Still on MAPOLYs SUG Election Drunk on the taste of victory, while their counterparts are still reeling from the lashes of defeat, the Glorious Train which emerged victorious in the recently concluded Student Union Government election of the prestigious Moshood Abiola Polytechnic would by now be strategizing on how to effectively represent the students, either to their benefit or otherwise. However, the election which saw them emerge victorious in itself is contestable as the election among many things further underscored the dramatic decline of sensible unionism on our respective campuses. Rather, what is obtainable nowadays is violent politics at its peak. Our SUG elections are slowly but steadily becoming a nightmare for lovers of peace and equity. Subsequent elections before the recent election have not fared any better. Now, the poser is why would one resort to violence in the name of service to humanity? Unionism should not be a do or die affair. It only becomes such when the candidates themselves have a motive of serving their own interests. Press Club MAPOLY believe service to humanity shouldnt carry a forceful edge. We believe to give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity. The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state, community or institution but on this day, the Press were surprisingly barred from observing from close quarters. It becomes worrisome when the press, the supposed watchdog of the polytechnic are treated with utter disrespect and disdain from the polytechnics security officials and the electoral body (SUELECO) charged with conducting a free and fair election. The Director of Students Affairs claimed he doesnt have the power to counter the SUELECO Chairmans decision. We were told that the polytechnics staff had been directed to steer clear of the election proceedings, but whod explain what some prominent members of polytechnic staff were doing at the election ground on the day. Though barred from the election ground itself, we stood by never say never and carried out our obligations to the electorate from the outer corridors of the ground. Our exclusion from observing points to zero transparency and a contrast to the polytechnics standing pride of hatching the best communicators with journalistic skills in the labour market. Why teach what you dont want practiced? The Press Club MAPOLY believe a truly free and independent press is a vital component of any healthy democratic society. The prime value of journalism is that it imposes transparency, and thus accountability, on those who wield the greatest governmental and corporate power. Meanwhile, the election was marred by various clashes, wrangling and laden with complaints from dissatisfied individuals. Infact, a new entrant into the school would confuse the exercise with a boxing competition, as various individuals at different times took turns to settle differences with fisticuffs. Now, if MAPOLYs election was this action-packed with unpleasant sights, perhaps one should expect worse from the impending national general elections. While the Press Club is in no association with any political faction on campus, we strongly oppose the way candidates of the opposition forum were treated, as some of them were stripped and brutalised by the school security. Press Club MAPOLY believes the same election could have been conducted in a free and fair manner with both parties accepting any eventualities in their strides. Until the act of godfatherism is curbed, will there be a free and fair election. Students should be left to exercise their franchise without intimidation, especially by the security officials. The counting of ballot papers before and after the election should be conducted with maximum transparency, effective screening of electorates before going in to vote would avoid a situation where the election may be rigged. A blow to the head from a vigilant paramilitary officer stopped Fowotade Azeez while trying to pour some ballot papers in the ballot boxes. As stated by Nelson Mandela, a critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press shouldnt be stifled in future. At the moment, the conquered faction is not contented with the results of the election and would no doubt make moves to contest the validity of same. Must we always hold controversial elections in the school? Thoughtfully, it is ironic that at a time when the gospel of change of culture is spreading in the polytechnic, this happens. Moving forward, Press Club MAPOLY believes the first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:29:53 +0000
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