Handover has come and gone, yet the Impact and Tradition Team led by Christian-viva Aquah has a role on the Zik Hall theatrical stage. Many Zikites are airing that they are yet to collect their package from the immediate past administration while some claim they got incomplete ones. Magazine was paid for by Zikites specifically, no one seems to have collected not even a copy. Zik Hall leadership finds it easy to get dues while it often finds it dicey to get packages across to Zikites. It is fast becoming a trend, not only in the Baluba Kingdom but in general.
Hall dues are always collected in the early weeks of first semester. At most, before the mid-semester, all that pertains to dues payment must have been concluded. Reasonably, it is expected that process of package production will be swiftly done. Reverse is the case, leaders often tarry till it is getting late. Hence, many eventually miss the opportunity of getting the value of the money they paid because of long vacation or graduation. Yet, it is worrisome and worthy of suspicion that cries of colossal waste of Hall packages have never been heard despite the fact that many claimed they have not got their packages in the previous years. Does that mean enough has never been produced to take care of all Zikites who paid?
The previous administration did greatly by making numerous copies of the Zik Hall Constitution and distributing them to Zikites but have they done well by abiding with the content religiously? Section 32(5) of the Constitution of Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall 2019 provides that “the Hall package shall not exceed first semester”. Literal interpretation is clear. Production, distribution and anything regarding packages shall not exceed the first semester. The Law does not compel the impossible. Before the Constitution got the force of law, public hearing and other stringent procedures were done to ensure that the Constitution is in touch with reality. It can be deemed that the previous administration erred. Hopefully, successive administrations will do fair justice to all that pertains to Hall packages, so Zikites will never be reluctant of paying dues or resolving that the only reason they pay dues is because of the compulsion and not for its value. Though, due to the pandemic, no one seems to know about the possibility of the current administration getting hold of students’ dues. These are peculiar times.
The current Hall Chairman, Joshua Ejemeka was reached by ZikPress to know peradventure the remaining packages and copies of Magazine were handed over to him. He stated thus “Yes, I am aware that some Zikites are yet to receive their package. In fact, that was one of the reasons why we had to delay the handing over, because we wanted the outgone administration to be done with all the necessary activities, but due to the pandemic it didn’t go as planned. However, what I know about the package is that most are in the custody of the Financial Secretary of the outgone administration and not with any member of my Council. I believe that they are making plans as to when to distribute it to the people who paid for it. So, the package including the magazines will be distributed when everyone is settled”.
ZikPress contacted the immediate past Financial Secretary, Bello, popularly known as Bro Shaggi to confirm the information got from the Hall Chairman. He confirmed the information. “Actually, the packages are with me but since there are rules now that no opening of hostels and the Halls are locked. Everything is still in my room. I can’t share it since there are no students in the Hall. There are Magazines, the bags are in excess. We just have to resume. Once it has been declared that the Hall should be open, then, the sharing could start but since the Hall is still locked, I cannot take out any of it”.
Responding to the question on when Hall package will be distributed on the Hall’s Whatsapp platform- “Issues Affecting Zik Hall”, the former Sport Minister, Kester Tomiwa made it known that the package has been available since last year and the problem is distribution. He further stated that Zikites can reach any member of the Impact and Tradition Team to discuss a way to get the package. Further corroborated by the Immediate Past Hall Chairman, Christian-Viva Aquah on the same platform, He stated “We are finding a way of having it distributed without having to go against any COVID-19 guidelines or flout the school rules. You all will get your package, it has been stored for over a year now. Due communication will be done and information on receiving your package will be passed round through the official group of those who paid, and other Zik Hall platforms”.
While the pandemic can be easily blamed for the current predicament, it is still valid to state that if the situation had been managed much better before now, the current issue won’t be a relevant topic. This does not however change the fact that some Zikites, especially members of the graduating class will most likely not get the package they duly paid for because they have moved on to pursue other exploits in life. Distribution of the package will be anticipated. Finger crossed!
[Nucleus]
