The Nation Newspaper

Tag: drama

  • Uniform drama: Senate chasing shadows

    SIR: The concentration of the Senate, for weeks, on the attire of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Colonel Hameed Ali (retd), indeed leaves much to be desired. Nigerians expect to see profound bills passed by the National Assembly to aid the service-delivery of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Even when crude oil prices, Nigeria’s main source of revenue, crashed beyond the benchmark, the lawmakers were hectically padding the budget to the detriment of the common man they supposedly represent. The question begging for answers: Of what value is it to the nation in these trying times whether a retired Colonel politically appointed to head the Nigeria Customs Service for set objectives wears a uniform or not?  Who will pay for the sitting allowances for these wasted hours on Customs CG not appearing in Custom’s uniform?  How many people-oriented bills have been passed by the 8th Senate?  There are so many other questions.

    It is believed in many quarters that the uniform drama is a script sponsored by some aggrieved senior officials in the Nigeria Customs Service who felt shortchanged by the appointment of an outsider to head the agency.  The alleged imported-cars saga linked with some principal officers of the Senate cannot be overruled on account of enormous energies devoted to the aimless supremacy fight. Without a doubt, corruption, which has been reigning in the Nigeria Customs Service for many years, makes it expedient that some drastic actions to be taken. It is no politics to state that the declaration of a state of emergency is long overdue in the agency.

    Admittedly, by the ambiguous oversight functions vested in the National Assembly by the Nigerian Constitution, it could drift into such a fight as cheap as trying to get the Customs boss to wear the agency’s uniform under the cloak of patriotism. However, by the provisions of the Customs & Excise Management Act (CEMA) 2011 as amended, such issue is alien, hence baseless and a no-go area for the Senate to endlessly pursue except its rule of law is dependent on wishful thinking.

    Democracy is characteristically a government based on laid down rules. In other words, while the oversight functions could allow the Red Chamber to issue directives extravagantly to all MDAs (ministries, departments and agencies), the respective enabling Acts like CEMA which specifically guides and determines the management and operations of the agency will reduce such directives and threats to ultra vires, thus, null and void. Overall, the legislative arm must qualitatively be up and doing with know-how on its core responsibilities instead of contentedly prioritising politics and its gimmicks at the expense of the people.

     

    • Carl Umegboro
  • Senate v Ali: Drama and politics over uniform

    Senate v Ali: Drama and politics over uniform

    As the face-off between the Senate and the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs and Excise Service peaked at the senate, Assistant Editor, Onyedi Ojiabor, traces the origin of the face-off and reports on the politics and drama

    The build-up started with the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise scolding the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd.), for refusing to wear service uniform.

    In the estimation of the upper chamber, the recalcitrance of Ali in choosing not to wear service uniform amounted to rebellion and insubordination against the institution he heads.

    As if the controversy over wearing of service uniform was not enough, the Senate picked issue with the customs comptroller for proposing what the lawmakers tagged anti-people policy.

    The parliamentarians were peeved that Ali issued a circular on retrospective payment of duty on vehicles.

    For them, gleefully compelling vehicle owners who are end users to pay duty on vehicles probably bought years ago was the height of insensitivity by the NCS.

    Like the ‘Ali Must Go’ episode of 1978, which saw students of higher institutions in the country do battle with a former Minister of Education, Colonel Ahmadu Ali, alleged excesses of Hameed Ali were itemized by the lawmakers.

    They did not just list Ali’s ‘sins’ but seemed to have resolved that enough was enough. The spoken and body language of the senators spoke volume.

    Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, started the altercation by alerting his colleagues about a planned implementation of retrospective duty payment on vehicles.

    At the end of the debate the senate resolved to ask the Comptroller-General of Customs to put the policy on hold.

    They did not stop there; the lawmakers summoned the NCS boss to appear before the chamber to explain reasons why the policy cannot be consigned to the dust bin of history.

    The issue took a turn for the worse a day after the resolution when Senator Dino Melaye drew the attention of his colleagues that customs CG vowed to go ahead with implementation of the retrospective duty payment on vehicles irrespective of senate’s resolution.

    The senate saw the position of the customs boss as an affront on its power as the highest lawmaking institution in the country.

    Melaye who appeared to have found an opportunity to cut the customs comptroller to size was at his best.

    “Mr. President, democracy is standing on three legs; one of the most important legs of democracy is the legislature and Nigerian Customs cannot function without the National Assembly because they cannot spend or survive without appropriations and oversight.

    “If this Senate, which is one of the most vibrant Senates in the history of this country, we take a resolution and an agency of government will have the temerity, will have the guts, will have the strength to blatantly disregard the entire institution of the Nigerian Senate. It is a very dark day for democracy.

    “I am a member of the Customs Committee, and I want to educate some of us today that the position of the Comptroller-General of Customs is a rank. As I speak today, we have Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs; the next promotion, if it comes to be, is Comptroller- general of customs and we have asked this man in the committee why he is not wearing the rank of comptroller General and he said uniform men don’t wear uniform twice.

    “Then I asked under which law and I educated him by reminding him that he retired as a Colonel and General Hananiya retired as a General; he was appointed as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission; he wore promptly and daily the uniform of the commission.

    “Then, if that position is a rank and you are not wearing that rank, it means you are not even proud of the Nigerian Customs. I want to believe that government exists to serve the people and not the people in government, and if we have taken a position in the interest of the Nigerian people, an institution of government will show disrespect and disparage the Nigerian senate,” Melaye said.

    The Kogi West senator reminded the senate that if the policy was implemented, the people that would be mostly affected are poor Nigerians.

    “We need to check this properly because if customs people will now start checking duty certificate on Nigerian roads, I will not be affected because if the president is coming, no customs men will stop him to ask him for his customs paper; the customs people will only salute and he will pass; if a senator is passing, including Ike Ekweremadu, when he is passing, nobody will stop him to ask for customs papers, they have to standstill till his convoy passes. But we are doing it in the interest of the Nigerian people and they have now confronted the institution of the Nigerian senate,” Melaye insisted.

    Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan who was also irked asked the senate to rise and curb the excesses of the customs boss.

    The Lagos-West lawmaker further urged senate that it was time for the amendment of the Customs Act to streamline the functions of the agency.

    The performance of the NCS under Ali, he said, had been on the downward trend.

    Adeola did not stop there. He underscored the fact that the Service had recorded dwindling revenue while officers and men of the Service would become more vulnerable to corruption if the policy was allowed to stand.

    Senator Kabiru Marafa, in his contribution said, “The customs need to know that they are under the people of Nigeria and Nigeria is under a democratic rule, and we are elected into office by the people, and we have a duty to protect the people of Nigeria.

    “This kind of impunity cannot be allowed to continue. This is one issue that all Nigerians are unanimously against; it is condemnable and we cannot allow it to see the light of day,’ Marafa said.

    Perhaps, the Customs CG did not realise the Senate may have wanted to use his refusal to wear service uniform to get at him.

    It was obvious when Ali eventually bowed to pressure and appeared before the Senate on Thursday.

    As predicted, he was attired in his traditional white caftan with cap to match. The talk when he was ushered into the Senate chamber after being left in the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, for over two and half hours, was no longer the overzealous policy of duty payment on old vehicles.

    He was completely washed down and walked out of the chamber to go and do the needful.

    Call it “power pass power” and you may not be wrong. It appeared the Senate had made up its mind on what to do.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, may have put it in proper perspective before he put the question on whether Ali should be asked to go home and return with the proper uniform.

    Ekweremadu said: “Distinguished colleagues, we have heard everybody and the CG. I’m going to put the question but let me just do a further explanation to the CG of Customs: Mr. CG, if you look at Section 2 of the Customs Act, it defines the officer and that definition is so comprehensive to include the Comptroller-General of Customs.

    “I believe there are certain things the officers take for granted, which includes wearing uniforms. So, if that is what they should take for granted, I believe as the number one Customs officer, you should lead by example. Because if you create the impression that you should not wear uniform, then every other officer can also say there is no law telling them to wear uniform?

    “So, we as leaders we must lead by example and example is the best teacher. So, I think we need to encourage those we supervise to obey the law, by ourselves obeying the law.

    “Let me also further explain to you that why we still need to meet with you regarding the policy is that you simply suspended it. The suspension means that it can still come into force. We will like to have a conversation with you on the propriety or otherwise of that policy. So, you have an opportunity to explain to Nigerians through their elected representatives the propriety or otherwise of that. And then you will hear a feedback of Nigerians, also through their representatives. If Nigerians say we don’t like this, of course we are not going to force any policy on them. I think that’s why it is necessary that even after the suspension; we still need to have that conversation with you.

    “We must ensure that we lead by example. The Senate, as you can see, is of the view that you need to come back in the proper uniform.”

    The adoption of the motion that the Customs CG should go back appear next Wednesday in proper uniform was unanimous.

    Ekweremadu amplified the resolution, saying, “The Senate observed that the Comptroller-General was not properly dressed. The Senate therefore insists to see the Comptroller-General of Customs in uniform on Wednesday, 22 of March at 10am prompt.”

    As the Customs CG walked out of the Senate chamber, he appeared to be unrepentant.

    But the import of the unfolding drama was not lost on some observers. Why take a job you are not proud to wear its uniform, was the question on the lips of some people.

  • Drama, as ambassadorial nominee refuses to recite National Anthem

    There was drama yesterday at the screening of an 82-year-old ambassadorial nominee, Justice Sylvanus Nsofor, by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

    The nominee vehemently refused to recite the National Anthem as requested by the committee.

    Members of the committee were left speechless as Justice Nsofor (rtd) argued with them.

    The name of the 82-year-old nominee was forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    A member of the committee, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), asked Justice Nsofor a couple of questions, which included reciting the National Anthem.

    Apparently exhausted by the argument of the nominee and his seeming determination not to recite the anthem, the committee asked Nsofor to take a bow and go.

    Justice Nsofor, a nominee from Imo State, was born on March 17, 1935 in Oguta, Imo State.

    He was a one-time Judge of the High Court of Nigeria, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and lecturer in Law, Holborn College of Law, London.

    It is not yet clear whether the committee will recommend the confirmation of Justice Nsofor.

    Another ambassadorial nominee Mr. Adeyinka Olatokunbo Asekun, unlike Nsofor, answered all the questions posed to him by members of the committee.

    Asekun’s name was forwarded to the Senate by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, for confirmation for ambassadorial posting.

    On how Nigeria could strengthen the Naira through its foreign exchange policy,  Asekun advised the Federal Government to embark on rebuilding the country’s export structure in the various countries.

    Asekun, who had a stint as a retail banker, was educated at the Wisconsin University and California State University, both in the United States of America.

    Members of the committee asked the nominee to take a bow and leave.

  • Drama, as ambassadorial nominee refuses to recite National Anthem

    There was drama yesterday at the screening of an 82-year-old ambassadorial nominee, Justice Sylvanus Nsofor, by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

    The nominee vehemently refused to recite the National Anthem as requested by the committee.

    Members of the committee were left speechless as Justice Nsofor (rtd) argued with them.

    The name of the 82-year-old nominee was forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    A member of the committee, Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), asked Justice Nsofor a couple of questions, which included reciting the National Anthem.

    Apparently exhausted by the argument of the nominee and his seeming determination not to recite the anthem, the committee asked Nsofor to take a bow and go.

    Justice Nsofor, a nominee from Imo State, was born on March 17, 1935 in Oguta, Imo State.

    He was a one-time Judge of the High Court of Nigeria, Justice of the Court of Appeal, and lecturer in Law, Holborn College of Law, London.

    It is not yet clear whether the committee will recommend the confirmation of Justice Nsofor.

    Another ambassadorial nominee Mr. Adeyinka Olatokunbo Asekun, unlike Nsofor, answered all the questions posed to him by members of the committee.

    Asekun’s name was forwarded to the Senate by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, for confirmation for ambassadorial posting.

    On how Nigeria could strengthen the Naira through its foreign exchange policy,  Asekun advised the Federal Government to embark on rebuilding the country’s export structure in the various countries.

    Asekun, who had a stint as a retail banker, was educated at the Wisconsin University and California State University, both in the United States of America.

    Members of the committee asked the nominee to take a bow and leave.

  • Mr & Mrs Kogberegbe stages Family Drama Series TUNMIGBE

    Mr & Mrs Kogberegbe stages Family Drama Series TUNMIGBE

    Popular TV series on Africanmagic Yoruba entitled Mr & Mrs Kogberegbe is set to take Lagos State by entertainment storm as its adds a new feather with a ‘Screen-2-Stage’ event tagged Tunmigbe meaning ‘Remarry Me!’.

    Tunmigbe seeks to be an evening of comedy, fun and full Drama for entertainment lovers in Nigeria bringing couples together and giving them the comfortable feeling as lovers and married folks in the heart of Lagos.

    The show also seeks to empower families in the long run with some capital to start up mini businesses and help reduce the rate of poverty in the average Nigerian homes.

    Coming from the stable of Creative Village production, Tunmigbe is set to take place March 19th, 2017 from 3pm with a red carpet session through to the main event at the Blue Roof, Ltv 8. Ikeja Lagos.

    The event seeks to feature the creme de la creme of the entertainment industry; Pasuma Wonder, Helen Paul, Lateef Adedimeji, Kenny Blaq amongst many others.

    Tickets cost N4,000 and table for five comes for 250,000 [all +Ankara]

    According to the Creative Village production Executive Director who doubles as the lead actor for the TV series,  Adebukola Olakanlu also speaking on behalf of his Co-producer, Dunni Badru otherwise known as Mrs. Kogberegbe noted that, “this event will surely be a yearly event just like we now have a registered show for Dallas Texas exclusively for couples – Couples Night Out With Mr & Mrs Kogberegbe. We hope to establish Tunmigbe in Nigeria, thus, paving way for Nigerian couples too to travel down to the US to witness the Dallas Editions subsequently.

    “Presently we do not have sponsors yet except some fans who are encouraging us with their moral support. I don’t know why companies in Nigeria are yet to identify with their indigenous customers especially Yoruba. I ask all brand managers to please look into this and start supporting shows likes ours that brings family, couples together and support family values. Even LTV 8 that agreed to partner with us and memorandum has been signed 90% they backed out few weeks to the event just because they have a new management that needs money to function. We had to pay almost 1M naira to secure the blueroof which was supposed to be their part of the agreement. We believe by next year we will have better deals and sponsors will come on board,”

    Kogberegbe family is a TV programme that brings to life fun moments and family connections addressing most marital issues in an interactive and dramatic act. Its themes cuts across; to finances to morals, endurance, love, tolerance, external influences, commitment, to mention a few showing on African Magic Yoruba.

    It is apt to note that ‘Mr. and Mrs. Kogberegbe’ is one of the popular Yoruba drama series on the Nigeria screen whose recent award was the Best Yoruba Sitcom at the Oodua Image Awards organised by Yoruba Youth Corporation, North America last year.

    For more information on table bookings, sponsorship, Tickets and Ankara please contact 08022627556, 07014303089, email creative_village@yahoo.com and olakanlulanre@gmail.com tickets are also available at LTV8 and personal delivery is on course.

  • Drama as ‘rented’ crowd storm EFCC office for Patience Jonathan 

    Drama as ‘rented’ crowd storm EFCC office for Patience Jonathan 

    There was drama at the Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after scores of youths marched in protest against the ongoing investigation of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.
    The crowd, christened Coalition of Yoruba Youths, ironically comprised shabbily dressed young men and women mostly from the North, who seemed to have been drafted in a hurry.
    They had two colourful banners bearing Mrs. Jonathan’s picture inscribed with, “EFCC stop jungle justice and stop media trial of Mama Peace”.
    They marched from the Obalende Bridge to the commission’s office chanting solidarity songs. Some of them laughed sheepishly.
    Interestingly, most of the protesters barely knew why they were marching and chanting, as they looked aloof with folded arms, discussing in clusters.
    During an aside interaction with some of the protesters, it was observed that they were not briefed on the reason for the protest.
    A young woman, Mojisola Abiodun, who claimed to be a student, said a friend of hers told her that they were going for a campaign.
    She said: “I don’t really know what it’s about. It was my friend who asked me to follow her for a campaign. We are campaigning for the woman on the banner. No, I wasn’t paid anything o!”
    The supposed spokesman for the protesters, David Idoko, was among those who displayed outright ignorance of their mission.
    Idoko, despite being the one who delivered the open petition written by the coalition on the “sinister plot by the EFCC to manufacture evidence against Dame Patience Jonathan…” to the commission’s Head of Economic Governance, Mohammed Isaraboh, could not answer question on his group’s interest on the matter.
    He said: “We need the EFCC to investigate thoroughly on Jonathan Patience. We need them to go into a nice investigation before dragging people to the mud.”
    Asked the relationship between the coalition and the ongoing investigation of Mrs. Jonathan, Idoko said “right now, I can’t say anything.”
    However, the 12-paragraph petition he delivered to the EFCC demanded a stop to the “brigandage” against Mrs. Jonathan.
    The petition, which was signed by one Prince Usman Oyekan, accused the Federal Government of “growing politics of intolerance, intimidation, coercion, persecution, media trial and harassment.”

    After receiving the petition, Isaraboh assured the youths that the commission would do due diligence, adding that the petition would also be forwarded to the head office in Abuja.

  • I DISLIKE MEN WITH TOO MUCH DRAMA – DJ TOXIQ

    Rising musician, Oribhabor Ann Amen, known as DJ Toxiq, says that she is set to carve a space for herself in the entertainment industry. The talented musician who is also a Disc Jockey and a music producer speaks to THE NATION on her life as a DJ and privacy, among other things. 

    AS a musician, what is that factor that makes you different from others?

    Well, I work hard to be unique and God has been kind enough to make the difference.

    What were your dreams as a child?

    Apart from going to space (laughs) I wanted to be a medical doctor, but that has changed now.

    What was growing up in the South-South region like?

    It was amazing and adventurous… I always tell people that I can’t give you a tale of my childhood without you holding your rib cage for the laughter you will experience. But as at when it was happening, it wasn’t funny. I feel blessed to experience my childhood in the South; Warri to be precise. From the cuisine, to the people, the slangs. In fact, I won’t want it any other way

    What prompted you to go into music?

    There was a particular evening I made up my mind to quit football due to disapproval from my parents. I heard about an audition in Warri looking for dancers and artistes, so I applied and emerged second position, although they are yet to pay me. That was how the journey began.

    How did you then get to add being a Disc Jockey to the mix?

    A friend of mine showed me a few tricks on my laptop, so I used it to entertain my guests and play in small gigs. From there, I landed my first major gig in a reputable lounge in Port Harcourt as the first female DJ in Port Harcourt. While in my university days, I picked up on disc jockeying abilities and worked as a Studio Engineer and during this time, I played at school parties and regular gigs.

    What kind of man pisses you off?

    Those are the drama kings; with too much talk.

    So what kind of man catches your attention?

    That will be a confident and well-dressed man.

    Who is your Nigerian Celebrity Crush?

    Mikel Obi of course… (giggles)

    What is your opinion on nudity in the Nigerian entertainment industry?

    For me, I think it’s art and I respect their confidence.

    What projects have you been up to lately?

    I just formed a partnership with Afriktainment Media and I am working on video. So far, I have dropped three tracks which features Magic City Gang Elites, Monster Ft Maxino, Doe Black Ft Frankie Free and the one receiving great reviews at the moment, Friends which was produced and performed by me.

    Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

    I see myself heading one of the biggest labels in Africa promoting African street music worldwide with my toxiqtonic sound. Also, I aim to produce great artistes from the streets through magic city gang.

    Would you describe yourself as a fashionable person?

    Not really. I love easy and casual wears more and I have a good body and height to rock anything because I always get good comments and it just happens..

    What fashion item would you never be caught wearing?

    I can wear anything and I love to explore.

    What’s your most priced asset?

    That would be my old laptop. It has made more hits the world is ready to listen.

  • DRAMA AS MAN FALLS AFTER SEEING HORROR MOVIE

    A drama occurred in the cinema while a man was watching ‘Raw’ one of the movies selected at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

    “We can confirm two patrons did feel unwell during the screening of Raw… one of which required the assistance of the emergency services,” added Jennifer Bell, Vice-President of Communications for the festival. “Incidents like this sometimes happen at TIFF screenings. The safety and security of all our patrons and guests is a priority for TIFF and any situation where an audience member is feeling unwell is handled with care and due professionalism by our venue teams.”

    The incident occurred during the midnight screening of the film on Tuesday. Spokesperson for the film, Ryan Werner, told ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ it was obvious the “film became too much” for  the audience, saying he added he had only seen this type of physical reaction to a movie once before (in response to Lars von Trier’s Antichrist).

    The cannibal film, created by writer-director Julia Docournau, had premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May where it bagged the FIPRESCI Critics’ Prize, but did not get the kind of reaction recorded at TIFF. Some wonder if it was not some kind of publicity stunt for the movie.

    Recall that the media was awash with news of a yet-to-be-released movie in Nigeria in which an agonizing fire incident was later discovered to be a publicity stunt.

    The French-language film is about a shy, vegetarian college student at a veterinary college who develops an insatiable lust for flesh as the result of a gruesome hazing ritual.

  • Drama as union suspends, reinstates Speaker

    Drama as union suspends, reinstates Speaker

    A drama played out at the 10th plenary of the legislative arm of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Students’ Union Government (SUG). Its Speaker, Olakunle Balogun, was suspended for alleged misconduct. Ten days after, the Speaker was reinstated, report YOMI AYELESO (400-Level Business Administration) and SOLOMON ODENIYI (400-Level Mass Communication). 

    The 10th plenary session of the legislative arm of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Students’ Union Government (SUG) started as a serious business, but ended with drama. Penultimate Monday, members of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) converged for a meeting. But the conduct of the Speaker, Olakunle Balogun, rattled his colleagues, who moved a motion for his indefinite suspension.

    The SRC members said Olakunle walked out on them to attend another meeting when important issues were to be discussed. It was learnt that the Speaker called for an adjournment, but the motion was not properly moved. As the Speaker walked out, members moved a motion to suspend him.

    In a statement, the Clerk, Christopher Arowolo, said, the Speaker failed to discharge his official duties. This, he said, was contrary to Section 42 (11) and Article VI of the union constitution, which states: “Speaker shall perform all duties incidental to his office.”

    Olakunle was said to have walked out during the sitting when issues concerning the welfare of students were being discussed. Members also accused the Speaker of using the name of the union to solicit financial help without the knowledge of the SRC.

    Christopher said: “The Speaker has also failed to convene the number of statutory sittings per semester. All these amount to gross misconduct. The Speaker has, therefore, been directed to hand over all union documents and property at his disposal to his deputy.”

    CAMPUSLIFE learnt that 13 members supported the suspension of the Speaker, while eight moved against it. Three senators were undecided.

    The Deputy Speaker, Emmanuel Akinrele, confirmed that the embattled Speaker “stormed out” of the plenary. He said: “The Speaker, from the outset, has been diligent. Members are not happy with the way he walked out of the sitting, while pressing issues were being discussed. They have punished him by suspending him and the suspension is indefinite. It may last till tomorrow, next week or next month.”

    According to the member representing the Male Hall of Residence, Toyeeb Ayobami, the Speaker was frustrated by the pressure mounted on him by members, but said Olakunle should have been patient.

    He said: “There has been lingering disagreement s between the Speaker and members, because when important issues are being discussed, it is either the Speaker doesn’t give enough time for members to speak or he adjourns sittings. The last sitting was scheduled to take place before Monday, but the Speaker refused to call for the sitting. This made members to write an open letter to him. The constitution stipulates punishment for anyone who goes contrary to its provision, and that is what we have done.”

    Olawale Fayemiro, representing Faculty of Education, said the decision to suspend the Speaker was taken by the majority.

    He said: “The suspension of the Speaker is an eye opener for all students to demand accountability from their leaders. It shows that one man cannot hold the whole house to ransom. SRC is an arm of the union known for its decency, vibrancy and uprightness. The suspension is the voice of majority of SRC members.”

    Effort by the embattled Speaker to challenge his suspension at the Students’ Judicial Council (SJC) was unsuccessful as the court struck out his case for lack of merit.

    The development took dramatic turn 10 days after, as Olakunle was reinstated. The Speaker was said to have written an apology letter to his colleagues, promising not to walk out on them again.

    The Vice Chairman, House Committee on Publicity, Solomon Odeniyi, confirmed the reinstatement of the Speaker.

    He said the suspension divided members and affected activities of the parliament. Solomon also confirmed that the Speaker wrote an apology letter to members, but declined to reveal the content of the letter.

    He said: “The House has forgiven the Speaker. As humans, we all make blunders. When we feel remorseful about our mistakes and apologise, we should be forgiven. This is what we have done. The Speaker realised his mistakes after taking us to court. We realised and saw that the suspension had divided the House. We felt this is not good. So, we accepted the Speaker’s apology and he has been reinstated.”

    Olakunle neither denied nor confirmed the allegations against him. He said he would not want to say anything to disrupt the peace process.

    He said: “You will recall that I challenged my suspension in the union court, but my counsel decided to settle out of court through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for unity of the House. I have apologised to my colleagues. We are back as one indivisible family and we are poised to carry out our duties to students.”