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TUESDAY, JULY 15, 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.084
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 res
ponsible citizens of our state. Of course we are not in doubt that the votes of our people will be for O g b e n i Aregbesola who has done the state much good. Continue on pg5
Who Killed Chief Bola Ige, formerAttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice?
N50
IGE
INEC Disenfranchising APC Supporters In Osun - See Story On Page 2
PDP Plans To Assassinate Adeleke, 3 Others – APC Alerts Nigerians
- See Story On Page 2 •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing participants at the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Secretariat, during his endorsement for second term in office by former local government council chairmen and councillors between 1999 and 2002 and the presentation of three campaign vehicles for his re-election in Osogbo on Saturday.
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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
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INEC Disenfranchising APC Supporters In Osun T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission has begun the execution of a sinister plan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to manipulate the electoral process from INEC source, in order to rig the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the state This was contained in a has removed former Osun statement issued and REC, Ambassador Rufus signed by the party’s Akeju to achieve. Director of Publicity, Information from PDP Research and Strategy, leadership has also revealed Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, in INEC’s alleged involvement Osogbo, the state capital in a massive ballot stuffing recently. plan that will be secured by Thousands of APC security forces and present supporters across all local as votes of designated government council areas polling booths. are systematically being The rigging plan of the disenfranchised, as INEC is PDP in the State of Osun preventing them from therefore, is a coordinated obtaining their permanent exercise between that party, voters cards (PVCs) without and corrupted INEC which they would not be officials under the allowed to vote. protection of federal APC alleged that INEC security forces. has introduced a wicked Besides, the APC is formular of dispensing the reliably informed that the ink PVCs by asking voters with which INEC would deploy temporary cards what party in majority of the local they belonged to, before the government areas will be permanent voters cards are similar to the one used in given. Ekiti State that fades off In the process, virtually within hours of voting. all those who have The APC is therefore, identified themselves as warning that INEC’s APC supporters have been integrity as a fair umpire may told that their PVCs were not have been compromised, ready, and INEC could not and it is impossible to tell these prospective voters believe that all these when they would be manipulative activities of available. the electoral process by According to the APC, INEC are being done outside this is part of what the PDP Prof. Attahiru Jega’s
knowledge. Afterall, it was Jega’s office that defended the removal of Akeju in approval of his replacement with a new man in Osogbo who appears to act in a manner that is inconsistent with a fair electoral process
for the August 9 election, the APC alleged. The APC called on the international community, and democratic observers to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to desist from tampering with INEC in order to rig Osun election.
‘We are in a terrible situation now that the Federal Government appears to have transformed the electoral commission into a conspirator-accomplice of the rigging mechanism of the PDP’, the APC declared.
The party warned that this is a recipe for chaos, anarchy and a potent risk to the collapse of democracy if the PDP rigged the election of August 9 in Osun where it is totally unpopular, and its candidate especially detested for his notoriety in several negative ways.
PDP Plans To Assassinate Adeleke, 3 Others – APC Alerts Nigerians
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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted security apparatus in the State of Osun and is now alerting the general public that Senor Iyiola Omisore and the PDP have contracted the assassination of four top APC leaders to hired killers from the Niger Delta for immediate execution. This was contained in a already commenced statement issued and surveillance on the four signed by the party’s leaders. Director of Publicity, “Very credible inside research and Strategy, sources from the PDP Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, itself alerted the APC that in Osogbo, the state capital Omisore and top PDP recently. officials took this decision According to him, the at a meeting in Lagos on leaders involved are Alhaji Thursday. Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke “We are therefore, (the first civilian governor alerting Nigerians of the of the state), Elder Peter horrible dimension to Babalola (a.k.a. Peter which Omisore’s Action), Chief Olu Abiola desperation for power has and Alhaji Fatai Oyedele taken. Diekola. “PDP in the State of The hired killers, APC reliably stated, have
Osun has gone berserk and their diabolical lust for power has become so murderous that they seem to care less about innocent lives. “We are reliably informed that the reason Omisore has suddenly become this desperate is that in spite of everything, the PDP has done, majority of the people of Osun and their leaders remain resolutely committed to the APC and totally opposed to PDP ideas,” the APC stated The APC therefore, alerted Nigerians and all those who care about life and democracy that they should hold Senator Iyiola Omisore (PDP governorship candidate), Musiliu Obanikoro, the
Minister of State for Defence, and Jelili Adesiyan (Police Affairs Minister), who are the primary conspirators in this dastardly development responsible, collectively and individually, for any harm that may come to these APC leaders, or any chieftain and members of the party. “Nigerians should also hold Omisore and the others equally responsible for whatever abduction or physical assault that may result in the death of anybody in the State of Osun in the circumstances of the senseless violence Omisore and the PDP have introduced to the electoral process and activities leading to the August 9th election and thereafter,” the APC said.
Market Women Snub Omisore In IlaOrangun •Allege Use Of Fake Naira Notes By SHINA ABUBAKAR
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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the State of Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore, reportedly suffered another humiliation during his electioneering campaign to Ila-Oragun as market women rejected his Greek gift. According to findings, alleged that she was paid the party suspended its N5,000 for a clothing campaign to the ancient material of N2,000 only to town scheduled for discover that three of the Monday to Tuesday to N1,000 notes were coincide with the market counterfeits. Another trader, who day in the town to attract sells handkerchiefs, more followers. However, as the former claimed he was paid one senator went into the thousand naira for N50 market to buy goods only to discover commodities and paid that the note was double the original prices, counterfeit. It would be recalled that a female clothe seller
the PDP candidate was also at Ikirun market, where he intended paying a woman N5,000 for a good costing N2,500 but the market woman insisted she should be paid the exact amount due to her, while other traders at the market rejected the party insignia given to them. It was also gathered that the Aragbiji of Iragbiji was not on hand to receive the governorship candidate when he visited the palace at odd hours during his campaign tour of the ancient town last week. However, the party was said to have enjoyed a rosy reception at Ada, as many people trooped out to meet Omisore in the town.
Osun Panel Orders Pasting Of Summons At HEOmisore, Adesiyan’s Homes Panel of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public
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Peace set up by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun has ordered Senator Isiaka Adeleke to paste a summon notice at Ile-Ife residence of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore. The panel headed by Osogbo, the state capital. Counsel to the Justice Moshood Adeigbe also ordered the petitioner petitioner, Mr. Lekan to paste a notice of Olayiwola, at the sitting, summon at the Ode-Omu urged the panel to grant his country home of the client an order to paste a Minister for Police Affairs, summon notice at the entrance of the three Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan. The panel is defendants, so as to keep investigating alleged them informed of the assault on Senator Adeleke pending petition against by Omisore, Adesiyan and them. Olayiwola told the panel Sogo Agboola during a stakeholders’ meeting held that he sought the order at Ideal Nest Hotel, following several attempts
by the bailiff to serve the respondents. He informed the panel that the respondents did not honour the plaintiff’s attempt to serve them. Also, the respondent was granted an order to paste a summon notice at Raymond Street, beside Hilton Hotel, opposite The Polytechnic, Ile-Ife, the entrance of Sogo’s residence, the third respondent. Meanwhile, Omisore on Wednesday lost bid to stop the panel from investigating him at an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo.
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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Aregbesola Commissions Armoured Personnel Carriers •Reads Riot Act To Criminals By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI
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OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said on Thursday that the first and most essential responsibility of any government is the provision of a guaranteed security for the people. Aregbesola stated this in this has no business in Osogbo, the state capital, power. while commissioning a new While recalling that the set of 20 Armoured state has been the most Personnel Carriers (APC), peaceful state in the procured for the State of country in the last three Osun Police Command for years, the governor warned the maintenance of law and anybody who has the order. intention of destabilising The governor stated that the peace of the state to the state government desist, as the state will not decided to invest a tolerate any act of whooping N1.3 billion on indiscipline. He noted that the APCs the carriers, despite the slim purse of the state, were not bought for the considering the importance purpose of coercing voters of security of lives and during the forthcoming governorship election but property He described the for the purpose of securing and property. commissioning as another lives The governor explained step towards fulfilling the that some selected police promise his administration officers have been sent to made with the people of the China for the purpose of state to ensure steady acquiring knowledge on the peace. carriers, adding that The governor explained maintenance tools and that the foremost duty of spare parts for five years government towards its were also procured along citizens is the protection of with the APCs. lives and property, Aregbesola then stressing that any appealed to the State Police government that fails to do Command to ensure that the
security vehicles are used for the purpose for which they were bought. He said: “We are doing this because we have discovered that we are dealing with criminals, who don’t care about the lives of peace-loving citizens of the state. “Our mission in politics is to guarantee the freedom of our people and help them to live well. This achievement is a new height in the
provision of security to our people. “These APCs are not bought for the purpose of coercing people to vote for me during election. We have bought them for the protection of lives of our people. “I am using this opportunity to appeal to the State Police Command to use this security vehicles for the purpose for which we have bought them.” Speaking on behalf of the
Inspector-General of Police, the AIG for Zone 11, Mr David Omojola, stated that the provision of the personnel carriers marks a huge turning-point in the provision of security in the state. He described the gesture as unprecedented in the history of the state command in its bid to combat crime in the state, stressing that the commitment of the command in fighting crime has been
boosted. The police chief then promised that the APCs would be used for the purpose for which they were bought, as the handlers will be given adequate tutelage on how to handle the equipment for effective use. “With this equipment, the job of securing the lives and property of the people has now been made easy. Security in Osun has now been taken to the next level. “We are assuring you that these vehicles shall be put into proper use.” Omojola said.
Osun Commissioner Decries Sale Of PVCs
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TATE of Osun Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, Barrister Stephen Kola-Balogun, has raised alarm over the sale of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) in exchange for money, saying it is a new approach to rig the forthcoming August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election in the state by some unscrupulous politicians. Addressing newsmen in that some people are currently Osogbo over the scenario, collecting voters’ cards of Kola-Balogun said the new youths in exchange for approach adopted by the N10,000, while the elderly politicians was undemocratic, ones are being tricked to submit their voters’ cards for criminal and wicked. While expressing concern peanuts.” Kola-Balogun posited that over the alleged dubious act, he and buying of voters’ explained that collection of selling cards is a new approach to voters’ cards from youths and rigging and must be elderly people by some discouraged for democracy to politicians across the state, thrive. should be discouraged. While calling on the youths He warned politicians to not to sell their future, Koladesist from such action or be Balogun called on law ready to face the wrath of the enforcement agents to law. investigate the matter and bring “It has come to our notice to book those found culpable.
•(L-R) Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori; Founder, Living Faith Church a.k.a. Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo; Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, during the bishop’s visit to the governor at the Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Wednesday.
Osun Osogbo Groove To Be Best Tourists’ Destination In Africa, Says NCMM By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO
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ALAM Yusuf Abdalalh, the Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), has stated that the Osun Osogbo Groove would be developed to become the best tourists’ destination in Africa. Abdallah stated this recently Osogbo Festival paid him a in Abuja when members of the courtesy call. Committee on the 2014 Osun He said that the groove
NANS Zone D Raises Alarm Over Clampdown On Education By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI HE Zone D of National Association of Nigeria Students’(NANS), South-West Zone, on Sunday expressed concern over what it described as clampdown on education as a result of increase in tuition fees and unending strike of the polytechnic and monotechnic lecturers. The trend, according to JCC Chairmen and former the association, is a political student leaders in the class’ conspiracy aimed at South-West Zone. denying the poor masses In a communiqué issued tertiary education in Nigeria, at the end of the meeting especially the South-West signed by the Zonal zone, which has been Coordinator, Asefon maintaining its leading role Sunday and Secretary, as cradle of knowledge in Obanobi Bidemi, the Nigeria. association threatened Rising from a showdown with federal and stakeholders’ meeting held state governments, at Foresight Hotel,Osogbo, governing councils and the State of Osun capital, on university authorities, Sunday, the association where any form of fee condemned in strong terms increase occurs. the increase in the tuition The communiqué reads fees of the Lagos State in part: “The NANS Zone University (LASU) and D leadership rejects in Obafemi Awolowo totality, the ongoing University, (OAU), Ile -Ife. coordinated political class’ The meeting had in conspiracy to completely attendance, the Students’ take away education from Union Presidents, NANS/ the children of the poor,
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despite the level of poverty in the land, where 100 millions Nigerians, according to a recent World Bank report, are still living as destitutes. The N200,000 - N250,000 LASU tuition increase is shocking, ridiculous and capable of traumatising parents and students. “Still battling with LASU, simultaneously, the OAU authorities also shut the university after a peaceful protest by the students over the 1000 % increase in the tuition fees. This was so difficult to believe that it could happen in the history of OAU. The trend is the contradiction of the vision of OAU founding fathers.” The association also rejected a purported reduction of LASU fees by the Lagos State Government, describing it as fraudulent and clear evidence of insincerity on the part of government, arguing that the reduction,
coupled with other internal charges, has little or no impact and demanded for a total reversal. “We are sounding a note of warning to the concerned authorities in the affected universities to reverse the increase or face the wrath of Nigerian students. We are determined to fight any government who dares to mortgage Nigerian future to a stand-still and if it is not reversed, we are going to declare a day of mass protest across the SouthWest.” The association also called on the Federal Government to resolve the one year industrial action of the National Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (NASUP). The association however at the meeting constituted action plan committee, which comprises the states’ NANS chairmen and selected union presidents to liaise with the affected institutions and choose a day of action.
would be developed to attract patronage by tourists from all over the world. The NCMM boss said that the commission was managing the site to ensure that it retained its pride on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Abdallah revealed that the commission would involve the private sector in managing the site. “We want to get the private sector involved in the management of the Osun Osogbo festival, so as to make it appealing to tourists. “We want to also make Osun Osogbo festival one of the best tourists’ destinations in Africa and the commission will leave no stone unturned to achieve this noble project,’’ he said. The Director-General lauded the efforts of the Osun Osogbo festival committee in ensuring that the festival retained its pride of place among the Yorubas. Abdallah noted that the listing of Osun Osogbo festival on the World Heritage List had improved the image of the site. He added that the participation of private sectors had equally made it gain a lot of attention. Abdallah stressed that the site was not only about artefacts and monuments but had also helped in enterprise development, which had provided employment for the people of Osun. He stated that this had
reduced the level of poverty and helped to put food on the table of the people. “The contributions of the festival have been very significant in the state,’’ he added. The Principal Co-ordinator, Osun Osogbo Festival, Chief Jimoh Braimoh, commended the NCMM for maintaining the highest standard in the management of the groove. Braimoh added that every family in Osun was committed to the festival, adding that both Muslims or Christians were usually involved in the success of the festival. He said the groove had been modified to wearing a new look and called for proper funding to maintain the standard, adding that the committee would not deviate from pursuing standard in the groove. “We are looking forward to ensuring that the Osun Osogbo festival gets better. “We will not deviate from the normal thing that is required of us to do to ensure that the 2014 festival is a success,’’ Braimoh said.
Notice Of Rearrangement Of Name Name formerly arranged as MR ADEREMI ATANDA OLUSEGUN now wished to rearrange my name as MR ATANDAADEREMI OLUSEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.
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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
I don’t Need The Votes Of Modakeke To Win Election - Omisore
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HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the forthcoming August 9 election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has said that he doesn’t need the votes of the people of Modakeke in IfeEast Area Office of the State of Osun to win the election.
Sources close to the senator disclosed to OSUN DEFENDER that the governorship candidate has come to a conclusion that there is nothing he would do or say to the community that they would vote for him because of his involvement in the prosecution of civil strife between his people in Ile-Ife and the people of Modakeke before and when he was the deputy governor in the state. It would be recalled that Omisore was accused by the people of Modakeke of using his privileged position to carry arms and ammunitions to his people in Ile-Ife which were used to either maim or kill quite a large number of the people of Modakeke community then.
It was during the period that he was chased out of his house at the back of Urban Day Grammar School by the people of Modakeke to show their disenchantment to his hatred to the peopleof the community. In a programme at Crown Fm Radio in Ile-Ife recently, the senator was reminded that there are 31 local government councils in Osun but he corrected the moderator that it was 30, saying that Modakeke is not a local government but a mere appendage of IfeEast Local Government Council. Commenting on the development, a displaced farmer in Modakeke, Pa James Ibitayo, said it would be absurd for Omisore to
come to canvass for votes in Modakeke as he (Omisore) was an active participant in a failed effort by the people of Ile-Ife to either kill all the people of Modakeke or chase them away from their current place of abode. Pa Ibitayo’s words: “Senator Omisore must be day dreaming for him to be asking for the votes of my people now. If his plan to either dislodge or kill all the
people of Modakeke had been made possible, would it have been possible for him to be eyeing any vote from us now. Omisore should forget our consolidated votes of about 30,000. “Lest I forget, what has been the contribution of the Ife-born senator to my community during his eight years’ tenure in the senate. Nothing, absolute nothing. “Does he want to tell me
that he was not an active initiator in the orchestrated plan of the people of Ile-Ife to chase out all the Modakeke farmers from their farms whereby their cash crops of cocoa and kolanut were confiscated with hundreds of Modakeke farmers either killed on their farms or killed by hunger? “Based on the antecedents of Omisore in Modakeke, it is only bastard
Modakeke sons and daughters that will vote for Omisore. Omisore should forget our votes in Modakeke. “Omisore can be president or anything. I even learnt he has been boasting that his victory would by arranged from Abuja. One thing is that the senator should forget the votes of my people”.
Osun CDHR, NCP Mourn Aturu
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HE State of Osun branch of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), on Friday, described the death of the late human rights activist, Comrade Bamidele Aturu, as a colossal loss to the civil •The door to door campaign of the APC for Aregbesola 2014 continued last Friday in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local society groups and Nigeria at large. Government Council Area of the State of Osun. In the picture is the crowd at the campaign train. Inset are (from L-R) CDHR stated this just as commiserated with the Mrs Remi Ajibewa, SSA to Gorvernor Aregbesola; Barr. Kunle Oyatomi, Osun APC Director of Publicity and Chairthe Deputy National family of the deceased and man, Ife North LG chapter of APC, Elder Rufus Awotidoye. Chairman of the National the human rights societies, Conscience Party (NCP), just as he prayed to God to Comrade Waheed Lawal, grant the bereaved families described Aturu’s death as the fortitude to bear the lost. According to Lawal, the unfortunate and a huge prominent chieftain of All Progressives Congress Adesiyan, minister of police blow dealt on the human vacant position left behind (APC) in Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area East and South-West to affairs and Iyiola Omisore by Aturu as a legal rights society. actualise his secret agenda of the State of Osun, Dr Tunji Dare, has tasked have been boasting that CDHR, in a press practitioner that defended in the South-South. they would deal with the statement signed by its the less-privileged and the President Goodluck Jonathan to discourage any act The medical doctorchairman, Comrade oppressed in his life time, capable of endangering Nigeria’s fledgling democracy as turned politician said he was incumbent Governor Rauf Akinkunmi Asifat, stated would be difficult to fill, the governorship election in Osun is approaching. not asking for any favour for Aregbesola at the poll puts that Aturu would forever be especially with the death of his party but the wish of the a big question mark to the Dr Dare, a medical doctor Shagari, the presidential remembered for his genuine the Late Chief Gani who has his practice in Ila- candidate of the defunct people should be militarisation issue. cause and commitment to Fawehinmi and Comrade Orangun, said the war National Party of Nigeria sancrosant in the interest of “My prayer for President nation building and Festus Iyayi. Jonathan is that he should peace and tranquility. messages coming out of the (NPN) when culture of The DNC described the achieving an egalitarian He said, there won’t be not be the last president to deceased as a gentle, mouths of some leaders of impunity was the order of society. any need for heavy rule over corporate Nigeria the PDP few days to the the day among political According to Uthman, upright, dedicated human militarisation of Osun as was as there can not be peace “Comrade Aturu would not rights crusader, who election are worrisome as functionaries of the NPN witnessed in the last Ekiti without justice. they are a glaring threat to extraction. committed all his resources be forgotten for his struggle “President Jonathan our democracy. He said the noble thing State election. for a better Nigeria, justice to human rights causes. should be mindful of the fact His statement: “If the The medical practitioner President Jonathan could He stressed that the and good governance. He that history has it that the mission of the military in who hails from Oyan, also do regarding the Osun deceased contributed was an indefatigable human of the First Odo-Otin Local election is to allow the votes such election is not partial downfall to the in rights crusader, a man of immensely Republic emanated from the principle; honour and highly restoration of democracy in Government Council area of of the people to count if in favour of a particular South-West geo-political party, it is welcome. But in a the country and to the Osun, noted that the only to disabuse the minds intelligent. Comrade Aturu zone in 1966 which later was a nationalist to the core. liberation of student development in the nation’s of discerning people in the situation where Senator radiated across the nation”. “The human rights world movement, saying that the political turf are similar to geo-political zone that the Musiliu Obanikoro, the He said he was will miss Uturu more for his country has lost a patriotic the re-election era of president is promoting junior minister in the particularly put off by a President Alhaji Shehu anarchy in both the North- ministry of defence; Mr Jelili supposed goodwill message undying spirit of activism, Nigerian. passionate commitment to that came out from the fighting for a just cause and mouth of a national leader his guiding role in the civil of the PDP, Filani, at the societies.” party’s rally in Lagos on Uthman maintained that buying their voters’ cards. a great state. Friday that the PDP would Aturu committed his The governor’s aide, who “What can we say, after ‘capture’ all the states in the urged the people of the youthful life to fighting for South-West. S the 2014 gubernatorial election draws nearer in state to come out enmasse seeing what he has done by the common people, the “For God sake, why diversification of the the State of Osun, the Special Adviser to the to exercise their civic economy, we can point to all should a sensible and oppressed and served as Governor on Environment and Sanitation, voice to the voiceless, Honourable Bola Ilori, has stated that disenfranchising of responsibility, stressed the sectors, which have taken a credible elder of a party be adding that the passionate the electorate in the upcoming governorship election would need for the electorate to dramatic and progressive thinking of ‘capturing’ the zeal and energy with which be a knife to the future of democracy in the state and Nigeria guard their votes jealously turn.” South-West when his party and also ensure that their he fought the military to at large. “People are gathering is not a colonial master? It votes count after the voting here today to appreciate the is a shame which does not install democracy in Nigeria Ilori made this known areas in the federal exercise. could not be erased in the good governance and portray the PDP in a good Ilori, who was excited by u n p r e c e d e n t e d light. history of Nigerian recently at the re-election constituencies across the campaign rally of Governor the large turnout of people state showed that the “Is it not funny that democracy. of Aregbesola of the All performance of the present at the event, said it was achievements Omisore and his supporters The CDHR Rauf Aregbesola and that is what Progressives Congress was obvious that the people have been going round the spokesperson described (APC) held at Seventh Day administration were there to give their we can see right now.” uncommon. Aturu as a nationalist, Adventist “Aregbesola deserves to state, boasting that the Church Ilori, while calling on the undivided support for patriot, and unrelenting Secondary School, Ede electorate not to allow some Aregbesola’s second term in be re-elected because his Federal Government-led advocate of good recently. miscreants, who believed office, explained that it was performance cannot be President Jonathan has governance, who lived to He affirmed that the warm the only way to be at the an indication that the people over-emphasized and even concluded an arrangement uphold justice, freedom for reception accorded Ogbeni helms of affair was through really appreciated the a lay-man knows he will to influence the Osun all and an egalitarian society, Rauf Aregbesola by fraudulent means, charged uncommon developments definitely do more than this governorship election in where justice shall reign. residents of Ede and party them to reject the antics of witnessed in the state when he emerges victorious favour of the PDP”? The Lawal, in his condolence supporters from the other the opposition to courtesy of Aregbesola’s on August 9th, 2014,” Ilori medical doctor asked rhetorically. message on Friday, local government council disenfranchise them by determination to make Osun stressed.
The Danger In Rigging Osun Gov Election - Dr Dare
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Osun 2014: Disenfranchising Of Electorate, A Knife To Future Democracy - Ilori
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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 handwriting 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
Open Letter To Governor Aregbesola
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EFORE we has even gone cyber go for the with it. How do I mean and how did I governorship poll in get to know? He has employed the State of Osun on Saturday, August 9, the services of the 2014, may I call the so-called sons of attention of the devil called Governor Rauf ‘Yahoo boys’ and it Aregbesola that the news making the round that your rival in the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, is buying up the Permanent was a very close Voters’ Cards of the friend of mine who people, especially gave me the full those of All details. They hack the Progressives Congress (APC) INEC website and gaining supporters as true after information about and not false. For your the whereabouts of information sir, he APC members, they
organise their clandestine rallies there and after all the cameras have been switched off, they commence the purchase of these cards with the sum of N10,000.
this peace-loving State of Osun before it gets out of hand. Not only is the PDP and Omisore doing this but they have even gone a step further to include violence into it and it is not the best thing to just sit and do nothing. There is need to take action and the set time is now. I have spoken and I thank you for reading it Mr. Governor.
My question is this sir. You must have been getting these information as the chief security officer of the state but what have you done? •DARASIMI Sir, there is need to Osogbo, take positive action OKE, State of Osun. as the governor of
the PDP and Omisore - going to effect any meaningful change in the life of the state as they are shouting around? We know that the virtuous and 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 gov-
ernment that has done so well for our state.
OSUN DEFENDER Publisher
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Editor
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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
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Politics OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Aregbesola On The March Again Ibokun Mega Rally: Rallying Support Against Religious Divisive Sentiments The carnival-like Mega Rally recently held at Ibokun, the seat of Ijesa-North Federal Constituency was a tourist centre of sorts. In spite of the fun-filled events, alongside its glamour, glitz and splendor, the main reason for the convergence was not lost. The State of Osun Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has for some time now been preoccupied with sensitization fora, all in a bid to rally and build support for its candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state. The candidate, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is the incumbent helmsman, is seeking re-election, hinged on the need to consolidate the numerous landmark achievements garnered for the state and its people during his first four-year tenure. This report, put together by NIYI OLASINDE bares the full details of the political thrust of the gathering. - See Story On Page 3
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (with mic), addressing a mammoth crowd of his admirers during his re-election mega rally in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the State of Osun, held in Ibokun, recently.
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
PHOTOTALK
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Commissioning And Distribution Of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) To State Of Osun Police Command By Governor Rauf Aregbesola At the State Government House, Osogbo, Last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•(R-L) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; representative of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 11, Mr David Omojola and State of Osun Commissioner of Police, Mr Maishau Ibrahim, during the programme.
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•A cross section of police officers at the event.
•A cross section of mobile policemen during their match-past at the event.
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Commissioning And Distribution Of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) To State Of Osun Police Command By Governor Rauf Aregbesola At the State Government Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. House, Osogbo, Last Thursday.
•Some of the APCs distributed to police in the State of Osun last Thursday.
•Governor Aregbesola (2nd right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Laoye-Tomori; Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam (left); state Commissioner of Police, Mr Matshau Ibrahim (right) and other digntaries during their test-driving of one of the APCs at the event.
•Governor Aregbesola (with mic) commissioning the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
All Progressives Congress (APC) Re-election 2014 Governorship Campaign In Boluwaduro Local Government Council Area Of Osun Recently.
•The Onirun of Irun, Oba Isaac Adetunlurese, addressing APC supporters in his palace (standing). With him, State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere (right) and his counterpart for Youths, Sports and Special •Some of the APC members at Onirun Palace. Needs, Mr Stephen Kola-Balogun (2nd right).
•A cross section of APC members in Iresi during the rally.
•Another cross section of APC supporters at Iresi.
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
MAGAZINE
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Ibokun Mega Rally: Rallying Support Against Religious Divisive Sentiments
• •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (on top of a bus), acknowledging cheers from the crowd during his re-election campaign in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the State Of Osun, sometime ago. Contiuned from page 6
L
IKE five other ones held before it, the Ibokun Mega Rally was a gathering which attracted to itself the entire people of a federal constituency. It was however second in the series to be convened in the Osun East (Ife / Ijesa) Senatorial District of the State of Osun. This time around, the federal constituency concerned is Ijesa North, comprising two local government council areas, namely, Obokun and Oriade local government councils. Unlike other contemporary federal constituencies in the state, which either consist of three or four local government council areas; Ijesa North has only two. This is suggestive of the fact that the expanse of area under its coverage must be vast indeed, in terms of geographical land area, number of settlements and population strength. This fact was proven beyond reasonable doubts at the rally as people turned up in droves to grace the occasion and throw their support behind the man they chose to entrust with their political power several years ago; and whose mandate they are resolved to renew all over again. The man of the moment, whose name rings bells on the tongues of an overwhelming majority, is Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola. Little wonder then that as early as nine o’clock in the morning that day, people had begun to throng the streets of Ibokun, in obvious readiness for the big event of the day – an event which was destined to become the talk-of-the-town for some time to come. In all the rallies so far held at the instance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of Osun, record has been set that never in the annals of partisan politics had crowds been so tumultuous for a political party – defunct or existing. Obviously, the magic wand that pulled people and made them find Aregbesola’s rallies irresistible is the enigma of his quality service, selfless service and finesse which he has brought to bear on governance. Prior to the time of his seeking a renewed mandate, Aregbesola had occupied the seat of governance for almost a period of four years, characterized with laudable achievements in virtually all sectors of life. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine had been relentless in its analysis of the downturn dungeon of negligence abandonment, devastation, rot and decay into which the state had been plunged in yesteryears in the areas of infrastructure and general service delivery. Also, much of the state’s meagre resources had been thrown after bad, as the immediate past administration in particular, under the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which dissipated the wealth and commonwealth on trivialities which amounted to waste and profligacy. In effect, the state was poor in all ramifications. The citizens’ standard of living was palpably low. The standard of education and that of quality health delivery system was perpetually nose-diving. In sum, the state was heading for a position of insolvency. Since his ascension into office however, the magic wand of quality service and economic resuscitation had come alive. All nooks and crannies of the state are replete with imprints of the giant and astonishing strides of a Government Unusual – the government which the generality of the hitherto hopeless and downtrodden can call theirs! This has been to the extent that many concerned people, stakeholders, public affairs commentators and interest groups had objectively and honestly come to a safe platitude of conclusion that we had never had it as good as we have in recent times in the State of Osun. This clearly explains why the people had unanimously yearned and clamoured for a second term bid for Ogbeni so that the good works he started so prolifically could continue. In spite of all this, detractors, scoffers and traducers never abated in issuing out propaganda, devilish tales, false claims and unfounded rumours to run down his administration; all in a bid to fan their selfish ambitions and promote their inordinate ambition. So far so good, the mega rallies have justified our claims and absolved the administration of Ogbeni from all blames. More than that, the people, in their swelling majority, give higher promise day-in, day-out that they are determined to poll massively for Ogbeni and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), come August 9.
Insinuations, antics, intrigues and propaganda prevalently peddled by detractors, dominated mainly by members of the leading opposition in the state, that is, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); are fast turning the state into a centre of rumor peddling. We are good people here. Traditionally, our forebears were notable for hardwork, honesty, enterprise, industry and Spartan discipline. Unfortunately, things are taking a negative turn these days; as attitudes, mindsets and behaviour patterns that were hitherto alien to our culture and value system are gaining grounds, in what could best be regarded as condescending trend, which constitutes an aspect of the retrogressive tenets encapsulated in the principles of governance paraded by the conservative. In 2003, the conservative “captured” the entire South-West geopolitical zone under the guise of aligning the zone with the mainstream politics of the nation. Unfortunately for the states so affected and their people; what they had in exchange is a story that is not at all pleasant to recount. Today, all the above-mentioned virtues, held in high esteem by our forebears; and which had been internalized among us, being institutionalized as their fond legacies had become eroded. In their place, beggarly attitude, lack of spirit of enterprise, lack of self-reliance and independence became despotically foisted on the people. The after-effect is an eyesore; a sorry sight and a menace. A social malaise; a misfit which at best, all hands must unite to keep at bay – today, beggarly conduct, rumor-peddling, boot-licking and life of gross dependency on few political bandits who had amassed stolen wealth which otherwise could have benefitted the entire people had been entrenched. In the past, these backward features of oligarchic rule belonged to some distant strands where the generality of their populace was treated as second-rate citizens, retarded in stark ignorance, kept in abject poverty and hidden in the obscurity of inexposure. In other words, the people of those places were subsumed by the murky waters of backwardness, retardation and underdevelopment. Their political leaders capitalized on these deliberate inhibitions to limit their spirit of independence and quest for good, quality living standards. All through the pre-Independence era, through the First Republic, down through the long Military Regime up till recently in 2003, our virtues were jealously protected; while the virtues so eloquently portrayed were kept alive. However, during the military democratic experiment portion of the military regime, a conspiracy had raged on among the conservative political class and the military captors to employ widespread ignorance to “kill” the spirit of “antagonism” thriving in the Southern parts of the country – the West in particular. Upon return to civil rule in 1999, the most potent, willing and ready hand-tool in this retrogressive scheme was found in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Its unfortunate seizure of political power in most parts of the South West in 2003 has produced the adverse side-effects of multiplying woes attendant to poverty, ignorance, dependency, poor mind-set and all the rest among the people, regarded as captives. With the coming on board of progressives in installments in states like Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun and Oyo, even in the Labour Party (LP)-controlled Ondo State, the sad, ugly trend has begun to be gradually reversed. In the State of Osun in particular, the trend of reversal has been rapid and dramatic. People were being lifted from the miry clay of hopelessness and despondency through quality education, free health service delivery, massive job creation and empowerment and all other integrative intervention efforts in the Social Service Sub-sector. The trend today has produced a rancor-free society – a society purified from all the pollutant effect of almost eight years neglect, abandonment and recklessness. Above all achievements, the State of Osun is basking in the euphoria of peace, security and zerotolerance for crimes. Our town and cities are clean; being well cared for through a carefully packaged all-inclusive sanitation effort. Also, the infrastructure development drive of the Aregbesola administration has redeemed the ugly tide of horrible sites for our state. As is expected, all these developmental strides had not gone
down well with the people’s captors, who had thought along that they had better, selfish need for the enormous resources employed to maximally better the lots of the entire citizenry in the past four years. The Federal Government nominated itself to be the grand designer of all antics to be employed to snatch all their former “empires” at all costs and by all means. Since 2010, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled Federal Government had been petrified by the trend of achievements of governments at these states. Upon waking up from the knock-out effect of the petrifaction experience in 2013; the only measure it could muster to “deal’ with the achieving governments was to effect a 40 per cent cut in monthly Statutory Allocation to the states; hinging the wicked cut on dwindling oil revenues, owing to the nefarious activities of thieves and bunkerers! In an attempt at perfecting their grand design of recapturing their lost “empires”, Jonathan enlisted a personality with penchant for mischief, crimes and fraud to nominate appointees as ministers from the zone. Thus, Omisore became the godfather to appoint ministers into sensitive ministries like Police Affairs and Defence (State)! To this scheme there was a dual intent. One, it was a grand design to cover Omisore’s tracks in the murder case of the slain Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige. Two, the ploy is intended to hijack the police and other security apparatus so as to use them grossly and massively to people’s disadvantage during the approaching polls. This is the sort of script we saw them act in Ekiti State during the last Gubernatorial Polls in the state. With controversial personalities like Jelili Adesiyan and Misliu Obanikoro as political heads of ministries as sensitive as Police Affairs and Defence (State) respectively, we cannot expect things to be normal again in the lives and polity of the people of the entire area they claimed to have extracted from. They are, glaringly, odd-jobbers, who were assigned, or better put, who nominated themselves willingly to betray their own people; especially in decision-making affairs as crucial as elections. The appointment of Adesiyan and Obanikoro for the devilish intents they were coopted for had sealed the deal for the fraudulent antics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It explains the reason why with very little effort, Omisore exudes the greatest confidence that he would win the August 9 election in the State of Osun. All indications on ground are proofs to the contrary. His personality, track-record and entire antecedents in life and politics should have barred him from the contest; were we to be in a more sane society. The way events played out during the Gubernatorial Polls in Ekiti State has shown the entire script acted to the disgusting glare of all discerning observers. The attestation of the polls as free and fair was to the extent that the majority of voters chose Fayose. But what of the mammoth of others who, upon being fingered as members, supporters and sympathizers of Fayemi and his party were held and disenfranchised? As far as Ekiti is concerned, the conspiracy was perfected this time around simply because the majority of the people found sweet connivance in the forceful weapon wielded by the security apparatus. I prophesy that the time shall soon come when the same people would require a saviour to deliver them from the path of destruction they chose, either deliberately or ignorantly; but alas, none would come their way! Let that be with Ekiti. In the State of Osun, romour, antics and propaganda had continued to be employed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to have its way forcefully back to office and enthrone a government against the wish, choice and mandate of the people. This wish thrived among them so that the business of stealing could continue. As far as the State of Osun is concerned today, the only reasonable explanation for seeking for change of government is that of promoting the devilish concept of “infrastructure of the belly”. They started long time ago to attempt castigating Aregbesola for an offence for which they (the PDP) are totally guilty. They accused the governor that his massive infrastructure projects had prompted hunger. Ask them if in their days in Abere, the dearth of infrastructural development in the state ever translated into spraying of naira notes along the streets?
Contiuned on page 12
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
MAGAZINE
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Ibokun Mega Rally: Rallying Support Against Religious Divisive Sentiments Contiuned from page 11 Since the assumption of office of Aregbesola and his team, salaries had been paid on regular basis before or latest on the 26th of every month. More than that, the administration did one thing in the area of incentive which none other administration had done before – that was the payment of the thirteenth month salary to all state-employed workers at the end of each year. During the entire period, workers had been full of praises to the administration and its good, positive gestures. Then came the fatal blow: With effect from June 2013, the “almighty” federal Government effected a drastic cut of 40 per cent in the monthly Statutory Allocation accruing to states. Already, the State of Osun had been a laggard on the allocation chart, meaning that it had ever been underpaid. So, the further cut was intended to nail the coffin, so as to turn the people’s heart against the administration that means so well for them. Still, the administration has not defaulted in payment of salaries, allowances and pensions. The manner of cope had been wonderful and this had confounded adversaries. Another rumour making the rounds is that the intention of the administration has been that of embarking on massive retrenchment of civil servants during its second tenure. Ask these detractors how many workers had the administration sacked in its first tenure in office? All along, the experience had been that of promotion and more recruitment. This time around recruitment exercises conducted were so fair and credible that they were devoid of ugly undertones woven around religious, partisan and other sentiments. Teachers, for the first time, got the privilege of getting elevated to the highest professional echelon, and that of becoming permanent secretaries (tutors-general). In some other states of the federation, even those considered to be richer than the State of Osun, the experience since the slash in monthly allocation mid last year had been a reduction of salaries by halves. Aregbesola did not make workers pass through this kind of hardship. Instead, his massive employment policies have reduced the burdens on the working class drastically, such that, the youth is now more productively engaged and the society has become the better for it. Our common enemies also took it upon themselves to fault the Schools’ Reclassification policy of the administration. The same Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the close watch of which our school properties were turned into ghettos where hoodlums, thugs and perpetrators of shady deals hibernated. Most of the school premises had so dangerously dilapidated that they constituted life-threatening danger to their immediate users. Even then few new ones claimed to be put in place by that administration were haphazardly constructed. When this administration came to put all these anomalies in order, it was then that mischief-makers started inciting religious bodies that the administration was all-out to snatch ownership of the schools from them. For once, the administration of Ogbeni has not changed names of schools or converted ownership from one ministry / religion to the other. Of greater interest is the discovery that Aregbesola has never used his office to favour any religion to the prejudice of the other. Not even his Islamic faith has enjoyed special preference! To God, Aregbesola is a wonderful administrator – the kind that progress-loving people anywhere should be proud to have any day. Most recently, our detractors came out with the campaign of calumny that Aregbesola had become a religious terrorist. What an allegation! So the same Aregbesola who had all along been the delight of all faiths could be so falsely accused? Then, the accusers need their heads thoroughly examined. Aregbesola has been fair to practitioners of all religious faiths in the state. His tolerance is unequalled. Christian clerics take turns to pray for him. Traditional priests admire his recognition and respect for their patterns of faith, which had hitherto been avoided like plague. In all honesty, Aregbe’s fairness, sincerity and transparent love to men and women of all faith, in strict adherence to the tone and spirit of the oaths of office he swore to, deserves that another term be entrusted to him. With his kind at the saddle of governance, religion-related crises would soon be forgotten issue. AT Ibokun, the headquarters of Obokun Local Government Council of the State of Osun, people flung these antics of lies, deceits and unreasonable sentiments overboard as they trooped out massively to receive Governor Aregbesola and his campaign train, who stormed the area penultimate Tuesday. The torrential downpour of that day notwithstanding, people defied all obstacles to accord a rallying welcome to their own man – the man of the
people and the Symbol of the collective mandate of the masses, who had not betrayed the trust, reposed in him during his first tenure in office. As soon as the campaign train arrived in the ancient town, historically documented to be the cradle of the entire Ijesaland, their first port of call was the palace of the monarch of the town, the Alademure of Ibokun, Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro. Governor Aregbesola went ahead to intimate the waiting monarchs in the area, who had adorned the palace to welcome him with the purpose of visit. He spared no time to thank the royal fathers for keeping faith with his administration and for upholding peace, security and good neighbourliness in their respective domains. He explained that the whole essence of seeking re-election was to continue the good work; so that the dividends of democracy, which had become so prevalent could spread the more round the entire nooks and crannies of the area in particular, and the state in general. Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers in Ijesa North federal Constituency, Oba Awogboro welcomed the governor home; just as he gave assurance to him on the massive support of the people of the federal constituency. Oba Awogboro sounded a note of reminder on the governor for his earlier promise to facilitate the siting of a private university in the town; which according to him should be expedited. He then charged the other traditional rulers in the area to work assiduously to ensure the successful re-election of Ogbeni and to ensure that peace and tranquility reign in their domains before, during and after the political contest. Thereafter, the traditional fathers rained prayers on Aregbesola, wishing him overwhelming victory at the polls. It was an enthusiastic crowd that thronged after the governor’s campaign train from the palace of Alademure to the Local Authority Elementary School venue of the political event. Already, a huge crowd had converged on the venue to welcome them. With the governor’s arrival at few minutes after four in the evening, the mood of the waiting party members, supporters, admirers and sympathizers became recharged with renewed frenzy. Brooms were brandished in response to similar gesture made by the governor. Prior to the arrival of the man o the moment, proceedings had commenced. Speaker after speaker took turns to address the waiting crowd. The State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere charged the people to exercise caution and vigilance as they approached the Gubernatorial Elections. He cautioned them not to give out their voters’ cards in exchange for financial or other enticements. He further implored the residents of the federal constituency and those of the entire state by extension to troop out and vote on August 9. He assigned them to ensure that they stand by their votes till collation stag to avoid manipulation. A big-wig of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Alhaji Abdul-Fatah Oyedele Diekola averred that the peoplefriendly disposition of Ogbeni Aregbesola had made his government purely dedicated to serving the people’s interests meritoriously. He cautioned the electorate against apathy of succumbing to threats or intimidation; as possible huge presence of security operatives on Election Day would be to maintain law and order and to prevent breakdown of peaceful electoral process. Another notable speaker at the event was the former Chief of Staff to former Governor Oyinlola, who is currently the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Elder Peter Adebayo Babalola, a.k.a. Peter Action. Babalola commended the administration of Ogbeni for the peace and progress it has enshrined and upheld; holding that the reigning climate was a sharp contrast to what had hitherto been the order of the day. According to him, the state was already heading for anarchy as at 2010 when the administration came on board. He counseled the people not to allow the state to retrogress to that status, and that the only measure to forestall that is to troop out massively to cast their votes for Aregbesola on the Election Day. The latest in the list of false allegations mentioned above was that the governor was using his good office to advance the cause of religious disharmony in the state. It is in response to this last allegation that the core of the governor’s message to the waiting crowd at Ibokun, headquarters of Obokun Local Government Council Area where the sixth in the series of mega rallies converged last Tuesday focused on debunking the rumour that he had been in favour of religious sentiments or advocating some sort of religious mayhem, uprising or terrorism. The governor, who appeared at the Local Authority School
venue of the rally at around 4:05 p.m. swung promptly into action by addressing the mammoth crowd at the event. Immediately upon his arrival at the scene, the National Anthem and the State of Osun Anthem were sung back-to-back. This was spontaneously followed with the chanting of “Dagunro o se e je / T’Osun yato si ti’won”; which the surging crowd sang enthusiastically. Upon mounting the soapbox, the governor went straight to business, announcing against the antics of lies and deceit spread abroad by detractors that the June 2014 salaries had been released; thereby rendering vain, null and empty the boastings of the “Federal Might” that the state would be cash-starved for June allocation so that there would be enough hunger ahead of the August 9 Gubernatorial Elections. This actual payment of June salaries, allowances and pensions came on the trail of earlier promise made by the governor at a similar crowd-pulling event held at Ijebu-‘Jesa during the penultimate week. The programme, the periodic audienceparticipating programme packaged at the instance of the incumbent administration and transmitted live on all state-owned media houses has provided ample avenues for the people to meet eye-to-eye with their Number One Citizen ask questions bordering on myriads of issues of his government and intimate him with areas where the shoe pinches them. On his own part, the governor also has the feel of the actual situation in each area. The Mega Rally held at Ibokun penultimate Tuesday had come and gone, but it remains notable in two senses, aside the regular records broken by similar gatherings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. One of the notable events is that at the event, Governor Aregbesola hit the adversaries with stupefying amazement, having released salaries and other monetary payments due to workers in active service and senior citizens for the month of June; even as at the first day of July! The second notable event is how the governor declared his innocence in any issue, perceived or real, associated with religious intolerance and / or terrorism. This, as usual attested to by the teeming crowd which chorused their acceptance of the claim. The crowd, as usual, comprised adherents of Christian, Islamic and Traditional religions. Earlier, various groups within these religious faiths had showed unreserved acceptance for the person and style of governance of Ogbeni Aregbesola, as well as his programmes, projects and policies. Among dignitaries who graced the occasion are former governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Wife of the Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Abidemi Aregbesola and the State of Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori. Others include the rank and file of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun led by the Acting Chairman, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi and Acting Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun. Among the members of the State Executive Council in attendance are the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere, his Finance Ministry counterpart, who doubled as the Chief Host at the event, Honourable (Dr.) Wale Bolorunduro and a host of others. Also in attendance are federal and state legislators, executive secretaries of local government council areas, political bigwigs, representatives of trade and professional associations and groups and others. Nollywood actors and musicians were not left out as usual. The chief entertainer at the occasion was King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1). Leading the Obas at the Alademure of Ibokun’s Palace are their Royal Majesties, the Alademure of Ibokun, Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro (Obokun); The Elegboro of Ijebu-’Jesa, Oba Aribisala (Oriade); Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeniran (Obokun); Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa, Oba Baderin (Oriade) and others too numerous to mention. AT this juncture, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine shall draw excerpts from the pact given to the people of the state upon rolling out of the Oranmiyan campaign team of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola eight years ago; for the purposes of reference and setting the records straight: My mission and ambition are to restore to the people, a state of peace, opportunity, for progress and room for the pursuit of prosperity in our time under a people friendly government. I give you Six-Point Integral Action Plan, to the intent that they constitute my actions of faith concerning which I want to be
Contiuned on page 13
•Governor Aregbesola (2nd right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left); the Alademore of Ibokunland, Oba Festus Awogboro (right) and others.
MAGAZINE
13
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Ibokun Mega Rally: Rallying Support Against Religious Divisive Sentiments
•Governor Aregbesola addressing a mammoth crowd during the rally. Continued from page 12
· Encourage production of cash crops which can enhance farmer’s income and provide basis for an effective agro-industrial society in the state of Osun.
· Mobilize our traditional rulers to showcase the state’s tourism potentials to Yorubas in the diaspora (e.g. Brazil, Cuba and West Indies).
held accountable at any time during my stewardship.
SIX POINT INTEGRAL ACTION PLAN ·
Banish Poverty
·
Banish Hunger
·
Banish Unemployment (Create Work/Wealth)
·
Restore Healthy Living
·
Promote Functional Education
·
Enhance Communal Peace and Progress
· Specified to vigorously develop extensive farming in palm trees to create a fully integrated oil palm processing industry. · To target and capture minimum of 10% of the multibillion naira- per day food market of the neighbouring states. ·
· Be a catalyst to the development and promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises that will exploit available raw materials. ·
Our purposeful government of ACN shall revitalize commerce and restore wealth back to the land through: · Market friendly policies that will revive the customary commercial activities in Osogbo and other towns in Osun.
· Community based road maintenance units will be established to ensure timely repairs and deduce overall maintenance costs. · priority.
Development and regular maintenance of urban and rural roads to get top
· Access roads to evacuate agricultural produce shall be constantly improved and expanded. · Create partnerships with the private sector on road development and provision of infrastructure. TRANSPORTATION
No job loss, more jobs.
COMMERCE
Osun people’s natural affinity for commerce has been dampened over the years by unfriendly and unfocused economic policies of government thereby popularizing poverty among a people, who are naturally hardworking, industrious and adventurous.
Set up price support scheme for farmers through commodity exchange board.
Vision: Roads to and in all towns and villages in Osun. Road construction and maintenance shall be used to generate employment for the indigenes of the State of Osun.
BANISH UNEMPLOYMENT (CREATE WORK& WEALTH)
BANISH POVERTY
Vision: To make Osogbo the second hub in international trade in goods and commodities in the Southwest.
Support cooperative efforts by farmers
ROADS
Osun people are peaceful, dignified and hardworking people who desire and deserve gainful employment for their children and themselves. Rather than policies that will create employment and wealth for the people, the policies of the PDP government in place serve to enrich few at the expense of majority of our people. As part of our GOVERNMENT UNUSUAL programme, I Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola make a pact with you good people of the State of Osun, in the presence and by the grace of God Almighty that our government shall create immediate employment for 20,000 people within our 100 days in office. 5,000 of these places shall be reserved for those who were retrenched and are still willing and able to work.
We shall produce a transport master plan to provide direction for development of the sector. The safety of the lives of the indigenes of the State of Osun is of great concern to us. We shall: · Reduce to the barest minimum, road traffic accident within 6 months on all roads starting with Federal roads. · Create a motorized division of the Osun troopers to patrol roads to prevent accidents on the highways and organize rescue and recovery operations.
As a people-friendly government, our policies shall help to: ·
INNOVATION
Promotion and support of activities focused on wealth promotion for our people.
· Transformation of Osogbo into an International market where goods will be procured at prices comparable to any other part of West Africa. FINANCE& ECONOMIC PLANNING I shall increase the internally generated revenue of the state and also improve in mileage on every kobo accruing to the state by:
· indigenes.
Reducing leakages in the tax collection and administration process.
·
Running a transparent and accountable government.
·
Ensuring prudent management of the state’s resources.
·
Ensuring that the funds of the state are used for developmental purposes.
·
Create viable Public/Private sector partnerships to jump start the economy.
· Our overall goal is to reduce dependence on federal allocation as a means of funding the government. BANISH HUNGER FOOD& AGRICULTURE Vision: Our government shall banish hunger in Osun and enhance wealth through massive increase in food production and agriculture. Every farmer shall sell his products and be prosperous. The labour of the farmer shall no longer be in vain because we shall provide assistance and support to farmers in finding and exploiting profitable market for their goods. We do not presently grow enough food in Osun to feed us round the year and this should concern a government that cares for its people.
Europe, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and now China have made life for their people permanently comfortable through innovation, research and development, thrift and hardwork.
· Establish one LIFE ACADEMY in each of the three Senatorial constituencies for the building of life- long skills in out of schools, youngsters as well as adults seeking alternative competencies.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORMS There is the need for a civil service reform that will not lead to any loss of jobs as I Rauf Aregbesola do not believe in laying people off in the name of reforms.
Bonuses, incentives and regular awards shall be instituted to promote a culture of excellence in the civil service along with the prompt payment of salaries, allowances, leave bonuses and year-end performance bonuses. Promotions and comprehensive salary reviews and increases shall be regular. Internal and external training, work exchange programmes and overseas training shall be actively reinstituted for comprehensive human development in the civil service. New Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Cadre shall be created for Teachers in new education districts for better school administration.
I care and I’m deeply concerned. As your Governor I will do everything possible to: · Create awareness and dissatisfaction among all in the State of Osun about our position among the world’s people and the need to move up the ladder of human ascent and development away from permanent and persistent poverty. ·
Ensure that ideas with original creativity are tapped for the enrichment of all.
· Give real importance to education with skills development so that we can make what we need and become more competitive in the world as a people by creating more skills development centres in the State of Osun. · In these centres we shall teach Men and Women to think with their hands, sharpen our already proven entrepreneurial skills and stop Nigeria from importing:
We shall institute Home Ownership Scheme for public servants and also support and encourage their backyard food production business ventures. We shall do a comprehensive review of civil service names and conventions as part of our efforts to create a people- friendly civil service. Appropriate nomenclature will enhance accountability and promote public access to the services of the ministry. A citizen with a complaint of blockage of drainage will find a Ministry of Roads and Drainages easier to identify with than Ministry of Works, a Ministry of Human Resources and Development will more appropriately communicate its services than a Ministry of Establishment. TOURISM Vision: Tourist’s cradle in Africa
To maximize the benefit of resultant massive increase in food production, we shall improve: Access roads and general transportation to even the most remote areas of the
The State of Osun is the cradle of Yoruba people and our rich culture. The opportunities for wealth creation in Osun state through tourism have been underexploited. We shall:
·
Storage process and capacity.
· Develop State of Osun tourism potentials to its fullest to promote employment and wealth among people of the State of Osun.
·
Processing of agricultural produce.
·
TOOTH PICK (IGI OPARUN FUN ITAYIN) FROM CHINA, ORANGE JUICE (OROMBO) FROM KOREA, SHOES (BATA) FROM SPAIN/ ITALY, FAN BELT/ CAR TYRES (RUBBER) FROM JAPAN AND FRANCE. When I know that these can be easily manufactured here. I shall turn the State of Osun into a creative agro-industrial zone God willing. INDUSTRIALISATION Key to banishing unemployment permanently anywhere is promoting conducive atmosphere for manufacturing and production. Our Government shall: · Develop integrated industrial estates for mini, micro and large manufacturing enterprises in the three senatorial zones of the State of Osun. · Provide the estates with infrastructural facilities that reduce the cost of setting up industries (roads, electricity, water and telecommunications).
Encourage development of Yoruba museum and world heritage centre at Ile·
Ife. ·
We have not been innovative enough, we have not invested enough in research and we have not developed the fruits of innovation and research. In other words we remain backward, poor, unscientific and losers (eni igbehin) among the family of nations. It is a matter of concern that our leaders do not car or worry enough about these issues.
Our reform will make the work environment more conductive, stimulating and development oriented.
Our government shall support farmers to attain increase in food production, better storage and delivery. We shall provide assistance to farmers in exploiting profitable markets and market opportunities for their products.
· state.
We Africans especially the people of the State of Osun are thrifty (a ki se oni nakuna) and hardworking (ati agbe at onise owo lo ka imele si aida nile Yoruba) but we have been backward in looking forward.
· Promote labour exchange centres to facilitate employment of graduates from our Life Academies.
· Ensuring real time online access to actual position of the state finances to prevent misuse and other forms of abuse by receiving agencies. ·
Create economic environment that ensures availability of jobs for all Osun
Provide incentives targeted at attracting manufacturers/ investors.
Rural electricity and water supply. ·
Encourage programmes that nurture and promote arts and talent.
·
Enhance the image of traditional rulers and institutions.
CASH CROPS
· Develop skilled personnel through our Life Academies, Universities and colleges to service specialized industrial and manufacturing needs.
Continued on page 14
14
MAGAZINE
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Ibokun Mega Rally: Rallying Support Against Religious Divisive Sentiments
•A • cross section of Aregbesola’s supporters. Continue from page 12 RESTORE HEALTHY LIVING Vision: To work to save our people from all avoidable deaths due to accidents, emergencies, poverty and inadequate health facilities. To achieve this for all and particularly our children and senior citizens, we shall: ·
Provide effective and available healthcare for all.
·
Provide efficient accident and emergency ambulance service.
· Provide primary health clinics within 10 kilometre radius of every Osun town, with special attention to the needs of children, women and the elderly. · habitation. ·
Provide functional General hospitals within 20 kilometre radius of human
Provide referral hospitals within 30 kilometre radius of human settlement.
· Establish free blood pressure checks in conjunction with private organizations at every local government office. · Undertake special programmes for the upgrading, retraining and working comforts of all health personnel. ·
Encourage and nurture alternative medical therapy.
·
Free treatment for malaria to children below age 18 and senior citizens (60+).
SECURITY Security of lives and properties are of paramount importance to us. Our Government shall: ·
The state of the environment, especially waste generation, management and the embarrassing filth in our communities demand special attention. The CAN government shall: · Encourage all houses in the State of Osun to have a modern and affordable toilet facility through a special scheme. · Provide private sector driven waste management and beautification schemes to rid our communities of filth which threaten public health. ·
Beautification of town centres as a starting point of general urban renewal.
· Work with the private sector to establish appropriate waste-to-wealth projects under a composite waste management policy.
Our Government will seek elderly guidance and advice as inputs to our policy formation and implementation.
Have special programmes for the police and neighbourhood security outfits.
· Provide special allowance to all security agents deployed to Osun State and enhance their operational facilities for efficiency.
Government will support the senior citizens and help in their management of socioeconomic problems peculiar to the group (pension, health and education). YOUTHS COUNCIL (EGBE ODO)
· Respond to the operational needs of security agents through provision of mobility, communication gadgets, protective gears and conducive working environment.
People age 30 and below constitute the majority of our population but unfortunately are often frustrated and unfulfilled as a consequence of intolerable social and economic policies.
FIRE SERVICES We shall improve capacity of fire services to respond to emergencies. PHYSICAL WELL-BEING Our Government will promote physical exercises as a deliberate policy which will form a crucial aspect of our healthy-living programme. This is in keeping with the adage that a sound mind only resides in a sound body. PROMOTE FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION Vision: Eradicate the frustration of youths caused by education that does not lead to employment. To achieve this, the government of AC under Rauf Aregbesola shall: · Provide free education at all levels in Osun State. Focus on functional education. Education that makes one useful to himself and society.
ENVIRONMENT Vision: To embrace current scientific methods in controlling the generation of waste and the conversion of waste to wealth.
councils, capable of providing guidance in management, moral and ethical development in our society.
· Improve incentives to teachers and work with the NUT to restore the dignity of the teaching profession. · Restructure administration of school management and create Tutors-General (Permanent Secretary Cadre) from among Head Teachers in three Educational Districts which we will establish.\ ·
Fix all collapsed educational infrastructures in all the schools.
·
Support with modern teaching aids and well-stocked libraries.
·
Ensure cooperation with parents and teachers to improve discipline and morality.
·
Introduce non-partisan community-based governing boards for all schools.
·
Reduce number of students per classroom immediately.
Our ACN Government shall support the creation of non partisan community based youth councils to provide a platform for them to articulate and work out solutions to various problems confronting them. Our Government will encourage cross fertilization of ideas between the Sages and Youth Councils through which public policies would be influenced. Government will promote sporting activities and creation of physical facilities for sporting and related activities. We shall reinstate the abandoned ‘boys’ and girls’ clubs’ and name them Omoluabi Boys’ and Girls’ club to perform the roles similar to boys’ and girls’ scouts, boys brigade and more. JUSTICE SECTOR REFORMS An attribute of good governance is to promote justice, equity and fair play amongst citizens of the state. Government of ACN will e3nsure speedy access ti justice try all individuals in Osun State, by reforming the courts system and procedural rules, introducing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and fee legal services. To complement these, ACN government shall improve welfare packages of Judicial Officers and upgrade courts with modern IT and communications facilities. COMMUNICATION Our Government will restructure OSBC to: Ensure its professional are motivated and continuously trained for competency Provide digital equipment and infrastructure upgrade to conform to international best practices in broadcasting. Exploit its tourism promotional capacity and capability.
· Introduce home development plans for teachers who wish to build houses in their home towns, through access to special mortgage packages. WATER
·
Vision: Water for all in the state of the living spring. It is a painful regret that most cities in Osun do not have potable water running at any time and Osun is the state of the living spring!!! Our Government will do everything possible to bring potable water to all parts of the State of Osun and correct this anomaly. All abandoned water schemes shall be reactivated and speedily completed. AFFORDABLE HOUSING Our ACN Government shall: · Help Osun indigenes realize their dreams of house ownership or rehabilitation of failing structures through deliberate programmes that improve their income earning capacity. ·
Promote mass adult literacy and numeracy programmes.
· Promote and support Special programmes that give special attention to education of girls and women. · schooling.
Establish institutions that impart life-long skills for all, in and out of formal
· I am committed to ensuring that an Osun State University takes off on a sound footing and becomes a first-class institution with linkages to renowned universities in the developed world. · I will make every tertiary institution in Osun State an independent degreeawarding one. · Encourage use of services of retired, but not tired dons and administrators, from reputable institutions. ENHANCE COMMUNAL PEACE AND PROGRESS
ELECTRICITY Electricity for all shall be the creed of ACN Government in Osun. We shall: · Ensure that electric energy is available in the state for domestic, commercial and industrial activities.
Vision: To restore the bond of trust between the Governor and the governed. Over time, people have disconnected from government because those in authority have not shown enough concern about their welfare or actively engaged them in formulating policies that affect them. Our Government shall restore partnership between government and people through: SAGES COUNCILS (EGBE AGBA)
· We shall endeavour to provide electricity to all villages, hamlets and farm settlements in the state. · in the state.
Private sector-led power agencies shall be encouraged to set up energy stations
Consumers deserve to have the best goods and services at the best price and not have to pay more for goods and servi9ces than their counterparts in other parts of the world. Our government shall support the establishment of a consumer watch agency and also cooperate with organizations that have similar objective of protecting our people from unfair business practices.
ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND UNIVERSITY
Support mortgage schemes that make house ownership pocket friendly.
· Actively support research and development on the use of local materials to force down building costs.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
In all the above and above all these I intend to run a people-friendly government – a Government of the people, by the people, FOR THE PEOPLE. A GOVERNMENT UNUSUAL in this land. Infrastructures and facilities for reaching, advising, guiding, warning me will be given constant nurture. Outside these I have no rigging machinery and will strongly appeal to you all Osun voters to fight and defend your votes. Do not sell your vote and our future to a moneybag or vote people who do not care enough about our future as I passionately do. I am entering into a pact with each and all of you as you read this that I and my colleagues shall work in all honesty, tirelessly to bring marked improvements to your life. Apart of this pact you will be able to see that your children are better educated and have jobs; farmers, artisan, traders are more prosperous, general quality of health has improved and you are no longer afraid to go to the hospital. Osun will again be producing food enough for its people. Through my Government Unusual, I shall work with and for you to create wealth through our toil as our fathers and mothers did to make us prosperous until 1962.
Our state is blessed with a large pool of elderly folks who are invariably well educated, have enjoyed successful careers, travelled widely in the world, but are currently reduced to irrelevance in the society. Our Government will support the formation of non partisan community based sages
·
Concluded.
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, July 15, 2014
PHOTOTALK
15
The Graduation Ceremony Of 500 Youths And Women Empowered By Hon Adeyinka Ajayi, Representing Boripe,/Ifelodun/Odo-Otin In The House Of Representatives And Distribution Of Tools To The Beneficiaries Held At Saviours Primary School, Ikirun, Recently.
•(L-R) Honorable Bello Osuolale; State Attoroney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Wale Afolabi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Hon Yinka Ajayi, presenting a certificate to one the graduands.
•The air driers and swing machines distributed to the gradaunds.
•Events decoration materials distributed to the graduands.
•Generating sets , hair clippers distributed at the event.
•A cross section of the Yinka Ajayi (YACO) Babes at the programme.
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TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014 By ADE OLUGBOTEMI
A
S we get to the countdown period of fate-decider Gubernatorial Election of the State of Osun, it is imperative to remind ourselves of some events that may likely spur us to take rational decisions concerning those to be entrusted with our mandate come August 9, 2014. This is necessary against the backdrop of our proclivity to dare consequences, albeit irrationally, of our actions. This characteristic has largely been responsible for the emblematic retrogression that is peculiar to us; and the needless attendant agony that we often smart in through our existence as a sovereign Nation. Although we still see ourselves as people basking in freedom, the dehumanization that is laced therein is worse than that being experienced by those in slavery.
Lest We Forget
Here in Osun, we have many things to learn from. We may at this juncture have to discountenance military interregnum. We must concentrate on our fifteen years of democratic rule for meaningful assessment. Coincidentally, PDP has steered the ship of governance for seven and a half years, while Alliance for Democracy (AD) ruled for four years. The same AD has metamorphosed and grown to become All Progressive Congress that has been in the saddle for three and a half years; a matter of 50-50 one would say. We are rational enough to spot the difference and see which of the two political groupings has been more beneficial in terms of life-changing policies and programmes that have been put in place and executed.
Self-determination is germane to human freedom; that is why rational Human Beings would do everything humanly possible to ensure that the right to personal discretion and resistance against perverseness and oppression are guaranteed. It is for this reason that anyone should feel compelled to do a critical x-ray of what has been our experience over the years. We have been living like strangers in our land of nativity because the right to selfdetermination is not guaranteed. What we don’t want is foisted on us as if we are accursed to be Nigerians. There is no government ever formed at the centre in Nigeria that we can boast of as popular because the majority always have their wish, not their way because the former is upturned to usher in those anointed and approved by the oligarchs. Very disheartening though, we cannot boast of being near the bay of contentment and satisfaction, because we have been stripped of our human essence by the self-imposed leaders; and as if it is not enough to be involuntary and unwilling followers, the conscience we nurture is beleaguered with craftiness and battered by adulation of deception that is often applied to momentarily assuage our causative wounds by those who want to take us for a ride. Unfortunately, we have developed very thick and stubborn skins that propel us to endure the pains of wounds that darts thrown at us by the ruling class incessantly inflict on both our physical and mental frames. Our frailties are increasingly multiplying because those ruling us have sworn on oaths that the masses must be made to systematically sign treaty with idealistic impoverishment. Our undoing in Nigeria is pathologically caused by Personalities who come together on oaths to carve a comfort zone for themselves and pitch agony tents in zones of excruciating pains for others. As it was in the beginning (at independence), so it has been all along in our Nationhood, and so
and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ruling in many States of the Federation. We must be rational and logical enough to juxtapose the scorecards of these two major Political Parties as they affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians on the streets. Today, many PDP States have backlogs of unsettled salary arrears, and provision of social amenities is begging for attention; an indication that the much orchestrated Central Might and Mainstream Politics are thoroughly jinxed under the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
•AREGBESOLA
it is even now; as if it is divinely destined to be so. We are well conscious of this problem as long as we have survived as a Nation; that is why we coin the word “DEMO” to describe those who always form a clique in the name of a political party to thwart the popular will of the people to be ruled by Leaders of choice, only to forcefully exert their hegemony over us. Such individuals flagrantly disregard piety in policy formulation and execution. They are generally known as non-performers because there is no strict adherence to work plans (if there are at all). When Nigeria became a Republic in 1963, it was Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), in collaboration with Zik’s National Council for Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). In the second Republic, it was National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in collaboration with Zik’s Nigerian People’s Party (NPP). Since 1999 when the third Republic came on board, it has been Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) till date. Every Nigerian is aware that PDP, like her Precursors, has never won any Elections in Nigeria; yet they have been collaborating with notable
individuals and groups in our Country to rig popular Parties and Candidates out. That is why PDP will remain unaccountable to the Electorate because they are conscious of never having enjoyed popular support ever. Our Rulers make promises during campaigns; they promise to do many things paradoxically unimaginable and unfathomable. Some of them go extra miles to do what their nature and character could normally not accommodate. That accounts for why a two-term Senator, Iyiola Omisore, who was elusive to his Constituents as Representative in the Senate will suddenly become Okada Riders’ playmate and Corn-sellers’ Soul-mate: all because August 9 Election is around the corner. When considering promises, we must take pragmatism into consideration for the benefit of hindsight; so as not to fall to errors that rhetorics predate. Any Political Parties that roll out manifesto programmes now must be assessed holistically. We have Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Centre;
It is crystal clear that both the Parties and Personalities involved in the fast approaching fierce political contest are known inside-out. The two major Contenders (as of Parties and Personalities) are well known to the people of the State of Osun who will troop out en-mass on August 9, 2014 to cast their votes. Chameleonic overtures must not be allowed credence to blindfold the people. Fallacy must be stripped of prominence. We must all hold high our integrity. We must repudiate sentimental and emotional cajoling that may likely dub the campaigns as we go deep into the count-down period. The Elites and Stakeholders must hold firm the radar and mobilize in such an objective manner that the changing face of our environment through projects that are propelled by visionary leadership is not impeded. Limbless flood will not relent in its effort to render homeless the man well given to industry that resulted in him putting in place a magnificent edifice; it is the house Owner that must passionately, fiercely, and vehemently resist limbless flood, so that the labour and toils of many years that resulted in beauties to behold are not allowed to go down in ruins. Pains of transformation have so long been borne and endured in the State of Osun, the paeans that are beginning to sprout require a little patience to blossom; and it is he that endures to the end that will be fit to reap the benefits to the fullest. Osun o ni baje o o.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the Managing Editor, KOLA OLABISI, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.