THE WEEPING SENATOR: LESSONS FOR ASUU, NANUS AND NIGERIANS Nigerians, do not think of what your fathers

have failed to do, rather think of what you will not fail to do as fathers Timi Olagunju; paraphrased from President J.F Kennedys. It was reported in The Guardian of Tuesday, July 23, 2013 that the Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District was obviously overwhelmed by the outrage exhibited by delegates from the 6 (six) local council over the issue of the controversial Section 29 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) on the Girl Child Rights; a subject matter that has attracted public concern and criticism of some Nigerian Senators. According to The Guardian the Senator burst into tears as he TRIED HARD to convince the obviously enraged CROWD. In his words I am very sorry for this costly mistake. I actually voted in error. I pressed the No button during the electronic voting session thinking that I was kicking against the early marriage. I can never support such barbaric and wicked bill. As I read through the above, my mind flashed through different shades of thought ranging from the Girl Child Rights to Education. Firstly, a question for Mr. Senator, what were you doing in the Legislative House at that material time when this Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed, sitting, looking, wandering? As if speaking to the Senator directly I asked if you were thinking as you claimed, not sitting; would you have pressed No, when you meant to press a Yes? Can you imagine a student who answers question 1 for question 10 in an objective question? Wouldnt his fate be a fatal failure? Maybe, it is time the Legislatures look into amending, adjusting or even scrapping sitting allowances in place of productivity allowance first, as well as address key issues such as under-development, under-nutrition, under-employment affecting the life and limb of Nigerians. Secondly, Mr. Senator, there was neither a vote for early marriage nor any Bill specially designed for same. Why confuse the people more by justifying your fault? The bone of contention is as to the removal or non-removal of Section 29(4b) which states: Any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age. As regards the Right of the Nigerian child, the big question is: should we read the provisions on the Renunciation of Citizenship in section 24 (4b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution in isolation; or is it best interpreted in the light of the Federal Child Rights Act 2003, which states that anyone who wants to marry must attain the age of 18? Many opinions seem to favor the former position. As a constitutional lawyer, treading the paths of the few, I see the latter as the correct position. The Senate should be aware that in addition to my above position, Section 29 (4b) is not necessary as it contradicts the Childs Right Act. Looking deep at the public outcry over the rights of the girl child, the words of the Late Ken Saro Wiwa stared at me the pen is mightier than the sword, the pen is mightier than the sword, the pen is mightier than the sword. In this case, the Media (online and offline), the Civil Society, individuals with a proactive intuition proved that Nigerians are mighty enough to make our

Legislative Chamber accountable; in this case Nigerian Senate. These praise-worthy Nigerians have shown we have the power to shape the future of this country; with our collective will, intellect and voice. This brings us to the issue of the ASUU strike. As Nigerians, have we tapped into the power to shape the education of this country; collectively? Or are we in a state of neglect, nonchalance and dissension over the state of our educational system? I read in a National daily that the National Association of University Students (NANUS), led by its National President, informed the Senator Chukwumerijie-led Committee that ASUU did not consult with the students before embarking on the prolonged strike and that ASUUs incessant strikes had failed to impart on the infrastructural status of GOVERNMENT universities nation-wide, accusing the lecturers of pursuing selfish ends at the detriment of students. Pause a moment, does it sound correct accusing the lecturers for asking the Nigerian Government to honor a gentlemans agreement? Accusing the lecturers for asking the Nigerian Government to protect the future and purse of the academia? Accusing the lectures for asking the Government to make the Nigerian academia attractive to the best and able minds like yours? Least we forget some students will also be lecturers some day. To follow the path of truth, Mr. NANUS President, how has lecturers strike directly affected the infrastructure of Universities as much as the continued neglect of education by successive Nigerian governments? Shouldnt we rather question the Nigerian President for the common sense behind building a Federal University in each state of Nigeria, when such funds could be used to upgrade science, technology, arts and commerce in the existing Universities, with leftovers to equip Technical Colleges to produce skilled craftsmen? Look at those Asian expatriates around us, most went to Technical Colleges. Government should know, if she cannot honor prior gentlemans agreements with her own people, what message are we sending to foreign investors, to the world? This is the time to shape the future of this country; it is in our collective effort. Let the same intelligent voice that still speaks on the removal of Section 29 (4b), come as the saving voice to salvage the future of education in Nigeria; with ASUU. And let all Nigerian join in. Timi Olagunju {T.O}, Legal Practitioner, Sync Legal. linkedIn: Timi Olagunju email: timithelaw@gmail.com; timi4nigeria_esq@ymail.com. 234- (0) 8169011777.