WHY DOES LASUSU HAVE A PRO?
Multiple press release letterheads and we can't help but wonder, what's the work of the PRO of our union? We've done our assignment in accordance with the constitution. Sit back, relax and let's read.
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A few weeks back, we highlighted some things students have noticed about the Lagos State University Students Union (LASUSU) Public Relations Officer (PRO) and the areas needed to be adjusted. Now, we are back and this time, it seems as though the Union has no need for the PRO with the way President Joldie goes about his actions.
On the 7th of December 2024, barely a week after the 35th administration was inaugurated, an issue sprung up in the background regarding power outage on campus and in a swift response, the Union's president, Comr. Ayomide Joldie Adebobola wrote a press release to LASUITES from the office of the President promising that power supply would be restored soon. the swift and active response of the President is commendable, it is worthy of note that this press release came directly from the office of the President and not co-signed by the PRO.
Similarly, on 11th January 2025, to address concerns about recently introduced fees on freshmen portal, the President sent out another press release in like manner.
It is worthy of mention that when a similar issue occurred during the 34th administration with the introduction of the ₦10,000 CBT fee, a press release was made and signed by the entire administration with subsequent ones linked to the 34th LASUSU PRO, Comr. Ibiade Benjamin.
This then begs the questions of if the President can freely send out press releases as one who does not have cabinet members and if there is even need for a PRO.
What the Constitution Provides
The LASUSU Constitution of 2022 which is binding on both executive members and student members of the Union clearly outlines the duties of the executive members.
Section 32 (7) (a), (b) and (c) provides the duties of the PRO to include:
(a) Be the mouthpiece of the union
(b) Be responsible for the proper dissemination of information to members of the union as relating to the union
(c) Prepare press release of the union activities with the approval of the SEC
This therefore means that it is the duty of the PRO to be the mouthpiece of the executives to the student and all relating correspondence should come from him/her.
At the same time Section 32 (1) (b) and (c) may just seem like a loophole for the President's action. It states that, The President shall:
(b) Serve as the link between the union, the university as well as outside the university
(c) Coordinate and harmonise the unity of the SEC
Moreover, we reached out to David Akinwunmi, a 500-level law student and Former President Student Advocates’ Association, to give further context to the provision of the constitution.
In his words, "It is crystal clear that the constitution has already defined the roles of the President and defined the role of every other member of the executive, not just the PRO and it is trite - very common fact that when the President takes on the role of any other executive members, he has acted ultra vires -beyond his powers.'
He further adds by saying, "Some legal authorities would refer to it as an abuse of power. This can also be seen in the case of Geurge v. FRN (2011) 10 NWLR (pt.1254) @ 86 par. A-B."
The case of George v. FRN (2011) is a Nigerian court decision that deals with the issue of jurisdiction and the powers of the Federal High Court. The court held that it lacked the power to try the case because the subject matter of the dispute was not within its jurisdiction. This means that the FHC's jurisdiction is limited to matters specified in the Constitution and the Federal High Court Act. Therefore, the court lacked the power to entertain the suit.
Relating to the case at hand, just as a Federal High Court did not have the power to sit on a case outside the powers given by the supreme constitution, does the Union President now have the power to do so?
Responding to if there could be a loophole that permits this in the LASUSU constitution, Akinwunmi says, "Section 32 (1) (b) does not create a loophole. It is not even near a defense for the President and Section 32 (1) (c) could be close, but it does not even serve as a defense."
The Lagos State University Students Union acts in accordance with the LASUSU Constitution, and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it is expected that the union members be aware of the stated rules and regulations guarding their positions before contesting for such office
This then begs the question, is President Adebobola Joldie unaware of his constitutional rights and limitations as President or does he wish to be a one-man army with a main character syndrome? 🤔
It also remains to be seen what the LASUSU Public Relations Officer will do about this, or whether he’s unbothered about his responsibilities being limited and gradually taken from him?
What are your thoughts?
📝: Ayooluwa Oladiran, Deputy Editor, LASULife 🛫
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