NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WARNS FEDERAL GAMES CONTINGENT AGAINST FIGHTING, DRINKING AND MISCONDUCT

The National Assembly has warned its contingent participating in the 45th Federation of Public Service Games in Kano against fighting, drunkenness, banned substances and other forms of misconduct that could tarnish the legislature’s reputation.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, delivered the warning in a farewell message to the contingent ahead of the competition. Ogunlana, represented at the send-off ceremony by the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development for the National Assembly contingent, Essien Eyo Essien, urged the athletes to remember that their conduct would reflect on the institution they represent, ValidViewNetwork reports.

ATHLETES TOLD TO BEHAVE AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ASSEMBLY

Ogunlana reminded the participants that they were not travelling to Kano merely to compete for medals. They would also represent the National Assembly, which he described as the first arm of government.

He warned that their conduct both on and off the field could influence public perceptions of the institution.

The clerk specifically cautioned against fighting, the use of banned substances, drunkenness, indecent dressing and any other behaviour that could bring the legislature into disrepute. He urged the contingent to respect the rules of the competition, obey constituted authority and demonstrate discipline throughout their stay in Kano.

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He also encouraged the athletes to approach the games with humility, accepting victory graciously and defeat with dignity.

WHY THE WARNING MATTERS

The Federation of Public Service Games provides an opportunity for public servants to compete, improve their physical fitness and build relationships across government institutions.

But sporting competition can also create situations in which rivalry, frustration or celebrations test participants’ judgment.

Fighting, harassment or other misconduct can undermine the purpose of the event and expose participants to disciplinary action. The warning against banned substances is equally important because fair competition depends on participants observing the rules governing performance and eligibility.

The National Assembly is therefore justified in reminding its contingent that sporting achievement must be accompanied by responsible behaviour.

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS MUST APPLY THEIR RULES CONSISTENTLY

The effectiveness of the warning will depend on what happens if a participant violates the rules.Institutions sometimes issue stern instructions before public events but fail to apply disciplinary measures consistently when violations occur.

That approach weakens the credibility of their warnings. The National Assembly should ensure that its athletes understand the applicable rules, receive appropriate guidance and know the consequences of misconduct.

Any disciplinary action should also follow established procedures and apply fairly to all members of the contingent.

MORE THAN MEDALS

The games are intended to encourage fitness, teamwork and interaction among public servants. Those objectives can be undermined if participants treat the event solely as a competition for medals or use it as an excuse for irresponsible conduct.

Sportsmanship requires respect for opponents, officials and colleagues. It also requires the ability to handle both victory and defeat without hostility.

The National Assembly’s message that its contingent should win with humility and lose with dignity captures that principle.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the legislature has placed discipline and institutional reputation at the centre of its expectations for the Kano competition. The lesson is that public representation carries responsibility. A successful contingent should be judged not only by the medals it wins but also by its conduct, respect for the rules and treatment of others.