25/02/2026
‎OFFICIAL DIRECTIVE ON THE IMPROPER CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF “SPEAKER” IN ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE STRUCTURES
‎
‎My attention has been formally drawn to certain irregularities emerging in the ongoing electioneering process for Association Executives for the 2025/2026 academic session, following the dissolution notice issued by the School Management.
‎
‎As the Speaker of the Students’ Union Parliament, it is my constitutional responsibility to uphold due process, safeguard institutional order, and ensure that all electoral activities within the Union and its affiliated associations strictly comply with established constitutional provisions.
‎
‎It has come to my notice that some Electoral Board Committees across certain chapters, departments, and school associations have introduced and commenced the sale of nomination forms for an office designated as “Speaker.” This development is both irregular and unconstitutional.
‎
‎For the avoidance of doubt, there exists no provision in the constitutions of recognized associations within the Students’ Union Government that establishes the office or position of “Speaker” as part of the Executive arm of any association.
‎
‎The title “Speaker” is neither ceremonial nor casual in usage. In constitutional and parliamentary practice, a Speaker is the presiding officer of a Legislative Assembly or Parliament. The office is strictly legislative in nature and does not form part of the Executive structure of associations. Any attempt to introduce such an office without constitutional backing constitutes a clear deviation from established governing documents.
‎
‎While I may concede that such actions may arise from ignorance or improper counsel, ignorance of constitutional provisions does not excuse constitutional violations. Electoral Committees are expected to seek proper guidance from relevant authorities before taking actions that may compromise the legality of the process.
‎
‎Where the intention behind creating such an office is merely to appoint an individual to coordinate or moderate meetings, such responsibilities fall within the powers of the duly elected President of the association, who may appoint aides or designate officers such as a Spokesperson or any other assistant role, provided such appointments align with the association’s constitution.
‎
‎Accordingly, I hereby direct as follows:
‎
‎1. All associations currently selling nomination forms for the office of “Speaker” must immediately cease such sales.
‎2. Any Electoral Committee that has already sold forms for the said office must refund, without delay, all monies collected from affected aspirants.
‎3. All associations must strictly adhere to their constitutional framework in defining elective positions.
‎4. Any association or Electoral Committee that continues to act outside constitutional provisions shall be liable to disciplinary measures, which may include suspension of the association’s electoral process.
‎5. Any Departmental or Association President elected through a process that contravenes constitutional provisions may not be recognized, inaugurated, or inducted into the Legislative Council of the Students’ Union Government.
‎
‎This directive is issued in the interest of order, legality, and institutional integrity. Let it be clearly understood that something worth doing is worth doing right, and all electoral processes must reflect transparency, constitutionality, and procedural compliance.
‎
‎All concerned are advised to treat this communication with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
‎
‎Signed:
‎Rt. Hon. Winner Archibong
‎Speaker, 11th Legislative Council
‎Students’ Union Government
‎Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
‎Ikot Osurua
25•02•2026
‎
‎Cc:
‎Dean, Students Affairs
‎SPI
‎Chief Security Officer (C.S.O.)
‎
