By: Abdulrasheed Olokoto

It has always been a tradition for politicians running for offices to come with promises, which they may or may choose not to fulfill. In a democratic setting, there are political offices vital for the administration of the people’s welfare in that if those who occupy these positions fail to deliver, the people will suffer. The same pattern is applicable to the Great Independence Hall of Residence, University of Ibadan.

Last session saw quite a number of some student residents running for different positions within the hall. The aspirants had come with a number of promises, forming the basis of their social contract with Katangites.

Among these characters is Victor Nifemi Oluwatuyi, a 300-level student of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, who emerged as the Financial Commissioner of the hall through a bye-election after being initially disqualified by the Katanga Republic Independent Electoral Commission.

According to Article VI, Section V, Sub-section 11 of the Great Independence Hall Constitution, the duties of a Financial Commissioner include: being responsible for all financial transactions of the hall, serving as a co-signatory to the hall’s account, keeping all financial records, publishing the hall’s statement of account at the end of each semester, and overseeing all fundraising activities.

Examining these constitutional duties, it has been confirmed that he carried these duties to some extent. However, there is a clause in the constitution that mandates the Financial Commissioner to publish the hall statement of account at the end of each semester.

While Victor claimed to have tendered the account statement to the Legislative Council of the hall, it was confirmed that he only submitted it during the second semester. It is worth noting that to “publish” means to make information public, but as of the time of filling this report, there had not been any financial publication from him, raising public accountability concerns.

“Of course, I printed the statement of account which I tendered to the legislative for auditing.I am first accountable to the legislature in which they are also representative of Katangites. After they are done with auditing the report will be published,” Victor Nifemi explained.

Beyond constitutional duties, elections come with promises feasible or otherwise. Victor’s manifesto plan focused on four major points aimed at improving the hall’s financial state, including transparency and accountability, revenue generation and financial sustainability, welfare-oriented financial support programs, and collaboration with residents on financial decisions.

On transparency and accountability, he promised to work closely with executives so as to prevent financial mismanagement by ensuring all transactions were documented, accessible, and presented periodically to residents and the legislative arm. He also pledged to publish regular financial reports. Till date, Indy Hall residents have not seen any such publication. Responding, Victor blamed the development on the Legislative Council of the hall (14th Assembly), claiming he could not present reports because the House did not call for them. This argument is, of course, out of question, as the hall’s Legislative Council has nothing to do with his self-made pledge to keep residents informed about the financial state of the hall.

“I haven’t been able to present to the residents because the hall legislative council didn’t call for an audit in the first semester. And they just did recently some weeks ago.” he explained.

He also promised proper documentation of internally generated revenue from the hall gym, the Junior Common Room (JCR), and banner dues. Yet when inquired about the confirmed allegation of financial irregularities levied on Administrator General, Adedeji Peculiar, his response could not be ascertained. This raises concern about his apparent failure to protect the hall’s finances.

On revenue generation and financial sustainability, Victor promised to strengthen the hall financially through new revenue initiatives and sponsorship partnerships. He claimed to have achieved this, citing the Maracana renovation inherited project and a solar installation in the JCR.­

“The new initiative I introduced was the creation of the Katanga marketplace in conjunction with the office of the PRO in which through this we have been able to generate revenue. Moreso, collaboratively with other executives we have been able to seek sponsorship for some events and projects which has led to the success of it all. Projects like maracana, solar installation in JCR e.t.c,” he explained.

Victor also promised welfare-oriented financial literacy programs aimed at educating Katangites on effective money management, debt handling, income growth strategies, future planning, and general well-being. These were to be implemented through Financial Seminar 2.0 and a Career Fair. Yet, it is already eleventh  week of the second semester without such program being held or announced. According to Victor, the program is still in the planning stage, though he could not give a specific timeline.

“I can’t certainly give a specific time because there’s a whole lot of factors I am considering for the program to hold,” he said.

Another plan of Victor aimed at collaborating with residents by holding open forums and town hall meetings to gather feedback. He claims to have fulfilled this during the recent congress.

“Yes. I did during the recently held congress, and I responded to Katangites’ questions regarding my office and its jurisdictions,” he added.

In summary, while Victor has kept part of his promises, some are still left unfulfilled.   Even within his constitutional duties, he left crucial responsibilities unaccomplished.

However, it is important to emphasise that integrity is a fundamental quality of a good leader. On pending promises, Victor must deliver. The Financial Commissioner has already made promises to the Katanga Republic, and he is obligated to fulfil them, as they form the basis of his social contract with the students. Ultimately, it is left to Victor to be remembered either as a leader who makes promises and fails to keep them, or as one who honours his word.