EDITORIAL: The Problem of Executive's Immunity and Lack of Tolerance towards Press Freedom.

by Emmanuel Akinwale

A commonly held belief about universities is that they serve as a training ground for advanced professional careers beyond the school setting. Therefore, it is not unsightly when law students at the university act as if they were actual lawyers representing clients, aspiring tech professionals attempting mini-tech projects, and upcoming journalists practising the strategies of reporting stories, interviewing witnesses, and tailoring content for specific audiences. The additional skills learned outside of the classroom contribute to the excellence of higher education, distinguishing its graduates from those with less refined abilities often seen in street environments. 

 
In this way, democracy is the dominant culture in the university setting, overseeing all behaviours and beliefs, and serving as a framework for recognizing and assessing rebellious behaviours, to eradicate them and help those affected. 

In different places, student-politicians face a significant challenge when it comes to upholding ethical relationships in a democratic setting. Wherever you look, student leaders are seen seizing undeserved authority, going against the principle of separation of powers, or believing they are protected by some form of impunity for their wrongdoings. Our student leaders, intoxicated by power and arrogance, may have been mistaken in their actions. They search the media for Nigeria today outside of campus and do not see any democracy in her leadership. They witness reckless savagery, the ongoing misuse of authority going unchecked, as Nigerians as a whole have never vocally objected to the entrenched executive lawlessness in the country. Campus politicians find it annoying when people question how they exercise their powers. They ask, "Where is democracy in Nigeria?" and question why they are asked to have virtues that the national center lacks. Stating, “how can you challenge the way I run my office or the methods I use to achieve my official goals?” 

Due to the fact that campus journalists are professionals who are trained and licensed to hold campus politicians accountable for democratic responsibility, clashes between campus dictators and fearless journalists are inevitable and understandable. The survival of journalism on campus relies on democratic principles like freedom of information and access to public information. The victims are influenced by dictatorial instincts to make decisions for others, to assess and judge without input, and to subtly or blatantly dismiss any form of public debate or involvement in important issues. However, the brooding campus dictators we encounter should not forget their surroundings. They are at the university where ideas, virtues, policies, and conduct are generated and disseminated outward, not the other way around. The leadership style of the NURTW, known for its excessive use of force and lack of democratic practices, is a prime example of street-leadership that should be firmly opposed within a university setting. In the Bodija market women association, the concept of debating, respecting, and tolerating different opinions may not be understood, but in the governance of students' public affairs at the University of Ibadan, it should be the fundamental rule. The sinner who we should seek providence for is the bold and prideful President of a student organization who avoids opposing opinions and tries to protect himself from public scrutiny through the media.  

 

 

The Union of Campus Journalists exists to ensure the freedom of Press independence, with the University of Ibadan branch having been continuously operating for at least 34 years. Therefore, the campus Press not only covers events and updates on public regulations, but also looks into abnormalities for publication. The press tests the executives' adherence to the principles of democracy in everything they do. Student leaders need to be accountable to their constituents and have press freedom in order to fulfill their duties properly, just like how a car needs Petroleum Motor Spirit to function.  

Democracy perishes in obscurity while the dangers of dictatorship thrive when institutions responsible for upholding democratic principles are negligent, inactive, or ineffective. In order to safeguard their professional integrity, pressmen should not have a close and friendly relationship with the executives of their regional student associations for personal gain. Whenever this occurs, the level of respect for journalism diminishes and its once bright reputation fades away. Pressmen are expected to display a strong commitment to self-improvement and intellectual excellence. In the absence of these, disrespectful behavior and executive stalking increase and eventually become common. It is morally obligated to engage in a sacred conflict against this threat.