The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Southwest chapter, has threatened to shut down Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, with protests over the suspension of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election by the management. ..Read Full Article
Independent Students Electoral Commission (ISEC) of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, accused the institution’s management of allegedly hijacking the election process from the body.
In a statement issued and jointly signed by ISEC Chairman Gere David, Secretary Faleye Henry, and PRO Akinteye Blessing on Friday, obtained by AMILOADED Correspondent, the school management was accused of unilaterally taking control of the election process without prior notice or consultation with ISEC.
The body also confirmed that the management immediately suspended the election without following due process or respecting the autonomy of the Students Electoral body.
The statement reads, “It has come to the attention of the Independent Students Electoral Commission (ISEC) that the school management has unilaterally taken control of the election process without prior notice or consultation with the ISEC. This move effectively sidelines the authority of the ISEC and undermines the democratic process.
“Regrettably, the school management has also postponed the election till further notice without informing or seeking input from the ISEC. This decision was made without following due process or respecting the autonomy of the ISEC as the governing body for student elections.
“Please be aware that the ISEC was not informed or consulted about this postponement.*The actions taken by the management undermine the principles of democracy and student representation that the ISEC was established to uphold.
“We urge all students to remain calm and vigilant during this situation. The ISEC remains committed to advocating for transparency, fairness, and student involvement in the electoral process. Further updates will be communicated as necessary”.
Reacting to the development on Friday, in a memo signed by the Institution’s Registrar, Abiodun Oloyede, the management stated that the suspension was due to a petition submitted against one of the aspirants in the 2024 Students’ Union election and also a security threat to the election process, which may lead to violence.
The management added that the authorities are currently reviewing the petition to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, and the revised election schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
The management therefore enjoined the students to remain calm and focused on their academic responsibilities.
However, in a statement issued by the NAPS Southwest Coordinator, Obasanya Monday, and obtained by AMILOADED Correspondent on Saturday, the coordinator condemned the suspension of the election, describing it as an undemocratic move that undermines the fundamental rights of students to elect their representatives.
The coordinator demanded that the management conduct the election within the next three working days, beginning from September 9, 2024, stating that failure to comply will lead to protests.
When contacted, the Dean of Student Affairs at Osun State Polytechnic, Chief Tope Abiola, said he was in a meeting and would revert, but had not done so as of the time of filing this report.
“Let me call you back because I am in the meeting now”.
More details later……….Read Full Article
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