THIS 'KUNG FU' UNION NEEDS REFORMS by Jigan
The most powerful nation in the world isn't America after all, but imagination- Zig Ziglar.
Not one or two persons I've said that I'm too idealistic. That I fail to see the true picture of things. That most times what ought to is not what is. Well, while I won't disparage these assertions, my reply has always been that I'm a 'way-forwardist'. That my brain is wired to immediately trace the rot in any society I find myself, after which I immediately set out to tackle these issues. I hardly rant. Name calling and tantrum throwing is not my thing. I just want progress!
The events of the preceding weeks and in fact days have further entrenched our position as a 'gidigbo' and a 'Kung Fu' Union. The latest uprising was incited by a President, who in a flagrant disregard for Congressmen, put an abrupt end to the most powerful gathering of Great Ife Students. Dr. Ibk, in an ostensive display of dictatorial tendencies, decided to prematurely kill a promising Congress, and of course students got irate. Students got mad, the same way a husband will get mad at a wife who suddenly says no more to love making after clothes have been done away with.
It is clear that mob actions don't necessarily bring way forwards and as such they should not be encouraged in any form or manner. I must however say that the mob culture is a culture ingrained deeply into the OAU Culture. A last resort that has obviously brought no tangible result for a while now.
My opinion of the Union was formed right from my early days as an active participant in her dealings. It was clear to me from inception that that our Union needs reforms. It is clear that both constitutional and cultural reforms are salient if this union is to stand the test of relevance. It is conspicuous that so many salient proceedings that have no constitutional provisions have left much to the question, hence the intrusion of constant mob attacks. If the constitution we so cite and uphold was drafted by Students like us some thirty seven years ago, what are we bequeathing to the incoming generation of Unionists? Imagine if we had a constitution with express provisions that "a President shall not moderate a Congress if the Congress is to deliberate on matters pertaining to allegations against him in the performance of his official duties"
One must not however forget that people make up institutions, and that institutions are as strong as the people want them to be. It is apposite to state that mob actions won't stop if Union leaders keep defying and flagrantly disobeying the express wishes of the people. Truth is only people can strengthen institutions.
Lastly, I want to adduce that an orderly society is possible. A society of progress propelled by strong institutions is possible. A seamless Union where constituent parts know their functions and carry them out to the latter is possible. But then, the underlying question is, are we ready to reform this Union, make up to date laws and strengthen our institutions? Or are we content to rant, and rant, and keep fighting 'gidigbo' and 'kung fu'?
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