Following the report of multiple cases of violence that characterized the conduct of several faculty and departmental associations elections in the months of February and March, and as the Students' Union election draws closer, it is pertinent to analyze the delicate link between Student politics and violence. Bringing into focus the horrific and atrocious incident that occurred on the 2nd of March 2018 at the college of health science, where students launched attack on themselves freely without caution, this (article) is to serve as a wake up call to prevent such outrageous action in the forthcoming elections. Before the incident at college, there had been reported cases of violence during electoral activities. Notably is the breakdown of law and order that marred the dissolution of NAAS. Whoever was at the faculty of Agricultural Science on that day would testify to how students threw away their garment of academic and put on the garment of thuggery and hooliganism. It was indeed a show of shame.
These horrific events and others that happened brought to the fore a phenomenon that has evolved over the years which is the nexus between students' union elections and violence. To be honest, it is a trend that must be strongly condemned and discouraged by all and sundry. Every hand must be on deck to arrest this evil act that aims at establishing itself in our school.
The cases of violence in Lautech students' union elections did not start today. It had been in existence since the days of Methuselah. The most unforgettable of all was the June 2016 post-election violence. The controversial election was a historic one that ushered in all candidates of a political group- Redemption team- as winners in the election. But more significantly is the fact that the Redemption team's victory was punctured by what is up-to-date the worst incident of post-election violence in Lautech Student politics. School properties worth millions of naira, Students' Union Government Secretariat and properties of Amazing delicacy restaurant were vandalised by people who quite frankly I believe should be referred to as political hoodlums and not students. This ugly incident served as the springboard for what has now become the rhetoric associated with students elections in Lautech- VIOLENCE!!
The array of violent incidents mentioned above only serves to damage the revered image of the studentship that constitutes a vital and key facet of our society. Security officers and paramilitary men are now the first item arranged by the electoral commission before conducting Union elections. The fear of violence supersedes all other factors nowadays before the conduction of elections. This has to stop and it has to stop now. Student politics should be a training ground for future politicians and national leaders. And politics must be seen as about civility and being able to address issues. That is an attribute every student politician must develop. Politics should be seen as a template for self-development and avenue to make societal impact. Politics should not be an arena wherein losers instigate all forms of violent activities when things don’t go their way. This is 21st century, the era of radical approach to political issues is long gone. There is always an intellectual way out. LAUTECH politicians should think out of the box.
If we as "today's leaders" of this country are to move Nigeria to a higher level, we have to inculcate that spirit of tolerance. Rivalry between different groups of students, sometimes influenced by national politics, religion and ethnicity, is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria's higher educational institutions, but it is pathetic that it has reached such a level of violence where students come to election ground with arms and ammunition. It has even gotten to the extent that Student Political groups now employ the service of cultists to attack perceived opponents. How did we get here?
My advice to student politicians; be friendly towards each other and play politics in a matured and civilized manner, and avoid any form of violent activity. It's high time the school management call all political stakeholders especially the aspirants to a round table meeting and read the riot act to them. The aspirants should be compelled to sign a peace pact with a severe punishment attached for whoever violates the rules. I will suggest expulsion of such person from the university.
As the SUG election approaches, I appeal to Ladokites to not get easily carried away by the strong wind of politicking. Please refrain from all forms of violent activities and vote for candidates who have adequately addressed the issues affecting our Union in their campaigns and manifestoes. I would leave you with a favourite Latin maxim of mine – lux in tenebris – meaning, light in darkness. I advise all students to shed light on all forms of darkness and refrain from all forms of violence in forthcoming Students' union elections.
Credit: Taiwo Ayobami ADEKOLA(Dr Taiwo NLV)