A Chronicle and Comically Honest Review of OAU Electoral Debate [I]

Damola Badmos 

Well, lateness is a rising defect but a common phenomenon in Africa. Great Ife Electoral Commission 2023 did not disappoint in the bid to achieve these norms. Alongside their shambly attitude, the inability of ACJOAU to handle this debate means some set of individuals were employed by the Electoral Commission to moderate. Well, it's worth pondering over as the standard of the debate will be questionable as we go on. 

The debate scheduled for 3 pm started at exactly 4:30 pm. Apologies were made and the debate kicked off with the office of the Director of Sports. Great Ife, shall we?

SPORTS PROTECTOR

Office of the Director of Sports - 

Sumbade Saudiq (Sumbade Jnr) from Faculty of Education

Sumbade, the only unopposed candidate first question came easy as he was asked what sports and physical activities mean.. well, he did justice as is expected from a Layman student. He was pressed on how facilities can be improved to ensure Students' use. He answered that he'd challenge the management and ensure they do the right thing.

He was asked the challenges faced by sports and he said lack of maintenance, lack of experience in sports and inability to do the necessary for athletes. On what it takes to be a keen sportsman, he said it takes preparation and sacrifice. 

He further said he'd ensure sports don't due in Great Ife and promised to launch a sports debate with awards. Well, what's the use for that? It's not a priority thing that can improve the status of sports in the university.

In general, he was straight, looks experienced and a bit nonchalant due to the lack of competition also, the questions were not logically in-depth for someone contesting for the post of Director of Sports. But on his performance, Sumbade is a real deal.

HIGH-DANS

Office of the Director of Socials  

I. Moses Oyebamiji (Coweb) from Social Sciences

II. Ogunbiyi Isaac (OAU Parrot) from EDM 

 III. Aderounmu Gloria (Gorgeous) from Arts 

On social activities participation on campus, Coweb said he has organized about 35 events on campus among which we have the last world cup final at Amphitheater, sponsored psychology dinner, FOSSA freshers party, Arsenal v Chelsea last game at Amphitheater Food fair at Maintenance gate recently. 

He further stated he is here to provide social vibe at an affordable and free rate. OAU Parrot mentioned Archi week, OAU fitness walk, Faaji night and many more. Gorgeous mentioned being part of the team that brought Seyi Vibez to campus among many others. 

On other events that should hold, OAU Parrot promised to bring edutainment as well as enabling events such as spelling bee. Coweb promised to foster interactions among communities such as JCI, and AIESEC on campus. 

On the sacrosanct constitution, they were asked to state their functions. Well, they all tried although not in sic manner.

Several other questions were asked but well, what seemed to be an entertaining moment in the start diminished gradually over the wave of a hand. Disappointing. On this section, OAU Parrot lived up to his name, a true parrot who knows how to connect socially. Coweb flaunted ideas of an experienced person but with not enough social prior background. Gorgeous seems like fresh blood as her confidence and naivety could not penetrate the audience enough in convincing them.

HOLISTIC WELFARISTS

Office of the Welfare Officer 

I. Folahan Paul (Paul) from Administration

II.Samuel Timilehin (S&T) from Education 

III. Tijani Emmanuel (Emmypedia) from Agriculture 

The most pressing issues facing OAU students were asked, Paul referred to halls of residence and substandard water and scarcity as a challenge to them. Also, the bathrooms and toilets are in a dilapidated state. On those off campus, he referred to transportation crisis and promised to solve all these issues.

S&T referred to the water crisis and rebuffed the earlier claim by saying it is not a topmost priority rather health is. He referred to the health center's status and promised to consult the management in making the health center a standard place. 

Emmypedia on the other hand rebuffed the water issue but referred to price regulation as the most pressing issue. Extortion and harassment by vendors on campus are rampant.

Experience possessed was asked and Emmypedia referred to himself as a conscious person who has campaigned against anti students' policies by writing against the use of workbooks at exorbitant prices. S&T referred to himself as Angola Hall chairman and Interhall welfare committee who has tendered requests to the DSA directly and ensured washing of tanks in over 5 years. Paul in his remarks stated that the same contestant that says water is not a pressing need is the one who raised the issue to the DSA. He tagged himself as a born leader and asserted that experience only does not make you fit for office. 

Accommodation issues on maintenance and how to attend to students off campus were asked but nothing substantial came from Paul. Emmypedia promised to call for an emergency congress for students in maintenance to attend to their issue; This is a sign of not knowing the constitution fully so what a disaster from a person bearing Emmypedia!

S&T promised to create 2 reps per hostel off campus for situation reports but does it sound logical? 

The ball is in your court. Well, the moderators were still a bit logical with their questions during this round but overall, still below par. S&T seems to be the most experienced among the pack although the other two did well enough but not overall outstanding.

TOWN CRIERS

Office of the Public Relations Officer 

I. Omisore Elijah (H2O) from Agriculture

II. Akanni Taiwo (Akanni) from Technology

III. Adesina Taiwo (Legend) from Science 

On how to promote the SU image within and outside the union, H2O promised to work with the constitutionally-backed press committee to pass out information to everybody through various social media channels and physical means. Akanni promised to work with the EC in disseminating information and less relevant plans were made by him. Legend, who has a wide following, prostrated to the audience and promised to promote the SU image through social media. He shared a story of attending a conference where he listened to challenges and resolved them. He also talked about liaising with the management in dissemination of appropriate information. 

On being the union librarian, Legend promised to be responsible for the library but despite the echoes of supporters, nothing substantial came out of this; no plan, no clear vision. H2O and Akanni spoke brilliantly on how to utilize the university library to benefit students. 

On passing information on union activities across all OAU students, Akanni spoke on the use of social media to disseminate updates within 3 minutes. He also promised to connect with all class reps and PROs of departments and faculties to disseminate information rapidly. Legend promised to protect all OAU students by disseminating information. 

The three PRO candidates were told to address the students on how to respond to water scarcity scenario on campus. H2O did fantastically well on how he connected with the students both in the negotiating spirit, aluta spirit and in the spirit of constructive criticism toward the management. Akanni did well to an extent but well, not impressive enough. Legend digressed out of point and seems disappointing on this note. Wondered why he had that much shouts, Charisma. 

The moderators asked brilliant questions in this round but still not satisfactory enough for a competitive and sensitive position like this. H2O did well enough to impress; someone with experience and sharp mind on what it is and what it should be. Akanni came close, although sloppy on some parts while Legend as his nick stands was legendary in delving out of points during this debate although he has the aura to hit the deepest parts of the audience.

DEPUTY SECRETARIATS

Office of the Assistant Secretary General

I. Adelana Testimony from Law

II. Alo Anthony (Sage) from Social Sciences

III. Akinpelu Queen (Shindara) from Arts

IV. John Oluwatunmise Gabriel (J.O.G) from Basic Medical Sciences

On the difference between ASG and AGS, Testimony said there's no difference since they are assistants to the secretaries in question. Sage stated that there's a difference because that is what differentiates the union from other associations. Shindara stated that there's a difference due to the broader work rate attached to the posts. J.O.G. stated there's a difference because the ASG stands as a leading difference at the level of other associations.

On sustaining a good working relationship with the SG, J.O.G promised to work together with the SG to serve the Great Ife students well. Shindara promised transparent communication by stating her roles and maintaining respect to enhance good relationships. Sage and Testimony referred to the constitution and promised to follow their constitutional duties by assisting the Secretary General.

On reciting the constitution that states the ASG duties, they all did well. In this section, they all fared well and may the choice of Great Ife win. They all did well. ASG is not a very significant role that demands much. Great Ife, do what thou shalt.