UCJ’UI Denounces Press Misrepresentation, Demands Accountability and Institutional Checks

By: William Olaleye

The Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan, on Tuesday, reaffirmed its commitment to truthful and unbiased reporting, noting that it remains unwavering in its non-negotiable principles of truth, objectivity, accountability, and service to the student community.

The union’s reaffirmation was conveyed in a release signed by its President, Olanshile Ogunrinu, and General Secretary, Adediran Faith.

UCJ referenced its recent coverage of the allegations of financial misconduct among some UI’SU executives, noting that the published reports were sourced directly from the official findings of the Audit and Disciplinary Committees of the 12th Students’ Representative Council Assembly.

The union affirmed that it stands by every line published, stressing that the revealed allegations remain in vogue until formally rebutted by the relevant statutory committee(s) and the Council.

The statement also addressed the Student Union Executives’ response at the recent Students’ Congress, describing it as a use of the platform for public relations rather than accountability, given the way press reports were smeared and misrepresented.

UCJ stated, “It is unfortunate that the Congress, which should serve as a democratic organ of enlightenment and deliberation, was misused as a platform to smear the press. Public relations stunts should not and cannot replace or conceal the need for constitutional checks and balances of the Union.”

UCJ clarified that the accused parties have not been officially cleared of the misconduct allegations levelled against them by the UI’SRC Audit and Disciplinary Committees, adding that any defense must be properly submitted to the same statutory committees that raised the allegations.

“Whatever explanations the executives presented during the occasion (Congress), no matter how appealing, must be properly submitted before the statutory committees that originally investigated the faults,” UCJ noted.

UCJ further advised students to “see through this (press repression and denigration) pattern of intimidation”, and instead demand accountability from student leaders