I was at the inauguration programme of new student barristers in one of our tertiary institutions.
To God who is worthy of our praise at all times, I say doxology.
Student unionism is formed to promote and defend the welfare needs of the student populace in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. Just as we have it in Nigeria, the Students’ Union Government has three arms which are; the executive arm, the legislative arm and lastly, the judicial arm which is the most delicate and powerful arm of government.
Dear intending barristers, the council acted in line with Adeyemi College of Education Students’ Union Constitution, Section 47 sub-section 1 as reviewed and amended in 2019, which states that “The council shall organize Students’ Bar Association which must consist of all the Barristers on campus.”. This process is also backed up by Section 40 of Nigeria Constitution which states “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests”. – Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association.
Modern democracy is built on the principle of separation of powers. It is the duty of barristers of different chambers to inform their lead counsels about cases which in turn will report to the SBA Chairman before it is put forward to the Chief Justice.
At this juncture, I will like to remind the members of Student Judicial Council that practicability of autonomy is difficult in Judicial arm but achievable through positive collective effort and unity.
To my indefatigable justices who have made themselves agents of positive change, you are wonderful. Justice Olatunji Isaac(Court Registrar), Justice Oguntade Abiodun Integrity(SJC P.R.O), Justice Raheem Damilola Antonia, Justice Akinrolabu Olumide Benjamin, Justice Atunwa Imole, Justice Sirajudeen Abdullahi.
Let me state in the words of Martin Luther King That "we might have come from a different boat but we are on the same ship now".
The Central Executive Council and Student House of Senate, you are highly appreciated for your team spirit. May God of Aluta forever be on your side(Amen).
In our bid to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the school environment, WE SAY NO TO CULTISM, WE SAY NO TO RAPE, WE SAY NO TO SUICIDE, WE SAY NO TO INDECENT DRESSING, WE SAY NO TO EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES, WE SAY NO TO ABORTION, WE SAY NO TO DRUG ABUSE, WE SAY NO TO STEALING, WE SAY NO TO FIGHTING and other social vices.
To my fellow students I will admonish you to be good ambassadors of this great citadel of learning, for the world has changed, our nation has changed, our union has changed and we must change with it.
To my fellow justices, what is demanded from us is to return to truths, what is required for us now is a new era of responsibilities, a recognition on the path of everybody, that we have duties to ourselves and our union.
Long Live Nigeria
Aluta Continua
Victoria Ascerta ✊