Osun Defender April 19, 2016 Edition

www.osundefender.org Tuesday, april 19, 2016 The eventful life of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is worth assessment. In looking at his input and achievements we cannot but recall the observation of the Roman poet Aeschylus that-

“Some men they think about things that have happened and they ask why? For myself, I chose to think about those things that never were, and then I ask myself,

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Asiwaju at 64

assessment of our era is done, historians will ponder as to how Asiwaju Tinubu answered the question “why not? “. In answering that question he was certainly

When a dispassionate instrumental in rescuing a Republic in peril of disintegration Future generations will praise him for so doing.

For Tinubu played

VOL. 11. NO.037 a decisive role in midwifing what is essentially our own equivalent of an “ Historic Compromise” between suspicious potential allies managing to set aside age old prejudices and suspicions..

The feat, for that is what it is, must not

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For the historic compromise achieved is exactly the tantalising formula for national cohesion sought since pre-independence It has proved disastrously elusive until the astute ...continue on pg5

Osun Budget Adjustment ‘ll Save Cost, Minimise Waste -

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We Won’t Stop Schools’ Infrastructure Development – Aregbesola Only Oduduwa Descents Are Yoruba - Deji Of - Page 4 - See Story On Page 2

•State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (4th right), his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (5th right); Chairman, Board of Directors, Skyrum Cocoa Production Industry, Ede, Dr Adewale Adeeyo (3rd right); Manager, Skyrum Cocoa Production Industry, Ede, Mr Li zhi Feng (right); Assistant Manager, Ms Song Lim (2nd right); and others during a facility tour of the newly, resuscitated cocoa industry in Ede, State of Osun, last Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

Osun ‘Doctor’, Friend Arraigned Over Missing Corpse’s Parts - Pg 4

osun Defender Tuesday, April 19, 2016

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We Won’t Stop Schools’ Infrastructure Development - Aregbesola

By kehinde ayantunji he governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reassured the citizens and residents of the state that his administration would remain focused and determined in its efforts at providing quality and quantitative education in the state.

Government Service According to him, C o m m i s s i o n , S t a t e the current economic Secretariat, Abere, while challenges will not affect addressing a gathering at the ongoing construction the Summit on Standard of the model high, middle for Construction and and elementary schools.

Rehabilitation of School Aregbesola reiterated Buildings in the state. this at the Multipurpose He said, with the Hall of the State Local

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construction of brandnew state-of-the-art 100 Elementary Schools, 50 Middle Schools and 20 High Schools across the state, his government has genuinely provided decent functionalenabling environment for teaching and learning in the state.

The governor stressed that the initiatives and strategies deployed in tackling the palpable academic decadence and

rots prior to his inception basically emanated from the understanding of the state of education, which called for an urgent intervention in rescuing the young generation from the shambles of collapse.

He noted that the state government under his watch has been aggressively rehabilitating existing school buildings being considered for renovation

to standard level across the length and breadth of the state in order to boost the morale of the young learners.

Aregbesola said: “We have proven to our people that being in power is to serve with all capacities and as well extend dividends of democracy to all, as this is being manifested in all our policies, programmes and actions since we got to power.

•ALL FOR DR AJIBOLA BASHIRU: State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); His Deputy, Otunba Mrs Grace Titi LaoyeTomori (right); Former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special duties, Dr Ajibola Basiru (2nd left); and his wife, Habibat (left) during a dinner party in Honour of Dr Ajibola Bashiru Ph.D (Property Law) University of Lagos, at Aurora Events Center, Osogbo last Friday.

Police Chief Advises Against Street Gates R police, there is usually

By Murtala agboola esidents of Ataoja Estate Police Division, house-breaking when Osogbo, the State of Osun capital, have been residents go on vigil in counseled against erecting street gates on their the night, to the mosque at dawn or during dayroads without security-guards manning them. time, when most people The admonition was PCRC to ask their people have left for their places made by the Divisional to be vigilant, especially of work.

Police Officer (DPO) during some specific The Chairman of in-charge of the police periods.

PCRC, Chief Gbadebo division, Mr Clement “ F r o m a v a i l a b l e Adeyemo, also reminded Agbemoroti, during the records, according to the April monthly meeting of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at the police By sola jacobs station recently. he Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye He said, it was Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has concluded all ar necessary to have persons rangements to engage youths through talent to keep charge of these hunt programme, tagged: ‘OjajaII Musical Talent gates to enable the police access the community Hunt and Concert’.

This was made known network and have fun. whenever the need arises.

He added that the The police chief stated in Ile-Ife on Tuesday this in his crime report during a press briefing project will serve to to the meeting when he held at Ooni’s Palace in create employment for said that the only robbery a joint briefing by the t h e t e e m i n g y o u t h s incident last month was at monarch’s Director of through the ‘Project Ojaja Wole Ola Estate, where a Media, Comrade Yera II Talent Hunt’.

Toyota Highlander (SUV) Alhaji Osobemekun, belonging to a pastor was Moses and the event in his response at the Project Director, Alhaji carted away. briefing, said that the The police, he said, Rotimi Osobemekun .

At the event, Comrade programme had been swung into action upon b e i n g i n f o r m e d a n d Yera said the programme contracted to a repuretrieved the car at Dada would be the first of its table indigenous event Estate, also in the state kind in the ancient city planning company, Nuff capital. and will feature promi- Jamz Entertainment, for Agbemoroti, who left nent celebrities and proper planning, which the meeting to lead a producers in Nigeria will hold in August, patrol team to control entertainment indus- while the auditioning a crowd of protesters try as judges during the will commence in May marching to the state 2016. secretariat, Abeere, also auditioning, while the He also lauded the applicants will be givused the opportunity to monarch, saying that the ing the opportunity to remind members of the showcase their talents, gesture will not only add

members to provide useful information to the police, especially the top hierarchy.

According to him, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has instructed members of the PCRC to provide the police information

without necessarily providing their names with a promise that the police would swing into action immediately.

The committee was excited to know that a second patrol officer has been posted to the Division to assist in patrol of the division.

value to lives of Nigerian youths, but will as well help them to shun all forms of anti-societal vices.

In a chat with OSUN DEFENDER on the gesture of the monarch, a social critic in Ife, Mr Kole Enitilo, commended the steps taken by the monarch so far to engage the youths in positive ventures.

He added that there are lots of potentials untapped in the ancient city, which could accommodate unemployed youths such as bronze casting, beading manufacturing at Ijugbe and other artistic production, which had almost gone into extinction, but could be re-jigged, if other privileged individuals collaborate with the monarch, as he could

not shoulder it all alone.

The social critic stressed that the rot among the youths in the ancient city was due to their neglect for decades, which forced them to divert their energy to criminal activities.

Comrade Moses summed it up that the Ooni’s initiative was part of the monarch’s commitment to job creation and youth empowerment agenda, which will see a winner emerged with a prize, album recording deal and a brand new car; all on the bill of Oba Ogunwusi.

Ooni Hunts For Talents

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“For whatever reason, we won’t stop in our efforts to impact positively in all sectors of the economy, just as we prioritized education, so shall it be in other sectors to effect greater development.

“Though, we are in a critical economic period, but in spite of this, our government would not lose focus to provide the essentials in all aspects of human life, as we are determined to redeem the state of the present situation.

“We will equally do all we could in providing quality and functional education in a decent and conducive environment,” Aregbesola added.

Analyzing the features of the new schools, explained that the newly-constructed elementary and middle schools are designed to have maximum capacity for 1,000 pupils, while a high school is designed in three-in-one school capacity to take in 3,000 students, with three principals.

He further explained that the elementary and middle schools have 25 classrooms, while high schools have 72.

Elementary schools have two Headteachers/ Principals’ offices, while middle schools have three and high schools have four.

“Elementary schools have 12 toilets for pupils and four for teachers.

Middle schools have 12 for pupils and 12 for teachers while High schools have 48 for pupils and eight for teachers.

“Middle schools have two laboratories, while High schools have six.

Elementary schools have one recreation zone but Middle schools have two.

High schools however, have a standard Olympic field and track pavilion, a basketball court, a tennis court and standard playground.

“High schools, in addition, have six seminar rooms, one examination hall, a bookshop and a bursar’s office. Additional features in all the schools are boreholes for water supply, electricity, fire protection, ICT room, home economics room, standby generators and among others.

“We have also separated the academic staff from facility management by engaging facility managers to manage the facilities while teachers concentrate on imparting knowledge to the pupils “We are already seeing the result. The badly behaved pupils in run down and dilapidated schools are now well behaved when taken to the new environment of the beautiful new schools,” he added.

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osun Defender Tuesday, April

Osun Budget Adjustment ‘ll Save Cost, Minimise Waste - OSHA By kazeem mohammed he State of Osun House of Assembly has said that the request of the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for the downward adjustment of the 2016 budget was based on the understanding of the executive and the legislature, as a result of the current economic situation of the country.

In a letter to the House a p p r o p r i a t e l y f o r and read at the plenary the MDAs as newlyon Monday, the governor restructured by the state had requested for the government.

“It should be recalled readjustment of the budget estimate from that some MDAs have N150.7 billion to N137.9 been merged by the government to ensure billion.

The original budget cost-saving method of was presented before the governance due to the Assembly on Thursday, economic reality in the December 10, 2015 and country.

“We feel it will be still undergoing scrutiny of the parliament as at inappropriate for us to be the time the request for allocating funds for nonexisting ministries since its review came.

T h e C h a i r m a n , the merger has taken H o u s e o f A s s e m b l y place, hence, the budget C o m m i t t e e F i n a n c e must be readjusted.

“This development and Appropriation, Honourable Kamil was based on the Oyedele, said the passage understanding between of the budget would not the executive and the be dragged unnecessarily House of Assembly to readjust the budget. due to the request.

“The reality is that the According to him, since some Ministries, price of crude oil, which D e p a r t m e n t a n d is the major source of Agencies (MDAs) of financing the budget, government have been h a d d r o p p e d i n t h e merged, the readjustment international market, was necessary to be able hence, we must be able to allocate funds in line to make provision for it, with the new structure of since budget is based on assumption,” he said. government.

Oyedele, who noted He said: “The governor has only requested for that the development the readjustment of would save cost of the budget figure to be governance and minimise able to allocate funds waste, said the personnel

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responsibility with a view to ensuring that the policy trust was not jeopardised.

“It is the responsibility of the executive to create budget heads, and once they had created the heads, they have outlined the ministries, highlighted the projects to be executed, we feel it should be readjusted based on understanding

with the executive in order not to jeopardise the policy trust of the budget.

“I can assure the people that this new development will not unnecessarily drag the budget from its passage.

“It will also not disturb the development in the state, since the governor is empowered to spend

he Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Olabomi (Odundun IV), has tasked Muslims in the State of Osun to spend in the course of Allah.

He gave the admonition representing Ifelodun State at the fourth internal fund- Constituency at the state raising of the State of parliament, Honourable Osun Muslim Community R a s h e e d A f o l a b i , h i s ( O S M C ) S e c r e t a r i a t counterpart from Boripe/ Complex at Surulere Area, Boluwaduro, Honourable Off Ring Road, Osogbo.

Bello Osuolale and the The monarch called on all immediate-past Executive Muslims to make reasonable Secretary of Ifelodun Local contributions to ensure that Government Council Area the secretariat is completed of the state, Mr Sanusi in due course.

Lawal.

The man in whose Others were Honourable honour the occasion was Rasaq Adeyemi, Doctor held, Alhaji Gbadamosi B e l l o H a k e e m , B e l l o Owoseni Lawal, the Balogun N u r u d e e n a n d P r i n c e Musulumi of Ikirunland, Bamidele Yekeen. donated generously towards The rest were immediatethe project. past Commissioner for His political associates Justice and Attorney-General also came in numbers to and his counterpart in the h o n o u r h i m . A m o n g s t Ministry of Information them were the member and Strategy, Barrister Wale

Afolabi and Mr Sunday Akere respectively.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice President I of OSMC, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, traced the formation of the community to a meeting held in Mecca in Saudi Arabia in 1977.

At the meeting, he recalled, were Oba Olabomi (then a prince) and himself among others, who initiated an umbrella body that could bring all Muslims in the state together.

According to Olawuyi, some of the modest achievements of the community include the Independent Sharia Panel (ISP), which sits every first Thursday of the month at the OSMC secretariat.

He noted that the Sharia panel has been doing its job diligently according to

and overhead cost, as well as capital expenditure were affected by the readjustment, while Consolidated Revenue Charges remained unchanged.

He noted that the Assembly has the power to readjust the budget, but since the executive had created budget heads, it was given the

Aragbiji Enjoins Muslims To Spend In The Course Of Allah By murtala agboola

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Osun Residents Decry High Accident Rate

By olakunle olawoyin esidents of the State of Osun have described as worrisome, the increase in the rate of auto and motorcycle accidents in the state. their sick beds, receiving Some of the residents treatment for one injury who spoke with OSUN or the other due to DEFENDER said that accidents. many people, especially “However, it has the younger ones, have been established that either lost their lives these accidents, either or sustained various involving motorcycles degrees of injuries due or vehicles, occur due to the careless attitude to reckless driving,” he o f t h e m a j o r i t y o f said. motorcycle riders.

He cited an example of A c c o r d i n g t o M r . a ghastly motor accident Praise Ojo, a resident along Iree/Ada road of Capital Hotel Area, recently, when a bus Osogbo, the state capital: driver travelling from “The increase in rate Ondo State carelessly ran of road accident in the into three pedestrians state, especially the ones and claimed their lives. involving commercial Another resident of motorcycle riders, is Osogbo, Mrs. Agbaje alarming and steps must A d e b i s i , i d e n t i f i e d be taken to reduce it by drinking of alcohol by all stakeholders. drivers and motorcyclists H e l a m e n t e d t h a t as another cause of a brother of his was accidents. recently knocked down She said: “It is by an Okada rider and worrisome that some of still receiving treatment these bus drivers and at a hospital, saying, motorcyclists usually get “ o n l y G o d k n o w s drunk and in turn drive whether he will survive recklessly on the road.” it or not.”

Also, Mr. Tokunbo Ojo further noted that Balogun said the habits many people have lost of driving against traffic their lives, while, many rules and regulations others have suffered were rampant and must v a r i o u s d e g r e e s o f be critically condemned. injuries, adding, “if you “Some drivers and visit hospitals today, you motorcyclists often drive will see several people on against traffic rules and

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the budget up till June, even when it has not been passed, then, we are on safer side.

“Since there is an agreement between the House and the executive, there is no need to go back to budget defence, but just for the concerned MDAs to cross-check the figures,” Oyedele stressed.

instead of traffic wardens to take appropriate legal actions, they just take a token from them and allow them to go, which is very unfortunate.”

In his own, Mr. Michael Famokunwa attributed the increase in the rate of accident to lack of civic sense in the people and their ignorance of traffic signs, saying, more sensitisation must be carried out on traffic rules and regulations by the appropriate authorities.

He then advised the government to construct bumps in places where accidents occur regularly and construct pedestrian bridges, expressing optimism that by taking these steps and carrying out enough awareness, it would reduce accident rate and save lives.

Famokunwa also called on the government to ensure the rehabilitation of bad roads which have also been identified as another cause of accidents.

He also suggested that appropriate traffic laws should be enforced on any erring drivers or motorcyclists, with a view to curbing their excesses.

the dictates of Islam in an acceptable way, as some litigants, who went to other courts were referred back to the judgment of ISP as authentic, legal and final, which cannot be reversed.

The OSMC chieftain also reminded the gathering that the tussle for Imam position in Ila-Orangun and Isoko in Ejigbo Local Government Council Area of the state were amicably resolved.

Oba Olabomi, who was the General Secretary of OSMC before the ascension to the throne of his forefathers, played a major role in the fund-raising and he donated generously.

Among those who graced the occasion was a renowned author of textbooks on Economics and Government at Ordinary and Advance Level, Dr Olayiwola Adejare Lawal, who was present to honour his elder brother.

While Imams and other Islamic clerics from many towns were also present to grace the occasion.

Sheikh Salaudeen Olayiwola, the President of OSMC, was grateful to Allah for making the occasion a success and thanked all those who donated generously to the project.

The occasion was also used to launch the fourth edition of the magazine published by OSMC, Osun Muslims.

•State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle), in a handshake with HRM Eze Sheik, Dr Abulfatah Chimaeze Emetumal 111 Ofor IV of Umuofor Kingom, Oguta LGA, Imo State and his Liaison Officer Alhaji Kamaldeen Atanda (right) during a courtesy visit to Governor Aregbesola in his office last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

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Osun ‘Doctor’, Friend Arraigned Over Missing Corpse’s Parts

By kazeem moammed code cap 34, Volume II, he Founder of Tinuola Clinic and Maternity laws of Osun State of Hospital, Osogbo, Mr. Ponle Adesoji and his Nigeria, 2003.

The accused persons friend, Nurudeen Ganiyu, were on Friday arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court however, pleaded not for allegedly chopping off some body parts of the guilty to the charges remains of an old woman, the late Afusat Sakariyau. against them and their Adesoji, 49 and Ganiyu, 52 were accused to have counsel, Mrs O. Ofoyeju, conspired and cut parts and Maternity Hospital, applied for their bail, of the lip, nose, hair, Osogbo did conspire assuring the court that armpit hair of the late together and improperly they would not abuse the or indecently interfered bail, if granted. old woman.

The presiding The deceased was said with the body of one to have been rushed to Afusat Sakari by cutting magistrate, Mr Olusola the hospital located at parts of her lip, part of A l u k o , g r a n t e d t h e Owode-Oluode area of her nose, armpit hair and accused persons bail in the sum of N100,000 with Osogbo on Wednesday, her hair.” two sureties each in the “ T h a t y o u P o n l e April 6, 2016 by one of her grandchildren for the Adesoji, on or before 6th like sum.

He said that the treatment of her ailment, of April, 2016, at about but died later in the day. 10pm at Tinuola Clinic sureties are to produce I t w a s l e a r n t t h a t and Maternity Hospital, tax clearance certificates.

Magistrate Aluko w h e n t h e d e c e a s e d did with intent to defraud family members went falsely, represent yourself added that one of the two to the hospital to claim to be a medical doctor sureties must be a civil the remains of their and operate a hospital servant of, at least, Grade own, they reportedly known as Tinuola Clinic Level 4, while the other discovered that parts of and Maternity Hospital, must be a responsible the deceased’s lip, nose O s o g b o w i t h o u t a member of the public.

He then adjourned the and hair have had been licence.”

T h e p o l i c e matter to May 17, 2016 for mysteriously removed.

B u t t h e P o l i c e p r o s e c u t i o n a r g u e d mention.

Meanwhile, the second p r o s e c u t o r , M i r e t i that the two accused accused person, Ganiyu p e r s o n s c o m m i t t e d Wilson, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, offences contrary to could not meet his bail had informed the court on and punishable under conditions and was taken Friday that the accused Sections 517, 242(1)(b) to Ilesa Prison custody by persons committed the and 484 of the Criminal the police. act at about 10.00pm in the hospital, adding that the head and armpit hair of the deceased were shaved.

The prosecutor also he Senator representing Osun-West Senatorial stated that Adesoji on or District, Otunba Isiaka Adeleke, has sent out before 6th of April, 2016, an appeal to petroleum products dealers in with intent to defraud, the State of Osun to stop forthwith, their shylock paraded himself as a and selfish attitudes in the unnecessary hike in doctor and operated a According their prices. to him, he realized, that there are hospital without licence. had to make this appeal, marketers like BOVAS, The charge sheet reads bearing in mind that there FORTE and a few other in part: “That you Ponle was no justification for independent marketers, Desoji and Nurudeen Ganiyu on the 6th of such arbitrary increase in selling at the official price April, 2016 at about the fuel prices by those he of N86.50k and they are 10.00pm at Tinuola Clinic described as unpatriotic still breaking even and d e a l e r s , w h e n i t i s making profits.

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Asiwaju at 64 continued from pg1

intervention of a man of great political sagacity in the Asiwaju.

Had the same much needed comprise been obtained much earlier the story of our country would have been different and better. This is because Nigeria unlike countries such as India, Ghana and the Republic of South Africa never had a natural “party of independence”. In the absence of one, a vehicle had to be built to achieve a new national governing majority.

For his examplary persistence in helping to create this new national majority we give the Asiwaju great Kudos. For the alternative could have imploded

•The first wife of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Olori Ayo Olabomi, celebrated her birthday in the palace with fanfare recently. Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi assisting the birthday ‘girl’ in cutting her birthday cake on the occasion.

Fuel Scarcity: Stop Exploitation, Adeleke Urges Petroleum Products Dealers

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Senator Adeleke said it was painful to notice endless queues of motorists, struggling to even buy at such ridiculous prices ranging from N180 to N200 per litre of petrol.

The first executive governor of Osun reiterated that such attitude by the petrol dealers was very

unfortunate.

He therefore, called on the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to swing into action across the state and arrest the ugly situation, which has drastically affected the socio-economic wellbeing of the masses of the people.

He further enjoined the petrol dealers to note that they shall give account of their stewardship to God

Only Oduduwa Descents Are Yoruba - Deji Of Akure

By sola jacobs he Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi (Odundun II), has identified only the people who can trace their origin to Ile-Ife as the bonafide descendants of Oduduwa. cooperation because they The paramount ruler all originated from Ile-Ife made this remark while hundreds of years ago. hosting the Arole Oodua, In his word, Oba Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunlade said; “Arole Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), who Oodua, we are very glad paid him a unity visit to receive you today in in his palace recently in Akure Kingdom. You Akure, the Ondo State are the father of all of capital. us in Yorubaland, Oba Ogunlade lauded except those who are the new Ooni for his not true descendants exaltation of God at all of Oduduwa. The way times; his dedication to you have been exalting uplifting the youths and the Almighty God, your the unity train he moves dedication to uplift the around the country, youths and your train especially among Yoruba of unity that moves monarchs. around the country, The Deji, therefore, especially amidst Yoruba a s s u r e d h i s v i s i t o r , Obas, is indeed very who he described as his commendable and may father and that of the God continue to bless entire Yoruba nation, you.” of his kingdom’s total Earlier in his speech,

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Ooni Ogunwusi expressed delight at the way he was honoured by the monarch and the people of the Ondo State capital city.

He emphasized peace and unity among the Yoruba people as the only guaranteed key to progress.

In his words, the Ooni said: “I am overwhelmed by the love the Kabiyesi Deji and good people of Akure have shown to me at this visit. I have come here for peace, unity and progress of Yorubaland.

I have been moving around the country in respect of this because that’s simply what we need to move our nation forward.”

Among eminent sons and daughters of Akure that joined the Deji in hosting Ooni Ogunwusi included Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben

Fasoranti; National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae; Chief Imam of Akure, High Chief Olisa of Akure; a prince of Akure, Prince Ademola Adegoroye; and the Attorney-General of Ondo State, Barrister Eyitayo Jegede.

Ooni Ogunwusi’s unity train also paid a courtesy visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, at his palace in Owo, who led him to the palace of Oba Ojomo Oluda of Ijebu-Owo, where the monarchs commissioned an hotel owned by Prince Rotimi Ibidapo in commemoration of his visit to the ancient town.

Oba Olagbegi-Olateru also commended the Ooni for the unity train he extended to all Yoruba

and pledged to support the Ooni in his quest for unity and progress among Yoruba nation and the country at large.

Aside monarchs in the Ooni’s entourage who attended the reception and commissioning of the hotel in honour of his visit to Owo included the Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori; the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo; the Salu of Edunabon; the Elejesi of Ejesi; the Asoya of Isoya; the Laaroka of Wanikin; the Arode of Ife; Laadin of Ife; the Akogun of Ife; Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State, Chief Eddie Olafeso; Special Adviser to Ooni on Special Duties, Mr Akin Daodu and a host of others.

Almighty, insisting that they are enemies of the ordinary Nigerians.

The senator then advised the DPR to curtail the alleged nefarious activities of some NNPC Mega Stations, who connive with some independent marketers to divert fuel to them at exorbitant prices, which they later sell to the helpless members of the public at skyrocket prices. This he said is unwholesome and should be discontinued if information reaching him was anything to go by.

Senator Adeleke was of the view that NNPC should pump out more fuel to organized stations, like OANDO, FORTE, MRS., TOTAL, and MOBIL and monitor their delivery without any itch.

He also warned petrol station attendants to also desist from tampering with their pump metres, a situation that he said, would not enable customers have value for their money.

Senator Adeleke however, assured that enough supply of petroleum products will be in market very soon, and that no disruption of availability of fuel will rear its ugly head again, as far-reaching control measures are being put in place to forestall feature occurrences.

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the Republic. The continuation of the ancient regime under the PDP would certainly have bankrupted the nation, for what we are hearing from Dasuki and other ‘Gates’ constitute only the tip of a sordid iceberg. What is clearly more dangerous is that the ‘re-election’ of Jonathan, given the fragile nature of our nascent democracy would probably have triggered of a Nasser type ‘free (junior) offices coup’.

Before this Asiwaju had put in a stellar performance as the governor of Lagos State. Here he put in a stellar performance by weaning the state of dependence on an overbearing and suffocating federal government.

black continent as his tentacles have also spread to a few African countries where he has made some remarkable political impact also.

This was done at a time when the then federal government had virtually declared war on the state. By building up the internal resources of the state he resilience to withstand the federal onslaught. This template is now being modified in other states as the only means of survival particularly in this difficult economic downturn. Once again Kudos to the innovative managerial sagacity of Asiwaju Tinubu.

There are of course still many more miles to go and through all of the twists and turns the cerebral input of this great man will always be needed. We therefore thank him for times past and the good work done as we wish him many more fulfilling and happy decades ahead In view of Asiwaju’s positive in the service of thefatherland. contribution to our political development so far, it’s instructive to mention it before we conclude this piece that his appearance on the Nigerian political landscape has been a big blessing not only Nigeria as a nation but to the entire

Bayelsa Unpaid Salaries: Where Is Senator Ben Bruce?

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f there is one area of concern bedeviling the Nigerian state for some time now, it is the way, we as a people, politicize and trivialize issues of national importance and humanitarian misfortune.

In fact, the situation has become so disturbing that at most times, one is left in a quandary as to what has become of our sense of humanity because we just seem not to be provoked or moved by the human condition any more.

If we all recollect, sometime last year, news broke of how a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by name Ben Murray Bruce, who is popularly known for his political mantra of, I just want to make “common sense” decided to mock and make a political capital of the suffering of humanity by assaulting the sensibilities of the Nigerian people, when he offered to donate half of his controversial wardrobe allowance to the workers of a state who were being owed salaries by the state government.

This was at a time

when over 18 states in the federation were owing workers salaries for over three months and above, until the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari at the centre, responsibly and humanely came to the aid of the debtor-states through a renegotiation of their debts portfolio in what has come to be known as the bailout funds.

In response, millions of Nigerians, patriotically and with utmost

concern for the human condition, responded in anger to this assault and irresponsibility by condemning the politicization of the pains of the Nigerian workers by this common sense crooner, who is noted more for social media fantasizing than responsible legislative contributions to ameliorate the human conditions of the Nigerian

people in the hallowed chambers of the Senate.

And just recently, our sense of humanity was assaulted, when the governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, at a public event, declared that the missing Chibok school girls issue was a hoax that was used as a political tool to defeat former President Goodluck Jonathan at the 2015 general elections.

In fact, the statement by Governor Fayose stands condemned because it

clearly depicts how low we have sunk as a people with regard to human condition, of which we have become used to making fun and political capital of.

However, one was shocked and pained to read in the papers recently, of the logjam between the work force of Bayelsa State, which is Senator Ben Bruce Murray’s primary

constituency and the state government over unpaid wages of over ten months and the silence of the senator on this matter in his home state and primary constituency.

Or are we safe to assume that the distinguished Senator is helpless to the situation on ground because of the absence of any controversial allowance at this point in time?

One indisputable fact that has emerged from the scenario in Bayelsa State is that, it has once again exposed Senator Ben Bruce as someone whose idea of common sense only makes sense with regards to politics and interest and not about issues and consideration for the human condition which is his primary responsibility in the Senate and as a human being.

Surely, if we go by the political mantra of Senator Bruce and what it represents, it is very clear that the plight of workers who are owed over ten months salaries in Bayelsa State, does not make sense.

•NELSON EKUJUMI, Lagos.

OSUN DEFENDER

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Fayose Held My Clothes - Aluko

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r. Tope Aluko narrates how he escaped death after his first interview on Channels TV. The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretary in Ekiti state says he, Fayose and others perfected Ekiti rigging in hotel. He alleges that the hotel was owned by Chief Dipo Anisulowo, Fayose’s chief of staff.

Dr. Tope Aluko, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretary in Ekiti state, has again reacted to his purported reconciliation with Governor Ayo Fayose, who he had accused was given a sum of $35million by ex-president Goodluck Jonathan to rig the Ekiti June 2014 governorship election.

According to Aluko, he never asked for forgiveness from Fayose as “erroneously” reported in the media.

However, Aluko claimed that Fayose and former Ekiti Assembly factional Speaker Dele Olugbemi barged into a meeting he was holding with some PDP leaders.

He said: “Olugbemi and Fayose barged into the meeting venue, Olugbemi is a pathological liar.

Olugbemi had lied against Fayose, he lied against the APC, he lied against the PDP and he is working for the money and appointment he had just received from Fayose.

“I did not create a scene at the venue of the meeting because hefty men had been stationed around and my wife was afraid of what could happen. Fayose held my clothes that I should not talk when I wanted to say something.

“I feared for my wife who later disappeared from the scene and I did not know her whereabouts. They almost attacked me when I went to Channels Television but it was policemen led by the CP that saved me after being held up there for about three hours.

“I played safe because of my wife and to avoid the scenario that played out when I went to Channels Television to grant my first interview.”

Speaking on a special interview programme on Adaba 88. 9 FM, Akure, on Wednesday evening, April 13, Aluko added that the plot to rig the June 21, 2014 governorship election was perfected inside a hotel barely a week before the poll.

He alleged that the hotel was owned

by Chief Dipo Anisulowo, Fayose’s chief of staff, and sensitive materials like ballot papers and result sheets were delivered to PDP chieftains by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the hotel.

He claimed that INEC ballot papers were thumb-printed and result sheets filled by PDP members which gave their party the edge long before the electorate went to the polls.

Aluko explained that operatives of the Department of State Services led by a female officer stormed Anisulowo’s hotel and arrested the PDP members perfecting the rigging, but that they were released within three hours following the intervention of the federal government.

He further alleged that a lorry conveying part of the electoral materials delivered through the Akure Airport was intercepted by soldiers led by the recently retired Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Momoh.

According to him, the materials were later released after the officers received an “order from above.”

Aluko also claimed the Governor

By nomso obiajuru

on the political venture. “Him (Fayose) becoming the Governor, myself becoming Chief of Staff and Honourable Femi Bamisile becoming the Deputy Governor,” he explained, dismissing claims that he was coming out with the truth because he could not get what was agreed.

“For the military to indict its members because of the election of a state you will know that what I am saying is not a lie,” he added. owever, speaking via his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media Lere Olayinka on Channels Television, Governor Fayose labelled Aluko as one with unstable character.

“This man here (Aluko) is a man of unstable characters and everything he has said here is a lie. It is an election, fund must be spent. People must donate money to fund an election. Governor Fayose’s friends, associates, brothers, sisters, families, artisans, including his enemies donated money to his electoral campaign, I also donated money.

“The military panel was set up to investigate the role of military officers in Ekiti, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Rivers state, including presidential election.

Those who have been sanctioned, can you tell me categorically that they were sanctioned on their involvement in Ekiti state. On Janaury 14, Ekiti state government wrote to the military to demand for copy of the military panel report.

However, by January 31, we don’t have that report. “He (Aluko) should be angry because he didn’t get the position of Chief of Staff but you don’t need to be angry such that you need to commit criminalities. You don’t need to be angry so that you now begin to waste your time. When I was told I have to come here to come and discuss military panel report, I asked myself, what role will the military panel report play in an election that was conducted 19 months ago? Every process that should be passed through has been done from the tribunal to Appeal Court and to the Supreme Court, so you cannot go back.

“Even in this case of Ekiti, the military is not a party to the matter, the police is not a party to the matter.

At the tribunal, Appeal Court and Supreme Court levels, the military was the first respondent in the case and the police was the fifth respondent. The Supreme Court said this people are not necessarily parties in this case. That’s to say the military have never been part of the electoral matters.

“The military can decide to indict itself, there was an election and there were observers. The United State government and foreign observers said the Ekiti state governorship election was credible and efficient and that the military collaborated efficiently with the government in providing a safe environment free of major incident. If US can applaud the military and they go ahead to indict themselves, that’s their business.”

H Ayodele Fayose’s administration had received the refund of the N5.2bn spent on Ado-Ifaki federal highway by former Kayode Fayemi’s administration, but the Ekiti government has continued to deny receiving refund. owever, Aluko claims the N5.2bn refund had been diverted to the Ado Ekiti flyover project following investigation conducted by the DSS, the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Aluko said: “Ask him (Fayose) why did former Commissioner for Works Kayode Oso run away? Commissioner for Finance Toyin Ojo told his interrogators about the finances of the state including the N5.2bn refunded on the Ado-Ifaki Road project carried out by Fayemi.

“You will recall that Fayose had earlier denied receipt of the N5.2bn refund but the revelation by Ojo while in custody now made him (Fayose) to divert the money for flyover construction because Ojo told them that Oso was in a better position to explain on the refund collected on road.”

Responding to questions, Aluko said the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Owoseni Ajayi, was liable for prosecution for his alleged role in an attack on the Ekiti state High Court, to prevent the delivery of a ruling on a perjury case involving Fayose.

Aluko said: “I pity Owoseni Ajayi who is saying that I should be prosecuted because he (Owoseni) was the one who placed a call to Fayose to organise the mob to disrupt the delivery of a ruling by Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi.

“Owoseni told Fayose on the telephone that should the judge deliver the ruling on the perjury case, it would go against him (Fayose) and his planned swearing-in would be in jeopardy.”

On January 31, Aluko gave a breakdown of how the Ekiti governorship election was rigged in favour of the PDP governorship candidate Governor Ayodele Fayose in an interview on Channels Television and monitored by Naij. com’s correspondent.

Explaining a process he alleged was used in rigging the election, Aluko said: “Before the primaries, we had this believe that because Jonathan was coming out for second

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term and because we are going to be the first election in the southwest, at a meeting, we told him (former President Goodluck Jonathan) that north-east, north-west and northcentral may not be too sure for him because the Hausas are clamouring for presidency and that you now have south-east and south-south, you must manage the south-west. It was on the basis of that that we told him that he must manage south-west. Because of his interest, even before winning the primaries, we did so many security reports to tell Mr President then that he must make sure that we manage south-west zone and it was because of that that he gave us the head of security agencies.”

He further told Channels Television that the Minister for State for Defence and Minister of Police Affairs were made to give attention to the election because “we know that APC was everywhere in the southwest and we must naturally capture part of southwest if we want to balance what our brothers in the north were likely to bring on”. luko had testified at the lower tribunal held to look into the election held last year, but he denied saying at the lower Tribunal that the election was not rigged. He said that there was an agreement to take out some members of the All Progressive Congress to ensure that they do not give adequate support to their members.

His words: “There was a strike team, a mixture of the DSS, military, the mobile police… that is about all. We had a meeting at Aso Rock on security and funds. We were given security and funds. Those in the meeting include the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces the former PDP chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, Governor Fayose and himself (Aluko).

“At the meeting President Jonathan agreed that if he needed Ekiti, he would support us to ensure that we delivered. At the second meeting we had Obanikoro, Jelili, Omisore… It was a combination of Osun and Ekiti people and they were discussing how we were going to move to take the south-west.

“Before the primaries, His Excellency, Ayodele Fayose, said that we can only win using the military.

Then we came up with a plan about May. “We swore on the arrangement that we had before we embarked

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Infrastructure osun Defender Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Rauf Revolution:

On The Road Again! II Still in the mood of appearance of this year’s Rainy Season, and basking on the euphoria of residents’ delight over resurgence in the construction of massive roads infrastructure, NIYI OLASINDE carries on with this series to laud the courage and valiance that went into the ongoing efforts, in spite of the prevailing economic adversities in the land.

•Newly-asphalted Oroki Estate road in Osogbo, State of Osun.

•Culled from Naij.com

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State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Held A Meeting With Farmers At Oke-Osin, Atakunmosa-West Local Council Area Of The State, Recently.

Photo: GBENGA

Facility Tour Of The Newly-Resuscitated Cocoa Industry In Ede, By State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Last Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA

•(L-R) Former Commissioner for Agric in the state, Prince Wale Adedoyin; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.

•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), inspecting one of the cocoa production machines during the visit.

•A cross section of farmers during the meeting.

•Some of the cocoa production machines.

•Governor Aregbesola addressing the farmers on the occasion.

•Another one of the cocoa production machines.

ADENIYI.

ADENIYI.

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AST edition closed at the point at which we were giving attention to other sectors and sub-sectors of the state’s economy as to the trendy events witnessed in them during the first tenure of Ogbeni Aregbesola in office. We must sound the note of reminder that our focus in the entire attempt is to bring out the numerous achievements of the Government Unusual; with a view to rekindle hopes and expectations or bring out perceived areas of next focus for the administration as its second tenure in office unfolds almost to its full half. The last edition, after giving graphical narrative of events which graced the first tenure of the administration in office, painted succinct pictures of events, activities, projects and programmes which formed the milestone achievements in sectors and subsectors like Roads and Infrastructure, Home Affairs, Culture, Tourism and Information and Strategyand Human Resources and Capacity Building. Starting with the remaining parts of truth concerning the Information and Strategy Sub-sector, we now turn to give consideration to other sectors andsub-sectors: A whole world of difference exists between the two administrations. The introduction of another public forum aimed at bringing the governor in close contact with the people has served tremendously to demystify myths, lies and falsehood peddled around by the opposition in the state. More than this, it has provided the governor and his team with the ample opportunity of getting accurate feel of the needs, desires, wishes, yearnings and aspiration of the people; even to the basest grassroots. We saw GbangbaD’ekun actively at work as build-up to the last Governorship Election in the state.

The quarterly-held Ministerial Press Briefing held at the instance of the State of Osun Ministry of Information and Strategy is another effective tool wielded to bridge likely communication gap that could arise between the government and the governed. One of the latest held editions of the press conference, which featured the commissioners of

all ministries, some general managers of parastatals and senior special assistants to the governor has done well to demystify the activities of government and guided right the perception and mindset of the generality of the people. Apart from this, the State Executive meetings are no longer as far-between as they used to be during the Oyinlola years. The total number of State Executive meetings held during the entire Oyinlola years is put between fifty and seventy; whereas the administration of the day makes it a point of duty to meet weekly in order to discuss and pool ideas together to move the wheel of development and progress of the state forward in an accelerated fashion. On occasions when those meetings are not held, there must be some other important businesses of government preoccupying the governor and his cabinet. For example, sometime during the year (2014), the governor and his cabinet took time off during the period slated for the normal State Executive meeting to pay an unscheduled visit to the sites of some completed/ongoing projects in the state, especially, within Osogbo, the state capital. There is no time when the former State Commissioner for Information, Honourable Sunday Akere would not brief the people on the outcome of the deliberations of the State Executive Meeting oncerning the state-owned media houses, there has been huge investment by the State Government of Osun on the media houses to boost their effectiveness, sufficiency and productivity in terms of education, public enlightenment and information dissemination concerning happenings globally and the various activities of government. The Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Radio and Television, Oke Baale, Osogbo has witnessed massive overhaul and rehabilitation which has brought about lots of improvement on their scope of operation, news contents and telecast. The New Dawn Television (NDTV), Ibokun has also been improved in similar vein. The same is true of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Orisun FM, Ile-Ife. These media houses have been lifted

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up to the level of standards obtainable elsewhere in the world. We intend to add in passing that the incumbent administration has the plan in the pipeline to commence another media station; a radio station named Omoluabi FM. According to the formerCommissioner of Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere, the station, which shall be totally committed to transmitting in the Yoruba language and its various dialects shall soon commence transmission. This mandate shall come into full reality in due course of time. he first transformation witnessed by the Reality Television Service (RTS), Iwo was that of change in nomenclature and broadening in its scope of operation. Immediately on assumption of office, the Aregbesola administration changed the name of this outfit to Reality Radiovision, Iwo. The implication of this is that the station’s activities are no longer to be confined to television telecast, but there is going to be a sort of broadening to include radio broadcast. In pursuance of this, the station has been reinvigorated tor the two purposes with huge capital outlay. The reconstruction of parts of the station which were devastated by the inferno of the Oyinlola years earlier mentioned above has been carried out. Also, gadgets and equipment that were missing have been replaced. Other materials and equipment which procurement contract works had been awarded but which were abandoned have been supplied. Other materials and equipment which had not been awarded or provided for have been supplied; while shipment of a great deal of materials and equipment for the smooth operation of the station is being currently awaited. During the course of the year 2013, the test-broadcast of the Reality Radiovision, Iwo’s Radio segment, branded Odidere FM 96.3 Frequency commenced.

This hint was first dropped no less person than the political head of the ministry at the time, Honourable Sunday Akere.

Before drawing the curtains on the activities of this sector and its performances in the past

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•A newly-commissioned road at Oroki Housing Estate, Osogbo.

Continued from page 10 forty-eight months vis-à-vis the previous sevenand-a-half years, we need to mention the plan in the offing to make some of the stations specialized stations. These stations include the New Dawn Television, Ibokun; which is intended to telecast issues purely in the field of Education; while the OSBC Orisun FM, Ile Ife is intended to broadcast issues relating purely to Culture and Agriculture.

These giant strides present the summary of events and activities in the Information and Strategy segment of life of the state in the last forty-eight months or thereabouts. Further details shall be bared in later segments of the report.

HE series so far has been out to document the many good sides of the government of the day, typified as “Government Unusual”.

In earlier editions, we have considered how the administration was exemplified as people-friendly through the numerous people-oriented services it had continued to render to the indigenes and residents of the state since its coming on board on Saturday, November 27, 2010, following the verdict of the Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State. In the space of time under review, spanning forty-eight months or thereabouts, the state has witnessed unprecedented radical growth, development, progress and enhancement in practically all facets of life. So far so good, the lease of life witnessed has been accelerated to the extent that it is quite safe to conclude that the state has never in her annals had it so good. We on the team of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine like other progress-loving people around look back proudly with nostalgia at the glorious era of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the Premier of the defunct Western Region; and at a later date, that of late Chief Bola Ige as the Governor of the old Oyo State during the Second Republic; and with the astounding performances of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola and his indefatigable team, we have come to the conclusion that all is not lost for our state and the entire nation of Nigeria. With the score sheet he had in four years into his first tenure in office, we are reassured that with the depth of depravity in the society of today, we are still blessed with men who are not self-seeking but who have the interest and love of our teeming populace at heart and who, in the true spirit and traditions for which our culture and forebears were long reputed, can hold their own to champion the

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•A newly-commissioned road by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo, sometime ago.

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cause of humanity for the good of the generality of our people and that of the generations yet unborn.

With Aregbesola and his team at the saddle of governance in our state, we have been blessed beyond measure.

HE Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Sub-Sector is our next port of call. This sub-sector witnessed utter debasement and degradation during the period of the fiery siege unleashed on the state by the erstwhile administration in the state. First and foremost, we have, in earlier parts of this series of this edition, seen how countless number of illegal deductions was indiscriminately made from the monthly statutory allocation of the thirty local government councils and the Ife East Area Office during that inglorious reign.

We also mentioned how local government councils were relegated to a position of mere existence since they could not function in the true context within the statutory provisions laid out for them as the third tier of government in Nigeria.

During the days of that administration and its umbrella party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it became forbidden for local government councils in the state to tar roads or to execute other tangible projects that are vital and that we all know could impact the lives of people at the grassroots meaningfully. By this sad trend, the monthly statutory allocation accruing to government at the third tier in the state from the Federation Accounts became target for randy politicians in the name of executing a number of projects centrally at the state level. At the end of the day, no particular project which the administration claimed to have committed the monies so deducted to, was carried to a logical conclusion. We shall now take a look at some few of such phantom projects and programmes.

It was the practice during those past years for dependants, cronies, sycophants, bootlickers and party faithful of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to adorn the premises of local government council secretariats all over the state at monthends; especially on pay-days to collect salaries for services not rendered. These unearned salaries caused the payroll of council areas in the state to overbloat; thus leaving the councils practically unable to execute meaningful capital projects for the ultimate benefit of the generality of the people in their domains. So the local government

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councils merely existed as money machines to satisfy the lustful desires of the categories of people highlighted above.

At the inception of the multi-campus Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in 2005/2006, it was too glaring even to the Oyinlola administration that his administration could scarcely afford the means to finance and sustain a citadel of that grandeur; more so, simultaneously with the burden of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, which it had to co-fund with its partner Oyo State. The next available option for that administration was to turn to local governments for compulsory imposition of levies which were deductible from source upon the arrival of the monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Accounts at the centre. At the beginning, the fraction deducted was 10 per cent. Later it was reduced to 5 per cent monthly. Such were local government councils in the state plundered, in defiance of voices of dissent raised by patriots and diplomats against the unconventional practice. The ruling party of the time, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) itself could not intervene; obviously because the practice had become stock-in-trade for it anywhere it held sway. Clearly, the practice was seen as the easiest way of making cheap money to dole out to its numerous cronies and hangers-on. nother area where local government councils in the state became victims of compulsory deductions from their monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Accounts was the compulsory N1 Million deduction from the monthly statutory allocation coming to each o the thirty local government councils and the Ife East Area Office in connection with the Songhai Programme. These deductions were made for a period of time more than a year. The implication, as OSUN DEFENDER Magazine pointed out continuously in those days is that in every month, the administration made from this particular heading of deductions alone a cool sum of N31 Million! Readers are left to sum the deductions up for a year and a half in order to actually determine the huge plunder made out of the local government accounts in the state during the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led Oyinlola administration.

One measure employed by the ousted administration in order to get through with

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its heinous agenda with the local government councils in its days in power was that the party (People’s Democratic Party-PDP) manipulated that the administration succeeded in getting a bunch of scarcely educated nominees to clinch tickets into the councils as chairmen and councilors.

This ploy was ensured to ascertain that whoever emerged would not be able to hold his own or raise questions concerning any order or directive issued out to him while in office. That explains why the local government political functionaries in those dark days were all prefects and mostly puppets. ere we are. In today’s State of Osun, the local government councils are functioning with full capacity; even so, more than at any point of time since their establishment. The first thing Aregbesola did upon his assumption of office was to abolish all forms of deductions from their monthly statutory allocation accruing from the Federation Accounts. This was done to enable the government at the grassroots dispense good democratic governance to the people at that level; and to do so to full capacity. Evidences to this abound all around us today; and they subsist in forms of good motorable roads, potable water provision, environmental sanitation, agriculture, employment generation and youth empowerment, good medical/health delivery services, distribution of free insecticide treated mosquito nets, to mention just a few.

So far in the State of Osun, elections could not be held into local government councils. This is no fault of the government of the day; but attributable to continuous suits filed by the opposition against government. First, it was against the composition of Caretaker Committees at that level. We are all living witnesses to the way that case ended. Today, the case filed by the opposition to challenge the constitution of the State of Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has been botched.

We now have a fully constituted OSSIEC in place.

There are high prospects to holding free, fair and credible local government polls anytime during the Second Term of the administration; especially with the resoundingre-election of the RaufAregbesola administration; and with the recentcreationoflocal council development areas (LCDAs), area offices and administrative offices all numbering almost seventy.. What we intend to bring out is that the continuous litigations pervading the atmosphere had caused elections into local government councils not to be held in the state over time.

Upon the assumption of office of Ogbeni

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•A newly-asphalted road in Ilobu.

Aregbesola for his first term in office, he embraced the illegitimate chairmen and local councils he met on ground; in spite of their illegitimacy! This was even against the backdrop that the preceding administration had earlier defied a court injunction ordering those council chairmen and members to quit office. Aregbesola stayed in with those illegal office holders till their ouster came most naturally.

Aregbesola assumed office on Saturday, November 27, 2010; the illegitimate council “prefects” of Oyinlola years were ousted on Friday, December 17, 2010, via the justice dispensed through the judgment delivered by the apex court of the land, the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

It has become as clear as the dawning day today that fundamentally, peace and tranquility came to have foothold in the State of Osun as soon as the Aregbesola administration came on board. Prior to the emergence of the administration, tension was high. The state was hot. Insecurity and uncertainty filled the air. Like the Biblical House which divides against itself that will not stand; the ruling party of the day was the cause of the whole tension.

The contention for governorship ticket within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the proposed 2011 Gubernatorial Elections was enough to snuff life out of the state and bring its entire people into extinction. Thank goodness, that election never saw the light of day. It became most unnecessary as the earlier-held one (2007 Polls) got upheld for the right candidate in a sudden twist of miracle. Those developments marked the genesis of the trend of progress which we enjoy; relish and savour; and celebrate today.

Lastly, the likelihood often expressed, suggesting thecreation of additional development council areas has today manifested, as put under reference above. Prior to this year, it had been speculated that there shall have been created for the State of Osun not less than additional twenty-seven (27) local government council areas; thereby hastening the pace of progress and development and bringing the government closer to the people.

Today, the creation has brought about the birth of additional councils, numbering up to about thirtyfive altogether.

ANOTHER vital sub-sector of the Social Services Sector in the life of our state is Health Services.

Services in this sector are also rendered free by the incumbent administration. During the 2011 fiscal year, the government of the State of Osun recorded remarkable achievements in the health sub-sector, particularly, in the provision of infrastructure, procurement of drugs and medical

consumables, capacity building of the medical and health workers, free screening of people with eye defects and provision of free eye glasses and drugs, free surgical operation to remove hernia, lumps in the breast and keloid, etcetera. The Free Qualitative Health Programme of the Aregbesola administration was pursued with all doggedness and determination in the year 2011. As a mark of the administration’s commitment to Free Qualitative Health Programme, a total sum of N191.7 Millionwas expended by the Government of the State during the year on purchase of drugs and medical consumables alone. This giant stride was carried on unabated in the year 2012 and subsequent years till date. ccording to Governor Aregbesola, in pursuance of the administration’s vision to save our people from all avoidable diseases and deaths; government would continue to increase accessibility to quality health care services in all the nooks and crannies of the state by ensuring the completion of all ongoing hospital projects down the lifespan of his administration; as well as the upgrading of the comprehensive health centres and general hospitals in selected towns in the state. The School of Health Technology, Ilesa and the schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Osogbo have also begun to receive adequate attention and care. Particularly, they have started to receive adequate funding and supply of equipment in the 2012 fiscal year. This kind gesture has continued into year 2013 and subsists till date. The tempo is still rotund.

The governor drew attention to the significant improvement that had been made in the reduction in neo-natal, infant and maternal mortality. Also, he drew attention to how increased immunization coverage and other relevant indicators of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) had taken place. He commented that the fight against the scourge of Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV / AIDS) would continue to be pressed with renewed vigour in order to ensure that the prevalence rate is reduced to the barest minimum. He also made it known that the State Action Committee on the Control of AIDS (SACA) would metamorphose into a full-fledge agency in 2012. This promise has also seen the light of day. Also, rapid response teams in the Health sub-sector comprising surgeons and experts have been set up during subsequent years to attend aptly to the health needs of the people.

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•Another rehabilitated road in Erin-Osun.

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Ogbeni Aregbesola made his words his bound in 2012, when he, in conjunction with his Oyo State counterpart devoted quality attention to the development of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECHTH),Osogbo. In order to truly restore healthy living to the people of the State of Osun, the incumbent administration allocated a total sum of N1.8 Billion in the draft 2012 Budget for the execution of its programmes in the sub-sector. As was pointed out by the governor, the government’s spending on health was not limited to the sectoral allocation alone. Spending on environment, job creation and poverty alleviation and other programmes of government that promote the welfare and happiness of the people would definitely impact positively on health. On account of the Osun State Agency for the control of AIDS (OSACA) – a brainchild of the Aregbesola administration; and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH-TH), the budget size for the sub-sector was eventually reviewed upwardly in the last year’s Appropriation Act. It is highly commendable how great improvement and remarkable facelift have been brought to bear on the public health facilities in the state. During all the held series of Ogbeni Till Daybreak and GbangbaDe’kun; two versions of the public enlightenment (sensitization)/ audience participation programme organized by the incumbent administration, it instilled all progressive-minded members of the audience with pride how the various functionaries of governments recounted their achievement in the general overhaul of public hospitals.

Worthy of great commendation is the introduction of Osun Ambulance Service, nicknamed O’AMBULANCE. This rapid response mechanism to accident and emergencies has been of auspicious and invaluable assistance in saving lives of citizens who would have been sent into their untimely grave.

We count it most unnecessary to go back to recounting the sad experience of the past dark years when the emergency health services in the state were close to nothing. We only wish to raise our hearts of thanksgiving to God who has blessed the state and its residents with responsible and responsive government. Today, health services and drugs and consumables are qualitative, comprehensive and accessible and all are rendered

/ provided free of charge in all public hospitals across the state.

We also need to commend the intervention efforts of the Aregbesola administration in stemming and containing the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) during the just-concluded year (2014). We do not need to dwell much on this as the frantic effort of the administration in the mentioned regard remains fresh in memory.

N the area of Finance, Commerce, Industry and Industrialization, the ongoing Rauf Revolution has so overwhelmingly impacted on the socioeconomic lives of the people of Osun that the state is currently being transformed into a land of full prosperity and bright full opportunity for all citizens. Before his assumption of office, the state had nearly been run into insolvency by the impostors who held her and her people captive.

Aside the fact that there were no meaningful projects on ground to justify the presence of a government in the state during that dark era; the flimsy excuse on the tongue of the executive of the time is that there was shortage of funds to execute projects that would have impacted positively on the lives of the people. As if to add salt to injury, the handlers of the state at the time always lamented that they were financing the salaries and allowances of civil/public servants in the state through bank loans and overdrafts.

Not only that, they rushed to obtain a loan from a commercial bank to the tune of N18.3 Billion (first installment of about N36 Billion) about three or four months to their ouster from office. He did this in utter defiance to and total disregard of the voice of reason by members of opposition and all other stakeholders who meant well for the state. At the end of it, nothing tangible could be found on ground as evidence to having sunk such enormous sum into the economy of the state.

Upon his assumption of office, one of the first most terribly threatening challenges the incoming administration met on ground; and which it must find urgently surmountable was huge repayment and servicing of huge debts of which the just afore-mentioned loan is a component. Upon all, the Oyinlola administration was always indebted to workers a backlog of salaries and allowances; while substantial amounts of pension and gratuity were owed to senior citizens (retirees).

We once mentioned the high school fees regime that characterized the education sector in the state in those days. On top of it, authorities of

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state-owned institutions of higher learning were compelled to provide counterpart funding for the payment of salaries and allowances of their workers. Other arbitrary fees were charged on pupils/students at all levels of public schools in the state just as it pleased the inordinate desires of those at the helm of affairs. This is not to talk of illegal, indiscriminate deductions from local government monthly statutory allocation, just as it was deemed necessary! Upon all, tongues of all top functionaries of that government wagged for shortage of funds.

This sad trend was reversed by the Aregbesola administration. The loans and debts were immediately totted up and rescheduled; while all avenues through which substantial amounts in revenue that would have accrued into the coffers of the state were leaking out were blocked.

Ever since, all forms payments of revenue into the coffers of the state have been made through e-banking. Through this latter measure, the monthly revenues of the state have been raised by an upward of N20 Million! The spate of ghost worker has been successfully combated. Also the school fees regime at the tertiary level was instantly reviewed backward, while education at primary and secondary levels became free in all ramifications.

The practice of making illegal deductions from the local government statutory allocations ceased with immediate effect. All contractors who had hitherto defaulted/abandoned contract works assigned to them were mobilized back to site.

The entire backlog of salaries, allowances and retirement benefits met on ground unpaid was settled. Also, an instant end came to the imprudent practice of having to approach commercial banks for loans and overdrafts over any expenses of the state. In short, accountability, probity, prudence; transparency and integrity which had been debased as core values and virtues of the Yoruba race were restored. Today, we are all better for it. More details have come to fore in subsequent editions of this series.

During the period of the fiery siege, which lasted for complete seven-and-a-half years; Osogbo the state capital had completely lost its hard-won status as a commercial city. Earlier efforts by the Alliance for Democracy (AD)-led administration of Chief Bisi Akande to regain these lost grounds were not accorded continuity. The Continued on page 14

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On The Road Again! II On The Road Again! II Continued from page 14

agricultural training which has taken participants to Germany. The Aregbesola administration has also invested hugely in the electricity supply situation of the state with the view of boosting the industrial and commercial drive of the state thereby. Today, electricity supply has so improved that Osun is ranked as one of the states in the federation with the most constant and regular supply of electricity. The massive investment of government in improvement of electricity supply includes distribution of electricity transformers and planned installation of three more feeders to connect the state to the main grid if the Power Holding of Nigeria; as well as the planned integrative efforts with other states of the South West to provide alternative source of energy via the abundance of natural gas in oil-rich Ondo State.

Internally, the recently launched O’Clean Plus is a waste management drive of making wealth from waste and producing alternative source of household energy consumption through biogas. It is hoped that this venture, when commercialized, shall impact boost on the economy of the state. he most recent stride in the direction of Trade, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives is the provision of credit and loans for traders and investors in the state. The State Government of Osun, under the aegis of the State of Osun Micro Credit Agency has committed a sum of N40 billion to this scheme, which is intended to lift the bar of enterprise, self-dependence and poverty reduction among the people, indigenes and residents of the state. Already, beneficiaries who emerged through transparent and unbiased scrutiny system are smiling home with robust sums of credit with which to solidify the bases of their businesses. In addition, motorcycles, minibuses (popularly known as korope) and luxury buses are provided for commercial transport operators in the state through their various trade unions with convenient yet expedient terms of pay-up.

EXT point of consideration is environment, sanitation and hygiene.

This vital sub-sector is of high essence if lasting health and well-being are desirable anywhere. This is because a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, which is in turn domiciled in a clean, healthy environment. In the past, Osun was a victim of a grossly degraded environment; with incidents of pollution and indiscriminate refuse disposal being very rampant. We cast our

T •An ongoing road project at Stadium area, along Ikirun road, Osogbo.

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OrisunmbareUltra Modern Market constructed by that administration was not put to use; instead, it became refuse dumping ground. In the event of time, it became overgrown with weeds and bushes, hence an abode for rodents and reptiles. That was under an administration which self-styled itself as Ore Ara Ilu i.e. People-Friendly Government. oday, under a more capable government administered by OgbeniAregbesola, the OrisunmbareUltra Modern Market has found its full use; likewise other shopping spaces privately developed at various legitimate locations within the state capital and all other locations throughout the entire state. If the non usage of the facilities all this while had been a result of people’s resistance to change, the massive development projects being embarked upon, involving demolition of illegal structure had made them to take recourse to normalcy and abide by rules of civility and decency. Today, Osogbo metropolis is a better place to behold.

Apart from the Orisunmbare Ultramodern Market in Osogbo, other efforts at reconnecting Osogbo and the entire state to their rightful place in commerce are ongoing. The reconstruction work at MDS and Station Road of the city shall soon be commenced. Already, the Railway Station and Old Garage area of the city are already a bee-hive of activities, even as the railway services in the state are being resuscitated in collaboration with the hitherto moribund Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC); a feat that the Federal Government could not have recorded! It is also placed on record that the Aregbesola administration has since inception been providing free conveyance for indigenes of the state who intend to travel home during festivities like Id-el-Kabir, Id-el-Fitri, Christmas/ New Year and Easter. According to the former State of Osun Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, AlhajiJayeobaAlagbada, at a Quarterly Press Briefing organized at the instance of the State Ministry of Information and Strategy sometime during year 2013, the free railway transport services facilitated by the Government of the State of Osun through his Ministry had by May 2013 transported up to 20,000 travellers during festivities to Osun. This figure has consistently moved upward, as more and more travellers patronized the free rail transport which they have found to be cheap, economical, safe, secure, timely and responsive. Even travellers from neighbouring

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states have benefitted immensely from the scheme.

Another major step being currently taken in the direction of commerce in the state is the world-class Ayegbaju International Market fully constructed, commissioned and delivered at the site of Old Government Secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa Area of Osogbo, the state capital, The intention behind the creation of this market is to provide a spacious avenue for selling finished products carted in from Lagos via the railway; while agricultural produce are carted back through the same means. For this purpose, the Osogbo Railway Terminus has been given facelift, including in spaces, pedestrian bridge, warehouses and other facilities to upgrade it to the new status. With the emergence of the New Ayegbaju Market, traders would be saved the risks, rigors, time and cost of going to Lagos for replenishing their stock.

In effect, consumers too will be offered quality products at the same moderate prices obtainable in Lagos. This shall contribute in no small measure to the economic welfare of the people of the state.

It is expected that the first phase of shops at the Ayegbaju International Market will be delivered for official commissioning any moment from now.

Similarly, another market has sprung up through the dynamic leadership of Ogbeni Aregbesola.

That is the Aje International Market at the IdoOsun outskirts of Osogbo, the state capital. The site of this market is the Trade Fair Complex which the Oyinlola administration claimed falsefully to have developed to international standard.

Amply located close to the proposed IdoOsun International Airport, named as MoshoodAbiola Airport, the market shall upon completion tower prominently to aid and promote international trade as well as boost the commerce of the State of Osun.

Another in the list of markets being constructed in the state is the Dagbolu International Market, at Dagbolu Village, Oba Junction, along Ikirun/Ofa Road of Osogbo, the state capital. This market is clearly the largest of the three projects with full facilities to fit the status of an international market.

Proximity of the railway system to the location of this market is a big plus. The location of the three markets shall serve the purpose of feeding other towns in the state based on their nearness to specific axis.

Other efforts of the Aregbesola administration in the area of commerce include the construction and development of the IdoOsun Aerodrome to

the full status of an international airport named M.K/O. Abiola Airport; development of industrial estates in the State of Osun; and development of Ajagba Fair complex at Ilesa and Olufi Complex at Gbongan, with similar ones in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ede, Iwo, Ile Ife and IlaOrangun. Concerning the M.K.O. Abiola Airport, IdoOsun, it is an International Airport, the contract for which is to the tune of N4.6 Billion, to be completed and delivered before the end of the current year.

We should not fail to mention the upgrade and full utilization of the Free Trade Zone; a spacious land mass acquired by the State Government since the time of the immediate past administration. The effort of the incumbent administration has yielded the dividend of securing the land for the state for use as assemblage plant for mini buses, popularly called korope. When the activities of the plant fully kick off, the plant would be the hub of supply of the specific brand of China-made mini bus for all states of the federation. e also wish to document the siting of the Bola Ige Mechatronics Centre in EsaOke. The purpose of this, aside provision of means of livelihood to more and more of our citizens, is to entrench maintenance culture in our citizens. Through the activities of the centre, care and maintenance would be provided for automobile, with a view to lengthening their lifespan and ensure their smooth use by motorists and commuters alike.

One memorable feat recorded in the area of commerce is the participation of the state at the Niger State Trade Fair held in Minna around July, 2012. It would be remembered that the state had topmost ranking at that trade fair. In addition, in further pursuance of the concept of Omoluabi, arrangement is in top gear by the Government of the State of Osun to introduce standard measures and scales to the state to avoid cheating and inordinate wealth-making; so as to attract and endear more of patronage to Osun market.

The industrial thrust of the Aregbesola administration does not end with the foregoing.

Aside the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES); several empowerment programmes have been organized, particularly, for women and other classes of people in the state. Also as an offshoot of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, several training programmes have taken participants to different parts of the world, like OYES-Tech and the

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minds back to the ugly sights of the past, the perennial flooding and erosion that threatened the residents of the state with extinction and the undulating terrains which our roads had been turned into. We remember in particular the flood of July7, 2010; which inflicted serious damages of incalculable value on people in Osogbo and other parts of the state; and in which many lives and inestimable property perished. We remember similar incidents which occurred in earlier years during the time of the immediate past administration. We remember those terrible stenches occasioned by huge refuse heaps which dotted our streets; even within the metropolis of Osogbo, the state capital. We remember the pollution that continuously characterized the adjoining communities to the State Hospital, Asubiaro; where mortuary pollution nearly made the people prone to attendant dangers of epidemics. We remember how carcasses of animals and even corpses of lunatics simply littered the streets and were watched to complete processes of decomposition there without proper disposal or burial, thereby threatening the health and good living of the people. The list is long indeed!

Today, the Aregbesola administration has made all these ugly sights and smells a banished outcast that no one dare harbor in our midst. Right from the inception of his administration, Aregbesola took the bull by the horns when he declared a 90day emergency on environmental sanitation. He took the decisive step of introducing bi-monthly and weekly environmental sanitation exercises as the case may be to execute rapid transformation of our towns and cities into decent places of abode for healthy individuals, and to sustain the culture of cleanliness, which, according to sages, is next to Godliness. Today, sanitation and safe health practices have so much become internalized in the lives of our people that clean environment has become their creed. What this implies is that people now troop out en masse to observe sanitation willingly without being coerced or instigated.

People now abide by simple laws of decent refuse disposal, a feat hitherto considered unrealizable by pessimists!

To corroborate these gestures, the Government Unusual has invested massively in the sanitation drive of the state through certain initiatives like the inauguration of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), the O’CLEAN programme and recently, the O’CLEAN Plus. Also, there has been massive investment in the purchase and provision trucks and equipment for collection, disposal and

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•Aregbesola

•laoye-tomori

processing of wastes and their conversion into wealth. ith t h e S t a t e o f O s u n W a s t e Management Agency (OWMA) properly in place, the waste disposal efforts of the incumbent administration is availing much to arrest problems hitherto associated with environmental degradation and pollution. This is done quite effectively with all hands on deck; even with the active collaboration of the private sector.

Any moment from now, the first step shall be taken toward ensuring that our streets, roads and communities are rid of indiscriminate waste disposal; even as waste disposal baskets shall be distributed to all commercial bus / minibus operators so that passengers do not just drop waste papers, nylon and other materials through window panes to the roads. This intervention effort, according to OWMA sources shall soon be extended to other stakeholders so that the measures shall be broad-based and allencompassing. Readers shall bear with us that these mentioned activities are just a tip of the iceberg in the list of activities so far embarked upon by the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in reversing the ugly trend of dirty environment in the State of the Virtuous.

This New Year promises higher grounds to be reached in this sector; even as residents show promise of greater cooperation and participation in activities bordering on the conservation and preservation of the environment.

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•To be continued

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ur s t o r y i s n o t o f today; it is also not of recent years but a long standing one that has taught the wise how to disentangle oneself from seeming intractable debacle. Other people have indeed learnt a lot from us; and from our impropriety, they have devised better ways of doing things to avoid our own pitfalls that have perpetually banished us to poverty realm. In all, the greatest lesson learnt from us is how not to suffer self-inflicted pains. We have coinages that should strengthen our alertness towards moves that we can make in order to get out of the woods. We also know the steps that can inevitably lead to serious mess. We know quite well that if internal death is stifled, the one without is stripped of the potency to exterminate. True to this statement, no armed robber strikes without insider informant. This has been our bane, and until we sort ourselves out of the quagmire that has inflicted serious pains on our psyche, we will operate within the purview of conceptual merry-go-round.

Nigeria, a country with the largest population in black Africa is currently facing a serious challenge, second only to the civil war that raged between 1967 and 1970. Never in the history of this country has there been serious opposition to socio-political stability as we are experiencing at the moment; thus complicating the economic downturn that overreliance on oil precipitated. The whole world is already aware of the monumental fraud perpetrated under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that ruled the country for sixteen years. With many of its leaders awaiting the harmers of anti-graft agencies, party stalwarts of PDP extraction; in subtle connivance with some notable figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have therefore resolved to make the country ungovernable for Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

The spoiler game is currently chiefly marshalled by the controversial Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who recently took the war beyond the shores of this country; thus becoming the first governor in our political history to so do. Nobody would have imagined or believed that a state governor could be so audacious towards and against a sitting President, that is struggling in his resolve to stamp out corruption; which has become endemic in our national life. For Governor Fayose to travel to China, independent of Mr President’s entourage to persuade Chinese authority against granting concessionary loan and aid to Nigeria leaves much for consideration. This and other events are enough pointers to the fact that the President may have to go beyond the conventional method of combating graft to succeed in this arduous task. The task of nation building is always complex, especially when those who are expected to rally support turn themselves to saboteurs with the sole aim of discrediting and frustrating the efforts of government. t is now apparent that the conspiracy is multidimensional and sophisticatedly orchestrated.

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Nigeria And The Enemies Within

•buhari

Apart from some people in government who intend to capitalize on the present confusion and use the money they have to instigate civil actions, there are those outside government who are using their ill-gotten wealth to influence adjudication arm to compromise judicial process against anti-graft agencies. The legislative arm (especially the upper house, otherwise known as the senate or the red chamber) is also set for a showdown because of the ongoing trial of the Senate President over financial impropriety. It is here in Nigeria that elected legislators will be plotting against the people that presumably elected them into office.

The latest is the ongoing review of the enabling operational law for the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Culture of decorum that will prevent people from doing certain things has been desecrated. That is why a Bukola Saraki of Yoruba extraction will throw courtesy to the wind and flagrantly desire that extant rules that are likely to work against him are now being tinkered with midway to trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. Nigerians must expect some surprises in days to come because the manner in which the

impending amendment is done calls for serious concern. I will personally not be surprised if the law is made to be retrospectively operational after passage. If the expeditious manner in which this amendment is being considered has been the usual practice in the Senate, Nigeria would have been better for it now. A senate that is known for slothfulness and inaction suddenly becomes hyperactive in a matter that is not so important to the generality of Nigerians. Had it been that party loyalty is not suspect amongst our Legislators, we would have concluded that the latest enthusiasm is borne out of change mantra of the ruling All Progressives Congress. will like to commend the attitude of our President towards issues of national importance since his tenure began last year. He has left no one in doubt that military toga has been put off and democratic norms fully assimilated. He has totally quenched the initial consternation that his military mentality and orientation would influence his attitude and reactions to issues. Although many have questioned the forthrightness of those Judges that handled the recent gubernatorial cases at the apex court of the land, his indifference to outcomes

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By ade olugbotemi of different judgements so far really portrays him as someone well-grounded in democratic ethos. As part of the ongoing sanitization efforts, the President should also focus his searchlight to the alleged malfeasance of the judicial arm of government, so as to establish the veracity or otherwise of those who claimed that the apex court has been jinxed to favour the ousted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); because they are cronies of major stalwarts of PDP. e cannot afford to continue glossing over all manners of ills going on everywhere in the country if we are really desirous of getting out of the woods. If we are talking of major mischief makers, we must not forget the activities of those who are part of the chains that metamorphose into the macro structure of Nigeria. Only last week, I went to the NNPC mega station along west bye pass of ring road to fuel my car. To say I saw hell was an understatement, because the level of sharp practices I witnessed was more overwhelming than being astronomical. They attended to less than fifty vehicles from morning till evening. At a point in time, they exclusively resorted to selling into jerry cans. There were some men illegally manning the gates, who would only allow jerry can owners passage upon paying some ransoms.

Ransoms were also paid to the attendants proportionately to the sizes of the cans. People grumbled but there was absolutely nothing they could do. One then wondered whether the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) saddled with the power to sanction erring chains operators was no longer duty bound to be around to monitor compliance with rules of operations.

All aspects of our national life must be well-monitored by relevant agencies and bodies to reward and sanction as appropriate. The President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari and his team members have so far been living above board. This is highly commendable because the task of nation building and model institutionalization require that major stakeholders should be role models and exemplary. The tempo of the ongoing final onslaught against the ravenous insurgents in the North-East should be sustained. Those caught constituting clogs in the wheel of our progress, both past and present should be summarily dealt with. Making scapegoats of those whose activities landed us at the point we find ourselves now would deter others with potential proclivity to do so; and from there we can move forward and seek to tackle the next hurdle.

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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the Managing Editor, Kola Olabisi, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail:

osundefenderbank@gmail.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.