Renaming a University established by law through presidential fiat is an abuse of power which would make even the symbol of democracy turn several times in his grave as he died in the process of fighting against arbitrariness and rule of he thumb which the annulment of June 12 represented.
It is violation of the principles and tenets of democracy which government officials are celebrating to go on air to announce the renaming of an institution like the University of Lagos without any consultations with the university community in a manner reminiscent of the autocratic ways of the military brass hats who denied Abiola his victory in 1993 because they arrogated to themselves better knowledge than 14 million Nigerians who went to the polls.
This presidential misdemeanor displayed on the purported renaming of the University of Lagos without due process is at the heart of the mis-governance that has been the signature of a "democratic" president behaving like an Emperor in the last one year.
The scant regard for appropriation laws that led to the theft of N3 trillion on fuel subsidy whereas only N245 billion was appropriated, the deployment of soldiers against peaceful protesters against the law and other violations of due process in the last one year; are all signals of a dangerous mindset driving the country into a full dictatorship while pretending to a democratic order.
It is high time President Jonathan embraced a democratic mindset and stop behaving like maximum ruler.
We restate our demand that M.K.O Abiola must be given a befitting honor or the sacrifices he made for democracy in Nigeria in a decent and worthy manner.
Yinka Odumakin.
Spokesman.
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Dear All,
ReplyDeleteLagos University was established by the Act of National Assembly known as University of Lagos Act.
Section one of that Act clearly says that there shall be a University known as University of Lagos.
If you want to change the name of University of Lagos, you have to go to the National Assembly to amend the Act.
So Mr President can not change the name of Unilag by presidential fiat except it is changed by the National Assembly. The President’s declaration is illegal, null and void.
Carlin Esq
he wants to add to the confusion in lagos because they do not have his time. he wants attention. let him rename university of maiduguri, its still same demonstration of craze now.
ReplyDeleteThat is not an issue, think of better issues like the sacked Doctors in Lagos, oil subsidy, poor power failure at all time, poor infrastructures, hospitals not well equipped and lot of others. Please think wisely, dont be disturbed with MAU, Abiola is our MAN dead or alive for any fast thinking Yoruba fellow. YORUBA RONU WO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe renaming of Unilag after MKO Abiola is constitutionally wrong, as the National Assembly Act which created Unilag was completely ignored. Besides, why name two Tertiary Institutions after him. The motive behind the change of name is very questionable.
ReplyDeleteI believe a better way to immortalize the great man is to rename the Eagle Square in Abuja after him, as the square is synonymous with democracy.