By: IndyPress News Desk
The Hall Chairman of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall of Residence, Oluwadamilare Fabiyi, has tendered a letter of apology to the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan, for removing members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall Press Organization from the hall’s group forum.
Recall that on February 22, some campus journalists were removed from the hall’s group following a publication by the Union of Campus Journalists regarding the Hall Warden’s charge to hall residents to canvass for Zik candidates in the recent Students’ Union election.
Fabiyi stated that removing the campus journalists from the hall’s group forum and his threat to deny them accommodation for the next session were impulsive decisions made in the heat of the moment.
He admitted that he had no authority to enforce his statement and expressed regret for making it.
Fabiyi emphasized that maintaining the confidentiality of discussions within the group was paramount while stating that hall members were expected to uphold the highest standards of decorum in the forum.
Reaffirming his commitment to values that oppose the oppression of members in the hall’s group, he pleaded with the Union of Campus Journalists to accept his apology.
“Firstly, I sincerely apologize for removing members of the University of Ibadan Campus Journalists (UCJ) from the Issues Affecting Zik Hall group, regardless of the provocation that led to it. Additionally, I deeply regret the statement I made regarding the press and accommodation. It was an angry remark made in the heat of the moment, for which I take full responsibility and now unequivocally retract.”
“Moreover, I acknowledge that I do not have the authority to implement such a statement. I earnestly hope that the members of UCJ will accept this apology in good faith. Throughout my seven years on campus, my principles have been firmly rooted in justice, equity, and fairness. I have always championed these values and have never aligned myself with oppression in any form. Many UCJ members can attest to my longstanding dedication to student advocacy and the fight for fairness.”
“In hindsight, I recognize that I made an unfounded assumption that the screenshots were shared by members of the press in the group simply because the publication was made by the press. However, I later discovered that the group had been externally compromised, meaning my assumption may not have been accurate.”
“In closing, I extend my deepest appreciation to campus journalists for their unwavering dedication to upholding the truth. I believe in your mission and commitment to objectivity, and I sincerely hope that this apology and contextual clarification will be received in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding.”
