The Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University, vehemently rebukes the claim posed against one of its members who was harassed by the Students’ Union Security Committee members in the wee hours of Saturday while subtly attempting to portray the noble pressmen conglomerate in a negative light with their extremely brutal style of enforcing peace and orderliness within the student community.
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While acknowledging the necessity of the security committee to maintain law and orderliness within the student community, it is highly paramount to emphasize the excessive use of brutal force, violence, and rascality displayed by its members, often clouded with power drunkenness, in their dealings with fellow students. The University community is a haven of intellects and should not be devoid of sanity coexisting with the students, a standard which the concerned committee has failed to uphold.
The Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU), is deeply concerned by the claims made by the Students’ Union Security Committee, as well as recent reports of harassment and misconduct perpetrated by members of the same. We wish to address these alarming incidents and express our firm condemnation of such behaviour.
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According to a detailed account provided by the concerned student who was subjected to unwarranted scrutiny, profiling and mistreatment, the actions of the Students’ Union Security Committee were not only unjust but also indicative of a flagrant abuse of power. While the committee members engaged him, seeking to know if he is a bonafide student of the university, one of the members of the security committee, Ibitokun Samuel Adedeji, popularly known as Konte responded in his stead, confirming that he is a student of his faculty, meaning that he acknowledged his studentship. However, he was still assaulted and roughly dragged to the SUB after that confirmation.
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The student, who is an inducted member of our Association, described being accosted, physically assaulted, and subjected to baseless accusations by the Students’ Union Security Committee members. Furthermore, it was revealed that the student’s affiliation with ACJOAU led to further harassment, raising serious questions about bias and prejudice within the Committee.
Given the detailed account provided by the accused student, it is evident that there were significant discrepancies between the actions of the Students’ Union Security Committee and the allegations made against him in their release, which appears to be blatantly skewed against the Association (ACJ). The student’s version of events paints a picture of harassment, intimidation, profiling and unjust treatment by the Students’ Union Security Committee members.
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The manner in which these incidents unfolded reflects a disturbing trend of excessive use of authority by the Students’ Union Security Committee, with numerous students reportedly being targeted and treated with hostility, as well as several complaints from other students on the mode of operation of this committee. This behaviour stands in stark contrast to the Committee’s mandate to ensure the safety and well-being of students on campus. Instead of creating a safe environment, the Committee’s actions have instilled fear and intimidation among the student populace, undermining the trust and confidence that should exist between students and campus security personnel.
The fact that the student was accosted and physically assaulted without just cause, and subsequently subjected to baseless accusations and profiling, is deeply concerning. ACJOAU firmly believes that such conduct is unacceptable and must be addressed with urgency. The purpose of the Students’ Union Security Committee, which is to safeguard the welfare of students, has been grossly compromised and defeated by the abusive behaviour of its members. We cannot overlook the fact that students who are entitled to a safe and conducive learning environment have been subjected to treatment reminiscent of criminal suspects, rather than respected members of the university community.
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In light of these egregious violations, ACJOAU calls for immediate action to hold accountable those responsible for the harassment and misconduct. We demand a thorough investigation into the incidents described, with appropriate disciplinary measures taken against any individuals found to have acted improperly. We also urge the current administration to review the operations and protocols of the Students’ Union Security Committee to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Additionally, ACJOAU vehemently objects to the characterization of its members as “bloggers” in the Security Committee’s release. Such language not only undermines the professionalism and integrity of the Association but also suggests a bias against ACJ members. Referring to journalists as “bloggers” in a derogatory manner is not only disrespectful but also reflects poorly on the Security Committee’s understanding of journalistic principles. This disparaging language further compounds the seriousness of the incident and raises questions about the Committee’s impartiality and commitment to upholding the rights of all students, regardless of their affiliations.
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As a press body committed to upholding the rights and interests of campus journalists and students alike, ACJOAU will continue to advocate transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law within our university community. We stand in solidarity with all students who have been affected by the actions of the Students’ Union Security Committee and remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and fairness for all.
At this, we urge all members of the student body to come forward with any information or experiences related to misconduct by the Students’ Union Security Committee, as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of all students on campus.
Together, let us uphold the values of integrity, fairness, and justice on our campus.