Osun Defender - August 2nd 2014, Edition

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014

As August 9 draws closer by the day we must continue to remind the electorate in our dear state of their responsibiliies; the need to vote right and to jealously guard their votes. To use the power of our

VOL. 9. NO.092

Front Page Comment Compatriots, Jealously Guard Your Votes! thumb to vote for continuity - as the state cannot afford to do away with the level of unprecedented development

going on in the state since the inception of Ogbeni Aregbesola's administration - is our first major

responsi bility as responsible citizens of our state. Of course we are not in doubt that the votes of our people will be for Ogbeni Aregbesola who has done the state much good.

Continue on pg5

Who Killed Chief Bola Ige, formerAttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice?

N50

IGE

Osun August 9 Governorship Election:

5,000 DSS Operatives Lay Siege To Osun - See Story On Page 2

•As Armed Masked Officials Shoot Sporadically In Siren-blaring Vehicles In Osogbo, Iwo PDP Chief - Pg 2

•Some of the officials of the Department of State Service (DSS) deployed to State of Osun during a road show to intimidate Osun residents in Osogbo last Wednesday.

Reveals How Osun Election ‘ll Be Rigged Osun Residents Defy SSS Gun - Pg 2 Shot Threats Osun 2014: DSS’ Show Of Force Is Needless - Pg 2 - Speaker

Opinion Poll Scores Aregbesola 69 Per Cent Winning Chance •Omisore Polls 24 Per Cent

- See Story On Page 3

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Osun Election: 5,000 DSS Operatives Lay Siege To Osun •As Armed Mask Officials Shoot Sporadically In Siren-blaring Vehicles In Osogbo, Iwo

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ANIC initially gripped residents of the State of Osun on Wednesday, when operatives of the Department of Security Service (DSS) in about 50 Toyota pickup vehicles suddenly started firing into the air, as their convoy rode through Osogbo, on their arrival in the state capital.

The officials, no fewer than gunshots into the air, thereby 5,000, some of whom wore causing fear among residents masks, were fully armed and and road users. were conveyed round Osogbo Dressed in black T-shirts, in the siren-blaring vehicles. black trousers with caps and They were also sighted in fully armed, the officials drove Iwo and surrounding from their office along communities of Osogbo.

Gbongan-Osogbo Road OSUN DEFENDER through Olaiya Junction to observed that some of the Oke-Fia. operatives, who sat on the A source however disclosed roof-tops of the vehicles, fired to the medium that the

By OUR REPORTER operatives were deployed from Abuja, the seat of the Federal Government.

Motorists and commercial motorcycle riders hurriedly parked their vehicles, while the armed officials took over the roads and just as pedestrians also abandoned the roads for the arms-wielding security men.

The Director of the DSS in the State of Osun, Mr. Andrew Iorkyar, when contacted by the medium on the telephone, said that the officials were deployed to the state for the purpose of

the August 9, 2014 governorship election.

He said: “They are our men.

They are patrolling round to familiarise themselves with the terrain. They are in the state to protect law-abiding people.

They are not deployed to terrorise anybody.

“You know that there are allegations and counterallegations of stock-piling or arms by some politicians. We don’t want any breakdown of law and order. So, our men are

in the state to ensure peace.”

Asked why the officials were shooting into the air, Iorkyar said he was not aware of that and he promised to find out.

He urged the people of the state not to hesitate to make useful information available to the service.

The Special Adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Security Matters, Mr. Amos Adekunle, when contacted on telephone by our reporter condemned the incident, describing it as intimidation.

Osun 2014: DSS’ Show Of Force Is Needless - Speaker

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

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PEAKER, State House of Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has described the “show of force” displayed by the men of Department of State Security (DSS) in Osogbo on Wednesday as needless and uncalled for.

In a statement signed by than resulting to his Press Secretary, Mr. intimidation of the people, Goke Butika, the Speaker the DSS operatives should said the state, which has put their ears on ground already been known for and unveil those who are peace since the present planning evil before, during administration came into and after the governorship power, should not be thrown election, by gathering into intimidation ground. intelligence and working The DSS operatives had quietly in all nooks and stormed Osogbo on crannies of the state.

Wednesday, in thousands According to him, Osun, and shooting sporadically under the leadership of into the air.

Aregbesola, has warded off The Speaker said rather robbers, who seized the

state by the jugular before he assumed office and equipped security agencies for rapid response, making the state the safest in the federation, cautioning that the operatives should not return the state to the past era of brigandage by their actions.

“The DSS officials should put their ears on ground and unveil those who are planning evil before, during and after the governorship election.

“This, he said, they should do by gathering intelligence and working quietly in all nooks and crannies of the state instead of embarking on an act of

intimidation capable of dragging the electorate into unwarranted apathy.

“Our people had been sufficiently enlightened to see all security operatives as their friends, who are in the state to ensure their safety, but shooting into n air sporadically without any justifiable reason, except to mark a loud presence in the state, would send a wrong signal to the people and it is obvious that nothing could be achieved in an atmosphere of hostility,” he added.

He then saluted the people for conducting themselves calmly while the “show of intimidation” lasted, urging the people in all cities, towns and settlements to be peaceful

in the face of intimidation and continue to see security operatives as their friends and fellow citizens.

Speaker Salaam also admonished the people to ignore any threat or show of force during the forthcoming election, saying that people should realize that their collective destiny is at stake and that it would not be out of place to endure any man-made principality within the remaining stipulated period of electioneering.

He insisted that the duty of the security operatives is to protect voters and their votes, saying that the electorate should not entertain any fear.

Some residents, who spoke to our reporter, condemned the shooting, saying it was not necessary, because there was no crisis to warrant it.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) described the shooting as a ploy to scare voters away from coming out to vote.

The party Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, who spoke with one OSUN DEFENDER on telephone, said the incident was totally uncalled for, adding that it initially left people running helter-skelter.

Oyatomi, who also issued a statement on the development, asked the people not to be intimidated by the security men presence in the state.

He said: “The incident was unwarranted because there was no riot. They came from Abere end; they passed though Olosan to Olaiya and Oke-Fia thence to Ilobu. They would move a few metres and opened fire. People began to run helterskelter.

“If this is how the Peoples Democratic Party thinks it would capture Osun, they are joking because the people’s wish can never be subverted.

“No citizens should be scared or should run away when they see and or hear gunshots from security people because they have committed no crime. People should go about their businesses and ignore them.

“A country in which the security operatives are the ones doing what we are experiencing to citizens in Osun, calls for the gravest concern,” Oyatomi stressed.

Jonathan’s Visit: Reign Of Terror In Osun

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

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HEAD of the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to campaign for the PDP candidate in the August 9 governorship election in the state, officers of the Directorate of the State Security Service (DSS) dressed with masks have begun to unleash terror on residents of the state capital, Osogbo.

OSUN DEFENDER PDP candidate, Senator observed that the security Iyiola Omisore.

Initially at their arrival, personnel, arrived the state since Monday in the security personnel anticipation of the arrival of moved around the town their siren the President, who is blowing but on scheduled to come and lead peacefully, the final campaign of the Wednesday, they went

Osun Residents Defy SSS Gun Shot Threats

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

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EAVY presence of men of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) is now in Osun ahead of the August 9, 2014 gubernatorial poll.

However, the unusually would not be intimidated by the heavy presence seems to have masked men. angered most residents, who The open display of force expressed their feelings at the started from the state office of open display of weapons the DSS in the evening on without any sign of provocation Wednesday, as a long convoy, comprising about 50 vehicles, by the residents.

Residents claimed they snaked through the ever-busy Road, started noticing the heavy Gbongan-Ibadan presence of the DSS operatives shooting intermittently.

At the Oke-Fia Area of the from Tuesday as about 70 white Toyota Hilux vans and Peugeot city, OSUN DEFENDER Boxer Coaster buses, filled with gathered that several bullets gun-wielding DSS men, cruised were fired into the air, as the round the state capital, Osogbo long convoy of the men in black and many other parts of the uniform drove through the towns. state.

An official of one of the Residents started discussing banks located at the the development in hushed commercial Oke-Fia Roundabouts in tones from Tuesday, as many Osogbo said the activities of the looked at the masked men with men of the DSS was creating a disdain. lot of panic, adding that the However, by Wednesday, Federal Government would be when gun shots rented the air in doing a lot of damage to the many parts of the state, sending country’s already-tensed many people scampering for situation by shattering the safety, many of the residents peace the State of Osun had later came out saying they enjoyed in the past four years.

haywire while on their usual patrol of the state capital, and began shooting sporadically into the air.

The team stopped their vehicles at Ogo-Oluwa area in front of the APC secretariat and began to shoot into the air without any cogent reason, as the area was calm as usual when they got there.

After displaying their might for about five minutes, the team moved towards Oke-Fia roundabout in the state capital, shooting into the air and scaring traders at Alekunwodo Market, but on getting to Oke-Fia, the people rather than being scared, chorused APC! APC!! APC!!!

Similarly, the team moved towards Ajegunle area, where some shop owners and residents rushed to the road bearing brooms and chorusing APC! Change!

The story was the same along stadium road, where some residents, rather than run at the sight of the heavily armed DSS officers, moved to the road side and shouted on top of their voices, APC! APC!! APC!!!

Some of the residents, who spoke with the medium under the condition of anonymity, said the security operatives went too far to go round the capital of the state, shooting into the air, when there was no problem of any sort.

According to one of the sources, the state is not at war, and I think the security personnel know where they are much needed than here.

Some children are still in captivity and our DSS officers are here, shooting into the air in a crisis-free environment.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Opinion Poll Scores Aregbesola 69 Per Cent Winning Chance •Omisore Polls 24 Per Cent

By OUR REPORTER

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HE result of an opinion poll on the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the State of Osun by a Lagos-based research and marketing firm, TNSRMS, which office was cordoned off by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) last week has eventually leaked, with Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, having 69 per cent chance of winning the election.

The result of the poll Labour Party (LP) candidate, showed that the Peoples Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Democratic Party (PDP) scored four per cent, giving candidate, Senator Iyiola him the third position.

Omisore, is rated in the TNM-RMS is an affiliate second position, by polling of Gallop Poll, the most 24 per cent, while the recognized poll agency in

the world and the company was hired to carry out the survey on the Osun election.

SSS operatives had, last week, invaded and cordoned off the TNS-RMS office in Ojodu, Lagos on the “order from above” and top officials of the company were whisked away by the operatives, just as computers and other documents relating to the poll were also carted away to SSS office at Sangisha

area of Lagos.

One of the operatives, who pleaded anonymity, had revealed that the invasion was aimed at preventing the release of the result of the opinion poll conducted on the coming election in the State of Osun, which favoured Aregbesola.

However, the breakdown of the result of the poll showed that Aregbesola scored 69 per cent with 785 votes; Omisore had 24 per cent with 272 votes, while Akinbade scored four per

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (arrowed), acknowledging cheers from his supporters at OlaPhoto: GBENGA ADENIYI. Iya , Osogbo, last Wednesday.

cent with 43 votes.

Also, Ganiyu Abiodun Lawal of PPA scored one per cent with nine votes; Adeoye Adeyinka of Action Alliance (AA) scored one per cent with six votes, while other candidates had zero per cent each in the result of the poll.

In related development, the Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, State of Osun, has blown open what it described as “ lid off another in the series of falsehood being spread by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Iyiola Omisore, that a survey conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) put him ahead of the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

A Short Message being circulated on telephones and the social media claimed that the USAID had conducted a pre-election survey, which favoured Omisore.

A statement issued by the Director of the Bureau, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, stated that the latest claim coming from the PDP represents another fraudulent claim aimed at gaining undeserved advantage.

The purported short

PDP Chief Reveals How Osun Election ‘ll Be Rigged Efforts are being made to also that not less that N6.2 billion HE All Progressives Congress has alleged that in ‘a moment of mad arrogance’, the Peoples Democratic compromise the leadership of has been released to Omisore.

Party (PDP) has revealed how the Presidency, INEC, Christian Association of Nigeria To crown the revelations, the the Police and the Army will work together to rig Osun (CAN) in the State of Osun.

PDP chairman was alleged to Continuing his startling have said that President governorship election on August 9. revelation, the PDP chairman in According to the APC, “the his ward;’ and that PDP is a most unguarded display of Goodluck Jonathan is only result of the August 9 election making serious efforts to arrogance and power said, “the waiting for Osun result to is already known to the PDP penetrate Muslim leadership Presidency, Senate led by David pronounce his second coming’.

The APC however said that and the secret was let out of the with large sum of cash, which Mark and PDP governors bag by the Chairman of the PDP will be donated by Kasamu promised to open their vaults the only way the PDP can rig the election is for INEC to buy in Ekiti State, in what the party Buruji from Ogun State.” to fund” the rigging exercise of into this plan. described as a ‘strange moment The amount PDP has Osun votes.

“Indeed”, the party said, “we of mad arrogance’, when the earmarked for distribution to As at today, it was gathered already have strategic chairman allegedly boasted to Muslim leaders is N1 billion. close friends in Ekiti that ‘PDP victory in Osun was a ‘foregone conclusion’.

Some of the teachers, who The credible source, who was

By SOLA JACOBS spoke under anonymity, said one of the friends of the Ekiti ECONDARY school pupils in Ile-Ife have commended the state government gesture PDP chairman, quoted him as the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for the would not only save the lives saying that ‘any running up and provision of Omoluwabi buses to aid mobility to their of the students from careless down by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to avoid defeat is an respective schools in the ancient city. drivers and commercial exercise in futility’.

The medium, which visited The pupils also commended motorcycle operators, but will The PDP Chairman further the State School of Science on the patience of the bus drivers as well aid their early arrival in disclosed that ‘Osun masses Monday, spoke with some of and the conductors, as they the respective schools and also would be jolted and embarrassed the pupils, who boarded the described them as being reduce truancy in schools. a few days to the election when newly-distributed buses to student-friendly in their Parents were not left out as the Army and Police would their respective schools; they conduct. they too savour the joy the unleash militia, dressed in full said they were elated by the combat uniform and armed to state government action. the teeth, would suddenly According to one Adebola appear all over the state.

Elubode, the state government

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN The PDP chairman further action will help them to get to disclosed that ‘as the militia school on time, as well as help HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun Council, intimidate citizens on hand, the them to concentrate on their in collaboration with all the broadcasting stations in Assistant Inspector General of studies. the state has concluded arrangements for live Police in the zone and his aides, Another respondent, the Police Minister, Jelili Mukaila Jimoh, said the state transmission of a debate for six of the governorship Adesiyan, the Minister of the government’s gesture will candidates in the next week’s gubernatorial election.

A statement by the Honourable Niyi Owolade of State for Defence, Musiliu reduce financial burden on their Obanikoro, Alhaji Adamu parents, since some of them Chairman of NUJ, Mr. Accord Party, Senator Muazu, PDP National spent over N200 daily on Abiodun Olalere and Sunday Fajinmi of Alliance Secretary, Bamigbola for Democracy, Ogbeni Rauf Chairman and Omisore himself, transportation.

Gbolagunte, indicated that Aregbesola of All would be on a close patrol from Fatunmise Adeola stated the debate will hold on Progressives Congress, the air and on ground of all that the provision of the bus th Monday 4 August, 2014 at Alhaji Fatai Akinbade of polling units to ensure that nothing goes wrong. ‘That was for the students would save White Plain Suites and Labour Party, Senator Iyiola from incessant Tower, Gbongan Road, Omisore of Peoples how we won Ekiti; we will them Democratic Party and Mr. repeat it in Osun, the chairman motorcycle accidents, which Osogbo at 3.30pm. had claimed lives of many of The six governorship Segun Akinwusi of Social said.

According to him, “the PDP the pupils, especially those of candidates that have been Democratic Party.

The statement expressed will capture Ijesa axis from them who had their schools duly-invited, according to belief that the Rauf, in the same style they situated along the major the statement, for the two- the highways. hour live broadcast are governorship candidates made Fayemi in Ekiti to lose in

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information to that effect; and from what INEC is doing thus far about the permanent voters’ cards, including its sudden bold face on the card reader and the former electoral commissioner in the state, Professor Attahiru Jega’s integrity has already suffered a knock-out blow’.

“INEC may have been sucked-in, in PDP’s plans and they must be ready for genocide and the consequences of their evil plot, the APC said.

Pupils In Ile-Ife Commend Aregbesola Over Omoluwabi Bus

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Ogbeni Aregbesola’s administration had brought to them and their wards.

Mrs Adetorera Olaobaju, a plank seller at the plank market along Ondo road, said Ogbeni Aregbesola had not only reduced the financial burden off the parents’ shoulders, but for the convenience the bus has brought to the parents as well.

NUJ Organises Gov Debate

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would turn up punctually for the programme, which would afford them the opportunity to once again sell their party’s manifestoes to the people of the state in particular and the country in general.

The statement indicated that the programme is not a political rally, as only those with invitation cards that would be made available to the candidates, would be allowed into the venue of the event and advised the people of the state to watch and listen to the debate on their television and radio sets.

message, according to Okanlawon, reads thus: “USAID opinion poll conducted across the state between 12-21, July put your honour ahead PDP, 58 per cent APC 42 per cent. Such poll may have two or three error margin.”

Okanlwon, who dismissed the report as dubious claim of a poll by the USAID, said that the alleged poll result is the manifestation of the falsehood for which the PDP and its candidate are well noted.

He said: “Credible information at our disposal shows that the PDP candidate in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the state has been going about with false claim that an opinion poll conducted

by USAID favours him leading the pack of candidates.

“We can say authoritatively that no poll of such was ever conducted by the USAID. The PDP and Omisore are hereby challenged to come forward and show the world evidence of the survey.

“The USAID is a United States federal agency that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and does not dabble into politics of its host country.

“We want to put it on record and make bold to say it that Omisore cannot come second to Aregbesola in a fair and credible opinion poll in Osun.

“The aim of Omisore’s unscrupulous claim is calculated to prepare a soft landing for a planned rigging of the election.

“Neither the result of a free and fair election or survey will ever place Omisore as a runner up to Aregbesola, hence Omisore’s resort to fabrication of lies using local and international agencies to gain undeserved credibility,” Okanlawon said Okanlawon reminded the people of Osun in particular and Nigerians in general that the whole structure of Omisore campaigns is premised on fabrication of lies, saying his claims that he wrote the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) over the Tablets of Knowledge (Opon Imo) has not been proved.

He said: “Lying comes to Omisore so easily. Recently, he claimed to have written the UNESCO and the British government over his own poor knowledge of Opon Imo. We have challenged Omisore to show the world copies of his letters. Mum has been the word from this habitual liar.

“We have said severally that when a candidate aspiring for a position of responsibilities, such as that of governorship, displays this kind of huge integrity deficit, the society suffers serious setback should there be an error to allow them into power.

“For once, Omisore needs to spare the people of Osun the oddity of his fabrications and prepare for his impending humiliation at the poll come August 9, 2014,” Okanlawon stressed.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Osun Election: Adeyeye Denies Call For Postponement Of Poll

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN HE Chairman, State Campaign Committee for the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Professor Sola Adeyeye, has denied the reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was calling for the postponement of the coming August 9 governorship election in the state.

According to Adeyeye, should postpone the the APC only called on the election.

Independent National He said: “My party did Electoral Commission not call for postponement (INEC) to make sure that all of the election. What my materials needed to party said was that if INEC conduct free, fair and does not have all the credible gubernatorial materials that are needed to election are completed conduct a free, fair and before the election time. credible election in Osun, let Speaking with OSUN them postpone it.

DEFENDER in an interview “Some of you would on Thursday, in Osogbo, remember that in 2011, the Adeyeye said if the election first election had gone for materials are incomplete, few hours and we got which would negate announcement that the credible poll, the INEC election had been

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postponed. What you may not know is that it was we in Osun that forced it. It was because when we saw many polling booths, where people were about to be disenfranchised, and we said no, this is not an election.

“When we saw that the voting process was nothing fair; nothing truthful, nothing credible, nothing free, we cried and we thank God that Jega listened to the voice of the people. It is the same reason we are applying to again.”

The campaign chairman added: “Let INEC bring all the materials; bring all the ballot papers that are needed in each polling booth, bring recording

papers that are needed in each polling booth, bring ink pad that are needed in each polling booth, bring supervising agents that are neutral in each polling booth. If they do that, APC is ready any day they call for election.

“But if those things are not in place, the election cannot be said to be a reflection of the sovereignty of the people to choose who govern them.

Therefore, we say it is better to postpone than to hold an election that is not credible.”

Adeyeye, who is the senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, said the APC does not want an

inconclusive election like that of Anambra State, where INEC deployed insufficient election materials, which discredited the poll.

He maintained that Governor Rauf Aregbesola enjoys overwhelming support of the electorate, who are ready anytime, any day to vote for and elect him for a second term in office.

The senator stated that no Jupiter and no amount of intimidation could stop the people from re-electing Aregbesola, saying that the governor is the most popular and acceptable candidate in the state.

Adeyeye then called on the electorate not to be intimidated nor dissuaded by the presence of security personnel in the state before and during the election, stating that they security agents could not

arrest them in as much they are law-abiding.

He also called on the security agents to be objective and God-fearing in the discharge of their duties during the election period, and that they should not allow themselves to be used by politicians, who want to foist themselves on the people of the state.

“We believe that police should belong to the people, and we are not even afraid of the presence of the military during the election.

If the military would come and maintain law and order, they are welcomed.

“If on the other hand they will go and put fake uniforms on some people, so that they will use them to terrorize our people, we will not be in support of that.

Our prayer is that the police and the military will do what is right and curb violence on each side,” he stressed.

Ataoja Donates Ramadan Items To Osogbo Muslims

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

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•Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Najeem Salaam (middle); Olu of Songbe, Oba Kamil Ojetoye and other Muslim faithful during the Eid-El-Fitri prayer at Songbe Praying Ground in Ejigbo Local Government Council Area on Monday.

Diaspora Group Lauds Aregbesola’s Achievements

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

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group of internationally networked accomplished businessmen and professionals, Omoluabi in Diaspora, has lent its voice to the support being received by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun for his second term bid.

The group said its support for Aregbesola was as a result of his “groundbreaking achievements and his impeccable track record” in the transformation of the state.

In a statement, the group said it had embarked on a tour to all the major towns and villages in the state, including Osogbo, Ila-Orangun, Ile-Ife, Ede, Ilesa, Gbongan, Ikire and Iwo among others and established that various life-changing projects have been executed by A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration.

The group noted that it has observed that the d e v e l o p m e n t a l programmes and policies of the governor have enthroned a new social order to restore the dignity of an average resident of the state.

“This group has embarked on a tour of major cities, towns and villages of the state for an on-the-spot assessment of the administration’s giant stride, characterised by life-changing projects, programmes and plans, wih a view to enthroning a new social order to restore the dignity of an average Osun citizen.

“The review of the outcome of the tour has established that the present government in Osun has achieved a lot in all sectors of governance.

“We are very impressed with the ground-breaking achievements of the governor and his impeccable track record in the transformation of the state through the catalogue of people-oriented programmes and policies.

“As development partners, the group is of the belief that good

g o v e r n a n c e , accountability, and transparency have been severally displayed in the running of the state”, it stressed.

The group then declared

that it decided to give credence to the support for the governor, because of its confidence in him due to his vision and strong belief in the transformation of the state.

HE Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunki Olanipekun, Larooye II, has described the month of Ramadan as a period of sober reflection, self-denial and commitment to the will of Allah.

The monarch also described Osogboland.

According to him, the aim it as a sacred month in which prayers are easily accepted and was to cushion the effect of speedily answered by the Ramadan fasting for the Almighty Allah and urged all Muslims and as part of his Muslims to consider contribution for the promotion subsequent Ramadan as an of Islamic religion in extension of divine Osogboland. benevolence to liberate “The gesture was a mankind from social, economic demonstration of my love for and spiritual bondage.

Islam and it has become an Oba Jimoh Olanipekun imperative towards meeting the made this observation during yearnings and aspirations of the recent end of Ramadan Muslims in the town.” lecture for Osogbo Community He also added that the same at his palace. gesture would be given to He used the occasion to sue traditionalists and Christians for religious tolerance, peace during their own festivals. and unity among all adherents The recipients expressed of the three major religions in Osogboland and implored the delight with the kind gesture clergymen in attendance to and termed it as a commitment pray for the coming August 9, towards promoting religious 2014 gubernatorial election in activities in the town.

Oba Jimoh Olanipekun was the State of Osun to be violence-free, fair, credible and described as one of the pillars of religion in the land and the peaceful.

The royal father later first Ataoja to organise donated items worth millions Ramadan lecture on his own of Naira to the people of personal volition.

Osun Govt Distributes 500 Motorcycles To Commercial Okada Riders

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI O banish poverty and hunger in the state, the Government of the State of Osun, on Wednesday, distributed 500 motorcycles worth N57.5million to commercial motorcycle riders, known as Okada riders in the state.

Governor Rauf form one body to be known Aregbesola, during the as “Osun Okada Riders’ distribution at Nelson Association,” saying it is Mandela Freedom Park, the only way which by they Osogbo, said the can enjoy more benefits distribution was part of his from the government. government’s effort to He explained that each empower the people and rider that would be given a boost the economy of the motorcycle would be state. expected to make a daily Aregbesola said he would payment of N500 to an continue to make life better account at Sterling Bank till for the people of the state, they complete the amount as already mapped out in the for each motorcycle without six-point integral action plan interest. before assuming office.

This, according to the The governor urged the governor, will enable their different factions of the association to buy more commercial motorcycle motorcycles for other riders to come together and members, who may not

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benefit in the first batch of the distribution.

He also urged electorate in the state to be law-abiding before, during and after the August 9, 2014 election, stressing that they should not feel intimidated by the presence of security personnel in the state, as they have only been deployed to the state to maintain peace during the forthcoming election.

Aregbesola also charged the people to troop out enmass on election day to perform their civic duties and called on the people to ensure that they monitor their votes to make it count.

Also speaking, the state Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Gboyega Famoodun, stated that it was in recognition of the efforts of the commercial motorcycle riders towards economic growth that the

state government decided to embark on the project.

He enjoined them to continue to be law-abiding and disciplined, while doing their job.

In their separate remarks, the leadership of the various associations under the aegis of “ACCOMORAN, MUTUM and ANACOWAMA” led by their Chairmen, Prince Olu Agunsoye, Comrade Gbemiga Ajenifuja and Comrade Jimoh Rasheed respectively, all expressed appreciation to the governor for the gesture, which they said will go a long way in alleviating poverty in the state.

The programme was attended by thousands of excited commercial motorcycle riders popularly called “Okada” who thronged the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park for the event.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Compatriots, Jealously Guard Your Votes!

Continued from pg1 But to guard our votes jealously could even be said to be more important than casting our votes. This is in view of the desperation of the far from being democratic Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial 'wannabe' in the state, Iyiola Omisore Mr. 'Money miss road', to coast home victory in the coming election. Thus while it's important to give our votes to Ogbeni, it's even more important to jealously guard our votes. This is what we need to do to ensure that the PDP doesn't succeed in its evil machinations.

Already there are threats of violence from the party on members of the ruling party, APC as they (PDP) are threatening fire against APC members. Going by their antecedent violence and rigging are their stock-in-trade. And since there is no hope for them of winning the coming election through 'One man One vote' then their hope lies in repeating what they know how to do best.

Another way through which the PDP is hoping to claim victory is by throwing money and other valuable gifts out to entice voters to sell their votes. In this regard the handwrit-

ing had for long appeared on the wall. With the distribution of kerosene to their members and some members of the public which started last year their journey to entice voters with the aim of buying their votes started.

This stratagem rather than strategy, being viciously employed by the PDP in the state of Osun, is what we see as 'jeun s'iku' should citizens get swayed by it. 'Jeun s'iku' literally means 'eat and die' or 'eat the food that will lead you to your grave'. The money and other forms of gift which the PDP and Iyiola Omisore rely on to buy citizens' votes are nothing but 'Greek gift' and 'blood money' and collecting them to do their biding means doing so at one's peril. It simply means sending our state back to the preAregbesola era; backwater of development. May God forbid!

But it's not enough to pray to God to forbid evil things. We the citizens must also not use our own hands to bring evil things on our heads. To collect PDP's blood money to sell our conscience in the coming election will be tantamount to 'jeun s'iku' the consequence of which will be dire for our state. Of course the citizens can collect the gift of money and other gifts the PDP is ready to offer them but they must not do so to do their bidding.

The votes in the coming election are for Ogbeni Aregbesola who has

raised the bar of good and responsible governance in the state and should never go to any other party let alone the PDP. The PDP and Iyiola Omisore are free to go about to throw carrot to the people in their desperation to capture the conscience of voters but never should the voters allow their conscience to be captured by these unscrupulous elements who have nothing to offer our state. The PDP has been in power for close to eight years here without any positive thing to show for it. All it had to show for its eight years of misrule are purely negative; violence, hunger, unemployment, collapsed school system, bad roads and general under-development across the state.

And on the part of the party's candidate, 'Mr. Money miss road' himself, he too had nothing positive to show for representing the state at the highest legislative body of this country even as he held a juicy position in the Senate, being Chairman Appropriation Committee for four years. Rather than serving the people and made positive impact in their lives he was only there to serve his own pocket. So in what way are they - both the PDP and Omisore going to effect any meaningful change in the life of the state as they are shouting around?

responsible citizens of our state who have enjoyed dividends of democracy in unprecedented term under the able and visionary leadership of Ogbeni Aregbesola will not waste their votes. We are sure they are not going to sell their conscience. We believe fervently that their votes will be for Aregbesola

as they are not ready to 'jeun s'iku'. However,as we said above it's one thing to vote, the next important task before them come election day after voting is for them to protect their votes.

Our people must guard their votes jealously so that these visionless elements who rely on vote stealing like they did in 2007 and who have nothing to offer the state and its people don't succeed in their fraudulent and evil plans. For them not to succeed the ball is in the court of the people. Our responsibilities are clear; to vote and to protect our votes. These are what we must do to ensure the return of the Aregbesola-led progressive government that has done so well for our state.

We know that the virtuous and

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6

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Osun: Crushing The Jonathan Siege “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them a desire, a dream, a vision.” - Cassius Marcellus Clay.

NDIVIDUAL interpretations I notwithstanding, elections are generally regarded as contests. The United States of America’s quadrennial election of 1876, which eventually led to the Compromise of 1877, through Kenya’s “tribalism-marked” election of 2007, to Zimbabwe’s “deeply flawed” presidential contest of 2008, even, Venezuela’s “decisive” election of 2012, among numerous others, all point to the fact that, Nigeria as an indivisible part of the Global Village cannot be said to be indifferent to the dynamics of its global villageness.

As a matter of fact, anyone who has read the book, ‘Why Nations Fail’ by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson would readily admit that there’s clearly more to the gubernatorial election which returned Ayodele Fayose as GovernorElect than meets the eye. Aside any other reasons already in circulation for the sad event of June 21, 2014, I have personally described the quintessential Governor Kayode Fayemi as the (Governor Babatunde) Fasola of Ekiti State. The question then is: if the Fasola in Fayemi did so well - and, he did very well - in Ekiti, why then did he lose the election by such a wide margin? In my considered opinion, the answer is simple: the Bola Tinubu of Ekiti politics was conspicuously absent; and the Lamidi Adedibu, the Azeez Arisekola Alao and the Olusola Saraki of Ekiti politics were either dead, incompetent, unrecognized, uncommitted; not empowered, or simply gone into self-imposed exile, thereby leaving the stage for the pro-masses-yetintegrity-deficient Fayose with such a landslide.

Some people tagged it “stomach infrastructure”; I’d rather refer to it as the “PDP abracadabra”: the more you look, the less you see!” Till date, I have continued to ponder what went so wrong and how things went so bad that none of Fayemi’s men of political “timbre and caliber” was able to deliver his local government to the ruling party.

Too bad! Fayose won the election the usual People’s Democratic Party, PDPway and the Umbllera went gaga, thinking that all elections would go the way of Ekiti! Anyway, as one Nigerian privileged with witnessing the Ekiti saga, what happened as well as what did not happen during governorship election are issues for another day!

Goodbye Ekiti, the Fountain of Knowledge! Welcome Osun, the Land of a Virtue! In less than two weeks, precisely, on August 9, 2014, residents of the state will go to the polls to elect the governor who’ll run the affairs of the state for the next four years. And, as a respected political leader once remarked, with the way this “mere geographical expression” is constitutionally structured, in any of the country’s 36 states, after God, the next person is the governor. Little wonder why every Tom, Dick or Harry wants to grab power at all costs! What more?

With Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s sitting Khalifa, unwilling to let go of power; and, with the North scheming with unparalleled crudity to take back the power it “willingly conceded to the South”, the ruling party at the centre is indeed desperate in its bid to capture the

•AREGBESOLA

By ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

Southwest in order to make up for any shortcomings that may come its way from the Northern part of the country during next year’s general elections.

“The journey is the reward”, said the Chinese Proverb. In other words, it is a settled case that Rauf Aregbesola, the sitting governor, has simplified the art of governance and has laid the foundation for modern welfare in the state. Apart from some of his achievements which have been comprehensively articulated by respected commentators, the governor has also surpassed the people’s expectations in other areas. For example, his First Term in office witnessed the establishment of the Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QIIP) - to deal with small-scale farmers on a cooperative basis; and Osun Debt Management Office - to centrally coordinating the management of the state’s debt. 185 Km Oyo Boundary (Asejire) to Osun-Ondo Boundary (Owena) was beautified; super highways to connect Osun to Lagos and Osun to Kwara States were built; and Freedom Park, the first of its kind in the history of the state, was constructed.

Aregbesola’s administration also saw to the payment of salaries to old age people (referred to as Agba Osun). Not that alone, over 3,000 permanent teachers were employed into the state’s Education Sector while 339 university graduates were recruited into Osun State Civil Service. Even, as we speak, there are free rail services to all indigenes of the state living in Lagos State; and 61 township roads covering128km are being upgraded all over the state.

Albert Einstein describes politics as being more complicated than science. He was right! Politics is all about issues. It is about morality and credibility. It is about loyalty to the country, not to any particular individual, however strong,

powerful or connected. Politics is about leadership; and leadership leads to good governance. It is all about the presence of the rule of law, not abuse of authority or the practice of nepotism. It is transparent, accountable, consensusdriven and predicated on the fundamentals of equity, efficiency, responsiveness and effectiveness.

Intrigues of power-play! Physical demonstration of incompetence! Twists of tension and turns of pretension! In our very eyes, politics has gone beyond being the survival of the fittest to the exclusive preserve of the horrid and the bucolic. Added to this is a blend of “dumb horse-traders” and “perpetual complainants who do nothing about their complaints apart from moaning and moping.” In the midst of these, terrorists continue to torment us but, as far as our president is concerned, once political ‘Skelewu’ is on course, all other issues of statecraft can even go to blazes!

Hmnnn! Though leadership is about a leader’s ability to match words with action, in Nigeria, it is a different ballgame entirely! Here, it is about men with no “proud history of radical measures” lording it over a hapless populace. For instance, once our president promised Nigerians that, by April 2014, Boko Haram menace would “be a thing of the past.” Now, not insurgents but innocent Nigerians are being sent to early graves.

No thanks to Boko-bombs.

Casual politicians and political casualty: strangely related! For instance, PDP had no better candidate as its flagbearer for Ekiti governorship election than Fayose, the man on whose neck two murder cases in addition to a lawful impeachment were hanging.

In Osun, Iyiola Omisore, the man suspected of masterminding the death of Bola Ige, then serving Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, is being offered for election.

Granted that he’s been acquitted by

the law court and that his impeachment as Deputy Governor of Osun State has survived the constitutionally-stipulated moratorium of ten years, yet, unanswered questions on Ige’s death, coupled with his election as senator in questionable circumstances no doubt speaks volume of how bad things have gone in the country. Sad that a Minister of Justice could not get justice, even in his country!

In Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, another ‘I-have-learnt-my-lessons’ character seems favoured by the president while ‘go back and sin no more’ steps are already at an advanced stage to cleanse and present Muhammed Abacha as Kano State’s PDP governorship candidate. In Lagos State, an appointment by proxy has already been offered Bode George while Diepreye Alamieseigha, President Jonathan’s former boss, now, his god(the)-father, has been pardoned of corruption charges and he is on his way to the senate.

In the words of Bear Bryant, “It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference” August 9, 2014 is no doubt a day of decision for Osun and its people. It is a day of choice between the principalities of darkness and the powers of light; between the twists of fury and the tears of joy. Even with the presidential threat of flooding the state with twice the number of security officers that were deployed to Ekiti, it remains the day when the foundation of falsehood shall become so badly thrashed that it’ll become permanently consigned to the dustbin of history.

The story of David and Goliath taught us a lesson about “facing giant problems by seeing them from God’s point of view.” The Bible also taught us that the God who made it possible for “a seah of the finest flour to sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria” (2 Kings 7:1-7:17) was the God who sent “*the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now” (Exodus 9:18). He it was who sent “a man from the land of Benjamin” not only to be anointed ruler over Israel, His people, but also to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines (1Samuel 9:16).

Yes! Osun is not Ekiti and Osun cannot go the way of Ekiti! Reason: in Aregbesola lie both the Fasola and the Tinubu of Osun politics. Oranmiyan, as he is fondly called, is an astute administrator and a political juggernaut who knows his onions. But it doesn’t end there. The electorate must be prepared not only to cast their ballot, they must also be prepared to jealously guard their votes, not forgetting in a hurry what the PDP is known for.

And, because He lives, by this time on August 10, 2014, their Wall of Jericho will have fallen (Joshua 6; Hebrew 11:30); and their Goliath, strong as he may seem, sound or prove to be, will have had his head cut off by our smallbut-mighty David (1 Samuel 17). There and then, shouts and songs of joy and victory will gladden our hearts (Psalm 118:15; 32:7; Deuteronomy 20:1-4); “ for the Egyptians whom” we are seeing today, we “will never see them again forever” (Exodus 14:13-14).

May God save us from ourselves!

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

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8

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Official Launching Of The Farmers Input And Credit Support Programme At The Central Distribution Centre, Aisu, Ede, State Of Osun, Last Wednesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) Director-General, Osun Rural Enterprise And Agricultural Programme (O’ REAP), Dr Charles Akinola; Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirideen Adesola Lawal.

•A cross section of OYES cadets during the programme.

•A cross section of farmers at the event.

•Some of the materials distributed to the farmars at the event.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

PHOTOTALK

9

Commercial Motorcycle Riders (Popularly Known As Okada Riders) Endorsed Governor Rauf Aregbesola For Second Term In Office At Nelson Mandela Freedom Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. Park, Osogbo, Last Wednesday.

•

•(L-R) Chairman, Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria (MTUN), Comrade Gbenga Ajenifuja; Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and State President, Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACCOMORAN), Comrade Rauf Adetunji, during the programme.

•(L-R) Chairman, De Rauf Group, Comrade Amitolu Shittu and State of Osun All Progressive Congress (APC) interim Women leader, Mrs Kudirat Fakokunde, during •A cross section of okada riders at the event. the programme.

• •Some of the free motorcycles distributed to the lucky okada riders by Governor Aregbesola during the programme.

10

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Provided Free Train Ride To Return Osun Indigenes To Lagos After Eid-El-Fitri Celebration Last Tuesday.

•Indigenes and non-indigenes of Osun boarding Omoluabi Free Train Ride offered by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to return to Lagos after this year’s Eid-El-Fitri celebration at RailwayTerminus, Osogbo, State of Osun on Tuesday.

•A cross section of the free train beneficiaries at the train teminus ready to return to their various destinations after the celebration of Eid-El-Fitri festival.

•

•Another cross section of the free train beneficiaries at the Railway Taminus in Osogbo.

11

POLITICS

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Osun Guber: Don’t Allow Another ‘Wild, Wild West’ – Ex-Gov Adeleke Warns Jonathan Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke was the first elected governor of Osun State on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was elected senator under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from where he decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently.

In this interview with RAZAQ HAMIDELE at his Ede home, he warned President Goodluck Jonathan against acts that could invoke sad memories of the political chaos that started in the old Western Region that eventually truncated the First Republic. Excerpts: What value has your defection from PDP added to the APC? Ever since I crossed over from the PDP to APC, what I have seen and what I have heard from my constituency, I am convinced more than ever before that if this election comes tomorrow, and it is free, fair and credible, APC will win about 80 per cent of the total votes.

What then may be the Isiaka Adeleke factor in the August 9 governorship election in the state?

The eye doesn’t see itself except by reflection. And the reflectors are what other people have been saying. My coming into the party has swelled the percentage of voters that would vote for APC. Don’t you see PDP’s picking of Adejare Bello as running mate from your constituency as an attempt to whittle down your influence?

No. The issue of deputy governor would have been a welcome development for our town and local government. But the issue is not far-fetched. Does the deputy governor have a vote? He will just tag along with the governor.

If any discerning mind would look at it, can their governorship candidate win?

The answer is, no. Omisore cannot win election except in Ife East and Central, probably, in a free and fair contest. And people are aware of this in Ede. He is not the only deputy governorship candidate, there are other deputy governorship candidates of all other parties all over the place. So, if the candidate cannot win, it means we don’t have deputy governor. With the benefit of hindsight, I cannot see how picking a deputy governorship candidate can affect the outcome of that election.

Again, all the elections held in Ede are largely dependent on Asiwaju Isiaka Adeleke, that is me. The deputy governorship candidate has never won any election with his name. I have always imposed him on other people. The first election he contested, he was a student and he was disqualified. He was in the National Republican Convention (NRC). He wanted to be a councilor.

Then, after, he wanted to run for chairman of Ede Local Government. He came second. So, the man that came first has to be chairman. He, as a lawyer, I asked him to go to the state House of Assembly and become the Minority Leader under the then Chief Bisi Akande’s administration of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Since he came third, I said he should be vice chairman and the person that came fourth should be secretary. I divided it like that at that time.

After 2003, I pleaded with all of us that he should be allowed to re-contest, because, if he won, he might probably be the Speaker and that was what we wanted.

The current member representing Ede Federal Constituency, Hon Ajagbe was so pissed off saying that was the second time he wanted to contest and I did not allow him to contest. He left the party. Bello became Speaker because he won.

The third time, ex-governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola approached me that he would love to work with him if I allowed him to come back. He assured me he would be Speaker again. I said fine.

The current member representing Ede North in the House of Assembly, Osuwagbemi got angry again that I was

•ADELEKE

imposing Bello on them. He also left the party. We won, Bello became Speaker again. All along, ask anybody in Ede, any party I belong to wins elections up till date.

Are you comfortable with the spate of violence creeping into the state during electioneering?

It is quite unfortunate! I don’t know why. It shouldn’t be do or die affair. That is why I left the party (PDP). It is not that PDP is a bad party because we still have some people who have value for human life. Those who believe in democratic way of doing things.

See what happened to me at a hotel that day. The leader of my attackers was shouting, “shoot him.” If one of them was so overzealous and shot me, that would have been the end. We have seen people attacking each other in Ife. What advice do you have for your supporters in that regard?

I have always told them that, anytime they (PDP members) are holding their rallies and meetings, they should not go there.

On the day of election, everybody will be in his unit. We hope that the security people would be neutral and detached from any party and maintain peace. Even if they have sympathy for any party, they should not show it on the election day.

They must be neutral and detached themselves.

If in an unlikely event that Federal Government directs them to do otherwise, I have told them at the rally that they must learn how to disobey unlawful order. If your superior asks you to arrest somebody, you should ask questions.

What for? What am I going to charge him for? I know in Nigeria they will say that is insubordination and you will be sacked immediately. In normal climes where we have worked before, you can say, “Sir, that is not my order.”

Can what happened in Ekiti State happen in Osun?

No, it cannot happen here. We were caught unawares. I will blame INEC too for that. Yes, because prior to the election, Professor Attahiru Jega came on television that there was going to be coloured, coded ballot papers for each of the local governments. But on the election day, the reverse was the case. The ballot papers used were not coloured-coded. They were all the same. Up till now, he has not come out to tell us why. If he has conscience as a Muslim, and in the spirit of this holy month of Ramadan, he must come out to tell us exactly what happened in Ekiti State.

What preparation is your party making against Ekiti recurrent in Osun?

Every step is being taken to prevent what happened in Ekiti State. Even the UN had come out to say that the processes towards the election were flawed. They allowed some ministers into Ekiti while they debarred governors that were not of the PDP from entering Ekiti.

That was wrong. The militarisation of Ekiti with 36,000 strong team of police and soldiers for God’s sake. That was intimidation.

Then, very early in the morning of the election, many people were disenfranchised. They were picked up,

arrested. And everybody that was arrested was of the APC. None was picked up from the PDP. After the election, they were released with no charges. We must resist that.

I have told my people, if they want to take law into their hand, let us take law into our hand too. If they pick up five from our side, pick up five from their side too and let us see how it goes. I hope not, because the way things are going, President Jonathan might scuttle this democracy.

This was how the “Wild, Wild West,” started. And if anything unto wards on August 9 happens, it will come back. And it is going to happen simultaneously throughout the country where APC holds sway. We have Boko Haram problem in the North- East, we have Fulani herdsmen problem in the Middle Belt. We have kidnapping problem in the Niger Delta as well as in the South-East. If the SouthWest now joins, then, how do we have Nigeria? If democracy is scuttled, we should hold the President responsible.

What steps are you taking to forestall that?

We are doing everything possible.

Was there any negotiation for a senatorial ticket before you joined the APC? No. We have not even discussed that.

We all went in there to ensure the return of the governor, Aregbesola. It is after the victory in the election that anybody can talk of positions.

What is your view on the state of insecurity in the land?

That is what we are talking about.

Instead of talking about how to rescue our abducted Chibok girls, they are talking about capturing states. Seriously, I think we have moles in the security agencies who are sympathetic to the course of the insurgents because they just come in with impunity. Or how could someone come to town with 70 buses with weapons to commit atrocities and leave without any hindrance? It is either they are aware and turn the other way.

We heard that villagers saw helicopter drop food for the insurgents in the bush.

Which means they are not spirits, they are human beings. And until our security people are genuinely committed to the defense of those areas, it will be difficult to tackle the menace of the insurgents.

What is the chance of the APC in 2015 to win the presidential election?

If a level playground is not provided and free, fair and credible election is not conducted, I don’t see democracy. I want to advise Mr. President, do not be used to scuttle democracy, allow free and fair election to hold from August 9 till 2015.

What happens if democracy is scuttled?

I want to assure you that, there would be chaos, there would be riot here and there and in the process of trying to quell those riots, it is very likely that there wouldn’t be a Nigeria.

Do you rule out military coup?

That is part of it. When there is breakdown of law and order, arising from action or inaction, then, anything can happen.

What are we to expect from Adeleke in 2015?

When we win election on August 9, you.

Culled from THE SUN

12

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Value Reorientation: Panacea To Nigeria’s Numerous Election Challenges – Fagbenle Comrade Tunde Fagbenle has a long-standing fame as newspaper columnist of renown and public affairs analyst. In his indigenous state, the State of Osun, he has featured prominently in the past as politician and aspirant into notable political offices. His recent reappearance is to effect a voter transformation agenda; an agenda set on course to right many wrongs associated with eroded value systems, which has militated often times against the emergence of credible political leadership in Nigeria. In a recent interview with NIYI OLASINDE, he spoke on the new agenda and other sundry issues.

Excerpts are here presented. teeming readers would OSDF:beOur interested in meeting you and knowing what you are into.

Kindly get yourself introduced.

Fagbenle: Well, I’m sure you already know me to get me introduced. But basically, I am Tunde Fagbenle. I am known nationally with my back page column in Sunday Punch. I have been writing on this page for close to twenty years now. Well, here in Osun State, I ran for the Senate in 2003 under the National Conscience Party (NCP) for the Osun Central Senatorial District, but I lost that seat to Ogunwale. Anyway, that was it, and here I am.

OSDF: What is it this time around that you have for the state, its people and its politics and development?

Fagbenle: Yes. Here I am. I’ve come here this time around to get things done in the direction of getting our values right. We must set things on right perspective. We’ve come on a public enlightenment and sensitization mission.

A lot has gone wrong with our values, attitudes and viewpoints. In particular, with the elections that are coming up shortly, you know, the Osun Governorship Election is coming up in almost two weeks’ time. We need to fix things right with voter values. We are trying to work on our people’s values.

Our values go a long way in determining the kind of leadership we have in place – whether credible or not, impactful or not – voter values matter a great deal, you know.

OSDF: What could be considered as bottom-line for the eroded value in our society today?

Fagbenle: Well, many people have identified poverty, you know, lack of basic necessities of life as the root cause of the predicament. But I’ve always differed from this issue of poverty. I don’t quite agree that it is a problem of poverty.

Poverty should not make us to part with our values, our pride as a race. Yes, it is true that the values have so much eroded.

That is true in all spheres of life today.

That fact is the root cause of all vices we currently experience in the country today.

Our predicament as a people is more attributed to corruption than to poverty.

The high level of corruption is traceable to eroded values. What has contributed to get us to where we are? Well, much has been said and written on this and I feel that we should not dissipate time and energy on what is responsible for this but rather, we should concentrate on how to bring it back; how to restore our values.

As individuals, families, institutions, we need to work on overhaul of our systems and the situation. But thank God, efforts are in top gear to give rebirth to our values. Our Voter-Values Volunteers is one of such efforts geared towards sustaining old lost values.

OSDF: In many informed quarters, people tend to attribute the gross decay in the societal value system to systematic inaccuracy or rather, inappropriate system choice or systematic failure.

What is your take on this?

Fagbenle: I quite agree with the view that there is a systematic dysfunction.

There is a problem. It is in tandem with the Yoruba proverb: “Amukun eru e wo” (translating to the foundation being destroyed). There is a fundamental problem. As it is, Nigeria is the only country in the world where we do things in the same way and expect different results. Everybody seems to know that the system is bad. There is something wrong with the system. Still there is difficulty in bringing back the collective will of the people; collective political will without allowing personal, selfish interests to predominate in such a way that we don’t care if the country goes on this way for the next five decades or more.

This is one area that baffles me. Just take for instance the ongoing National Conference, that jamboree at Abuja. The delegates came out with the recommendation that we should still have nineteen or more states when many of the existing states are grappling with existence and survival. Their viability is at stake, being much dependent on monthly statutory allocation from Abuja. People who are adjudged to have vast, wide and enriched view on life coming out with such recommendations at a time like this when the nation is plagued with enormous challenges of survival and continuous existence! All of them converged on Abuja to chart a new course but alas, if this is all they could come up with, then something is fundamentally wrong.

OSDF: Maybe structure?

Fagbenle: Yes, structure is part of the big problem. And that also adds up to having systemic problems with the presidential system. A system where the President sees himself as an object of worship; as a god! A system where the President deploys the police and the military to any part of the country as he pleases; where the powers-that-be use the force of arms to get what they want per time. It’s very bad. That is what we have started to preach and this is the rationale behind the Voter-Values Volunteers. Following the Ekiti experience, we found out that we have to make sacrifices. The requirements for having in place credible leadership in government is beyond stomach infrastructure. We owe it a duty to redirect people’s focus and expectations. Government at all levels should provide security, amenities for good life and maximum welfare of the people. That is the constitutional responsibility of a government. The challenges go beyond doling out food or financial settlement that could hardly endure beyond a season. A situation where people at the top fly about in private jets, leaving the people to care for themselves; with enormous security challenges, coupled with water, power and other challenges is sad indeed.

OSDF: So a large cross section of people suffers from poor mentality or wrong thinking?

Fagbenle: Yes. I agree. That’s what

•FAGBENLE people refer to easily as poverty. You know poverty goes beyond financial or material lack. Take for instance, it is not simply because of poverty, financial or material that you take peanuts or measures of foodstuffs and sell their votes for just that! People do this or fall prey to it not because they don’t have the next meal. They are offered food and are offered N10, 000 or more. Then, they are assured that they won’t die again; or that they would not be hungry for the next one month! So it’s a problem of total lack of perspective.

OSDF: How then does your intervention come in to tackle this hydra-headed albatross?

Fagbenle: Thank you. That is part of our mandate – to inculcate good, rich values into our youths. We owe it a duty to caution them not to sell themselves to violence; nor to mortgage their conscience or allow entrapments of the moment to carry them away. It is important to insulate them against being carried away by showiness; but rather to look into the substance. What our forebears called “laakaye” (sound understanding). Let us think deeper.

There is nowhere you want success without giving. There is nowhere you yearn for development without sacrifice.

Now everybody sees wide broad roads.

Anyone may take a look at Osogbo or Ibadan now; much sacrifice went into their recent outlook. Look at Osogbo now; or the entire State of Osun. See what Ogbeni has transformed the entire place into! But then, we cannot have so much progress without having to endure some hardship. Buildings and other manners of structure have to be pulled down, you know? It’s only that the Government should also ensure that there are other measures put in place to cushion the effect. Now, when the people out of myopia coupled with greed and other selfish tendencies show disaffection against government just because they have to make one or two sacrifices; then something is wrong fundamentally somewhere. They tend to forget the greater glory that lies ahead. So we

should redirect our mindsets, either as traders, property owners, civil servants and pensioners. The interest of development goes beyond selfish sentiments. Rather than nursing disaffection over demolition or some other personal losses suffered, the overriding interest of welfare to the society should be placed first. So I am concerned that something is wrong with our mindset. That is a serious cause of concern. Because of the massive work of expansion brought about by this administration through road construction, rural development and all the rest, we need reorientation, considering many other perspectives apart from personal, selfish consideration or personal perspective.

OSDF: Many progressive-minded Nigerians have come to the conclusion that Nigeria as a nation has fallen into a wrong hand. They believe that since 1999 – the date of return to democratic rule – Nigeria has had a bad start with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) occupying the seat of governance at the centre.

Fagbenle: You see, Nigeria is a peculiar place. Many people often times wonder where the nation’s prospects lie. One, as a nation, how do we survive or prosper without allowing our differences in culture and ethnicity to constitute a serious setback. At the end of the day, it got to a point when our problem became more of an offshoot of military rule.

Obasanjo is an ex-military man, all of the retired generals and ex-military officers drifting into politics. So the dominant value of our political culture has come under military influence. This has been so much that at present, we have an exmilitary man emerging as the Senate President. So, all of that have made military orientation our dominant value. It has come to a point where PDP people see themselves as indomitable. There was this feeling and claim that they would be in power for a hundred years. With Obasanjo there, he entrenched that culture of impunity. You know a situation whereby an ex-military manon page 13 Continued

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INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Value Reorientation: Panacea To Nigeria’s Numerous Election Challenges – Fagbenle Continued from page 12

finds himself as governor or whatever and he does anything which no one should challenge! You know, coming from a military background, the high-handedness is there.

There’s no sincerity in our political leadership. This has undermined our democratic experience to the extent that all other structures could hardly survive.

Checks and balances scarcely exist or subsist in the manner in which they should be. This has come to the extent that all Nigerians are looking for an alternative.

People now prefer a government that will embrace change and give or restore hope to the masses. But unfortunately, that dream seems to be falling apart, largely because the beacon of that has opened itself to influx of members from the rejected party. People with all shades and manners of individual interests drifted into it. So, what we just hope for is restoration of sanity. We look towards the emergence of selfless people as vessels of change. We need the government that will come up with pockets of sanity; just like we have now in Osun.

We have had that extending to other parts of the country. We hope that that change would soon extend to the government at the federal level.

OSDF: How far has that dream been realized? What’s the assessment so far?

Fagbenle: Now the experience with the Ekiti elections has shocked everybody.

Even the hope of the South-West emerging into a bloc of development…

OSDF: Integration?

Fagbenle: Yes, integration. That hope has fallen all of a sudden! You see, the idea is not that we should all be under the same political party. But the issue is: what are the values? On what bases are we changing government? Alright, is it because we are in want of bags or measures of rice? Or is it because the incumbent government has not performed? Or is it in protest of some perceived or real losses we were made to incur – my shop or property has been demolished! Are the issues developmentbased? Are they purposeful? Any consideration that falls short of all these is worrisome. If the new person throws around cash, food items, motorcycles (okada) and other items to persuade voters, then what about the quality, character and antecedents of the person (candidate)? Then people have lost it all by sacrificing their future.

Then where is that dream of instilling the level of sanity we want to bring to bear on governance? So we would be deviating from the desirable pace of development. Getting money and gifts from Abuja and distributing these to voters is a practice in mortgaging the future and prospects of a people. Such government or governor that emerges would have the attitude of “what else do you want?

You have received everything in advance”.

That is it.

OSDF: What are the specific problems identified with the Ekiti Gubernatorial Elections? What are the likely fall-over effects on the forthcoming polls in the State of Osun?

Fagbenle: Well, I was not in Ekiti. But lots of issues had come up as follow-up to the Ekiti elections. Through my column in particular, many issues have been identified – ballot paper issue, factor of stomach infrastructure and these had been issues associated with possible rigging or manipulation of sorts. Well, these issues are still being investigated. So Ekiti elections and the issues it raised have continued to attract a lot of questions.

These questions still demand to be answered. So, it’s not an easy thing. What is clear is this: that if it was based on performance and credibility, then it is clear that Fayemi may not have been fairly judged in terms of performance; in terms of character. Then what were the other issues?

The issues have to be bordering on

•FAGBENLE parameters outside known and acceptable standards. If they dwell on unaccepted parameters, then, that would be worrisome!

OSDF: So what could we want in a leader outside these accepted parameters?

Fagbenle: Thank you. We have not really got to a point where what we have in mind in fashioning this tall dream of development, of integration will be realized or internalized by our people. But the good thing, the good thing is that Ekiti election has opened many issues so that Osun and anywhere else can prepare ahead and recover from it. It has been recognized too that there are factors linked with “people-at-work”; on that note we need to awaken our people’s consciousness; so that they can be up and alert and be on their guard.

OSDF: there are allegations of plans by the “almighty” Federal Government to massively deploy security apparatus for the polls, probably for reasons not unconnected with securing forced victory for the PDP and its candidate. This development has the potential of generating fear and apprehension in the electorate.

Fagbenle: That would be very sad if what happened in Ekiti in terms of molestation of party members, loyalists and electorate is replicated here. If you genuinely want to ensure that elections take their normal course; free, fair, credible and transparent, I don’t think that the opposition should be molested or clamped down on; or their adjudged supporters intimidated. As an advocate of the common people, I take that as effort made at suppressing the people’s will of choice. If similar measure is replicated here in Osun, then the exercise will not be having the interest of the nation at heart. It means that what has happened in many instances we have witnessed across the world would prevail – that is that the people’s will is much stronger than the mightiest army or than the force of arms.

People’s will must prevail. We can only hope and pray that things will go well in Osun and Nigeria will be better for it.

OSDF: The suspicion is rife that the

PDP is over-ambitious to “capture” all available structures and soft-landing for its victory in 2015 General Elections, regardless of people’s genuine will to the contrary.

Fagbenle: Many things fly around. We could only hope and pray that this will not be true. Falsehood flies around – about Ogbeni here, likewise other people. So I would want to believe that that suspicion is false. If not then whatever comes in consequence would be their making.

OSDF: Your organization is VoterValues Volunteers. What is it all about?

Fagbenle: Our predisposition is bringing back the values of our people; instilling sanity, good reasoning and dignity.

OSDF: But it is much suspected that the key electoral umpire, in the land, the INEC is compromised judging from and Anambra and Ekiti outings. The back-andforth of free and fair today; then faults thereafter constitute sour discoveries. Any efforts from your group to bring INEC back to the path of rectitude?

Fagbenle: Well, this is a new group.

What we intend to do is to remind our people what we intend to achieve and how developed economies of the world got to where they are. As you said, most of the issues are allegations. It all boils down to the fact that in part or in whole, they may be true. As long as they have not been proven, they remain unsubstantiated, so holding it against anyone would be of no effect. What we will do is to interact with INEC and get the values we are preaching across in the ultimate interest of all. I am always worried and disturbed seeing people ready to celebrate stolen victory. I wonder what lessons we intend to pass across to our children. So if you rig and win and you celebrate, then you’ve got it all amiss. Our role is to enlighten the world and to inculcate right values. That mandate we are set to pursue. We are also set to make INEC and its functionaries realize why they should not dent their image and smear their reputation for monetary gains that lasts a little while. Jega has his name and reputation

to protect. All other benefits will pass away.

OSDF: Considering the fact that elections are very much round the corner, how much of enlightenment campaigns can you put together within the limited time frame?

Fagbenle: Well, thank God it’s not the whole of Nigeria this time. Gladly, the exercise now is narrowed down to the State of Osun. Then there are diverse ways of reaching out to the people. So we are concentrating on Osun for now, and we are employing multi-faceted approach. Media approach through radio, television, physical contact, market outreach, schools enlightenment programmes and all the likes; even the social media is being intensified.

Though the time is very short, but the message is very clear and far-reaching. We are very hopeful that many hearts will be touched, thereby making a remarkable difference.

OSDF: Before your concluding comments, Nigeria is a country currently plagued with many challenges. One of the most pressing ones is insurgency vis-à-vis terrorism and abduction, especially of Chibok female students. What are your comments on these myriad challenges?

Fagbenle: You are getting me on territories I am not comfortable treading on.

But I view the issue of Chibok girls threatening to Nigerians as an entire people.

With reactions trailing the unfortunate abduction, Nigerians have demonstrated the sensitivity of the issue, and it is clear that we are all concerned. Now we don’t have all the information that the government has. It would be wrong of us to pass hasty judgment. All we know is that it was long before the Federal Government turned round to recognize that the kidnap took place. The precious time lost, and the politicization are things which no responsible government does. Nigerian government has made itself an object of ridicule all over the world. So all of the actions and measures employed and assurances made in getting them back now appear belated. But it is better late than never. The children are still there. We listen to the President everyday assuring us. The consciousness is there that the entire world is focusing on us and Nigerians will not let him rest. The President should forget any political dream as long as the girls are not free. I’m aware that the environment is delicate for rough intervention if we don’t want any negative results. Government requires careful planning so that the girls would not die in the process. The life of any of the girls is worth more than the life of any Nigerian or any political ambition. We often hear the President say that his second term ambition is not worth shedding the life of any Nigerian for. We are yet to see that being played out We pray and hope for their safe return. We wait for their safe return very soon.

OSDF: What are your concluding comments? Give your advice, appeal and messages for politicians, voters and all stakeholders in the Gubernatorial Elections?

Fagbenle: I advise our people not to sacrifice their better tomorrow because of what they will eat today. Parents should counsel their children not to lend themselves to violence. Our people should also recognize that their votes are their power and the path to their better future and the future of their children. They should therefore guard their votes jealously. They must not on the platter of stomach infrastructure slaughter their voting rights away. They are implored to use their “laakaye”; their moral sense in examining candidates in terms of their character, antecedents, profile, disposition and track records. I wish the State of Osun and its people wonderful voting experience and a most fulfilling result.

OPINION

14

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Change We Need - Definitely NOT Omisore

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ODAY, I came across a headline that says ‘Publicly declare your appreciation for someone.’ The first thing that pops into my head was the forthcoming election in our dear state, Osun.

I thought, I have publicly declared that I appreciate Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration because of his dedication and passion to lead by example. I really have done that. Then it occurred to me that I have not really said much about Dr/Senator Iyiola Omisore and that is just because I tried to avoid distraction but now I guess one way to further show my appreciation to Ogbeni’s work in our state is to draw attention to more reasons why we, as the State of Osun does not deserve to have a leader like Omisore. Here are my reasons: On Grassroots: I think Omisore went way too far mocking the people of Osun by eating on the road on his campaign trail, all in the name of being close to the grassroots. I am one of millions of people who are born and raised in the village here in our dear state, I have never seen any adult of Omisore’s age sitting on the rooftop of a nice car and eating on his own while other people around him watched on - all in the name of being close to the grassroots, this attitude only further shows who Omisore is as a person someone who still lives in dark ages. Today, people in Osun have manners, when we eat in public, we do it in a way that is socially acceptable - meaning with a group of friends, never like a loner. This is in no way a representative of anyone in Osun.

Wearing mix and match ankara outfit was nothing any male adults wear except if you were Baba Sala whereby you were there for entertainment purposes, to remotely think this is representing us is extreme and very insensitive way of portraying people.

Maybe, Omisore has being away from real people for too long and might have forgotten how we are. We are people with dreams, we know our limitations and are working hard in all our individual ways so we can live up to our full potentials eating popcorn in the middle of a crowded road was not one thing we aspire to. You could have tried to recite thought-provoking poetry or two, we would have loved that

By FOLAKEMI ODOAJE and respected you for it, you could have tried to give a convincing speech about how our cocoa/palm oil trees could be more efficiently managed, we would have appreciated that. Eating in the middle of the road? You need to try harder!

On Education: I have read all that I could gather about Omisore’s manifestos, there were simply none. For now, all that he said was wasting our limited resources to reverse all that Ogbeni has done, why would anyone do that? Whatever Ogbeni has done cannot be all that bad, I believe. As a child of Osun who has interest in the development of the state, when I was completely confused with the new education system, I spent sometime to understand by reading the documents on the state website and it was not too hard to be to grasp, why can’t Omisore do this rather than thinking the only way is to waste our money reversing projects? On another note, I am so glad that Omisore finally made the blunder of ‘all the rices....’ I don’t care which language my governor speaks as long as it is comprehensible to the general public of the state. Omisore has done several interviews with journalists where he wasted time boasting of his PhD status, now with all ‘the rices...’ I hope that would keep him quiet for sometime. Now, listen up, hundreds of Osun sons and daughters have their PhDs, which they worked hard for, here is your time to go back to the professor that passed your thesis and demand your money back (if you ever wrote one that is).

On Religion: Believe it or not, we are unique people in Osun, this is because for years, the state lived in harmony for the most part. Let us continue to find ways in which all of us can live peacefully together. You will be hard pressed today to see a family that does not have people of different faiths in their family.

Our children deserve to be educated in a fear-free environment whereby their talents can shine through and adults too, deserve to live their lives in peace with neighbours.

Osun people deserve a leader who is ready

to work hard and pull us all together so as to celebrate and rejoice in our unique differences. Our difference in faiths is our strength.

On Modakeke: If you are a native of Modakeke, then read this as one, to non-native of Modakeke, read this area with open mind. Kola Olabisi’s article ‘Osun 2014: Why Modakeke will never vote for Omisore’ prompted this piece. Kosi bi a se maap’oriaja, ti a konip’oriikokoti a fi se. This is our story, our struggle, it will be burying one’s head under a heap of sound if anyone thinks Modakeke people forget, no one forgets a crisis that wiped their entire family away and also took the livelihood away from most that are living. However, we do forgive and most people have moved on.

Being a native of Modakeke is starting to realise you are less of a person right from the day that you could mutter out a few words. It is watching your childhood friend died in front of your eyes from gunshot wounds - this was Adeolu in 1997. He was a good boy, the only son of his family, he lived at Old NEPA area of Modakeke. Why was he killed? He died for the sins he did not commit. He died because his great, great grand parents settled on the land. Ade was not alone, many young and old lives were cut short just the same way and counting...believe me.

Before you say Modakeke are brave people, let me just remind you of our proverb, ilesuomodes’ona, o l’ounl’aya, tikobal’aya se yi o woleni? This is the reality for us, although we have moved on but the wounds are still raw. The farmers from Ogudu, Osi, Ayeoba, Yekemi whose family have cultivated these lands for a very long time, that is all that they knew in order to provide for their families, their farms were taken away from them and then forced out of the land, some have died and some only depend on handouts, this is our reality.

On top of it all, my local village Famia now have an Oba who shares no history whatsoever with us - yet we lived on.

Are we really brave? Tell me what you

would have done if you were in our shoe?

Egbon Kola Olabisi, you were right, Omisore could have used his wealth of knowledge in positive ways to show that the world is better for us all when we do not harbour hatred especially when the ‘sins’ were our forefathers and none of the parties are alive today.

Omisore’s family were tucked in safe haven of America, the freedom they enjoy was fought for with sweat and blood. Omisore could have been the pioneer to shed lights, but he chose to compound our agony by adding salt to injury - still we moved on.

To those Modakekes indigenes who for some reasons think Omisore is a changed man, they need to re assess where their priority lies.

The boreholes, the transformers he donated to a few people are not what we craved for.

Nonetheless, the transformers that he gave to Parakin in Ife was quickly retrieved back from those communities shortly after he lost the last senatorial election to Omoworare - something to think about. And ultimately, what we crave for as Modakeke is not any handouts, no, that is not enough, we just want to be treated as normal everyday people and most importantly, to be represented as fairly as everyone within the state. This will take an intelligent leader, and never a copycat who thinks riding okada is synonymous to grassroots.

After reading Long Walk to Freedom, I felt free and when I stood by the Cape Town pier watching the boat heading towards Robben Island, I knew in my heart that I would never harbour any grudges against anyone because of their native town, not in the least Omisore and never anyone because of their native land - afterall, no one chooses where he is from.

I just happen to belong to a generation that is tired of being told we are what our leaders are because we vote for them, so this time, I refuse to follow a mediocre, I refuse to follow a leader who makes mockery of his own people, I refuse for listen to a leader who spent so much time talking about his academic achievements but failed woefully to defend it. I deserve a better leader, I deserve a leader that is passionate about investing in people positively and has track records that I can point to, I deserve a leader that I am proud to associate with in public so I chose to show my appreciation to Ogbeni Aregbesola.

•Odoaje wrote in from London.

OPINION

Why Governor Aregbesola ‘ll Win F

RIDAY, May 24, 2013, 35 governors gathered to vote for the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

With the initial postponement and intrigues that surrounded it, it was going to be a night of long knives. With the Presidency interested in the outcome and with Governor Rotimi Amaechi determined to give it another shot in spite of his open confrontation with the President, it was going to take more than ordinary determination to navigate the treacherous waters. It would take grit, uncommon courage and the ability to outfox the henchmen of the Presidency. At the entrance of the venue of the election, all the governors were mandated to submit all their mobile phones. But one man particularly suspected there was going to be foul play, so he sneaked in a pen camera.

He recorded the vote-counting surreptitiously until when Governor Godswill Akpabio noticed they were being secretly recorded. When controversy sprang up on the actual winner of the contest, he released the video to the public.

The man who exposed the lie was Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the governor of the State of Osun.

Controversy is his middle name. For nine months, he operated solely without commissioners. He renamed Osun State and gave it a new nomenclature called ‘State of Osun.’ He fashioned a new educational policy and called it reclassification of schools. In one fell swoop, schools were merged and bedlam ensued.

In spite of the unending controversies and despite the appointment of an Osun State indigene, Jelili Adesiyan as the Minister of Police Affairs, it is my carefully considered opinion that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will win the August 9, 2014 election. Here’s why I think he will trumph over Otunba Iyiola Omisore, the PDP candidate.

By BAYO ADEYINKA Omisore’s poor candidature.

Iyiola Omisore is not Peter Ayodele Fayose. He lacks the charisma of Fayose.

He is not a Jimi Agbaje. He lacks the character of Agbaje. He doesn’t have the mass appeal, even though he has the notoriety. While you cannot deny that he has a semblance of structure, having been the deputy governor of the state and also a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his major Achilles heel is that he has been successfully tainted by the accusation of involvement in Bola Ige’s murder. This is one accusation that has refused to go in spite of his protestations. In addition, his campaign is a poor caricature of Ayodele Fayose’s. Whoever is his campaign director needs to get fired, as he has run one of the most bizarre and lacklustre campaigns ever.

His efforts to align with the masses fell flat; his handling of two roasted corn cobs in both hands, his ride to a campaign venue on an ‘Okada’ and his absurd combination of two different ‘Ankara’ materials as cloth are images that have defined his campaign.

He has not successfully exploited Rauf Aregbesola’s obvious weaknesses.

When it was time to engage in debate with Ogbeni, he didn’t show up. That was an opportunity to redeem himself but he failed to utilise it. Ayo Fayose challenged Kayode Fayemi for a walk on the streets of Ado-Ekiti but Iyiola Omisore claimed he didn’t come for the debate because he didn’t want Ogbeni to beat him up. Is it any wonder that the President has not attended any rally in the State of Osun even up till now? The President must have read the handwriting on the wall and there was no point dissipating energy in the wrong direction.

PDP lost it when the ticket was given to Omisore because he is irredeemable. If he’s banking on federal might, he got it wrong this time because you can only rig

successfully where you are popular. In fact, Ogbeni will be gifted this election not because of his superlative performance but primarily because of Omisore’s poor candidature.

Disunity In The PDP House.

No situation exacerbated the looming disunity in the State of Osun chapter of the PDP than the statement credited to the Minister for Police Affairs that he will beat Senator Isiaka Adeleke whenever he leaves office. Adeleke claimed he was assaulted during a party meeting and he subsequently defected to APC. Fatai Akinbade, a former Chairman of the State PDP and a man who served three different times as Commissioner under three different military regimes also defected to the Labour Party. Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has not come out openly in support of Iyiola Omisore despite belonging to the same party. In fact, he was even courted by the top echelon of the APC. As a former National Secretary of the party and also a former governor of the state, his body language speaks volumes. Oyinlola is a prince of Okuku, the headquarters of Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area of the state, one of the 30 council areas in Osun.

It is instructive to note that Odo-Otin is one of the three council areas with the highest number of 15 wards in the state after Osogbo and Iwo. Ogbeni Aregbesola’s Above-Average Performance.

In spite of his controversies, only a blind man will ignore Ogbeni’s performance. He has built mega schools, many of them super infrastructures with commendable appurtenances. He has constructed over 20 intercity roads and more than 15 intra-city roads. This is apart from some very ambitious dualization projects embarked upon.

The free festive inter-city train ride from Lagos to Osogbo has become a constant feature of his administration. I was informed that he has built 74 primary health centres all over the state.

He has increased IGR in Osun from N300 million to N1.6 billion and has not been known to borrow from any financial institution, save for the Islamic bond he took. His O’Meals project is laudable. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the fact that he has improved the face of governance in the state.

Ogbeni’s Massive Campaign Network.

Ogbeni has embarked on a blitzkrieg of a campaign. Maybe due to the lessons learnt from Ekiti’s recent election, he has left no stone untouched. This is the first time I’m seeing an incumbent campaign as if he’s the under-dog.

He has run a very good campaign so far- both terrestrially and on social media. Going by his student unionism antecedents, one is not too surprised that he has at least two former student leaders in his cabinet and they are both active in running his campaign. Most of the controversial issues raised have been either effectively addressed or well-mitigated by his team. When the issue of religious fundamentalism came up, they released the video of Bishop David Oyedepo’s visit. Ogbeni has been photographed genuflecting to Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. He attended a major night vigil organized by a white garment church.

He has been dancing ‘skelewu’ at all rallies to show he can connect with the populace. He has run his campaign without Bola Tinubu being visible, so the issue of the overbearing influence of the APC leader has been largely well-managed. Ogbeni runs the best propaganda machinery in the South West and the effect can be seen in how he has successfully diverted attention from his controversies while making Omisore seem to be the controversial one.

I therefore have no doubt that he is going to win the governorship election of August 9, 2014 in a landslide.

•Adeyinka wrote in from Lagos.

15

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, August 2, 2014

Alimosho Local Government Council Area Of Lagos State Organised A Special Prayer For The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, On The Forthcoming Governorship Election Held At Shasha, Alimosho, Lagos, Recently.

•(R-L) Chairman, Monsurudeen Ashamu Olabode Ola and other Alfas at the special prayer session at Shahsa in Alimosho Local Government area.

•Sitting (L-R) Alhaji Adetunji Saminu, Vice-Chairman, Alimosho Local Government, Chief Keye, Baale Lawal, Alhaji Menkiti, Mrs Aderinto, Women Leader, Agbado-OkeOdo Local Government.

•A cross section of Islamic clerics at a prayer section organized by Alhaji Keye at Shasha-Egbeda in Alimosho Local Government council in Lagos State recently for the second term bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the State of Osun.

•Sitting (L-R) Chief Alhaji Oyekan Keye (2nd Left), Baale of Ishasha, Alhaji Lawal Alhaji Adegoke, Alhaji Karounwi (PA to Alhaji Lateef Jakande).

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014

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Y the time you would be reading this column next week, the State of Osun gubernatorial election would have taking off. If information in the public domain is anything to go by, then we expect the state to be highly militarized. This, going by what happened in the Ekiti State gubernatorial election recently, needs to be more fortified. The logic, which cannot be faulted, is simple.

The State of Osun has a large land mass and a higher population than Ekiti State.

In the State of Osun, there are 1,407,222 (One million four hundred and seven thousand two hundred and twenty two) registered voters. Out of this figure, 53% of them, which is 754,828, are females, while 661,394 are males.

There are 30 local government council areas in the State of the Virtuous with an Area Office, whereas there are 332 wards and 3010 polling booths. While Osogbo Local Government Council Area has the highest voting strength of 110,000, while Ifedayo has the least with 13,066 voters.

From the foregoing, it shows that the women folk are better placed to determine the next governor.

The build-up to this election has been tough with two out of the twenty candidates coming up tops. The two major contenders are the standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also the incumbent governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, and Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Trailing in a distant third position is the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Alhaji Fatai Akinade Akinbade.

The campaigns for the major political parties have been on for some time now. Starting with the sitting governor, his posters have flooded all the nooks and crannies of the state. Billboards have also been erected to convey the message, urging voters to reelect him. He has, by every standard, made an indelible mark

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A Week To Osun Guber Poll

•Professor ATTAHIRU JEGA

in the annals of the history of the state.

Aregbesola had done enough in the state to warrant him asking the people of the state for another term. He can easily ask them to look at the rapid development of the state to decide for themselves who to cast their votes for. Contrary to established practices, where developmental projects stall when electioneering campaign is taking place, his has been an exception.

The governor has taken the electioneering campaign beyond all known levels. His campaign is divided into three, the mega rallies, which held in the nine federal constituencies and the local ones organised in towns, villages, hamlets and other settlements.

The vigour with which he goes about his campaign rallies keep many Osun people wondering what would have happened, if he had not embarked on such a massive developmental projects?

Like a typical revolutionary, he is committed to whatever he chooses to do. Some people fault him on his doggedness and zealousness in carrying out any policy he chooses. There is no denying the fact that Aregbesola has changed the face of the state.

His campaign in 2007 was novel in this part of the country, while the current one is not only penetrating but involving. He goes about explaining to people what he has done and how he intends to do more. To such a workaholic governor, a term of four years is not enough for him to consummate his plans for the

state. He saw the state as being backward, so he put in effort he could muster to do the needful.

Senator Iyiola Omisore won election into the Nigerian Senate, when he was in Agodi Prison, Ibadan. He was alleged to be culpable in the assassination of the late Chief Ajibola Ige, erstwhile Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation. He was standing before a High Court in Ibadan, where he was discharged and acquitted. Omisore has asked Aregbesola to start counting his days in power. However, he is yet to state in clear terms, what he has in stock for the people.

According to his close aides, Omisore has an eight-point agenda. If a week to the election, many voters do not know what he is capable of, then too bad. In concrete terms, Omisore should be able to tell the people what he will do for the state.

For now, what some of us know about the Omisore project is the reversal of all that Aregbesola has done. He should leave Aregbesola alone and tell us what he has in stock.

To some die-hard faithful of Aregbesola, Omisore is not an alternative but a complete reversal.

Akinbade, the LP standard bearer, is a complete gentleman.

Those who are close to him claim that he is a nice person.

However, as a politician, Akinbade is yet to prove what he has for the good people of the state. To his supporters, Akinbade would benefit from the misgivings of the people against Omisore, while they would vote out Aregbesola.

All said and done, the contestants should prove to us what they have in stock and tell us how to go about it. The era of just believing that there is a super power elsewhere to foist a candidate on the people is gone forever. I pray the powers that be at the centre does the right thing, so that we, as a country, would not return to how the First Republic was terminated.

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:

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