Election controversy threatens law students’ association

No fewer than 15 chapters of the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN) have pulled out of the national body over a controversial election.

This followed the conclusion of the 4th National Convention of LAWSAN in Abuja, which held between September 9-14, 2020.

The result produced Blessing Agbomhere, a 500L student who is said to have emerged outside the provision of Section 16(1)(a) of the association’s constitutional provision that only 400L students, who must present their 300L results were qualified for the election.

Sadeeq Sheshe, spokesman of the aggrieved chapters of the association and president of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria chapter, Ishaku Ahmad Danlawan, declared that the aggrieved chapters have unanimously resolved to break away from LAWSAN pending when their grievances would be addressed.

“Here to present delegations of Chapter Presidents of Faculties of Law across the country. Having met today, at around 9am or so. Soon thereafter, we have decided to stand against the sheer and brute injustice that has been happening in our very hallowed, dear association, LAWSAN,” he said.

In his reaction, Agbomhere said some persons were acting in bad faith because of the loss of the election, adding that he was open to reconciliation with all aggrieved members.

“It is just election fatigue; that is the issue, but we believe in one LAWSAN family. The most important thing is not who won the election, but the betterment, the growth, the development and empowerment of members of the association.

“So, if our interest is to empower and protect our members, whoever won and those who did not win should be able to join hands together,” he said.