By: Gbayesola Samuel
Without the ratification of the Hon Gbadebo David-led Legislative Council, the Indy Hall Executive Council, Team Altruism, set regulations for the use of the hall’s Junior Common Room, IndyPress reports.
The regulations, as contained in a two-page document circulated by the hall’s Public Relations Officer, Oladapo Salvador, stipulate the guidelines for the usage of the Junior Common Room, despite the policies not being ratified by the hall’s Legislative Council.
According to the regulations, student residents in the, fondly called Katangites, are now prohibited from announcing score updates on livescore apps while watching streamed football games in the JCR.
The regulations also state that the Executive Council shall be vested with the authority to enforce the new policies, such as directing both the student and non-student residents of the hall to exit the Junior Common Room in occasion where there is a non-compliance with the regulations.
The guidelines further stipulate that the JCR is for the primary use of Katangites, adding that non-residents can also have access to it, but only with the authorization of the Executive Council of the hall.
The document reads,”To ensure the Junior Common Room (JCR) remains a safe, orderly, and enjoyable space for all members, the Executive Council hereby publishes the following regulations, effective immediately.”
“ The usage, administration, and control of the JCR are strictly vested in the Hall Executive Council. All members of the Executive Council have the full authority to enforce these regulations.
“The Executive Council reserves the right to deny entry or ask any individual (Katangite or non-Katangite) to leave the JCR at any time for non-compliance with these rules, disorderly conduct, or any reason deemed necessary for maintaining order.
“The JCR is for the primary use of all bona fide residents (Katangites) of the Hall, regardless of level or status, subject to these rules. Non-Katangites are prohibited from entering the JCR without explicit authorization from the Hall Executive Council.
“During live football matches, access priority is given to Katangites. Violence, bullying, intimidation, assault, or any form of harassment is strictly forbidden. Any individual who engages in such behavior will be immediately ejected and will face,” it added.
The drafting of the regulations, however, stands in a contrast to Article IV, Section III, Paragraph 1 of the Hall Constitution, which designates the hall’s Legislative Council as the policy-making organ of the hall.
When IndyPress reached out to the Administrator General of the hall, Peculiar Adedeji, he declined comments, stating he would get back to the press.
“I didn’t get the questions. Just let me get back to you,” he said.
In an interview with IndyPress, the Clerk of Indy Hall Legislative Council, Matthew Ugochukwu, directed the Press to the Speaker of the Council, Honorable Gbadebo David, when asked about the position of the House on the development.
“The most appropriate person that will be in charge of such provisions is the Speaker. Maybe you should reach out to the Speaker,” he told IndyPress.
Relentless efforts by IndyPress to obtain comments from the Speaker of the hall’s Legislative Council, Hon Gbadebo David, regarding the development, were unsuccessful as of press time.
With Indy hall Executive Council drafting the Junior Common Room regulations without the ratification of the 14th Assembly, the policy-making organ of the hall, it raises concern about Team Altruism’s disregard for provision of the hall Constitution, which states that only the hall’s Legislative Council shall be vested with the authority to make policy for the hall.
