that raises eyebrows.
Although, in the build up to the last AFAS general elections, a particular candidate joined the fray to contest for the position of the Vice President. But, in the long run, pulled out of the race. Interestingly, she is now back in the corridors of power.
Calling this disposition of AFASites towards politics incredible would probably be an understatement. After all, here should be a training ground for the future leaders and the followers. The latter learning the art of holding power to account and the former to imbibe the traits of a good leadership.
However, this boils down to the endemic political apathy which has eaten deep into the innermost minds of AFASites. In a way, this has led to a sprinkle of departments interested in piloting the affairs of AFAS. For instance, the recent AFAS general elections saw individuals from a certain department passing the baton of leadership to their successors- within the same department, both in the executive and the legislative council. While it is debatable that other candidates from other departments might not wield political heft and influence compared to their opponents, the fact still remains the same- we only have a scant number of individuals who are interested in AFAS politics.
This lack of political participation in AFAS is not without its attendance consequences. The wheel of the political affairs will be left in the hands of the quacks and those who have nothing to offer than to take undue advantage of the office, at the expense of AFASites. Also, the will of AFASites might not see the light of the day, year in year out, if this malady is not immediately remedied.
While it is understandable that in mainstream politics, political apathy may stem from lack of understanding of politics, poor execution of policies that would benefit the masses, disappointment in the political office holders, corruption, amongst others. Politics on campus tends to suffer because students, especially UI students, prioritize their academics, making them to sidestep anything that could cause a dent on their academic performances. However, whether they participate or not, the actions and inactions of the students’ leaders will not cease to affect their academics. A perfect scenario was the condemnable actions of the UI SU during the hike in school fee.
AFASites should prioritize attending the Faculty Legislative sittings. In a way, it would familiarise them on how well their representatives are protecting their interests, avail them the opportunity to grasp critical issues affecting the faculty, and how decisions are being made on their behalf. Also, Afasites should attend congress and town hall meetings.
For a society to function to its fullest, there should be a high level of political participation, thereby ensuring accountability and paving way to act as a check on the leaders. AFASites should, in a matter of urgency, reignite the will to actively participate in the political affairs. As another general elections draw close, we cannot afford to tow the line of electing accidental leaders.
