Essay Competition: Embattled NAOSS VP Reacts To His Purpoted Suspension

• I Launched The Program Out Of Frustration With Lack Of Seriousness From The President – Salawu Adebayo
• Says Programme For Osun West Students Continues

The Vice President III of the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) National Headquarters, Comrade Salawu Azeez Adebayo, has dismissed reports of his suspension, describing the development as a baseless move orchestrated by the President, Comrade Mustafa Adedibu.

In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, Salawu insisted that he remains in office, adding that his decision to launch an essay competition for students in Osun West Senatorial District was borne out of frustration with the President’s perceived lack of seriousness.

According to Salawu, the purported suspension announced by the President is both unconstitutional and misleading.

He emphasised that the National Executive Council (NEC) lacks the authority to suspend its own without due intervention from the National Council Representatives (NRC), where all Honourable members are expected to deliberate and reach a collective decision.

“It is well known that NEC cannot suspend any of its executives without the intervention of the NRC. There was no such intervention; therefore, I remain the Vice President III of NAOSS. The President’s claim is not only false but a calculated attempt to distract our members,” he said.

Explaining the motivation behind the essay competition, Salawu revealed that he initiated the programme with personal funds to fill a gap created by what he termed the President’s nonchalant attitude towards students’ welfare.

He stated that despite several consultations and efforts to involve the President and other executives, there was no tangible progress, forcing him to act independently in the best interest of the students.

“The decision to launch the programme was born out of frustration with the lack of seriousness from the President. My goal has always been to serve the students to the best of my ability. I could no longer wait while our students were left without meaningful engagements. This initiative was funded entirely from my resources, with no misappropriation of union funds,” Salawu asserted.

The embattled Vice President also accused the President of spreading falsehoods aimed at discrediting his efforts.

He called on NAOSSites and stakeholders to disregard the suspension notice, describing it as a desperate attempt to stifle development within the association.

“I want to assure all NAOSSites that the programme for Osun West students is still very much ongoing. No amount of intimidation or propaganda will stop me from serving the students. It is disheartening that the President and his associates have resorted to misleading the public instead of supporting an initiative that benefits our people,” he added.

Salawu also expressed concern over what he described as unnecessary internal conflicts and urged NAOSS members to focus on unity and collective progress.

He reiterated his commitment to seeing the programme through to completion, noting that no amount of political intimidation would deter him.

“I remain committed to my duties, and the programme I initiated will continue to serve the students in the West as planned. Let us not be distracted by personal issues. The welfare and development of our students remain my priority,” he concluded.

He further concluded by referring to the Constitution guidance of NAOSS which stated below;

ARTICLE 6
SECTION 30:- RESIGNATION, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF ANY
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

a. Any association officer can resign his/her office by writing to the president and to the speaker through the clerk of the NCR and would be subjected to the ratifications of the congress.

b. The president can resign his/her office by writing to the speaker of the NRC with a copy to the clerk of the NCR within two (2) weeks of such resignation. The president shall render an account of his stewardship in writing to the speaker and submits all association property in his/her custody.

C. Any officer of association may be removed or suspended in accordance with the provision of this constitution.

d. Before an officer (NEC/NCR officer) vacates his/her office whether by resignation, suspension or removal, he/she shall properly handover a correct account to the appropriate standard Ad-Hoc committee of the NCR.

e. The expiration of the term of office, resignation suspension or removal of any officer (either elected or appointed) of the association shall not have absorbed him of liabilities for irregularities committed by him/her when in office