By: Jolaoso JOHN

At the valedictory sitting of NAPSS Senate council, there was a change in leadership of House. And Sen. Tofunmi emerged victorious. In this interview with Jolaoso JOHN, the new Senate President shared his opinion on issues surrounding is office. Enjoy.

POSSPRESS: Can we meet you sir?
SEN. OLUWATOFUNMI: My name is Oluwatofunmi from a family of two, I am a Christian, I was born in Oyo state but grew up in Lagos, where I had my elementary, primary and secondary education.

POSSPRESS: Congratulations on your latest achievement, how do you feel about your current position as the Senate President?
SEN. OLUWATOFUNMI: I feel honoured, blessed, privileged and accomplishe. Anyways, it was God and not by my power.

POSSPRESS: Has it always been your interest to serve and what other positions have you held?
SEN. OLUWATOFUNMI: It has always been my interest to serve my department. As they say to whom much is given much is expected. I was once a Floor Representative at Mellanby Hall, the assistant class representative of my class and I have served as the Evangelism Coordinator at church youth wing.

POSSPRESS: Do you have any close affiliation with the previous Senate President and how would you rate her performance?
SEN. OLUWATOFUNMI: No, the kind of relationship that existed between us was that of a leader and a follower, nothing more, nothing less. I will rate her administration as simply being superb and outstanding, in the sense that she was objective, transparent and unbiased despite the challenges and pressure, she stood strong against all odds. Aside from the aforementioned point, she changed lot of the narration as regards the Senate chamber. It was under her watch that the Senate went on the first excursion and we attended a legislative summit. To some it might not look or sound as a big deal but if you’ve been following the Senate council in years one will understand better.

POSSPRESS: What new plans do you intend to bring to the table during your tenure?
SEN. OLUWATOFUNMI: In line with my manifesto, I planned on opening a bank account for the Senate council and to organise a legislative summit. Aside from those two point, there is plan to introduce what I call NAPPS Assement Committee (NAC), the aim and objectives of this committee is to strengthen the organs in NAPSS. You will will agree with me that there have been lot of political differences and interest among the organs in recent years. With this committee, we will try and achieve something common towards the actualization of a better association.

POSSPRESS: There has always been the issue of unhealthy conflicts between the Senate and the executive, how do you plan to address this and make sure it does not affect NAPSS next session?

SEN. OLUWATOFUNMI: I have been representing my class since 100 level. There is no way we can avoid the conflicts between the executive and Senate, except if you want the House to be a rubber stamp but what is most paramount is how we handle and manage the conflict in such a way that it does not lead to personal beefs or being sentimental about the cause of division. Conflict are bond to happen, conflicts of interest leads to politics. Anyways, I plan to avoid most of this conflict by letting the executives see reasons to obey the constitution guiding the association and advising them not to show or prove they are smart or out smarting the house. Once legislative functions start properly we will give them the modus operandi in which the house will be working with. The major thing that have always been a thing of concern and division is the statement of account, both parties will agree on a stipulated time and probably date where it shall be available for NAPSSites to see and access regardless of if the House sit or not.

POSSPRESS: Following the previous tenure, what can you say you gained from the administration and what will you consider has a show of bad leadership if there was?
SEN. OLUWATOFUNMI: I have gained a whole lot from them which includes that; I should be transparent to the core, be unbiased, objective and accountable in all I do and most importantly I should practice an inclusive governance. There was no show of any kind of bad leadership throughout the previous tenure.

POSSPRESS: Finally sir, can you state your full name and your words for general NAPSSites
SENATOR ISHOLA OLUWATOFUNMI: My name is Ishola Emmanuel Oluwatofunmi. Well, what I have in mind to say to all NAPSSites is that for those that have lost trust in the leadership of our assoication should kindly have a rethink cause the best is yet to come and the best can not be attained without the full support of everyone. Without finance and cooperation, no organisation or association will leave up to expectation. In oneness and togetherness, NAPSS shall be great again and leave up to the expectations we all deserve and desire.

POSSPRESS: We appreciate the time and sacrifice given to honor us, and as a body we say thank you sir for this opportunity.