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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014 Out of Engineer Rauf Aregbesola’s State of Osun there is always something trailblazing. In setting the agenda through a list of initiatives, the symbol of good governance in the State of Osun never stops preparing the people for a better tomorrow.Out of Engineer Rauf
PEOPLE FIRST
VOL. 9. NO.049
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Front Page Comment Independent titles Who Killed described him as Osun Technology Village such, they knew what Chief Bola Ige, tops preparing the Aregbesola’s State of they were saying. people for a better Osun there is always formerAttorneyThe alternative tomorrow. Tomorrow is something trailblazing. perspective is about key in the thinking of the General and In setting the agenda symbol of an alternative making a people competitive; it is through a list of initiaperspective. When Minister of about preparing them tives, the symbol of Independent Newspafor good governance in the pers Limited Justice? State of Osun never (INL),publishers of the
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Osun PDP Gov Primary:
How Omisore Defrauded Party Delegates - See Story On Page 2
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and his wife, Omolola, as Aregbesola celebrated Easter with the Oyinlolas in their Okuku, Odo-Otin resident, last Monday.
LAUTECH Strike: Osun Agrees To Pay Oyo State Outstanding Salary
- See Story On Page 4
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
Osun PDP Gov Primary: How Omisore Defrauded Party Delegates By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
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HE politics of deceit and fraud which has become the hallmark of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) played out itself out during the governorship primaries election of the party held on April 5 in the State of Osun. Senator Iyiola Omisore, Some of the aggrieved who eventually won the delegates, who spoke with ticket of the PDP to contest OSUN DEFENDER in the August 9, 2014 confidence on Tuesday in gubernatorial election in the Osogbo, alleged that state, played his smart card Omisore had initially on the party’s delegates, promised to give each of who were to vote in the primaries. Omisore, according to some of the delegates, allegedly defrauded them, as he refused to pay the sum of N50,000 he promised each of the delegates, who voted for him.
them N100,000 to buy their votes for the primary election. Omisore, however, made a U-Turn as he slashed the N100,000 to N50,000, when Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was part of the PDP governorship aspirants, withdrew from the race, a day to the party’s primaries. Adeleke withdrew on the ground that there were threats on his life by Omisore
and the current Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, who had allegedly attacked Adeleke few days to the PDP primaries. On the day of the primaries, majority of the delegates were not given a dime, while some were given N20,000 instead of the promised N50,000. As at the time of filing this report, Omisore was yet to
pay 70 per cent of the delegates the promised N50,000, according to the aggrieved delegates. OSUN DEFENDER gathered that only three delegates came to the PDP primaries from the two local government council areas in Ede, as a result of Adeleke’s withdrawal, and that other delegates were impersonated by Omisore’s loyalists. The medium also gathered that the N20,000
given to some of the delegates from Ajegunle area, Osogbo engendered crisis among the party members, who demanded for their own share of the cash gift. Failure of the delegates to part with some amount of the money resulted to a free-for-all, as the PDP members engaged in physical combat, where machetes, clubs, broken bottles and other weapons were freely used.
Workers Resume After Easter Holiday
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ORKERS in the State of Osun resumed work on Tuesday after the Easter holiday. It would be recalled that the Federal Government had declared Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 21, as public holiday to celebrate Easter. OSUN DEFENDER correspondent who went round Osogbo the state capital gathered that offices, including the state secretariat and shopping malls were opened for business. The workers were seen at their duty post as early as 8:am going about their duty. Some of them who spoke with this medium recounted how they spent their Easter Holiday visiting their loved ones. They said the holiday gave them time to rest and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
•(3rd Left) RLG Country Director; Ilesanmi Tosin, (4th left) National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Director, Administration and Human Resources; Mr. Jonathan Olaonipekun and Left Mr. Dejo Olawumi, Assistant Director, Infrastructure and Technical Support Service and other dignitaries from NITDA in a group photograph after the accreditation and inspection by NITDA on RLG factory in Ilesa, recently.
LAUTECH Strike: Osun Agrees To Pay Oyo State Outstanding Salary By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI
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HE Government of the State of Osun has agreed to offset the controversial outstanding salaries owed by Oyo State government as part of the counterpart fund for the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. The workers of the teaching Olufemi Fadiora, in an interview hospital last week embarked with OSUNDEFENDER on on an indefinite strike action Easter Monday, disclosed that to demand for the outstanding Osun government has paid the salaries from the two states, February salary last Monday and promised to pay March Oyo and Osun. The Chief Medical Director salary this week. The contentious salaries, of LAUTECH, Professor
according to the workers, include last year December salary and two months arrears, which were supposed to be balanced up by the Oyo State government. The salary arrears, it was gathered, is to the tune of N435 million. Professor Fadiora said: “We are seriously addressing the issue to ensure that they end the strike as soon as possible. It is regrettable that the workers
Aregbesola Insists On Fairness To All Religions
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OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has again given his commitment to continue to be fair to every religion and faith in the
state. He gave the assurance on Sunday while participating in the Special Easter Service at Methodist Churches in Ilare, Otan-Ile and Imesi-Ile in Obokun Local Government Council Area of the state. Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Forum, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Aregbesola said the fulcrum of his administration has always been love, tolerance and fairness to all religions and faith. He said these are the ideals that should be imbibed by all Christians and other religious believers, with a view to sustaining the current peaceful co-existence in the state. “The purpose of the suffering and death of Jesus
Christ is for us to live, love and tolerate, irrespective of religion and when all these are lacking as Christians, we are not working in line with Jesus’ preachings. “Where there is love, religious harmony and tolerance, either in a city, state or nation, there will be peace, and there will be development. “These are what this administration has been doing, as we are showing love, tolerance and fairness to all religion,” he said. Disabusing the minds of Christians on the alleged plan to Islamise the state, the governor said that there was never a time he thought of taking such steps, as all religions are being given their shares in government.
By KAZEEM MOHAMMED He noted that the rumours The governor then called only emanated from on believers of all religions mischievous people, who to continue to pray for want to disrupt the peace of success of the government the state through religious and continuous peace in the disharmony. state.
are on strike, considering the far reaching effects on the patients who are on their sick beds, but thank God the government has been so proactive. “The government has paid February salaries last Monday, that is a week ago and they promised to pay that of March this week. The contentious salary now is that of December and the two months outstanding arrears owed us by Oyo State government. “Osun government has adopted and accepted to pay it. It is about N435 million, we approximated it to N450 Million. The State Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro last week, had a meeting with the workers and assured them that Osun government will pay the salary owed by Oyo in three tranches,
which will be N150 million per month and that the state will pay the money in three months.” “We are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the commissioner. I am therefore appealing to the workers to accept the government offer in good faith. Governor Rauf Aregbesola has demonstrated unprecedented commitment to the development of LAUTECH, and I made them to realise that this is first time we are signing an MoU with the government,” Fadiora said. The CMD said discussion will continue with the workers this week and optimistic that the strike will end soon. “We all understand that it is not the making of the governor. The federal allocation coming to the state monthly is nothing to write home about, everybody should try and endure,” he stressed.
Steer Clear Of South-West - ARG Warns Boko Haram By SHINAABUBAKAR socio-political organisation in Nigeria, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has warned the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram, to stay away from the South Western part of the country. This was contained in a suspected person to the statement issued by the authorities, saying the duty Chairman of the group, Mr of securing the nation Wale Oshun and made against terrorists is a available to journalists on collective one. It would be recalled that the heel of the reappearance of Abubakar Shakau in the head of the dreaded Abuja, the nation’s federal group recently resurfaced in Abuja, challenging the capital. He urged the people to Federal Government to be vigilant and report any arrest him if it can and
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threatened to unleash more attacks ahead of the 2015 general elections. ARG charged opinion leaders in the various communities in the states of the South-West to sensitise the people on the importance of ensuring that they monitor the movement of strangers in their communities. He also stressed the need to stop accepting luggage from strangers, who might claim to be in a hurry, saying such luggage may be dangerous to security of lives and property.
Oshun also charged various motor park unions on the need to be thorough in their dealings with perceived strangers, as motor parks are now major targets of the terrorist group, with a view to inflicting pains on many people. He emphasised the need for the people to alert appropriate security outfits when they suspect any luggage, particularly nylon bags and sacks, rather than inspecting such bags on their own, adding that it could constitute danger to their lives.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
Group Petitions Police Over DCO’s Alleged Assault On Rights Activist, Lawmakers By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, the police should conduct a psychiatric test on the policewoman to know her state of mind and eligibility as a police officer. “The police should take a step to know the DCO’s health status and psychological problem. Leaving such policewoman in active work would undermine the security of the society and the safety of lives and property of innocent Nigerians is no longer guaranteed. “We demand for justice in a legal and moral form from the Nigeria Police Force. The policewoman
same underserved describing it as inhuman and pressure group, Justice Now Foundation (JNF), treatment from the unbecoming of a police has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Osun policewoman. officer as is capable of Command, Mr Ibrahim Maishanu, over an alleged “The DPO, Ebenezer casting aspersion on the assault on the Executive Secretary of the organization, Akinsanya, later came to the Nigeria Police Force. Comrade Waheed Lawal and two lawmakers in the Osun station and we were called According to the group, State House of Assembly, Honourables Femi Fafiyebi, Taiwo in. The DPO actually the DCO’s action was Adeyemi and a lawyer, Mr Muyiwa Olanrewaju. unjustifiable, pleaded with us to forget illegal, Lawal, Fafiyebi, Taiwo aggressive policewoman the unforgettable and illogical, senseless, specious and Olanrewaju were showed up and started unwarranted treatment and barbaric, adding that allegedly assaulted by the pointing fingers at my face. meted out on us by the her action has further Divisional Crime Officer of She later hooked me by my policewoman, whose sanity brought the Nigeria Police Dada Estate Police Station, clothes. She rough-handled is questionable. The DCO Force to ridicule and that the Osogbo on Thursday (April me to the extent that I was was in no doubt under fading integrity of the police has been further tainted by 18, 2014) at the station, gasping for air. I was influence.” The JNF in the petition a high-ranking officer. according to the petition. panting, as I could not Stating its demands The group explained that breath properly again. She made available to OSUN the police Lawal was at the police later left me to face DEFENDER on Tuesday in before station to settle a matter Honourable Taiwo Osogbo, condemned the commissioner, the JNF involving one of his Adeyemi, who received the action of the policewoman, suggested that apart from neighbours, when he met Taiwo, Olanrewaju and Fafiyebi with tattered clothes, which indicated thet something was amiss at the station. Lawal claimed in the petition: “I interacted with the lawmakers to know what actually brought them to the station and to know how they came about their unbefitting dresses. Myself, Fafiyebi, Taiwo and Olanrewaju were at the entrance of the police station when a policewoman walked in and started harassing us verbally. “The policewoman who was a two-star officer was later identified as the DCO of the station. This said policewoman accused us of shouting at her police station. I however, cautioned her and told her she should be conscious of the language she used for elderly persons, most importantly when we have •The State of Osun chapter of Royal Shepherd, celebrating the Easter Festival parade within the state capital. not in any way contravened the rules and regulations of the police station and that the police station is actually progressivism been of last 15 years that democracy a public office and not her tremendous blessings to returned to the country private station. been a great threat to Nigeria. “The lawyer was HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State He noted that the marauders and corrupt appealing to the of Osun has described the award of honorary Doctor achievements of the former leaders at the centre. policewoman to be calm and He added that: “Tinubu of Management Science conferred on the former governor while serving as at the same time telling us has through his belief in the Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the party, Governor of Lagos State still to leave the station. welfare of the masses built Fafiyebi, Taiwo and myself Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by the Ladoke Akintola speak for him even years a niche for himself in this University of Technology, (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho as an after he had left office, left the police station for our country and in the entire cars outside but the lawyer indication of the forthrightness and uniqueness of Tinubu stressing that Tinubu has African continent. He has in the nation’s political landscape. proved to be a good was still with the proved to be a man that has policewoman. Suddenly, I The state chairman of the Publicity, Research and manager of both men and the tenacity to lead with his resources. heard the lawyer screaming. party, Elder Adelowo Strategy, Barr. Kunle Adebiyi who lauded the courage and stand against “I went back to the Adebiyi in a congratulatory Oyatomi, said Tinubu has political will and sagacity of corruption, inhumanity and station to see that the lawyer message to Tinubu issued through his uprightness Tinubu maintained that the selfishness. His political had been attacked by the by the party’s Director of and commitment to person of Tinubu has in the ranting policewoman, as his cloth had been torn and his necklace destroyed. In fact, the lawyer was detained for to the state from the worked tirelessly for the By SHINA ABUBAKAR some minutes at the federation account is growth of the state. Adeshina then enjoined HE current administration in the State of counter. responsible for some “I went back to inform Osun under the leadership of Ogbeni Rauf financial challenges being the pensioners to always Fafiyebi and Taiwo of the Aregbesola, has contributed immensely to the faced by the state check from appropriate authorities on any issue new development and as I development of the state and its people through its government. was reporting to them, the various programmes and policies. This situation, he added, they need clarification and
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unjustly trampled on the fundamental human rights of our comrade without any remorse or sober reflection. This outrightly contravened the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and most importantly, the Nigeria Police Act”, the group said. The group said it was not asking for compensation but justice that would appease Lawal and cast his mind off the inhuman treatment he suffered from the policewoman, threatening it would approach court to seek redress if the police failed to meet its demands.
Osun APC Felicitates With Tinubu As He Bags LAUTECH Doctorate Degree
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Aregbesola Is Committed To Pensioners’ Welfare – SA Budget
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Change Of Name I, formerly known and addressed as MISS A K I N W U M I TAWAKALIT OPEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS T AWA K A L I T A K I N W U M I ABDULWAHAB. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Bade Adeshina dropped this hint recently while speaking with journalists in Osogbo, the state capital. According to him, if the present administration can cater for the aged in the state through its
programme called ‘Agba Osun’, Ogbeni Aregbesola’s government cannot but do more to enhance the welfare and the interest of the senior citizens in the State of Osun. The governor ’s aide further stated that the inconsistency and the shortfall in the allocation
is not peculiar to the State of Osun alone, as some states are even contemplating on salary cuts of their workers. He therefore called for understanding from the pensioners, saying the current administration in the state cannot take with levity, issues that concerns pensioners, especially when most of them have
jettison the idea of listening to propaganda being spread around by the opposition camp on matters bordering on their welfare. He however, urged the people of the state to continue to support the A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administartion in order to move the state to greater heights.
philosophy has been people first and himself last.” The APC boss also hailed the installation of Tinubu as the Chancellor of the University, describing it as a honour well deserved for him, having built his name in the sand of time, especially in the nation’s political scene.” He said the honour done Tinubu was for all progressive politicians in the country and every one who believes in true and genuine democracy, adding that his era as the chancellor of LAUTECH would bring new development to the institution jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states. He therefore, called on all members of the party, especially members of the State Working Committee, members of the state House of Assembly, members of the National Assembly from the State of Osun, all Executive Secretaries in the 30 Local Government areas of the state and all the leaders of the party across the wards to attend the programme. He said the attendance at the programme would serve as solidarity for Tinubu and would serve as recognition for his exemplary leadership style.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
PWL Holds Summit For Osun Economic Development By KAZEEM MOHAMMED
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civil society organization, People’s Welfare League (PWL) has said that it would set a strong platform that would compel all political actors in the State of Osun to articulate serious people-oriented economic master-plan against dirty politicking. The PWL National The summit, schedule to Coordinator, Comrade hold in Osogbo, the state Abiodun Agboola dropped capital between April 29 and the hint in Osogbo on 30, he said, was aimed at Tuesday while addressing a analysing the economic press conference to intimate policies of the government, the public on the plan of the with a view to bringing the organisation to hold an desired impacts on the Economic Summit in the people. state, tagged: ‘Orisun Aje He stated that the 2014’. organisation has in the last
40 months been following the budget performance of the present administration, using indices like revenue allocation modalities and internally generated revenue, level of work done and economic importance of programme and policies of the administration. According to him, the group wants to use the summit to find out what brought the Omoluabi Garment Factory, RLG Factory in Ilesa and Asphalt Company among other industries to the state.
He said: “Having realised that some states were staging their own economic summit to roll out figures, real and imaginary for the governed without rights of reply, our group chose to undertake Orisun Aje 2014 to hear directly from the concerned stakeholders and the beneficiaries of any given policy. “This summit is meant to analyse the economic policies of the present government, what it used to be and what it is now. “At the end of this, we
hope that people will be better informed, we will be able to find out if the people have actually benefitted from the government policies, and if they have not, we will be able to call the attention of government where necessary,” Agboola stressed. Noting that the group is self-funded, non-partisan and non-governmental, the PWL Coordinator said that the organisation is dutybound to support any government that delivers on its promises, and rise against any government that fails the people. He was optimistic that all well-meaning individuals from the state, friends and allies would be part of the
summit to project for the future after taking the stock. Among the resource persons billed to deliver papers at the summit are Professor Ayo Olukoju, a renowned Economist; Professor Mojeed Alabi from the University of Ilorin; Professor Oyesoji Aremu from the University of Ibadan and Mr Lekan Sote, a Punch Newspaper Columnist. Besides, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Ajibola Basiru; his Commerce and Industry Counterpart, Ismail Alagbada; and Dr Charles Akinola are billed to lead the state government’s side.
Oduwale Canvasses Support For Aregbesola’s Re-election By BOLANLE BABALOLA
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•Children celebrating the Easter Festival at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Osogbo recently.
N Ijesa traditional chief, High Chief Jacob Babajide Oduwale, the Oba Odo of Ilesa, is canvassing support for re-election of State of Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola. The traditional chief in a time. chat with OSUN DEFENDER He recalled how the in Osogbo on Tuesday said primary school he attended the transformation of the in 1952 has been rebuilt by state by Aregbesola’s the Aregbesola administration within the last administration with three years was enough to conveniences that can earn the governor an compete favourably with automatic second term those in the advanced ticket. nations of the world. High Chief Oduwale who His words: “Holy Trinity said Aregbesola was a School, Omofe, Ilesa is the wonderful man hinted that school I attended and left in he was particularly touched 1952. I was surprised to see with the Aregbesola’s the school that sprang up contributions to the field of there within three months education within so short a recently. “We should support Aregbesola for the progress and life more abundant in Osun. It is an appeal. “I have travelled all over Also reacting to the the world and I found out game, Chief Coach of the that there is nowhere schools side, Animashaun Wole, of Aregbesola’s standard hoped the team would can be found. He is a spirit. improve in their next game Even the late sage, Chief Awolowo, did not as they travel down to Delta Obafemi perform up to Aregbesola. for their next game against “The totality of my Delta Queens. sermon is that the people of Osun Babes currently Osun should be patient as have 12 points after playing he has been performing Aregbesola is the eight games in the NWPL selflessly. brain behind transformation this season and are of Lagos to a mega city. That presently third on the log as is why Tinubu cannot toy at the time of filing in this with him.” The high chief said he was report. convinced by the grace of God that Aregbesola would be returned as Osun governor. He said he could also be encouraged at the not pretend, adding that “it award night with various is God that sent Aregbesola to genuinely administer professional awards. Governor of the State of Osun.” Pa Oduwale who said Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Osun would soon become a Aregbesola, members of the source of reference to the State Executive Council, whole world hinted that Heads of the media whoever is out to create organizations in the state impediment for the return of and other stakeholders are the Ijesa-born governor expected at the event. would face the wrath of God.
Osun Babes Deny Edo Queens Crucial Victory referee pointed to the spot Habibat Agbaji. By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO Osun Babes could have and Oghogho Williams, GHOGHO William’s fifth goal in as much as six been given a penalty when wasted no time in whipping games this current season, was all her team needed Nkoro Joy, who endured a the ball past Okeke to give to gain the maximum points at home against Edo quiet afternoon, was Osun Babes the 1-0 victory. Queens. Speaking to journalists pushed by Oguchi in the 18 Coach Kehinde Johnson, stronger team, as Seyi Yard box but the referee was after the game, Technical Adviser of Osun Babes, made six changes to his Gbadebo’s drilled shot from rather unmoved. Only a few minutes later, Kehinde Johnson, gave starting line up as Rejoice a close range was once Ikoyo and Adeleke Ganiat, again denied by the FIFA U- Edo Queens defender God the glory for the victory, both returned back to the 17,Costa Rica 2014 goalie Oguchi was again at fault, stating that the three points squad, after being left out Okeke and seconds later, the as she pulled down Habibat was very precious for the team, even though he in th last game against Edo Queens goalie did Agbaji. This time, Edo Queens expected his side to have Bayelsa Queens in Omoku. brilliantly to fend away a The Federal Polytechnic, slow paced shot form were less fortunate, as the scored more goals. Ede Sports Complex, rose to its feet, as the fans couldn’t wait for their darling team to start its first home game in who will receive Award of By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI two weeks. Excellence in Educational With the game underway, HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), State of Development and Dr. Edo Queens shaded an Osun Council, will today honour the Wife of the Basheer Komolafe of eventful opening fifteen Governor, State of Osun, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola, Komolafe Motors, who will minutes, in which their for being a role model on environmental sanitation and be decorated as a Patron of striker, Okpaghoro Blessing, general hygiene to majority of the people of the state, Osun Council of NUJ. enjoyed the best chance particularly market women. Members of the NUJ, who with a low laid shot, for the Also to be honoured by Chairman, Ladsom have equally distinguished Osun Babes young goalie, NUJ is Pastor Matthew Engineering Company, themselves in the Rita Akarekor, to take on. Ashimolowo of Kingsway Prince Adeniyi Olaseinde, profession, will After a tentative opening, International Christian Osun Babes gradually Centre (KICC), London, for settled into the contest and providing free cloths to almost broke the deadlock, over three hundred widows By BOLANLE BABALOLA when striker Seyi Gbadebo annually and scholarships headed towards the net, but to undergraduates. HE three suspects; Sunday Oyedeji 65, Oladele A statement by the defender Okadire Ugochi Kazeem 35 and Yekini Balikisu ‘F’ 30 have been Secretary of the State cleared it off for safety. ordered to be remanded in prison custody by a Council of the NUJ, Osun Babes, continued Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo, the State of Osun Bamigbola Gbolagunte, said gathering momentum, as Bank will also be capital. petit winger, Habibat Agbaji, Skye According to the charge Vol. II. Laws of Osun State honoured for being a force turned Zogo Pascal in the in electronic payment sheet read in court, the three of Nigeria. defence line of Edo Queens system. accused persons were It stated that the inside out, down the left, The event, according to alleged to have conspired suspects did kill one Paul before delivering a deep the statement, will hold at together to commit felony to Ajibola with cutlass, shovel cross to Nkoro Joy, who Funfield and Event Centre, wit; murder and thereby and digger at Papanla Elere Iwo Road, Osogbo, State of committed a punishable Village, Okini in Egbedore headed narrowly over. The home team however Osun capital, by 6.00pm offence under Section 324of Other awardees are the Criminal Code Cap 34 Local Government Council finished the first half, the Area of the state, which
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NUJ Honours Osun First Lady On Sanitation
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Court Remands Three Over Murder
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contravened Section 319(i) of the Criminal Code, Cap Vol ii, laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003. It was earlier reported that the deceased was murdered over a land that has been under litigation before a court about 10years ago between him and one Aminu Olawale, on which the court had fixed for March 27 for judgement. However, Ajibola was murdered on 24th of March, 2014 before the agreed
judgement date The defence counsel for the three accused persons; Alfred Adegoke, Mrs B.Y Dada and M.O Sanusi pleaded with the court to grant bail to their clients in liberal terms, a plea that was turned down by the presiding magistrate, A.A Olowolagba, who ordered that they be remanded in prison custody before adjourning the case till June 19, 2014 for hearing.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2017
Osun Technology Village Continued from pg1 tomorrow’s vastly different world.Initiatives such as the Opo Imo, the knowledge tablet attest to this. Key also is the coming into being of the state’s technology village. The reason for developing the village fits in into Aregbesola’s overall strategy. The symbol believes very much in jobs creating development. This is in contradiction to the prevailing growth without development; for example the garment factory earlier set up in the state testifies to this policy thrust. Now fully operational, the factory supplies uniforms to the public schools system. The same process will soon see durable and affordable telephone handsets churned
out of the technology village. Partnership between the state government and a Chinese firm has already produced 23,100 Opo Imo computer tablets. Not just jobs are being created here but there is also a process facilitating transfer of skills as well as technology. For the state, it is a winwin situation. Jobs are being created, there is also a sense of heightened economic development and crucially the tax-base is being widened. There is of course bound to be a multiplier effect arising out of all of this. This is because auxiliary industries and commercial processes will be brought into effect. More of course will have to be done to sustain the pace. Some of which is not within the preview of the state government. These include a tariff
regime to protect infant industries against unfair, often subsidised foreign competition. ‘Dumping’ is the correct trade term here. Another area to look at is of course the supply of power. This is key as it will help to bring down the cost of production. The state government of course has its own commercial power initiative and should be encouraged to see it through. The technology village also offers an historical possibility for a forward thrust based on linkages producing a synergy. The synergy possibility here is to link the unfolding developments in the public schools sector with the technology village. By linking the schools with the technology village, a skillsbased educational system can be brought into play. This will help
We Are Not Turning Back The Clock In Osun State
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E are not turning back the clock in the State of Osun; we are moving forward. I don’t know about you but I have seen and heard enough of Senator Iyiola Omisore’s failed leadership and the time is now to stop him from bringing shame and disgrace on our state. Senator Omisore has done nothing to make our state proud but putting our state on a national spotlight for wrong reasons. However, the on-going effort to defeat Omisore in the August gubernatorial election has nothing to do with politics; it is all about fighting for the soul and future of our state and make no mistake, there is no Osun State indigene who loves our state dearly that will pray for the emergence of Omisore as the governor of the state. It is just a common knowledge that the emergence of Omisore as the governor of Osun is a licence to wasteful spending, executive
lawlessness and unprecedented political violence. We don’t need a do-nothing, know-nothing politician at the helms of affairs; not now when the stakes are higher. In furtherance, it is plain ridiculous the way Omisore is trying to bully his way into the State House. For example, Omisore is seeking our votes, but he doesn’t
want to talk about his record. In fact, he always resorts to unnecessary name-calling when people want to hold him accountable for his nefarious actions. It is just obvious that Omisore knows he is losing and has no record to run on but would stop at nothing to rig the next gubernatorial election in the state. Nevertheless, the just-
concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in the State of Osun brought a lot of anger, not because Omisore clinched his party’s governorship ticket , but because of Omisore’s irresponsible behaviour Senator Omisore didn’t only resort to desperate measure by chosing the path of intimidating his
opponents, as the key to his political survival, during the just-concluded primary election, but rely heavily on violence to win the primary election. I almost fell off my coach laughing when I overhead my friends talking about Senator Omisore’s campaign promise to employ 300,000 youths within his first 10 days in office. Let’s face it, it defies any reasonable
logic for someone to believe that a failed politician like Omisore, who has done nothing to improve the lives of our people in his political career, would deliver on his promise to employ 300,000 youths within his first 10 days in office. Senator Omisore may continue to lie about his record or making lip promises for political gains but Osun people can’t get fooled again. Finally, the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Osun State is an election of choice; we need to choose between Senator Iyiola Omisore, a prime suspect in the assassination of Chief Bola Ige in the court of public opinion, once a bench warmer in the senate, a politician with questionable academic records; long record of bad behaviour and a governor who is moving our state forward with bold vision and bright hope for the future. •TAIWO AYANTUNJI, Osogbo, State of Osun.
to nurture the pupils to acquire the technological skills to compete in the future. For in today’s world paper qualifications are not enough. Today’s world is skill driven. It is therefore the skills acquired and not paper qualifications alone that will determine who is fit to get tomorrow’s jobs. We must therefore, acknowledge the import of the technology village. The government of the State of Osun is once again on the right lines here. What is needed for the future is being addressed. The seed that is been sown here will bear great fruit in the future. Here the great initiator of an alternative perspective through his initiatives, the State of Osun is getting the people ready to face the future.
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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com
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INTERVIEW
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
We’ll Approve More Than Proposed 27 Councils - Osun Lawmaker Barrister Wasiu Adebayo represents Olorunda State Constituency in the State of Osun House of Assembly and he is the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. In this interview with OSUN DEFENDER man, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, he spoke on the pending local government council creation bill among other issues. Excerpts: OSDF: Why did you join politics, considering the fact that you are a lawyer? ADEBAYO: Politics has always been part of me since my school days and I held certain posts in school politics before I graduated from University of Lagos. Even when I was in Law School, Abuja, I was the overall President of the Osun State Students Association. So, I love politics and that is one of the reasons why I’m in politics. Apart from that, ever since, I had been thinking of how to contribute my quota to the development of my state and that is what I am doing now. OSDF: Since your coming to this parliament, about three years now, how would you say the business of lawmaking being like? ADEBAYO: It is good and interesting and being a lawyer, it makes it easier for me. Lawmaking is a course in the law profession, meaning that making laws here would not be a problem for me. Beside, this House also serves as a learning ground for me, because there are so many thing you are not taught in school but you learn here. We have passed many laws through which I have learnt so much. OSDF: Which of the laws passed by this Assembly will you say interests you most? ADEBAYO: There are many of them. Let me first of all commend this government, because most of the bills we have passed in this House are executive-sponsored bills. There was a law we made against building collapse, as regards the materials to be used and the quantity before one can start building. We should not wait until buildings collapse, as it happens in Lagos and some other places. This is one of the laws that I like. Apart from that, before now, there is what they call legitimate child, but now there is nothing like that. The truth is that it is not the fault of the child born outside wedlock and we cannot deny him his rights. Our take is that it is not the fault of the child, but the fault of the parents and punishment should not be meted on the child interms of having access to properties and other things. OSDF: You must have read about the laws made by the last Assembly; which of the Assembly will you say is more efficient interms of making laws? ADEBAYO: As a someone, who was not part of the last session and a part of the present one, automatically, I would want to say this Assembly is better, but sentiment apart, this present Assembly is more efficient. In the last Assembly, I did come to observe proceedings on the floor and I can see that in the present Assembly, we use to have more robust argument than the last one. Those of us that were part of the last Assembly have also testified to this fact. We have more than enough professionals and grassroots men among us and that makes us to have more robust arguments before any decision is taking. OSDF: As the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftain Affairs, what is happening to the Local Government Creation bill pending before the House? ADEBAYO: The House is working vigorously on the bill. However, the issue of local government creation is a very sensitive issue that must be handled with care before we go ahead to pass the law. In doing justice and
equity to the bill as the Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam promised, we went round and when we did, we saw that there is the need to amend what was brought before us by the governor. That is what we are doing now. We have to see that certain nerves are calmed down. Some people, where they were given, once said they wanted two and if they would not be given or vice versa, they must know why. We want to ensure that by the time the law is made, everybody is satisfied and to realise this, we must take time to settle the issues arising from it. OSDF: Are you saying that you are likely to have more than the additional 27 local government councils proposed by the governor in the bill? ADEBAYO: Definitely, yes. The bill cannot be returned as presented. OSDF: Like how many more are we talking about? ADEBAYO: That, I can’t say for now. We are still discussing issues and the outcome of the discussions will determine the number that we will have more. OSDF: Sometimes, you had said that before the end of March, the bill would be approved...? ADEBAYO: Sometimes, there is what you call unforeseen circumstances. By the time I said it, that was the plan we had, but we didn’t foresee that the issues we are having now will come up and that is what is delaying us now. Don’t forget that there is also the need for Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to conduct referendum. Apart from the issues arising, paucity of fund is also delaying the referendum, but I have just been told that money is now available for the referendum. However, the main thing now is that our report must be acceptable by the largest number of people and in doing that we must convince the people that if they need more, they have to be patient. Like the governor said, the exercise is continuous and may be in another on year, we will have another segment. We are about to round-off the consultations and discussion as to the number we want to create now. OSDF: Are you saying that the councils would be created before the August 9 governorship election? ADEBAYO: Very sure, we will definitely have the new councils before the election. OSDF: When the new councils are eventually created, how does the state intend to fund them, even when federal allocation to the state has dropped, at least by 40 per cent, considering the fact that there will be more financial commitment? ADEBAYO: I must say that I don’t think there will be more financial commitment, because the allocation for Olorunda for instance will be divided among the councils created out of it. These councils would rather boost our economy, as they would be propelled to look inward and develop means of generating IGR. There are so many areas of revenue generation that these councils have not been able to tap, but this exercise will encourage them to do more, at least for the sustenance of the councils. By the time the councils across the state become smaller in sizes, there will be better way of monitoring IGR and get more money, rather than waiting for federal allocations to survive. Apart from that, some individuals have
•ADEBAYO pledged to assist the new councils. In a particular place around Iwo, a man promised to pay six months salaries of workers when the new council is created in his hometown. It means that people are ready to support the government in the exercise. OSDF: Why is this new council so important to this government and how will that bring more development to the state? ADEBAYO: One of the reasons is that many of the current councils are too big and if we have smaller ones, it would enable us to block all the loopholes. This will also enable us to monitor properly how money of these councils is being spent. Hence, we will be able to see massive developmental projects at the grassroots. So, the creation of more councils would facilitate more development, be it economic, infrastructure, educational and many others. OSDF: There is this parliamentary system of government for local governments that the executive has proposed in the bill, don’t you think, it will be against the system of government we are practising in Nigeria? ADEBAYO: It will not. Don’t forget that parliamentary system was in place in the country in the 50’s and it worked very well for us than what we have now. What we saw was competitiveness among all the three regions in Nigeria and that was why there was development. I am of the opinion that the presidential system of government we are operating in this country is too expensive because of the structure, but if we have the parliamentary system, firstly, the money meant for salaries of political appointees would reduce drastically and that would be used for development. Apart from that, local government is under the state and the State House of Assembly has the power to make laws for the running of the councils. So, the idea is good and I support it. OSDF: What is your assessment of Aregbesola’s administration so far? ADEBAYO: Sentiment apart, this government is performing wonderfully well, talk of security, infrastructural development, education, health, economic development, job creation and many more. The peace we have under this government has brought development in every sector because our lives and properties are secured. Even some police officers confirmed that crime rate has drastically reduced. Apart from that, the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES) alone through which 40,000 youths have now been taken off the streets is one programme that many individuals and organisations, home and abroad have commended, to the extent that the Federal Government in collaboration with World Bank are now replicating it. Do you
also want to talk of massive road construction across the nooks and crannies of this state, of which no government in this state has ever done, or you want to talk of new school construction among others. This government has done well and fulfilled its promises to the people. OSDF: But the opposition PDP is saying that this government has not performed, what is your comment? ADEBAYO: Your enemy will never see anything good about you. Whether this government has performed or not, people are there to judge because we are talking of verifiable facts. All what we have done are there for people to see, not as if we are saying we built castle in the air. The irony of it is that these people that are criticising had been there before, what did they do? They should point to what they did, nothing. Even the fact that their National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu admitted that it would be difficult to defeat Aregbesola shows that he is performing. I am now saying it is impossible because people have seen the difference. So, we pray and hope that the people would vote for Aregbesola again in August 9 and by that we will continue enjoying the developmental initiatives of Ogbeni. OSDF: There have been allegations and counter-allegations that some politicians are planning to cause mayhem in the name of election, what is your take? ADEBAYO: People have been saying it and we have been seen the signals to show that they want to foment trouble, but we are telling them that it is not possible, because we are now wiser. If an aspirant can slap another aspirant who happened to be a former governor, it shows that that is not a character that Osun people want. The information we have is that they are trying to get fake police uniforms for thugs to rig the election, but we are not going to take that. We will be on ground to defend our votes and nothing more. Any step required of us to ensure that election takes place, our votes counted and announced, we will take it. OSDF: What is your message to the people of Osun and your constituency? ADEBAYO: While I appreciate the people for their support so far, I want to urge that come August 9, people should come out to vote, protect their votes, ensure that the votes are counted and results are announced at each polling unit. Also, I want our people to vote APC in the 2015 Presidential election, so that what we are enjoying in Osun can be taken to all over the country.
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
PHOTOTALK
State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Won Good Governance Award From UNILAG Held At Eko Hotel and Suites,Victoria Island, Lagos, Last Sunday.
•(L-R) Vice Chanceller, University of Lagos, Professor Rahaman Adisa Bello, presenting an award to the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in recognition of his Distinguished Efforts at Good Governance, during the 6th Reunion Luncheon at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Sunday.
•Governor Aregbesola (2nd left); President, University of Lagos Musilm Alumni (UMA), Alhaji Sikiru Lere Alimi (left); Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembley, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu (2nd right) and Professor Bello during the programme.
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
Osun Free Train Service Returned State Indigenes And Non-Indigenes From Osogbo Back To Lagos After Easter Celebration, Last Monday.
•A cross section of indigenes and non-indigenes of Osun ready to board Osun free train ride provided by the State Government of Osun, back to Lagos State after the Easter celebration at Osogbo Railway Terminus, last Monday.
•Another cross section of free train ride beneficiaries at Osogbo Railway Terminus.
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
PHOTOTALK
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Osun Free Train Service Returned State Indigenes And Non-Indigenes From Osogbo Back To Lagos After Easter Celebration, Last Monday.
•Another cross section of the free train beneficiaries waiting to board the train at Osogbo Railway Terminus.
•Free train beneficiaries from Osun biding farewell to their relations.
•Another cross section of free train beneficiaries from Osun biding farewell to their relations.
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
Faces At The Accreditation And Inspection of RLG Adulawo Factory In Ilesa, State Of Osun, By National Information Technology Development Agency Photo: (NITDA) Recently. ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN
•Workers at the Phone Assembly Hall.
•An OYES-Tech official in the process of phone assembly.
•RLG Products Sales Kiosks.
•An OYES Tech official working on a laptop.
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INTERVIEW
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
LAUTECH Medical Department Is Second Best In West Africa - CMD Professor Olufemi Fadiora, Chief Medical Director, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo breaks his silence on a week industrial action by the workers of the medical college. He explained the state government efforts in fulfilling its financial obligations to the college and other progress recorded in the last three and half years and the challenges of funding as result of falling federal allocation since July last year in this interview with KEHINDE AYANTUNJI Excerpts: OSDF: The workers of LAUTECH under you have embarked on a strike action for some days, what is the situation now? FADIORA: The workers of LAUTECH embarked on strike not too long, it now a week. They abandoned work as a result of some unpaid salaries which the government of the State of Osun has intervened to resolve. We are seriously addressing the issue to ensure that they end the strike action as soon as possible. It is regrettable that the workers are on strike considering the far reaching effects on the patient, who are on sick beds. But thank God, the government has been so proactive, the content of the salary is February and March. The government has paid February salary last Monday, that is a week ago and they promised to pay that of March this week. The contentious salary now is that of December and the two months outstanding owed us by Oyo State and glory be to God, Osun government has adopted it and accepted to pay it. It is about N435 million, which we approximated to N450 million. The State of Osun Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro last week, had a meeting with the workers and assured them that Osun government will pay the salaries owed by Oyo in three tranches, which will be N150 million per month and that the state will pay the money in three months. We are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the commissioner. I am therefore appealing to the workers to accept the government offer in good faith. Governor Rauf Aregbesola has demonstrated unprecedented commitment to the development of LAUTECH, and I made them to realise that this is the first time we are signing a MoU with the government and I hope that soon the strike we end. We all understand that it is not the making of the governor. The federal allocation coming to the state monthly is nothing to write home about, everybody should try and endure. OSDF: Which of the two states,
Oyo and Osun is defaulting in salary payment? FADIORA: The challenge of salary payment default has been recurring since last year. We had serious issues with Oyo State government on salary since last year until the intervention of Governor Aregbesola. The most contentious salary issue, which resulted to a strike action now is also traceable to Oyo State government, but with a resolution recently passed by the State House of Assembly that Osun should be responsible for the Osogbo Teaching Hospital workers salaries from January to December and Oyo State government will be responsible for that of medical college in Ogbomoso. With the new arrangement, I hope the controversy surrounding the salary payment would be resolved. OSDF: Since the end of ownership crisis in 2011, what are the progresses recorded so far? FADIORA: LAUTECH has completely departed from the old trend, in terms of service delivery. The capacity of the hospital has increased beyond anybody’s imagination in the last three and half years. Our medical department is now rated as the second best in West African. This is not the issue of Nigeria, we are talking about West African, to understand the level of improvement. We have procured several equipment, which are now assisting our medical personnel to carry out various investigations. Our patients are increasing on daily basis as a result of the confidence and efficient service delivery. For instance now, state and federal hospitals within and outside the states depend on our oxygen plants. It is not about big structure, it is about innovation and technology. The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria has giving us approval since May last year to be manufacturing drugs as a supplement. Our drug manufacturing department has the capacity to produce 10,000 bottles of liquid syrup per day for children and adults. The stage we are now is to get NAFDAC approval for some of the drugs, which is a tedious process, but by the time we got the approval, our drugs will be a supplement for the
•FADIORA
majority of government and private hospitals within and outside the state. Governor Aregbesola has demonstrated serious commitment to the development of the hospital, the fund we are getting annually now is far above the fund we got in eight years. It is so evident, in LAUTECH now, hardly would you find any free bed space. We have secured public confidence on our services. They refer patients to us from the North, South East and some other parts of the country. Beyond LAUTECH, look at the new schools the governor is building, the massive road constructions across the state, I was going to Ido Osun few weeks ago, it took the intervention of some Samaritans, who showed me the road. I could not recognise the place again. I have been leaving in the state for decades, we have not had it so good like this. Governor Aregbesola is so unique and exceptional. If we are in a civilized world, there should be no contest at all since the purpose of any government is quality service delivery, there should be no contest. OSDF: What are the major challenges you are facing in the hospital? FADIORA: Our major challenge is funding, and is not the making of the governor. We have secured several approvals to embark on many projects, but there is no cash backing. Despite the good intention of the governor, there are limitations as a result of the falling federal allocation. The little we
are getting is out of ingenuity of the governor and compassionate affection for public health. It is not new that the allocation coming to the state is reducing by 40 percent, which is affecting every other sector. LAUTECH is not an exception. That is why we are appealing to the workers and other stake holders to understand that this is a period of sacrifice, they should be patient with the governor, normalcy will definitely return. It is obvious and clear, the government has been so honest and transparent in this regard. OSDF: How do you think the current financial crisis in the country could be resolved? FADIORA: The situation is terrible and beyond someone’s imagination. When we are not in war, a country like Nigeria is experiencing such falling revenue. It will require the federal government’s political will to stabilise the oil sector and all the 36 states of the federation must also look beyond oil revenue; they must encourage industrialization to be selfreliant. Lagos now can survive without federal government’s allocation and I am very glad that Governor Aregbesola is equally conscious of this fact. The drive for industrialization in the state is commendable, especially the building of Dagbolu International Market, where people will bring their farm produce to sell and transport it to Lagos through rail services. These are the areas we must begin to look at for the survival of the federated units.
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LAW
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
Alleged Libel: Omisore Lacks Integrity, Court Told •Judge May Withdraw From Suit Justice Adebisi Ogunlade of the Osogbo High Court in Osun State has adjourned till July 4, a suit between former Senator Iyiola Omisore and Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation. The adjournment followed a petition accusing the judge of bias. Mr. Justice Ogunlade said he received a letter from the Chief Judge, asking him to respond to the petition within one week. He said the petitioner alleged that he might not get justice because of the judge’s association with a former governor of the state, Chief Bisi Akande. The judge said he would respond to the petition within two days, hinting that he may no longer preside over the case. Editor-at-Large, Mr. Segun Ayobolu and The Nation Saturday Editor, Dele Adeosun, are also defendants in the suit. At Monday’s proceedings, The Nation’s lawyer, Oludare Falana, who said his clients were ready to go on with the case, expressed regret over the petition, which he said caused a delay. He urged the court to award punitive cost against the plaintiff, but the judge declined. Mr. Justice Ogunlade said he was not beholden to any party, adding that he would not lose anything it the case was transferred to another judge. Omisore is claiming that he was defamed in an article written by Ayobolu. He said the writer insinuated that he was corrupt and lacking in integrity, adding that the article damaged ‘his reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of the public. In pleading privilege, the defendants, in their statement of defence, said the plaintiff granted press interviews and issued a press statement where he denied the allegations contained in the publication; therefore, Omisore did not suffer any embarrassment or damage to his reputation. The defendants added: “The comments and views expressed by the defendants are privileged. They have no cause or any reason howsoever to nurse any malice against the claimant and, as such, the publication complained of was not actuated by malice. “The defendants are duty-bound under the 1999 Constitution to disseminate ideas, opinions and information. The publication was the writer’s opinion, which comments were fair to the claimant.” The defendants further stated that the Omisore has no reputation to protect. According to them, the plaintiff, who served as Deputy Governor to Chief Akande, while being incarcerated in Agodi Prisons, Ibadan in connection with the
•OMISORE
murder of the former AttorneyGeneral, the late Chief Bola Ige (SAN), contested and won the Osun East Senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “without deposing to an affidavit before a High Court as required by the Electoral Act.” “The claimant is given notice to produce the affidavit deposed in compliance with the Electoral Act before he won the seat,” they said. The defendants also recalled that while in office as Deputy Governor, Omisore was accused of breach of oath of office and conflict of interest. He was subsequently impeached by the House of Assembly, having been found liable, the defendants said. They added that the House, on December 13, 2002, passed a resolution removing him as Deputy Governor after the report of the investigative panel, which indicted him, was adopted. On why Omisore was impeached, the defendants recalled: “The claimant committed grave violation of the Constitution ... relating to oath of office which he subscribed to by granting an interview reported in The Comet newspaper of 30th January, 2001. ‘The claimant in the said interview divulged the discussions and deliberations of the state executive in respect of the
Governor, Omisore “accrued pecuniary interest personally to himself.” “Notice is hereby given the claimant to produce the tax clearance certificate of Chrisore Engineering Limited from 1999 to date and his personal tax clearance certificate from 1999 to date,” the” defendants averred. The defendants added: “The claimant was arrested, detained and charged to court with the murder of (former Attorney-General of the Federation) Chief Bola Ige (SAN) at the High Court of Oyo state holden in Ibadan. “But the claimant was discharged and acquitted as the case was programmed by the Federal Government to fail in favour of the claimant. “One Alani Omisore, a cousin of the claimant, was identified by one Andrew Olotu (the security guard on duty the night Chief Ige was assassinated) as the leader of the assassination squad. “Muyiwa Ige, Chief Ige’s son, who was in the house on the night of the assassination, identified one Mr Pade Omisore as one of the assailants, who ordered him to lie down on a bed at gunpoint. “Forensic evidence, either finger prints or ballistic, did not feature in the investigations. “The prosecution was not provided with evidence as basic as whether finger prints on the scene of the incident matched those of any of the suspects arrested in connection with the assassination. “All the principal investigators of the case ... were redeployed or otherwise taken off the investigation long before it was concluded and the suspects charged to court. “The judge before whom the claimant was initially arraigned, Hon. Justice Mashud Abass of the Oyo State High Court, withdrew—-’ from the case. “He attributed his withdrawal to untold pressure and threats from many quarters urging him to arrive at a particular decision even before he listened to the claimant, who was the accused person. “The claimant has no reputation for integrity to be damaged as he has always associated himself with abuse of office, wanton corruption and acts of hooliganism, thuggery and violence. “If the Federal Government was genuinely committed to the crusade against corruption, the claimant would not have been nominated as a member of the Senate having been impeached for corrupt practices. “The claimant’s suit is golddigging, speculative, frivolous and vexatious.” The defendants prayed the court to dismiss the suit with substantial costs.
utilisation of the US$1.5milIion Water Chemical Fund, contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. “The claimant as Deputy Governor of Osun State contravened Section 1 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers contained in Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution by vigorously pursuing the USD$1.5 million Water Chemical Funds in a lawsuit against the state government. “Chrisore Engineering Limited, a company which the claimant as Deputy Governor then was the chairman, joined in Suit No. HOS/ 28/2001. “Whatever benefit that would have accrued to Chrisore Engineering Limited in the suit would also have accrued to the claimant as a serving Deputy Governor.” To further prove that Omisore has no reputation to protect, the defendants said he falsely claims to be born on September 15, 1960. According to them, the plaintiff ’s father, in a sworn affidavit dated January 27, 1993, indicates that Omisore’s actual date of birth is September 15, 1957. This, the defendants said, “is an indication of the claimant’s lies and inconsistencies. “ •Culled from THE NATION Besides, they said that as Of May 29, 2013. Chairman of Chrisore Engineering while also serving as Deputy
FEATURE
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
Spelling Bee Competition, The Osun Way
W ITHOUT doubt, the Spelling Bee
Competition in Osun has come to stay. This is judging by the number of corporate organisations which had indicated interest in partnering with Sherifat Care Foundation (SCARF); the pet project of the State of Osun First Lady; Alhaja Sherifat Abidemi Aregbesola in uplifting the education sector of the state. A government that has no plan on how to educate its citizens invariably plans to destroy the only one resource it has. Governments at all levels must take it upon itself to provide its citizens with the opportunity to give the best of education at all levels. This sacred duty is a government trust that must be taken with all iota of seriousness. Little wonder, many Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), in partnership with some state governments, have decided to tow this noble path and therefore broaden the young minds of post-primary school students in their states. Down to the issue of broadening the minds of the young students, there is this popular maxim of ‘catching then young’ and there is no better period to do this than when they are still at the young stage, where it is envisaged that these students have an adventurous mind: A mind which seeks to constantly want to know. Starting from the United States of America, came the idea of the ‘Spelling Bee’. There is even a popular 2006 film titled: ‘Akeelah And The Bee’, and before you know it, this educational game caught on. A spelling bee is a competition in which contestants are asked to spell a broad selection of words, usually with a varying degree of difficulty. The concept is thought to have originated in the United States and spelling bee events, along with variants, are now also held in some other countries around the world Nigeria inclusive, which use imperfect writing systems. After the success of the competition in the US, Ghana adopted it and it has since become a success in the West African country. This trend is even not surprising as the spelling bee competition was caught on by the Lagos State Government and was first held in Nigeria through the initiatives of the then First Lady; Mrs. Oluremi Tunubu from which the idea of the Oneday Governor emerged. Surprisingly, the competition is still on in Lagos and another surprise is that some wives of local government council chairmen have adopted the competition resulting in the Oneday Chairman. Funny, it is the wives of governors and local government council chairmen that are using their pet programmes to fund this competition. Little wonder, the wife of the governor of the State of Osun, Alhaja Sherifat Abidemi Aregbesola through her Sheri Care Foundation (SCARF), in collaboration with Young Educators Foundation (YEF) Ghana, introduced the programme into educational system of the state. The Spelling Bee competition for the State of Osun, which was modelled after the Scripps National Spelling Bee of the USA, involved all students of Middle Schools from both public and private schools in the state. How did the competition kick-off in Osun? Teachers from public and private schools were trained in a series of workshops, where they were trained on the necessary skills needed in grooming their students in readiness for the competition. True to reality, the competition kicked-off through the SCARF initiative, Young Educators Foundation (YEF), Business Interactive Consulting International (BICI) and the state government came in through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Due to its commitment to education in the country, Beta Malt and Indomie and the communications giant, RLG were sponsors, which added glamour to the competition. Equipped with the knowledge from the training, the teachers swung into action and the result was what led to the second round of the Spelling Bee Competition, which was held at the Christ Apostolic Church Middle School, Gbodofon, Osogbo. The objective of the second round stage of the competition was to test 200 students from 40 Middle Schools in the state from both the public and private schools and at the end, select 120 students, who will be camped for 13 days for the final showdown, which would hold on the 30th of April, 2014. The schools were drawn from all the local government council areas of the state. A list of the competing schools included: Saint James Middle school 2, Osogbo, Saint Francis Middle School, Osogbo, Salvation Army Middle School, Osogbo, Laro Middle School, Osogbo, Ido-Osun Middle School, Ido-Osun, Christ African Middle School 2, Osogbo, Royal Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, ADS Grammar School, Osogbo, Baptist Middle
•A cross section of pupils who participated at the programme.
•A cross section of finalists. By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO School, Modakeke, Islahudeen Middle School, Iwo, Community Middle School, Obaagun, Origbo Community Unity Middle School, Ipetumodu, Ola Laoye Middle School 2, ADS Middle School, Erin-Osun, Unity Middle School, Ejigbo, Cherubim and Seraphim Middle School, Ilesa, Obokun Middle School, Ilesa, Mopo Arogun Middle School 2, Ede, Baptist Middle School 3, Unity School, Osogbo, Onward Standard College, Iragbiji, Saint James Middle School, Faith International Grammar School, L. A. Middle School, Amuda, Oba-Modakeke, New Hope Model College, Ifetedo, Ogbaagba Community Middle School, Ogbaagba, Owode Adejuwon Middle School, Labim College, Ikire, Iwo Grammar School, Iwo, Holy Michael Middle School, Regina Mundi Girls Secondary School, Iwo, George Burton Memorial Middle School, Ilesa, Coker Memorial Middle School, Ikirun, Unity Middle School, Iragbiji, Al-Fareed College, Ede, Olufi Middle School, Gbongan and others. On Thursday 17th of April, 2014, students from all the above schools converged at Christ Apostolic Church Middle School 2, Gbodofon, Osogbo. The day started with representatives of Young Educators Foundation (YEF), Ghana; Mr. Emmanuel Afful and Miss Gifty Lamptey distributing speller cards in the presence of their teachers to all the middle school students with numbers from 01 to 200 and then distributed into classes where they were to answer 30 multiple answer questions within an allotted time of 50 minutes. It was gathered from the organisers that the winner of the Spelling Bee competition for this year would embark on an overseas trip. Looking at the competition from another view, one would appreciate the sense of competitiveness it offers the students. It’s also another avenue for the students to appreciate the beauty and usage of English
Language, which is the language of communication in Nigeria and some West African countries. Apart from the everyday class activities, which seems monotonous, the students had the chance of mixing freely amongst their age-mates from other schools across the state. Other corporate organisations like Promasidor/Cowbell are sponsoring the National Mathematics Language and even some Northern states are also sponsoring the National Quranic Recitation Competition, it would behove the Federal Government to develop interest in the spelling bee competition and adopt it as an education policy, in order to stem the tide of mass failure, as we have it in English Language. Some teachers, who were interviewed, were full of praises and very optimistic of the competition and they encouraged the government to continue with it. They were full of praises to the first lady’s pet project; SCARF, Young Educators Foundation, who they said organised a separate training for them and the sponsors of the competition for taking it to the second round stage. The students were all full of joy too as this radiated from the faces of the 120 students that eventually made the final lists. A close interview with the students also revealed their expectations and praises for the organisers of this laudable competition. The Spelling Bee Competition is a means of educating the students, especially now that both the written and spoken form of English Language is fast-disappearing among young school children. A popular saying amongst scholars is: ‘’All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” and nothings seems to suit that purpose than the Spelling Bee Competition, which serves as a form of inter and intra school competition among different schools. Prior to the Spelling Bee, it was only scholars of higher institutions in Nigeria, that were exposed to the basics of English Language.
Only a few exposed post-primary school students really knew that English Language was a marriage between Anglo-Saxon, Gothic, Latin, French, Greek, Germanic and Old Norse. With exposure during training for the competition, the students were taught some words, which to them, may be new, but have their roots in other languages but incorporated or borrowed by the English Language. Sheri Care Foundation (SCARF) and all its partners have tried their best in uplifting education to a very reasonable standard in the State of Osun with little support. Now it behoves the state government to come into the picture and in so doing, it should be in a big way. It should not be left in the hands of SUBEB, but should be a big government involvement. The Spelling Bee is a fever that has caught on and Osun should be amongst the pioneer states that has embraced this. It’s like an annual festival in Lagos, which students look forward to every year, same too should be in Osun. A very healthy environment should be created, where students of middle schools come to slug it out amongst themselves. More incentives should be attached to it like we find in Lagos State, where the winner ends up being ‘a one-day governor’. In the case of Osun, something better should be attached to the first place winner. The joy on the faces of the students could not be hidden under the bushel, as they all radiated delight at the opportunity to compete. However, the remaining 80 students, who could not qualify for the second round, betrayed emotions, when some of them openly wept. What else could you expect from children, who attended such a wonderful competition. The only consolation for them is to participate in another spelling bee competition, hopefully next year, where another chance would be given for them to fully apply the knowledge they have acquired from this year’s edition.
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INTERVIEW
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
Why Omisore Won’t Win Osun Guber, By Ojo Comrade Olalekan Jackson Ojo is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Coordinator of the Yoruba Youth Alliance (YYA). In this interview with CORRESPONDENT Gbenga Faturoti, Ojo condemns the PDP primaries in Osun State and the party’s chances in the forthcoming Osun governorship election among other issues. Excerpts: AS a chieftain of the PDP and National Coordinator of Yoruba Youth Alliance, what is your reaction to the recently concluded PDP primaries in Osun State? The PDP primary that was held on April 5 was a charade and disgraceful. The ward congresses that were supposed to produce the delegates that would vote at the state congress were conducted abnormally, which makes the whole processes laughable. The processes for selection- were at variance with the constitution of our party and the law. The whole exercise was questionable because it was full of illegality and predetermined in favour of a particular person. The State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, even makes things worse. Olaoluwa and Omisore had pocketed the soul of the party. In one word, there was no primary election rather we had selective process and this is not good for our democracy. It won’t help the country to grow. As a nation, we are supposed to have moved beyond where we are now. And I believe that all hands must be on deck to move the nation forward. Do you think the choice of Senator Iyiola Omisore is a threat to the APC-led government in the state? The choice of Senator Iyiola Omisore as the PDP candidate might be a blessing to the party because the best in PDP was not made available and this might force people to do with what is available elsewhere. I heard it on a good authority that some APC members were jubilant at the emergence of Senator Omisore as our party’s governorship standard-bearer. Senator Omisore cannot win the gubernatorial election for PDP in OsunState at all. I have said it several times that I cannot and will not be a member of APC and on that I stand till eternity but if any of the defeated aspirants had emerged, it would have been a different story completely. I respect Senator Omisore as a leader, as a senior or elder brother and I appreciate his achievements in life that is uncommon. But on the political field, I have not seen him as an alternative to Governor Aregbesola. His emergence was a plus for the APC because leopard cannot change its clothes overnight. By the assessment I have made and conducted in the state, Omisore is not a threat to APC in Osun State come August 9. Do you expect fraudulent practices in the polls like in the past? Some people talk of rigging, but it is a known fact that anybody that bothers to rig during the forthcoming governorship election, such a person is seriously looking for mayhem and we will not tolerate it under this dispensation. As a criminologist, I am that nobody can oppress the prepared minded person, and rigging is only possible when people are not determined. Omisore is rich and popular, but not the type of popularity that can win election. Three governorship aspirants have rejected the choice of Omisore as PDP’s flagbearer and call for fresh primaries, what is your take on that? The action of the three governorship aspirants, Hon. Wole Oke, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi and Senator Isiaka Adeleke is highly detrimental to the success PDP would have recorded during the election. The trio have at one time or the other served the people and of course, they enjoy some reasonable followership across the state. Now that they were openly rigged out of the primaries, you nave tactically Chased those supporters away from the party and Omisore enjoys only four local government areas in the state. And whether you like it or not, ethnicity must come to play. If one will quote Andrew Jackson, the former President of America, he said, ‘If I must stand to support merit, I will merit my friends better
•OJO than my enemies.’ If ethnicity must come to play, Omisore should be prepared to lose 26 local government areas while he will divide the remaining four with Senator Jide Omoworare. With Omisore as the PDP candidate in Osun, what are the chances of PDP; do you think the party would unseat Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the APC? I said this sometime ago that the
combination (of parties) that formed APC cannot sustain the party because I know most of the principal players and I know clashes of interest will soon rear its ugly head and an implosion is imminent within the party. Now, the implosion is in the embryonic stage but growing very fat and robust. You see, when people with ego gather together against you, if you are a wise man, just pray
for the spirits of their ego to manifest and you will see them fighting themselves with the entire arsenal they had earlier prepared to fight you. What are the chances of APC in the 2015 Presidential Election? You have all forms of ideological background at the top echelon of the APC and I know they cannot work together. Some were sponsored from another party to go and cause both external and internal eruption and as soon as they achieve this, they go back to their old party. I foresee serious mutilations and PDP will remain stronger. But in some states, APC will win massively; also at the legislative assemblies, APC will increase in numbers though for the presidency, I doubt if the APC would near victory because I foresee imminent implosion. I am not a pessimist but this is my periscopic view. Do you share the opinion that religion should play a prominent factor in the selection of who takes the Presidential slot? Religion and ethnicity is not supposed to be a barrier when choosing our leaders particularly at the national level. But that has been a tool some of our immediate past and present leaders nave satanically designed to use during campaign. I sat with a respected General of the Nigeria Army who is a Muslim and also from the North early this year and I was surprised to see a respected Reverend Father visiting him to pray with him and we had lunch together on the same table. I have travelled to the North several times during Ramadan and after their evening prayer to break their fast we eat together, and I mean the core Muslim leaders. I donate money to churches and mosques as well but our political leaders have manipulated that style and use it during elections. MKO and Alhaji Kingibe were both Muslims but people ignored that and voted for these two great personalities during the aborted June 12, 1993 Presidential elections. Anyway, the issue of Boko Haram is a serious concern to this issue’ of Muslim and Muslim ticket now as nobody trusts one another again. •Culled from Daily Independent
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014
15
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THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014
I read the interview granted by Diran Odeyemi, the big megaphone for Senator Iyiola Omisore the other day. As I ran through his meandering, his slicing and spinning, his squirming and quacking through issues regarding his boss’ ambition to become governor by fire-and-by-force in Osun, it was not difficult for me to conclude that all Diran was trying to do was attempt to repackage the garbage. What Diran may have forgotten is that no matter how much you suit up a pig, it is what it is-a pig. No matter how much you try to repackage the garbage, it is what it is- the garbage. Anything connected to the PDP in Osun State today is malodorous garbage. You can box it up in the best Americanmade briefcase, you can clad it up with the most beautiful Italian gift wrap, and you can even soak it in a French perfume and cologne, the stench will still stink to high heavens. I have asked people close to the Omisore campaign what the man stands for. None of them could tell me. They keep rambling that Omisore is a Doctor, he was a senator, and he helped pay Muyiwa Ige’s tuition when he was in the University. Is that it? That’s not what it takes to become a governor. There are thousands of Osun citizens who hold the PhD degree, there are a handful of people who have been senators, and there are millions among us who help pay people’s tuition every day, and many of them are market women and pure-water sellers. These are not qualifications you strap on to wanting to become a governor. Besides, we know Senator Omisore very, very well!
3. If investors from the Western world are partnering with you based on evidences of quality work you do, not rhetoric and lies, you are a good GOVERNOR.
OSUN PDP 2014: A REPACKAGE OF GARBAGE! BY FOLA OJO in HARTFORD WISCONSIN U.S.A
4. If the state you govern hands out computer tablets to students for free to enhance knowledge that last for as long as you live, you are a good GOVERNOR. 5. When your administration sets up a manufacturing company producing computers, plasma TV, cell-phones and other electronics, and its first-ever in Nigeria where thousands of people will be gainfully employed, you are a good GOVERNOR.
•AREGBESOLA
Let me give you a handful of qualifications that make not just a governor, but a good one who deserves re-election: 1. If 24 out of 38 members of your executive council don’t hold the same religious belief as you do, yet you appoint them based on merit, you are a good GOVERNOR. 2. If in your first 100 days as Governor you take off 20,000 indolent youths from the streets by training and giving them skills that last a lifetime, and then put them in the state workforce with fair remuneration, you are a good GOVERNOR.
6. If your state from the bottom is numbered 34 out of 36 in riches and resources, if your state monthly allocation has been cut in half by spiteful opposition government at the center urged on by its local desperate, clueless ambassadors, and in spite of the deliberate highhanded pauperization scheme you are able to pay your bills and keep your election promises to the people, you are a good GOVERNOR. These and much more has Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, the incumbent governor of the State of Osun done! Who then do we believe, GRABAGE REPACKAGED or a total package of hope and verifiable results? Who do we believe? THIS IS STRAIGHTUP TALK!!!
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: osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.