The just inaugurated Students' Union Senate President, Akano Jesunifemi reveals in this exclusive interview with the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) that he does not foresee threats in the Senate Council in the upcoming session.

Read in this interview as he reveals more about his personality and why he vied for the position of the Senate President.

UCJ: Can we meet you sir?

SP: I am Akano Jesunifemi by name, a 500L student faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The Senate President for 2018/2019 parliamentary year by God's grace. Basically, that's the brief.

UCJ: For how long have you been a senator?

SP: I will say this is my third time of returning as a senator. I am a 3rd time senator. So, in a nutshell, I have been here since 2015.

UCJ: Wow! For you to have been reelected three times it means that you're a good per...

SP: (cuts in) It is not even about being good, I'll say being good does not take us too far, it is just about people believing in you. So, it's the belief and the trust. I know many people are good and I am not the only one that has served but the worthwhile things I've done is what they have been able to benefit from. It is not until material things are given to students before they appreciate you, even effective representation which was obvious to them is enough to build a good trust level.

UCJ: Can you spell out the things you did that made them want you back?

SP: That can be rhetoric sometimes but I won't let that be rhetoric. I will just say one or two things about that. The first time I served in the house, I served as the chief whip officer and being the chief officer of the house does not involve being in the sitting for sitting sake. I engaged myself in every matter that pertains to the school. The first time I came in we had a 36 hours budget sitting and I was actively involved all through the course of the sitting and so many things that engaged and dealt with the union as a whole. I didn't just represent my faculty but was in for the union as a whole.

More so, my faculty used to have big issues with transportation and there were ways in which we went about that. Also, we discussed matters in the house, so, let me say that was one of it. They basically saw a good representation the first time.

The second time I came on board for the faculty and the union as a whole. It's not by just seeing "Nifemi" as a name in the Senate Council, it's a name I tied to build not just because I have a political ambition but to protect my integrity as a person and when you consciously and unconsciously protect your integrity, you do things that your subconsciousness can't even define. I remember playing an active role when we were talking about how to distribute the tablet... There was a rumour that  non-worthwhile things were coming in for fresh guys and we looked into it and made sure only worthwhile things were in stock for them, and that if not worthwhile should be pended. I also played an active role in starters' pack issue.

Also, in the course of the tenure, we had a 14-hour budget sitting again and that led to men calling me "a man of budget". I am not just a man of budget, I just want to make sure things get better and I'm not just making things get better because I hate anyone. I'll be doing this so objectively and not emotionally because emotions are not set in such conditions and one must objectively look into things.

During the tenure, I was also able to become the chairman for property assessment, we assessed properties and there was a land scandal at Oke-Odo that we were involved in and it was settled. We checked for vocational centres and how well we can make it beneficial to all students.

Also, I over saw all properties pertaining to the Union including counting of souvenirs during the Eminent souvenir saga. The committee counted so as to accurately feed the entire student populace and give the actual number of the souvenir. People saw these things and realised that this "little man" can also serve.

Although, transportation issue has been a general problem in the whole school, we are looking into it as well as it is not just peculiar to my faculty alone. We hope for better days and not for new days because it is not all new things that are good/better so, we keep anticipating for better days.

UCJ: What exactly drove you into vying for the post of the Senate President? Is it for you to oversee the budget or like you said you have keen interest in budget planning. Was that what brought about the passion for being the Senate President?

SP: Hmmmn, thank you very much, ma. I didn't say I have keen interest in budget. I've just said overtime, everything that pertains to the Union, you know I didn't mention only budget now. I mentioned everything that pertains to the Union including a saga about Faculty of Veterinary Hostels at Sabo-Oke that we even discussed in the floor of the house when they were asking about it and we explained that it was lit opened like that but there are still some documentations and proper reviewing that would still be done to the building. So it's not just about budget alone.

Now, if we say what drove my ambition was just budget, then the question for us to answer is this: "Is Senate Council just all about budget?"

The school of the Senate Council expands more than budget, so, we will not be myopic to say that all what we do is budget sitting. Although, that is one of what people look up to. So I reiterate that we will not be so myopic to decide on budget alone.

Now, what drove my interest for Senate Presidency is took majorly at his well we can have an objectively-led Union. I want a Union led on credibility  and objectivity that will go with meritocracy...

UCJ: Sorry to cut you in. Are you saying that the past administration was not objective, credible and all?

SP: Why will I say so? No, I didn't say they are not, but, for objectivity to be a sustainable goal and not just a thing that just because the past administrations has made it so but for us to have a continued existence of objectivity and credibility and all inclusive-not just because you belong fraction or to some sects that you have things that pertain to you on the floor of the house but people that look into all things and lead the affairs of the Union at large at any place in all ramifications  and would be able to prove their worth, so that is to answer the question.

Also, what drove my interest to vie for the post of SP is that; I think I can be of help to the Union with the little experience I have been able to gather. It's not about the number of experience I have gathered now, but if the fee experiences can be productive to the Union, I should give it back to the Union because I believe that the SC is a school I have learnt from even though I didn't come in as a novice.

UCJ: Okay, based on the result of the election, you were far beyond your opponents. Do you think it is as a result of your input to the council or it is just a political play?

SP: Election most times is a thing of individual interest, so I can't really say the platform on which I was voted for; but I believe senators that were inaugurated wanted a person that can partner in their progress. So it is not having a uniform council but a unified senate council. So unity is our goal not because of where you come from. I said during my manifesto that "It is not because I am the best, but it is why I'm soliciting for your support but because the best people deserve to be a benefit of that, to see if I can be able to lead the house of Senate Council". Also, I said that they are great challenges as well as great opportunities now with their help, we will meet them and make this parliamentary year best in history. So, when like-minds come together, we will be able to have things go well. Probably most senators thought about my words and decided to vote me in; it still remains what I can't answer. More so, such question is for those that voted as I can't best explain why they voted for me.

UCJ: You mentioned that you want to make  this parliamentary year the best in its history, are there things the immediate past SP could not achieve and that you intend putting such to place or how do you intend to do this?

SP: Okay, the IPSP has done a lot and one of those things I think that means the best, is when common things are done in different ways, it can make things better.

So, basically, we are going to be doing things common to people in dynamic ways i.e we are not going to be static with our thoughts.

Also, my administration will have all senators come together because the Senate Council is the actual representation of the student populace because it is the microcosm of the Union itself in that we have all fifteen faculties duly represented including hall representatives which means all school hostels and faculties have representatives in the Union.

With the foresaid, one of the things to actualise is the vision of the house in that we have a productive Council that is not just productive with words but how well we see to things and also to proceed on how well we can make things better. We can actually achieve this by making every body worthwhile; nobody will be looked down upon as it is the pathway to intimidation so if all senators have the self esteem to do things well and one of those ways I think we can make this year better in history is if we all come as one to make the Union progress, every senator will have agenda but the best way to make us the best is that we unite despite the fact that we are from different faculties as all we would be concerned about is a unified union and our selfish or personal goal does not supersede our general goals because as far as personal goals is being given preference, we won't achieve much. When general goal is the first thing achieved before personal goals we would have a better union and parliamentary year.

UCJ: Thank you so much for that. In correlation with what you said about personal goals or interest, are you confirming the general belief that most senators are affiliated with the Central Executive Council (Students' Union officials) in order to influence easy grant of their request especially budget?

SP: Talking about this sort of affiliation can be ambiguous in some ways. Affiliation with CEC can be either to help them express their own feelings on the floor of the house or to achieve their intent, so,  which of these patterns are you referring to?

UCJ: You can talk on both patterns, sir.

SP: OK, I will like to think that even though we are affiliated with CEC, we should be objective enough. In the real sense, if you as a senator know that what you're going to say or defend does not worth it, why then would you put your integrity at stake just because your friend is involved? Any thing done on the platform of friendship or because we are from the same faculty won't make it better. It may have happened in times past but I believe the past administrations in which I served i.e Sen Ademola Adekunbi and Sen Imam Abdulquadri were a better fraction of that because we don't have replication of such affiliations. Intact, why would a senator start speaking for friends when he/she knows that he would be affected by what he says and not make the Union better? I believe that as an intellectual, things that are worthwhile only should be placed on the floor of the Senate Council.

UCJ: You mentioned that the past administration led by Sen Ademola Adekunbi did great things, on a scale of 1 - 10 please rate his performance?

SP: I will rate his performance 10 of 10 if possible.

UCJ: Wow! Does that mean there were no flaws in the course of his leadership?

SP: Now, I said 10/10 because I see much more of his good deeds than his bad deeds. The worthwhile things he did overshadows all besides every man comes with his flaws but when your good deeds covers your mistakes, people will say you are good and vice-versa.

UCJ: Are you willing to work with the bodies that are necessary in order to achieve your purpose?

SP: Thank you very much ma, I will say that the kingdom that divideth its gates cannot stand; why will I then say I cannot work with bodies that will make the Union progress? I am saying categorically that body whose interest is to make the union progress would be worked with and by God's grace we would be able to achieve because I can't achieve all these single handedly.

UCJ: What should Unilorites watch out for in 18/19 Parliamentary Year?

SP: My advise to all Unilorites is that we should all crave for better things, like I said at the inauguration that; "all progress remains at a state of rest until a mental force is being applied to it." Let us all just participate in making the Union better.

UCJ: Do you foresee threats from co-senators —:those that contended with you or even from the CEC during the course of your administration?

SP: I don't foresee any threat in anybody and I see everybody as people who we can work together. I believe that everyone with whom I contested with, have the mind of making the Union better; so, no one is a threat to progress. The only threat to progress is those who don't want the progress, and I believe all Union officials have sworn to the oath that all of what they will do with their office will be to make the union progress. Seriously,i don't see anyone as a threat.

UCJ: Lastly sir, how do you intend to bridge the gap between the SC and the CEC?

SP: The way to bridge the gap between both parties is that we all understand our functions. There are times each arms of the Union try to do oversize functions and when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. We would try in all ways to extend arms of friendship as well as willingly work with them. Most times, the problem we have is that they think the SC is their enemy but I want them to erase that motion as we are willing to work with them at any time of the day. Our doors are opened to them and like the VC said - the University is running a no-door policy therefore the SC is operating a no-door policy. We will welcome every idea from the CEC and admire our ego does not affect the progress of the Union.

UCJ: Thank you very much for the time. we would be coming in subsequent times.

*Unilorin’18 Aftermath: “UISEC commissioners this year were mischievous, Porous and came with interests” – Sub Dean*

The Sub Dean of the Students Affairs Unit, Dr Alex Akanmu has lashed out at the members of the Unilorin Independent Students Electoral Commission (UISEC), over what he termed "unprofessional" roles they played in the just concluded Students' Union elections.
The aftermath of the election that saw the emergency of a medical student as the President-elect has brewed series of polemics from different angles suggesting that conspiracy was played out by the University's Students' Affairs Unit, specifically, the Sub Dean.


Expectedly, Sub Dean, in the turn of events, cleared the air over some grey areas of allegations. In his response, he alleged that the UISEC officials that conducted the election lacked in the required 'Intellectual' capability in holding public trusts; describing them as "porous", "mischievous" "inconsistent" and that they had come with "conflicting vested interests"

The Sub Dean who earlier declined comments over the saga eventually poured out his mind saying: "I don’t want to talk about the ISEC we have this year because they all came with interests and it override their objectivity and sense of thinking such that you also wonder the porosity of the ISEC so that when you have meeting with them like this, most time you have to say half truth to them because you know everything will be on air. So when they come back here, they look shameful because only the half is already in the public. And you shake your head and say these are the people you deal with…they don’t even know how to handle information."

He also alleged that some of the constituted members of the commission were out for hatchman job; opining that ISEC was a house divided against itself. he decried the unbalanced nature of the commission's treatment of the vying candidates. Most specifically, the President-elect. He lamented the commission's poor administrative prowess, saying that this year's ISEC "was a divided and unprofessional ISEC ever brought"

Reacting to the issue of disqualifying some of the candidates in the race, Dr Alex alluded to a similar event in the past where one Alagbede was made to leave the race at the eve of the election. According to him "in the time past they had the way of  driving away one to two candidates and for those who are old enough in this campus, who have spent about three to four year would recall Alagbede saga…it was in the day of debate that he was disqualified. Not on the basis of CGPA...", he alluded.

Dr Alex further bemoaned the unprofessional way the issue of candidates' eligibility was handled, he alleged conspiracy in the way the electoral empire treated Animasaun's case. In his words: "Many of them were literally against the President-elect and it was clear in their operations, it was very glaring. And they were not armed with fact. When they were constituted, (let me start with the word) I was fully aware that they were handed over the constitution, the compendium...and because I like speaking with facts…when they were constituted I think it’s on a Saturday June 23rd or so; they had the privilege of this constitution; this compendium with the President's signature but because some of them were mischievous, they could not circulate it among themselves; it was kept with the chairman and some members of the committee, and of course, ISEC, some of them were out for hatchman job.", Sub Dean said.

On the purported reasons for the rumoured resignation, Dr Alex suspected that the commissioners could not have opted for resignation if the President-elect had not been part of the presidential race. He said they earlier disqualified him because they could not harness fact; their action was based on the half truth at their disposal and that happened because they wanted to look good to some vested interests. "This is what they advertised. Meanwhile to look good to the interest they're representing, they keep telling them 'It’s 60 percent'; 'We'll screen him out'"; he continued: "We were waiting... we went to the academic office, they gave us reports of academic status of all the aspirants and duly signed by the academic office", he said.

Sub Dean further revealed that a letter from the faculty of Basic medical science, came, and to which as a staff of the University he must attend; According to the content of the letter which was made available to the press "The grading of MBBS is not classified but based on percentage. The average score of the candidate (Animasaun) as of his last professional exam, April 2018 is 53.5. The conduct of the resit exam is statutory in the MBB programme in the college of health sciences and its result cancels whatever score candidate had previously", the letter reads in part.

He alleged ISEC members, in their interests had gone extra mile in a bid to ensure Animasaun did not join the race. He said they advertised what was not true and "So when it appears that the boy they were fighting…THEY HAVE THEIR INTERESTS... because they wanted to edge him out, they have gone all around to get documents about him. Those documents were on those when he failed pathology and he had a resit. As at the time he failed pathology, his point was 51.8%"

However, with the new development, he alleged that the injunction infuriated them but "since unlike our own classified degree. If you have a resit in medicine, it cancels whatever score you have already  because they have to record the new score for you to continue. So the data in their disposal which they want to use against their enemy is the data of 51.8 and they circulated it in the camp they’re representing and they don’t have these facts. So when they came, we said the boy will contest; you’re not the ones that will award degree, it’s the university; the college has written and tells you that 'that automatically cancels whatever score', the Sub Dean become their enemy at that time.." And a number of ISEC commissioners " became angry;  three of them went online that they’ve resigned. Not that they wanted to resign because of the injunction, but because the candidate they did not like is coming", he alleged.

"You advertised 52.5 he had 53.5, is he not qualified? We don’t take resit here, we take carryover here… In medicine, they have another way of classifying their degree, if you have a resit, the score you have automatically cancels whatever point you had before…they were circulating the old points in their caucus; because each time we meet, they’ll have to go and feed whoever sponsors them."

"So when this boy was to be out of the race, they agreed in a meeting that because he’s going to be out, to now give their own candidate chance, that Ashnof and Standard are not meeting up with the knowledge of the union, they should be out, that time there should be no noise. So by that it’ll be narrowed down to five (contenders) – Scofied, Oye, Mayaiki, Carson and one other person – Carson is not a threat to them, so it will be among the three – Scofied, Mayaiki and Aristotle – and Aristotle is not even a threat to them. So the argument was to edge Standard and Ashnof out because they were in the category of Alagbede memory. So if the two be out, no problem. So they already circulated the news that have not been officially appended to in their clique so they were already jubilating - 'Atleast it's going to be among just five. You see now? So when the results with them have 'NOT CLEARED' for Animasahun, 'NOT CLEARED' for Ashnof, 'NOT CLEARED’ for Standard, there was no noise, but immediately the letter came, I said there’s a letter I must respect as a staff of the University, here is the document, they became angry."

"These same people agreed that Ashnof should leave the race; that Standard should leave the race because aside CGPA, that there’s no knowledge of the union and their confidence was in doubt…so they went on social media, and the question I asked: 'Were you appointed on social media?', 'what exactly were you trying to gain from social media?' public sympathy? Because of inconsistencies, you claimed you resigned and you appeared the following morning to beg. So when they claimed they resigned, I did not talk, as long as I have fact, I was just looking at them. Ok no problem. So they went on air…many of you reading things, you don’t know forces behind those things, the forces behind are from town. I was not Sub Dean last year, we never released screening results on social media – it’s always pasted. And it’s always around 11.30 or 11pm. Because of the political heat they wanted to heat up, they released results on social media. And the one they released on social media was: 'Animasahun NOT QUALIFIED'; ‘Ashnof NOT CLEARED’. Who would recon with the results that was not pasted? So those three released the results because they had computer with them. And as at the time there was a divide, the chairman was having access to fact. The university would not released the results on social media; these people were cleared…infact with those ones you people claimed to not having competency, we cleared everybody and released the results at the normal time. Screening results used to be released between 10 and 11pm not on social media! I’m not a social media scholar. As far as I’m concerned, I believe in documentation"

Dr Alex, however cautioned that "every society where people resist orders, there won’t be standard. What I have to say is that people are resisting standard or quality as it were, because that’s what was obtainable in the past."

_Reported by pressmen Abdullahi R. Adetutu, Ojebode S. Tomi, Iwayemi Zainab, Ayeyemi Deborah; and the pack ably led by Fadlullah Abdul-Azeez._

*UCJ, UNILORIN*

~~~ Iwayemi Zainab, Ojebode Seweuseter

Sequel to the on-going drama in the Faculty of Social Sciences which had the president suspended for 14 days, on the basis of acting in contrary to the constitution, and his inability to properly account for how he spent the money belonging to the association. As his suspension elapses on the 30th of May, 2017, the President Kelvin has narrated his own side of the story, stating that he had learnt his lesson.

In an interview with UCJ Unilorin, the president shed more light as to the reasons for his suspension and some of the big plans he has for the  remaining days of his administration.

UCJ: Can we meet you?

KELVIN:  My name is Oluwaleke Gbemikaye Kelvin,  the President of Faculty of Social Sciences from the department of psychology.

UCJ: Could you shed light on the reasons for your suspension?

KELVIN: My being suspended was as a result of certain issues that occurred between myself and some of the decisions that I have made as a president of the faculty that certainly didn't go down well with the SRC of the faculty hence they felt since they have issues with some of the decisions that I took, with how and why I took them, they felt I should be held responsible for my actions and so I think that is exactly the reason for my suspension.

UCJ: What particular action of yours led to your suspension?

KELVIN: If you would agree with me, you will find out that the school calendar has been  a bit inconsistent that is why we had 300 and 400 level having their exams first so because of that inconsistency in the calender it has made it totally difficult for us to attain our objectives meaning we have to out source or look inward to do some things and some times some of these things that we look inward to do,  they made it necessary for us to make certain decisions like I could remember vividly one of the things they held me for was the issue of the faculty freshers hangouts that I did. 

We didn't tell them and the truth of the matter is, it wasn't like we didn't want to tell them. We told them but there are some processes they made us go through but we couldn't go through everything based on the time and the financial commitment that has already been committed to the project and so when it turned out that we can no longer have it based on their own decision it was so difficult to go back on the decision because the students already had a date at heart,  they already prepared and we already used our money to pay for the venue and so it just came all of a sudden when the SRC said we should stop it. So it was difficult for us to go back on the decision.

UCJ: Are you saying the program was done with your personal money?

KELVIN: Yes, I make bold to say it categorically that from the whole money that was spent for the freshers hangouts roughly we spent nothing less than ninety thousand naira #90,000 and the only money that I will say came from another source, which is not my personal  money is nine thousand, two hundred Mayra #9200 and I could get that money not because they willingly gave me but because I told my CEC when we did the program we had before that one, we were able to reserve some money so that money was what I added to facilitate everything that happened. 

Apart from that every penny,  every kobo spent,  I spent my personal money. And as a matter of fact I sold Ticket for like 500 per ticket and sincerely I ran at lose in the sense that people came for the program but somehow,  probably because of the way people just come in with the Ticket, tear it,  give it to their friends,  their friends do the same... So the number of tickets that we sold that day was just a handful...i cannot quote a particular figure right now but I can always do that if you need me to. Because I made sure I kept those tickets for situations like this.

Again why I was suspended was on the issue of the faculty's account,  who is legible and illegible to sign the withdrawal of money.  This is what happened,  my predecessor who handed over to me senator Lukman, he told me categorically along side the general secretary that I am the sole signatory to the account as a student but Co signatory with the faculty accountant and the Dean of the faculty. The kind of account that the faculty is running is that of 3 to sign, that is the Dean,  faculty accountant, and the president of the association which is myself. 

So by default,  I am the sole signatory to the account. But the SRC always in their wisdom of following the constitution, which is definitely what is guiding each and everyone of us, I believe they think for us to bring out money, the SRC, speaker and the financial secretary which is what was provided for in the constitution is suppose to sign to bring out the money. But in reality, I think they said it was during the time of proffesor Oloyede that he reverted that constitutional provision that says president, financial secretary and the speaker should be the one signing so since that time they 've not amended it in the constitution bit it's still provided, so they work with the constitution and when I got out the money, definitely it was without their approval although they were fully aware but because they didn't sign and the money came out they felt I did something to arrive at that which wasn't the issue. It was just the normal provision and when I wanted to collect the money I ran it by the staff adviser, Mr. Raji. He knows about it, I showed him an he even corrected the letter I wrote to the Dean and faculty accountant should be done and we were able to come out with the money.

UCJ: So when this happened did you inform him of your suspension?

KELVIN: when I was suspended,  it was in the night so the next morning he called me because he had heard even before I could inform him. So he called me to verify if the suspension was true and I said yes.

UCJ: From your analysis,  do you think you are guilty?

KELVIN: Definitely I did some of the things they said I did,  we did some programs without the approval of the  total approval as it is suppose to be of the SRC.but it's got reasons.

Let me explain One of the reasons I was suspended again, because he who comes with equity must come with a clean hand.  Another issues was when I withdrew the money, you know we told the students then that we wanted to do public address system and all and tat was what even the SRC approved for us. We looked into the time of the session and we found out that there is no time anymore so then with the way things were going on,  I felt like how do I raise money to quickly buy the public address system let it be serving it purpose and then later when the money comes out from the SRC we just replace it to the appropriate quarter. Then, personally, inside the faculty secretariat right now we have the public address system. 

All these speakers( pointing to speaker's inside SSLT) and amplifier here,  the cones inside got burnt and that is the reason they have not been working. We were provided with the sum of #62,000 to make sure we get those things working. Although I gave them a bigger quotation,  but you know SRC will always bring it down to what they feel should be enough in reality when we got to the market,  we found out that what we have wasn't even close to what we need.  So it means we have to either out source or do less than we intended so I bought in professionals, the electricians bought new spear parts and changed the ones that are burnt as I am talking to you all of the things are in working conditions. And I have the wireless speaker that I bought it isso strong that this administration and it's successors will use because it would last long. 

But the money for it has not been  released but the project has to be done such that it can start serving it purpose to students. That was the plan.  So what I did is, the first set of money, when we collected from the faculty's account, one was suppose to be for the faculty orientation and press conference that was done and the other part was suppose to go for the SRC orientation and seminar. I thought there is no way I could achieve getting those sound systems on time if we give out the Money that every body Was suppose to have. So I took some excess from t knee CECs quota I was suppose to give the SRC #58,150, I gave them #50,000.

UCJ: Were they aware of your plans?

KELVIN: they were not awere. I took #8,150 out of their own money all with the mindset that I just want the students to get this public address system because it is provided for in the constitution that at least after every semester or session,  the financial record of how everything was spent in the association must be submitted. So there was no way it was going to be easy for anybody even the president to swindle one naira without being traced. It is expressly provided for in the constitution ha I didn't know I thought I could go away with it. 

So I took that money,  added over #40,000 of my own personal money, only the microphone that was bought is #38,900 talk less of all the money that was use to repair both the amplifier and the speaker's.  All the money I spent so far has far exceeded what was budgeted for me.  So although,  that decision to pick their #8,000 was done personally by me without informing them  and that was where the problem started.  All I just wanted to do was deliver and later when everything start working and we get the money,  we will return the money to you.  That was what I thought and obviously I have already bought everything that needed to be bought.  The reason why those things (speaker's in SSLT)  has not been working is because of the state of the faculty, I mean the socket,  when we got them the sockets were not working so we had to go write to the faculty management to do somethingabout it.  

As a matter of fact,  when we got those equipment we wanted to make sure that we ourselves cable by ourselves but the faculty said we cannot that it still has to be subject to the approval of the Dean. So we had to take everything gently by writing and going through the appropriate quarter. As I am talking to you,  the faculty electricians are working on it as we have been on their neck since that time. Even during the last meeting held I told the welfare secretary to ensure this things are in place. Because that is the major reason I was into the mess.

UCJ: There was a rumour that you added money to the amount of the final year form. How true is this?

KELVIN: I think that issue is one that is still Subject to certain verification. And investigation is still on on that. Like you said it's a rumour so let's still treat it as a rumour because it is an issue that is still pending although I wouldn't say something similar didn't crop up. But there were reasons why some of those things were and for the total news and information, the way you people are hearing it is not exactly the way it is. There are lots of perception going on the truth is they are not entirely what you people think.  Sometimes when an issue occurs, when a third Larson talk about it, he tells you things that are totally unimaginable I am not saying something similar didn't happen but there are reasons it had to be that way but currently it is still under certain investigation. So I cannot be talking on something that is still under investigation. It will be a way of hampering what is to be done.  Once the whole thing is done,  definitely it will be known.

UCJ: Lately FOSSSA speaker was suspended for lying on the floor of the house in your favour. Do you have any affiliation with him?

KELVIN: What I can say about that is I have a relationship with the speaker like I have with every other person in this faculty. But it requires that the both of us have a bit of an extended relationship because of his post as the speaker of the faculty as we as my own post as the president. Definitely for the association to move forward we have to talk to each other. Also,  whether officially or unofficially,  when you are talking to people you people get close and sometimes you might feel something like that.  But what I would want to say about that is when he said what he said, in my favour,  I don't think...i have a relationship with him but that doesn't mean I ask him to say what he said,  I couldn't have influenced him.  If he says it, it's because he feels it is necessary that the information be said.

Don't get me wrong but As the speaker of the house,  just like the president, there are sometimes you act on impulse and that Is exactly what got me myself into problem with the SRC.  Acting on impulse,  when an issue arises what you first of all think is tackle the issue and that is what leaders are meant to do.  You act and adapt to situation.  Probably he saw it as something that could upset the faculty of it is not handled well. He could have made certain statement that he feel can quench the something he might not meaningfullysay those things to slander or discredit anyone. He might just be saying it on behalf of the faculty but that is as much as I know.

UCJ: During your suspension, there was a souvenir scandal and you were alleged to have given some souvenirs to some CEC members without the consent of the welfare secretary.  What do you have to say on that?

KELVIN: Thaat is false to an extent because I was not around because unfortunately just a day after my suspension I lost my grand father so I had to rush down home but before o travelled I was the one that call the faculty welfare director to go and pick 600 souvenirs and they delivered it to the faculty and as a matter of fact while I was sitting there the news came.  So we were looking for where to keep it in such a way that anybody would not just come and so the accountability can be very credible. 

So when they brought it we wanted to keep it inside the cabinet but the cabinet was way too small for the souvenirs so we opted to putting it at the right hand side of the president, between the table and the president seat such that the only person that can assess it is the person that has sat on the president seat but while we were there I heard that the welfare secretary already dashed out oneof the souvenirs to a keke driver. So when he dropped them I said let me pick my phone and call the departmental presidents so that they can come and carry out the sharing modalities such that from there the welfare of department can now handle it just the way it was done in SU.  Because the SU called me too. I attended like two three meetings just because of that souvenirs so I felt if the SU can call us the president,  because we were the ones that did the modality of the sharing before they involved Asukuti to call other welfare secretary. 

Asukuti wasn't even there when we talked about the modality of sharing and the day the souvenirs was to be shared it was still us that the called to send down our welfare.  So I felt like what was done for me the same process should be replicated in the faculty so that no presidents would tell me later that he is not aware of how it was shared.

I told the welfare we should follow the same steps the SU has laid but the welfare secretary was like no.  And every one was also like no president. They militated against the president of department knowing about it and the welfare director said he will be the one to share it and he will share it. Is it me that they already told cannot share it that would handle the souvenir? Is it rational?  Is it normal? So this is what I'm saying because I was the one sitting on my sit, when the vice president and other CEC members wanted to leave, she just said "let me quickly take mine because we might not be around by the time they share everything," she even said she wanted the one that is embursed so I was sitting there,  she wanted to stretch he hand definitely she couldn't reach it and some other CEC members too said the same thing so where they had to include me is when they couldn't reach it and I was closer to it. 

So I just passed it to them but I never said anyone should take the souvenir, I only helped them do what they already had in mind. Definitely they did not agree for me not to share it.  Definitely if I say don't take it they will still take it.  So instead of me to create a scene I just helped them. That was what happened so if anybody is crediting me that I gave them souvenir that is blatant lie.  The only thing is when everyone took theirs I was like oh since you all have taken yours let me take mine too. And that one I didn't take it out of that same place I just kept it inside faculty drawer and immediately I saw it on CEC group that SRC said we should return it, I just told them my own is inside locker,  remove it because I wasn't even around till today I haven't checked to see if they have actually carried it neither have I asked anybody of how it was actually shared.

UCJ: Do you regret your actions as a president?

KELVIN: Definitely. Thhis is the reason I regret my action. Sometimes it is very important that despite whoever you think is right you should always weigh people's opinion and also follow constitution. Meaning that regardless of how good your intentions are, if you carry it out through the wrong means people will frown at it.  All in all, if you are to ask me if I regretted doing some of the things that I did,  I will tell you NO.  But if you are to ask me that "if you have another opportunity,  would you do it better in a right process? It's 100% yes, because all the things that I did,  I did it with the clear intention of doing it and I know it's going to be for the betterment of the faculty.  Because if the public address system is working, definitely the students are going to enjoy and they will be happy it's working.  I took those decisions for popular reason but the mode or the process at which those things were done wasn't right. And I have understood so if I have the opportunity there are better ways that I would know how to do things.  But all in all,  I don't regret my actions.

UCJ: How do you plan to right your wrong, upon your resumption to office?

KELVIN: One thing I have come to realize is the place of law. Law is in the constitution that is actually guiding the affair of every organization. It is very sacrosanct that they are fully and systematically followed according to the provisions of that particular law. Upon my resumption now, definitely you will not catch me doing anything again without the  (SRC) approval and I will work more on the CEC because I believe we are not where we want to be yet as a team so I hope to see the CEC work more.  We all have the same mind,  the same unity of objectives and I hope every student of our faculty can also understand and see things the way they are suppose to see it. 

Some things are easily blown out of proportion but we must keep an open mind and a very realistic approach to things that matters.  It's not every thing that you hear about people that are true. During my time in office , a lot of people told me things that are totally unfounded,  false and impossible, but it necessarily doesn't mean those things are true and as social scientists that we are,  we should not hear one side of story and judge as if things are like that. Because what I started hearing after my suspension was "Ha! president has squandered money"  and the question I asked was which money?  Is it the money that I still spend from my own pocket?  I am not seeing the correlation. When people are telling you that you are squandering the money that you know you are losing. When they say it I will just be like NO. When you have an issue,  especially of this sort, and you are trying to explain yourself,  it just make you seem more guilty.

Please,  Fosssaites I just hope you keep your open eye on. And if you notice this is election time.  Lots of dramas like this play out.  And some people want to put themselves on political good standing. I believe politics is at play also. So I believe it is God that sees leaders through.

UCJ: How does it feel,  holding back power after a long time?

KELVIN: If you are someone that is progressive minded and the only thing you want is just for people to benefit and see the dividend of what they want to get, when the people that you are trying to do everything for are telling you to go and sit down,  then do.

My suspension is over right now and I intend to intensify effort to make sure that I deliver on everything that we promised the people. Now I am back doing my presidential duty and I will continue to do so until every Fosssaites in the arena say President Kelvin we are tired of you but as long as you keep giving me your mandate, I will keep serving you.

UCJ, UNILORIN

By: Adepoju Rasaq Ayinde & Aliu Mariam Adedoyin.

On Monday, 4th of June 2018, Miss Awurum Jessica, was inaugurated as A-day president of better by far university, Unilorin. Miss Jessica, an 100level Common law student was inaugurated into office of the Student Union president after her emergence as the winner in the just concluded fresher oratory contest held on Wednesday, 30th of May 2018 at the university auditorium.

She had also earned herself a new laptop, a 7-day token for free meal and souvenir.

In an interview session with UCJ Unilorin, she expressed her feelings towards her inauguration.

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UCJ: How do you feel being on this seat?

FOC Winner: I feel like the present president. Though, for the President to leave his seat for me for a day, he's kind of underated and underappreciated because I can see that he has a lot to do in the office that is why we need to give more kudos to him for the accommodation.

UCJ: Do you have an ambition for this post?

FOC Winner: Hmm, well, I am not used to politics but I feel like being in this position if I was a politician.

UCJ: If you are opportune to be  the S.U president for a longer period, what will be your objective?

FOC Winner: well, I will focus on how to make students more comfortable and will be available to everyone of them.

UCJ: What have you achieved today?

FOC Winner: I feel so happy though, I have not really done much today because there are a lot people coming to visit me and that makes me more happy.

UCJ: Did you see yourself as the winner in the contest?

FOC Winner: I didn't actually think I was going to win because when we went for the preliminary stage, I didn't prepare much and I didn't even believe I could qualify for the final stage. I studied my co-contestants and I utilized the democracy day to prepare more and I'm  very happy that I later won.

UCJ: Are there any challenges in this position?

FOC Winner: Yes! there are a lot of challenges because I can see different people coming to the actual president for different issues and this may affect his educational career.

UCJ: How can you rate the just concluded oratory contest?

FOC Winner: Intact! It was a beautiful contest, I didn't even believe most of the dignitaries that came actually did and I commend the effort of all the contestants, they did great job.

UCJ: What do feel about the current "Together we can administration"?

FOC Winner: They are really trying their best and I urge the incoming administration to correct the lapses if there are any.

SUB beat, UCJ, unilorin.