By Mujeeb Rauf

The Public Relations Officer of the Great Independence Hall, University of Ibadan, Hammed Sodiq Akinkunmi, has petitioned the Hall’s Legislative Council, challenging a resolution directing him to refund ₦25,000 from his data allowance.

This was contained in a letter obtained by IndyPress, titled “Request for Fair Hearing on Resolution Passed in My Absence” and addressed to the Indy 15th Assembly.

According to the PRO, he was absent during the early part of the House sitting because he had left the school premises on an official assignment.

“I was absent during the early part of the sitting because I had to leave the school premises to attend to an important assignment for the Hall. I had gone out specifically to procure something required for the painting we are to use for the B Block painting. Upon my return, I was informed that a resolution concerning my office had already been deliberated upon and passed in my absence,” he stated.

Recall that this development follows the adoption of the Publicity Committee’s recommendations during the fourth sitting of the 15th Assembly. Before the recommendations were adopted, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulmatin Gbadegesin, stated that the Public Relations Officer had been contacted before the committee finalised its report.

Explaining the need for the data allowance, Akinkunmi said the funds were necessary for the effective performance of his duties.

“Considering the volume of publicity, communication, online coordination and other activities required of the office, the ₦15,000 monthly data allowance was necessary for the office to function effectively,” he stated.

However, the PRO faulted the process through which the resolution was passed, arguing that he should have been given an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised against his office before a decision with punitive consequences was taken.

“Passing a resolution concerning me in my absence, particularly one that carries a punitive consequence, denies me the opportunity to properly explain the circumstances surrounding the matter,” he said.

Akinkunmi has therefore urged the Legislative Council to reconsider the resolution and grant him what he described as a fair hearing.

“I therefore respectfully call on the Honourable House to reconsider the resolution and grant me a fair hearing,” he stated.

He further requested that the matter be referred to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee or another relevant investigative body, where the facts could be established and he could respond to the allegations before any penalty is imposed.