First Female LASUSU Speaker: A Revolution or Devastation
Has her administration been a revolution or a desolation
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Boom!
It happens!! History is rewritten!!! A thirty-two year old jinx is broken!!!
Revolution it is!!!!
Such were — or should have been — the frenzied headlines that flitted across the Nigerian media and saturated the atmosphere, when Opemipo Bamgbopa, a one-time child prodigy and Nollywood actress grabbed the reins of her destiny, rewrote the stars, and altered(to some extent, though) the dynamics of LASU students' overtly male-dominated political sphere. On Monday, 27th June, 2022, Opemipo was sworn in as the 32nd and very first female speaker of Lagos State University Students' Union Students Parliamentary Council(LASUSU SPC), and obviously, it marked the beginning of an era like no other — or did it?
In the dynamics of political change, the LASU political community (like every other) knew it was from that moment threading the cusps of a political revolution of some kind with the emergence of a female speaker and thus, braced itself for what promised to be the birth of a positive, much awaited new age, and now, four months, two weeks and three days later, the inevitable questions remain: Has Opemipo lived up to expectations? Has she fulfilled her manifesto promises? Has her administration been a revolution or a desolation — a devastation?
Harsh words, yeah?
Give me a break! And oh, please don't come for my head, Opemipo-faithfuls, especially. (winks)
You should know that this is no criticism but a scrutiny for:
"Criticism is the weapon of the shallow; scrutiny a tool for the wise."--- Abhijit Naskar
And of course, it'd be very unwise to place Opemipo's administration under immunity against scrutiny. How then do we account for progress? How then do we account for responsible leadership?
Anyways, here we go!
Chillax awhile, though.
You've heard of LASUSU, yeah? You've heard of the Students Executive Council (SEC), yeah? You've heard of Adeoye, yeah? But, have you heard of the Students’ Parliamentary Council? Do you know what to expect of them? Not to bother, you've got me to help you know everything you need to.
It's quite saddening that majority of the student populace have the misconception that the students' union is only and all about its executive arm (SEC) — that's quite erroneous!
The Students’ Parliamentary Council is one of the three arms of the union (SEC, SPC and SJC) that holds legislative powers and serves as a watchdog ( for checks and balances) on the SEC on all union matters. The SPC has the power to amend, approve or disapprove any policy of the SEC other than any resolution of the Congress or the SJC, and of course, it also has the power to impeach (or even suspend) any president or executive found wanting. You should also know that the executive arm are merely executioners of the laws and policies formulated by the SPC.
A glimpse of the SPC's duties you have there. Now, you know that it is just as important as the SEC. Now, you know what to expect of them. Now, you know what to expect of Opemipo.
Let's get rolling!
Unveiling of a new constitution (LASUSU constitution, 2022!)
I heard that!
How's that an achievement, you say? Yes, it is.
It might thrill you to know that a constitution provides the structure for an organisation, describes its purpose and defines the duties and responsibilities of its office holders and members; hence, it is pertinent for every organisation to tweak its constitution to adapt to and suit its current realities. What is more, an outdated constitution translates to a topsy-turvy run of an administration. This, Opemipo saw and so sped up the unveiling process and now, we have LASUSU constitution, 2022!
The new constitution allows for provisions beneficial to the welfare of the student populace in its entirety. Examples of which include the establishment of an electoral committee that shall be an independent committee of the Union (as established by Section 67(C) of the constitution), as well as the Oath of Neutrality of all members of the committee that calls for a fine of ten thousand Naira and a ban from all Union duties, either appointive or elective upon conviction by any court of the SJC for any defaulting member.
However, in our interview with Opemipo, she claims that she she isn't to be given all the credit for the feat, as the process began four administrations ago. In her words, "It's not a one-man show" (such modesty).
By the way, do you know that the newly published constitution contains both the LASUSU Constitution and the Electoral Act all in one? Do you also know that every student is entitled to a copy of the constitution? Have you got yours? Well, I've got mine.
Budget and Finance Committee
Opemipo oversaw the appointment of Wasiu Abayomi Anidu (Yomi D'law) as the chairman of the Union's Budget and Finance committee. A committee responsible for drafting the budget of the administration. According to her, appointments in the Union have a rich history of being politicised and this led to her appointment of Yomi D'law who previously contested the position of financial secretary and has the profile that justifies his appointment.
Look at that! A leader that shuns favouritism and focuses on meritocracy.
Of course, the committee was a success as evident in the numerous projects executed by the Union.
First Set of Honourables from the School of Agriculture
This speaks volumes!
For every administration, monopolisation of powers casts a shadow on its transparency and ultimately, its success. In response to the petition submitted by the School of agriculture, Epe, Opemipo saw to the inauguration of the first set of Honourables from the aforementioned school. This conforms to Chapter II, Part I of the newly published constitution that states that:"The SPC shall consist of ten (10) honourables from each faculty, school and college".
In her advocacy for inclusion, she also plans to have plenary sessions in all campuses with Ikeja campus being the next and last stop.
Interesting achievements, yeah? Mind you, these are merely achievements specific to her office. However, you should note that for every project executed by the Adeoye-led administration, a letter is sent to the legislative arm for approval. Of course, without approval (without Opemipo's approval), those numerous projects wouldn't have seen the light of day!
Perhaps it might thrill you to know that she's still got more up her sleeve. She tells me to inform you that the very first edition of the Union's National Parliamentary Summit is knocking. She also wants you to know that the first edition of the Union's Parliamentary magazine (where students are given deep insights into the SPC's activities and where students can showcase their talents) is on its way!
Wow! What a tenure Opemipo has had. So far so good, her tenure has been a revolution, not a devastation!
Little wonder they say "where a woman rules, streams run uphill"; verily, Opemipo is a living proof of that fact.
Awonuga Mujeeb, Editor, LASU Life Newsletter 🛩️
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