Editorial: A Game Of Power Tussle Between Great Ife CEC & SRC, Selfish Interest Or Students Interest?

 OAU KILONSHELE 

As we are aware that the students' union had its congress on Wednesday, which happens to be the first of its kind since the reinstatement of the Union after five years of prescription. The venue appears to be soaked in gross turbulence as majority of the students were seen protesting some actions of the President, Olayiwola Folahan at the congress. Such that, even Mr. President could not resist the chaotic scene as he escaped the venue devising the marathon means. 

The new page doesn't seem to correspond with expectations of the average Great Ife Students as they were overjoyed, thinking reform-ation has come to their deformities, that salvation has come while they mount the hill of Arafa-t but it blatantly appears the union leadership is more centered in proving who is more capacitated through thwarting power to achieve their selfish interest than rather hold their fellow students' interest and welfare in esteem. 

The Students Representative Council happens to be at loggerhead with the Central Executive Council on allocation of a bar which the executive claim to be its "exclusive constitutional right" while SRC also wants to brag its legislative power of check. Thus, later led to the acclaimed suspension of the SRC Speaker by the CEC at the congress which some of the honorable members protestingly term"kangaroo congress."

It subsequently surfaced that while the CEC is at clash with the SRC leadership likewise the parliament is torn apart as the Deputy Speaker went ahead to declare himself the Acting Speaker amidst the brouhaha with the acclaimed suspended Speaker equally rebutting the CEC pronouncement of his suspension, terming it unjustly in a release put across to the university community on Saturday evening.

However, in politics, loyalty can't be sidelined likewise godfatherism, as they both work together contextually. The duo has become an obstinate nut to crack in politics with also the Great Ife Students' Unionism being viewed as dancing majestically to their tune. The union leadership system has become a tool in the hand of these forces as majority of their actions are not based on their sole decision. It is more like these forces are the major actors and critical deciders in affairs of the Great Ife Students' Union. No wonder, both arms are currently at loggerhead, as these formidable forces are seen stirring affairs behind the scene. 

The union leaders rather choose to become a tool in toying the political gear all night than implement their constitutionally assigned duties in the interest of the vulnerable students. 

And one begins to regurgitate, what is the essence of the union's existence? 

Is it to play politics, prove power or benefit the interest of their fellow students?

Perhaps, someone should tap them on their shoulder, and possibly they awake to the reality of existence. 

Ho! they're still behind the scene. 

Heeey! Who will counter these formidable forces and set our union free from shackles?

Even the school management who is expected to maintain neutrality is seen dodging behind the CEC indirectly, citing a case where the OAU security men were sent to hinder proceedings of the SRC on Thursday. It even appears comical as they were seen loosely watching some young men unleashing mayhem at the venue. If the Speaker has been suspended, how justifiable is it with the dramatic display of the CEC at the congress and not a concocted plot?

 

Now, the acclaimed suspended speaker has come back again standing on his toes ascribing to the dictate of Niccolo Machiavelli which goes thus "a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn not to be good, obedient and tolerant for the sustainability of his council." 

Will the self-emerged Acting Speaker step down?

Is the house united?

Who will laugh last? 

What an interesting time in the history of our dear union!