Political Science Students’ Press Organisation had its 1st Prof. Billey Dudley Annual Symposium themed “Recent Military Coups in West Africa: the Justification, the Impacts, and the Consequences". A truck load of knowledge was impacted in the symposium as topical issues such as the insurgence of military coup in African politics in spite of the global growth of democracy and how the events of these coups still haunt the continent. The event also featured an oratory contest, swearing-in of inductees, launch of the POSS press magazine – The Statesman and musical performances.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Nicholas Erameh and the guest speaker, Mr. James Ezema talked extensively on coups and their effects on the affected country. They defined a coup as an illegal way of gaining power; violent overthrow of power as a result of insincerity in agreement which leads to relapse in government. African democracy is supposed to be consolidated and not every coup is orchestrated by the military. Instances of coups were cited from West African countries such as Chad, Burkina Faso, Cote d’ivoire which were as a result of corruption in power. It was concluded that intellectuals don't argue that military coups can never happen but that they can happen but can't take so long.
The president of UCJUI, Rauf Fausilat led the swearing-in of new inductees and the best inductee, Lanlehin Abeeb was awarded. Also, the winners of the oratory contest on media were announced with Ola-Stephen Favour as the winner, Gloria Popoola as the first runner-up and Bobola James as the second runner-up. To wrap up the event, the president of the press organisation, Politikz, recognised the distinguished guests and gave the vote of thanks.
- Aanuoluwatomiwa Oke
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