A Delicate Balance: Demarcating the Line Between Friendship and Duty

By: Moruf Lawal

One thing is peculiar to AFAS political terrain: unending political drama where the legislative and the executive flaunt their tactics and antics to override the superiority of each other at the expense of the welfare of AFASites. But, with the coming of the new administration, all things being equal, it appears it is going to be a different ball game.

Apart from the fact that both AFAS president, Abiola Samuel and the FLC speaker, Rt Hon Olufemi Inioluwa are “green-blooded” brothers – they are both from Great Independence hall of residence, they have built a strong relationship from their first year on campus. In 100 level, Abiola stayed in room 64 while Olufemi was an occupant of room 65. Also, in the last two sessions, when Hon Luqman Alagufon was the FLC speaker, both were members of the legislative council before Abiola contested for the position of the general secretary of the faculty and became a member of the executive council.

Although, it is not unusual to have two close allies head the executive and the legislative in AFAS. In retrospect, during the Emmanuel Akinyoola-led administration, Olasoji Akindejoye was the FLC speaker. Both were said to be friends. Though what began as a sweet relationship turned sour the moment clashes of interests began to surface. Chief among them was the amendment and adoption of the “new AFAS constitution”. Unfortunately, when his tenure was about to end, FLC accused Emmanuel Akinyoola of unconstitutional use of power and he was suspended for some time.

With the camaraderie that exists between both Abiola Samuel and Rt Hon Olufemi Inioluwa, without doubt, one could predict an AFAS free of rancour and ruckus.

Nevertheless, it fuels the curiosity on how much and how well can both long-time friends demarcate the line between friendship and stewardship?. While there may be no or low record of conflict of interests in the course of administration, the issue of undue influence will not only pose a threat to the democratic setting but also stifle the pace of development in AFAS.

In an interview with AFAS president, Abiola Samuel, he stated that personal interests should not overshadow the interest of the association as he promised that he would leverage the relationship he has with the speaker to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks in accordance with the constitution.

“I will leverage on my relationship with the speaker to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks or bureaucracy and I will make sure that there is a swift response to issues affecting AFASites”,he said. “The speaker does not have the power to make a unilateral decision. He works with the decision of the council. Also, I am very conversant with the constitution of the association, which would avail me to always follow the due process.”

For Rt Hon Olufemi Inioluwa, he also assured that there will be respect for each office and the course administration will flow in line with the provisions of the constitution.

“There is going to be a clear respect for each office. When it comes to duty, we will perform it with due diligence and with the respect to the constitution of the Association of the Faculty of Arts’ Students,” he said. “He was a former member of the legislative council. So, I believe he knows the rules. I am not anticipating any flagrant disobedient of the constitution from the president. However, if such occurs, I can assure you that it is not our friendship that is going to act but the office of the speaker.”

In order to mitigate the risk of undue influence from each quarter, FLC should enforce the strict adherence to the constitution by both arms and strengthen the existing legislation which subjects the executive council under constant check. Any form of misdemeanor by the president should not be taken on a face value due to his relationship with the speaker. This is an interesting but delicate moment in the Association of Faculty of Arts’ Students, where each member of the legislative council should reflect true representation of their respective constituencies without subscribing to the whims and caprices of anyone.

A situation in which members of the legislative house hold different viewpoints, most especially, issues that concern the president, the speaker should shun any form of intolerant disposition. Legislative sittings serve as a marketplace of intellectual yet differing opinions, the onus lies with the speaker to not abdicate moral obligation by upholding the provisions of the constitution.

Both arms should carry out their duties with the highest level of transparency and accountability. There should be transparency in the decision-making process. For instance, open legislative sessions on policies and a sustainable feedback mechanism would give AFASites a sense of belonging and improve political consciousness. Also, public disclosure of parliamentary proceedings will, in a long way, contribute to transparency and accountability and help to identify suspicious dealings between the executive and the legislative arms.

The relationship between the two individuals should be leveraged to the advantage of AFASites. Administration should not be turned to ‘padi-padi’ where anything goes and without following the due process.

Also, each member of the legislative council should protect and advance the cause of the constituencies they represent. Deliberations on the floor of the house should be devoid of biases and sentiments and presentation and approval of budgets should be thoroughly scrutinised. The house should uphold the provisions of the constitution and ensure its strict adherence.

All eyes are now on the executive and the legislative arms, as the administration begins in earnest. Time will tell if truly the bond of friendship would not have a negative influence on the bulk of stewardship.