On Saturday, 9th October 2021, the university of Ibadan students elected a new sheriff to serve their mandate and represent their interest. The jubilations, cheers, and chants of the winners did not close the discussions on the efficiency whole electoral process. According to some students, the election was marred in irregularities. UCJ UI uncovered a handful of them. There were widespread allegations on mass voting that went on in halls of residence. If the University turns a blind eye to this issue, students involved in these alleged irregularities raise concerns about the functionality of the tertiary institutions. We begin to wonder if the university indeed breed future leaders or future bandits.
Despite this, the winners were announced—amidst all the shenanigans. Those that won paraded halls to show their appreciation to their voters. Those that didn’t win accept their faith and moved on to other things. If there’s a thing we can draw from the just-concluded elections, it is the faith of unionism and most important, the dwindling loss of students in political participation. The newly elected Students’ Union executives have a huge task on their end to restore the faith of the students in the union and to resuscitate it as well. In our interviews with the former SU Presidential aspirants, both affirmed that the Union is not in a moribund. We however believe that anyone who says similar is either deluded or a liar.
Mascot has been given the mandate to serve. He has promised. Upon inauguration, what remains for him is to live to his promises. He has said what he has to say. He will need to do a lot to restore the stooge called the union. Along with him, in their battle of redemption (?) is other elected executives. We are of the view that we can say a word or two of admonishment to our new leaders.
‘The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action- an unconventional business strategy, a unique product-development roadmap, a controversial marketing campaign-even as the rest of the world wonders why you’re not marching in step with the status quo. In other words, real leaders are happy to zig while others zag. They understand that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand for something special.’ The above are the words of Bill Taylor and we hope you will always stand for something special. We are expecting nothing less. We know the journey will not be easy. You know this too, yet you threw your hats in the ring. Now is no time for had-I-knowns. It’s time for forward-looking if you are to make a mark and leave a legacy.
It is said that ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupt absolutely.’ The SU is not the place for leaders to flex their muscles and treat the students as if they are lower humans. It is not a platfrom to form caucuses of hoard meet for gyration. It is a place to serve and fight till the end for the students’ interest without the lies of diplomacy. We know some of the leaders may not know what it takes to be one, but to fully gain the students’ support, more of convincing actions are needed—not promise and fail.
The student saw leadership skills and competence before they voted you in. You have emerged winners because the students have paid attention to your passion, commitment, strength, vigour, vision, accountability and drive. It is our hope that you stay true to the course, add more values to the skills sets as the students who elected you in will not want to ‘chop any breakfast’ till the ban is lifted again. “Where there is a will, there is a way.” You have given you the ‘way’ to the Kunle Adepeju building and we hope that you have the will to tenaciously continue till the very end.
From the moment the ban was lifted to the minute the general election ended on October 9, 2021, the University of Ibadan has witnessed a lot and inks have dried up. From washing of tanks and giving of freebies to win over electorates, tongue-lashing other candidates, reports of embarrassing videos of election riggings by aspirants, halls of residence and faculties, poor server rendering electorates apathetic and finally to some candidates emerging winners, we cover our faces in shame.
This saying should always resonate in our mental lexicon if we are to call ourselves intellectuals. “If politics is seen as a game, there will be losers and winners, but if it seen as an opportunity to serve and contribute one’s quota to the system, then there’s no loser and no vanquisher. It is worrisome and disheartening that students now see student union leadership as a game; a game that must be won at all cost; not a cause that must be served whether they win or not.”
Similarly, let’s not continue to bask in our ignorance that rigging and other electoral malpractice are integral to every election. Electoral malpractices are weed to the good election and integrity-led administration the university and nation generally aspire. Therefore, they can be uprooted, curtailed or destroyed. So, next time, let’s do better and act better. Let’s raise true minds that champion a noble cause so the students’ union greatness would be won with an honest toil. You should remember that as you move, the students move along with you. But it is you that will take the blame if anything goes wrong. If you must act then act wisely.
One more thing:
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Thanks for reading. Have a fantastic week ahead.
