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The axiom 'who the cap fits let him wear it' is apt in describing the ascension of former CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to the throne of his forefathers as
VOL. 9. NO.080
Front Page Comment
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi: A Truly Outstanding Emir Emirate stool OftheKano needs a personality fourteenth Emir of Kano. After the demise of Alhaji Ado Bayero, Kano
of equal (if not a higher) pedigree, integrity and sagacity of the deceased
Emir to continue to run the traditional and cultural affairs of Kano. No doubt the Kano kingmakers found the right personage in Sanusi Lamido. Continue on pg6
Who Killed Chief Bola Ige, formerAttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice?
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IGE
PoliceDismissTerrorist Attack In Osun - See Story On Page 2
•‘Banger Found At Explosion Spot, Not Bomb’
•(L-R) State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; International Ambassador In-charge of Education Development, Miss Zuriel Oduwole and the deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, during a presentation of an award as the most innovative governor supporting education in Nigeria by Oduwole in Osogbo last Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Police Dismiss Terrorist Attack In Osun •‘Banger Found At Explosion Spot, Not Bomb’ By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI
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HE Security Council of the State of Osun on Wednesday debunked the rumour that Boko Haram has imported its terror activities into the state.
Addressing the press on behalf of the council, the Police Commissioner in the state, Ibrahim Maishanu, described as false, a report in the media of an alleged bomb blast in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, thereby insinuating that the Boko Haram terror group has made incursion into the South-West state. Other security chiefs at the briefing included the Director of State Services, Andrew Iyards, Commandant, Nigerian Army Engineering Construction Regiment, Ede, Brigadier-General Gbenga Adeyemo, Sector Commander of FRSC, Muhammed Hussein. Maishanu said the detachment of police that went to the spot of the alleged explosion only found a banger and not a deadly explosive or bomb as was earlier reported, which explained while no live was lost nor injuries recorded. The police boss said the banger went off in an area predominated by miscreants and hoodlums, who used such means to scare people before dispossessing them of their belongings.
He said, there is no threat to lives and property, as the state still remains one of the most peaceful states in the country. He therefore, enjoined people in the state to go about their lawful activities without fear or hindrance, as policemen and officers are ever ready to protect them in all nooks and crannies of the state. According to Masianu: “Our attention has been drawn to screaming headlines in a section of the media, alleging bomb blast in Ile-Ife and surreptitiously mingling it with other reports of bomb blasts in Borno and Kaduna states, indicating acts of terrorism and the handiwork of Boko Haram. This is false and misleading. “In the early hours of Tuesday, just before dawn, my command received report of an explosion in IleIfe and we quickly raced to the scene with a detachment of the Bomb Disposal Unit. “We discovered that the explosion was caused by a big banger or knockout. No life was lost, no injury was recorded and no property
was lost, beyond the scorching of the earth, where it impacted. A second piece that had not gotten off was immediately detonated by our men. “This incident occurred in an area of the city frequented by miscreants, hooligans and lay-abouts and they use
such means to frighten their victims. We are investigating and will get to the root of the matter. The perpetrators or whoever was behind the act would be brought to book. “There is no threat to life and property and the peace and tranquillity in the state.
Osun is one of the most peaceful states in the country and we have one of the lowest crime rates. There is no confusion or panic anywhere. There is no threat to public peace or threat of terrorist attack anywhere in the state. “We want to assure all the residents in the state of their protection the safety of their lives and property and
ask them to go about their duties without any fear whatsoever.” He also called on all media organisations to verify the authenticity of any claim or report with the police and other appropriate authorities, so as to avoid creating unnecessary panic, confusion and fear, where none exists among the population, either within or the country.
Osun 2014: Lawmakers, Others Heighten Campaign Against Selling Of Voters’ Cards By KAZEEM MOHAMMED AWMAKERS and some other political office holders in the State of Osun have heightened calls against the selling of voters’ cards to those they described as deceptive politicians. They said the representing Ola-Oluwa sensitisation of the State Constituency and the electorate is highly important Senior Special Assistant to due the frantic efforts being the Governor on Legal made by the major opposition Matter, Barrister Rasak political party, Peoples Adeoye among others. They spoke in Ibokun, Democratic Party (PDP), to purchase voters’ cards, headquarters of Obokun having realised that they are Local Government Council not popular among the Area of the state, during the All Progressive Congress people. Among the speakers were (APC) campaign for the Honourable Mohammed second term bid of Governor Ibrahim (MBO) representing Rauf Aregbesola. Honourable Ibrahim said Oriade State Constituency; Honourable Samson Fafiyebi the APC was aware of the representing Obokun State opposition plan to deceive Constituency; Honourable the people and exchange Ajibola Akinloye their voters’ cards for tokens, saying such step would not do anyone any good. “We know that they have realised that they are not popular and they are finding ways of rigging us of our mandate, which we should
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not allow. “Our people should not allow themselves to be deceived, because those that are making efforts to unseat Aregbesola through fraudulent means have nothing to offer the people of this state,” he said. In his own address, Fafiyebi noted that the passion and action of Aregbesola towards the development of the state are enough for the people to resist any attempt to deceive them by “self-centered politicians”. He said that the idea of the opposition behind the purchase of the voters’ cards is to ensure that there are less voters to participate in the poll. The lawmaker stressed that while the party would not stop in sensitising the people against exchanging their voters’ cards for money, people are also being encouraged to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to be able to participate at the poll.
Akinloye, while addressing the gathering, cautioned the electorate not to allow themselves to be deceived and be robbed of their voters’ cards which is their power. “Selling voters’ cards for N5,000 or N10,000 amounts to nothing, but selling their future.” He then charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security operatives to be fair during the conduct of the election and allow the people to decide who they want as a governor. Meanwhile, Adeoye alleged that some cases of illegal possession of voters’ cards have been reported to the police, but no action has been taken so far. He urged the security operatives to be fair, just as he warned the electorate that if they are caught selling their voters’ cards, they would be contravening electoral laws and may be risking jail terms.
PDP Introduces Political Thuggery Into Osun - APC “POLITICAL terrorism is being introduced into the State of Osun by desperate Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) politicians, who want to snatch power by all means; and it would appear they have the blessing of the presidency. “With Boko Haram terrorists devastating the North East of Nigeria and stretching the security forces to their limit, it is inconceivable that the ruling party will be setting off political terrorism in the West in addition to Boko Haram in the North.” These were the angry sentiments expressed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun in reaction to the explosion in Ile-Ife on Tuesday and the attack on its supporters by PDP thugs at Oke-Baale, Osogbo, on their way to a mega rally of APC at Ibokun on the same day, as well as PDP’s thugs ripping of posters and destroying billboards of Ogbeni Aregbesola in Ilesa. In a statement by the APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, and made available to the media in Osogbo, the state capital, the party fingered the PDP for increase in violence in the state, which appears not unconnected with the desperation of the presidency to have a foothold in the West, that is
predominantly APC stronghold. The APC condemned in the strongest term, the recourse to violence by the notorious collection of desperate politicians of the PDP in Osun, who have been boasting publicly to use every means including ‘Federal might’ that can only be authorised by the Presidency to attempt to remove the APC from power in Osun. According to the party: “President Goodluck Jonathan has more than he can handle in the terrorism by Boko Haram. To now add political terrorism in the West to his numerous economic and security problems, would be unpleasant for his administration and democracy in the country. With the bomb going off in Ile-Ife, the hometown of the PDP gubernatorial candidate, political terrorism has now crept into the West and its probable link to the PDP with a history of unleashing violence on political opponents and citizens of Osun since 2007, we can only expect the
worst,” the APC said. The party therefore, called on all people of goodwill in Nigeria, Africa and the world to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to rein in his political terrorists in the State of Osun before the situation escalates into full scale violent confrontation, the extent of which can be catastrophic beyond our widest imagination. The APC statement further said: “We can only take a cue from how the Boko Haram terrorist activities have spilled across the Nigerian border sucking in three other West African countries - Niger, Chad and the Cameroon. “The world should not allow political terrorism to grow in the South-West’, the APC warned, adding ‘that those who start violence and war usually get consumed by it. “A word should be enough for the wise,” the party cautioned and advised Mr. President that political terrorism is antidemocratic. “Jonathan owes his office to democratic elections without violence. He therefore, cannot keep it through undemocratic means,” the party stressed.
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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Aregbesola Identifies Poverty As Hindrance To Girl-child Education By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI
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OVERNOR of the State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has identified poverty as a major factor mitigating against girl-child education in Nigeria. Aregbesola said this on international advocate of Wednesday in Osogbo, the girl-child education led by state capital, shortly after 11-year old Miss Zuriel receiving an award as the Oduwole of Dream Up, “Most Innovative Speak Up and Stand Up Governor Supporting Project. Aregbesola appreciated Education In Nigeria” presented to him by an the young Nigerian for
recognising his efforts in a bid to reform the state’s education system. He pointed out that educating a girl-child can be likened to educating a community, describing Zuriel as not only a jewel to Nigeria and Africa, but a model for young Nigerians. He charged students in the state, both in middle and high schools, to be
challenged through the actions of Miss Zuriel, stressing that age should not be a barrier in making a mark in their communities. Aregbesola, who described education as liberation, stated that his administration decided to spend so much on education because it wants Osun students to be able to compete
favourably with their peers from any part of the world. Commenting on the significance of the award, he said that it was worthy of note that Osun has brought two awards to Nigeria out of the four given to Africa as a continent. He maintained that his administration’s drive towards improving the
•Some of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola supporters hanging on an uncompleted building during the APC governorship re-election campaign in Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. Ibokun last Tuesday.
Osun 2014: Orolu OYES Cadets Endorse Aregbesla For Second Term might want to buy their voters’ cards, saying, voters’ cards remain the only power, which they can use to perform their civil duties. Prince Benson also made it known that the aftermath of the Ekiti election should not be used as a yardstick to measure the likely result in Osun simply because Osun is totally different from Ekiti; Ogbeni Aregbesola is far different from Fayemi, while Omisore is not as the same as Fayose.
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HEAD of August 9, 2014 governorship election, no fewer than 1200 previous and present Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) cadets members in Orolu Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun gathered recently to endorse the second term bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Members of OYES were in leaders of tomorrow, are joyous mood as they gainfully empowered and gathered at St John’s RCM employed throughout the Elementary School Mini- state. Stadium for the sensitization He therefore enjoined rally, where they them not to be deceived by unanimously declared that any frivolous politician that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola remains the best among the governorship candidates for the August 9 election in the state. While addressing them, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in HE State of Osun House of Assembly has passed the the state, Prince Adekunle bill seeking the extension of retirement age of Benson, urged youths to teaching and non-teaching staff of the state-owned unite and speak with one tertiary institutions from 60 to 65 years. voice, through their votes The bill was passed their demand for the during the August 9 electioneering exercise, sequel to a motion moved extension of their retirement adding that youths have by the Leader of House, age among other agitations. Timothy The Speaker, Honourable benefited immensely from Honourable Owoeye, on Thursday Najeem Salaam, was the present administration in empowerment shortly after it passed optimistic that the passage through the Committee of programmes and Whole and necessary of the bill would resolve the employment exercise like amendments were made crisis between the staff of SUBEB, TEPO, Civil Service from clauses one to four. the tertiary institutions and Commission and many The teaching and non- the government. others. “By the passage of this teaching staffers of the He added that Aregbesola institutions have been on bill, I think we have resolved will not relent in his effort in strike since February over the issue of the retirement ensuring that youths, as
OYES mentor in Orolu, Alhaji Wahab Idowu, eulogised Ogbeni Aregbesola for his unprecedented and unusual developmental projects executed in Osun in the last 44 months, especially in the area of youths development and empowerment programme. He therefore enjoined youths across the state to support and vote massively for the APC candidate in the August 9 election because “to whom much is given,
much is expected.” Mr Salami Waheed, who spoke on behalf of Orolu OYES cadets, assured the APC candidate, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of victory in the governorship election and the continuous support of the youths before and after election in the state. He therefore advised youths to stay away from any frivolous and obnoxious act that can tarnish their image before, during and after election.
education sector in the state will continue because of the desire to create a total individual, who will be as concerned about what happens to others in the society as himself. He explained that the idea of education in Osun is not just about academics, but also about giving the kids positive knowledge, thereby making education a real development center. “We are spending so much in education because of the drive to produce a total individual, who would be as concerned to what happens to others in the society as himself. “We discovered that a lot of young children are out of school as a result of poverty, so we introduced the elementary school feeding, which caused a phenomenal increase in school enrolment by 25 percent within the first four months of implementation. “Education goes beyond giving our children education. We regard it as a means of creating a total person, who can look out for his or fellow human beings,” the governor stated. Aregbesola added that parts of his achievements in the education sector include building of over 60 new schools with 1,800 modern classrooms across the state, distribution of “Opon Imo” to high school students in the state among others, saying his administration places high priority on children education. Speaking at the event, Miss Zuriel Oduwole said she was impressed by Aregbesola’s commitment towards education in the state, which informed her decision to identify with him. Miss Oduwole, who was said to have had audience with at least 14 world leaders, said she was inspired by the level of education of an average African child. She advised young Nigerians to always be themselves and harness their God-given talent towards helping the lessprivileged.
Tertiary Institution Retirement Age: Osun Assembly Passes Bill For Extension
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age that has been a contention in our tertiary institutions. “I believe with this exercise that we have done, the teaching and non-
Change Of Name I, formerly known and addressed as FELICIA O L U WAY E M I S I POPOOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FELICIA O L U WAY E M I S I OLOWOLAYEMO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
teaching staff would return to work. “If there is any other agitation, I think that can be resolved when they resume work, at least, for the sake of our children, who have been at home and wasted
time on their academic pursuit,” he said. The Speaker added that the House gave the bill the required accelerated hearing because the government was not comfortable with the strike action.
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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Akere Charges Electorate On Permanent Voter’s Cards By SHINA ABUBAKAR
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LECTORATE in Ila Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun have been counseled to go get their permanent voters’ cards from the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission to be able to participate in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. The call was made by the election campaign chairman, Chairman of Governor Rauf who was accompanied by Aregbesola re-election members of the team, Campaign Committee for Ila Aregbesola is dedicated to Federal Constituency while improving the lots of the canvassing for votes among people of the state and the residents of Edemosi, only way to return him to Ajaba, Oragun-Ejigbo and office is through their votes. Alegbede areas of the He charged the electorate council area last in all the communities visited Wednesday. to ensure that they pick their According to the re- permanent voters’ cards at
INEC office, saying information at the committee disposal showed that the people were yet to collect their voters’ cards. He counseled them that it is only with the permanent voters’ cards that they could exercise their franchise during the governorship election and subsequent elections in the state. Akere further urged the people not to give up their cards for anything, saying some people are going round the state requesting for voters’ cards from the electorate in exchange for
financial assistance, claiming that once they give up their cards, they will lose their voting right in the all elections. He further charged the community leaders to always sensitize their people on the need to vote for the All Progressive Congress, saying it’s the only party that cares for the development of the majority number of people. He also urged the teeming masses at the various wards to ensure that the stay back at their various communities to vote for Governor Aregbesola and ensure that
their votes count during the governorship poll. The campaign chairman assured the people that Aregbesola would not only deliver on his electioneering campaign promises, as he has done during his first four years, but would ensure that he does more to make Osun a paradise for its residents and indigenes alike. In their separate responses, the OwajolaKajola of Ajaba and the Edigbon of Edemosi, Oba Taiwo Adesoji Ayeni and Oba Adebisi Adeniran respectively, commended the developmental strides Governor Aregbesola has initiated in the state, saying the best way to make Osun a great state is to re-elect him to complete his good
work. Oba Ayeni particularly singled out the governor’s education, health, youth employment, OMEAL and infrastructural development policies across the state as worthy of commendations, assuring the team that their people would vote for the governor again. Oba Adeniran in his view said the governor has shown that he has all it takes to develop Osun in line with the aspirations of the founding fathers and deserved to be supported. The campaign train also visited other rural communities in the council area and pledged to bring development to the rural areas, as already started in other parts of the state by the governor.
Why Church Donated 300 Bedding Materials To Osun Hospitals By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO
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HE Senior Pastor of the Business Church, Ado-Ekiti,
•One of the newly asphalted roads, Methodist Secondary School road, in Iwo, State of Osun.
Don’t Sell Your Voters’ Cards - Aregbesola’s Campaign Group Charges Electorate By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
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S the August 9, 2014 governorship election approaches in the State of Osun, one of the campaign organizations for the re-election of incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Ogbeni Aregbesola Do-toDoor campaign group (OD2D), has urged the electorate, who have not collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) to do so immediately. Director-General of the constitutional right and civic OD2D, Mr Segun Omoworare, responsibility of the citizens. He stressed that the also appealed to the electorate should not not to sell their voters’ cards, electorate make photocopy or release its disenfranchise themselves by Voter’s Identification Number selling their voters’ cards for (VIN) to anybody, irrespective pittance material gains that of the political affiliation or would not last a week, stating that anybody buying cards gift. Omoworare, who stated this from the electorate is offering on Tuesday, while speaking at them what they should have for the Obokun Federal four years. Omoworare noted that the Constituency Campaign Rally for Aregbesola’s re-election, electorate should have known equally urged the people not that a responsive and visionary to go into oath-taking with governorship candidate, that anybody as being canvassed by wants to run purposeful a particular political party now. government to the benefit of the Omoworare also described people of the state, would not selling and buying of voters’ buy voters’ cards to rig himself cards as electoral fraud, which into office. The Ile-Ife born politician is criminal, adding that whoever sells his/her voter’s card has added that any of the cheaply given away the gubernatorial candidates that exclusive right to good offers N10,000 or N20,000, or governance and the right to any amount of money or gift make demands from the to buy voters’ cards from the electorate does not mean well government for four years. Calling on the electorate, for them and would misgovern particularly members of the All the state like the 2003 to 2010 Progressives Congress (APC), experience. He said: “Those who have who have no voters’ cards to collect their PVC some weeks not collected their voters’ cards before the conduct of the among the electorate should governorship election, please do that before the Omoworare said voting is a conduct of the governorship
election. Specifically, all APC members must have collected their permanent voters’ cards some weeks to the election. “It is a known fact that a particular governorship candidate from a crisis-ridden party has been buying voters’ cards from the electorate at the rate of N10,000 and N20,000 per card. This particular candidate is notorious for criminal activities and we all know him for who he is. Rigging and violence is the hallmark of his party. “I only urge the electorate not to fall into the trap of this set of politicians, who are offering blood money to buy their voters’ cards. The electorate should know that any governorship candidate that is interested in developing the state and the well-being of the people would not be making shortcut ways to the government house. They should know that anybody that buys their cards is a criminal that has nothing to offer. They should know that anybody that is frustrating free, fair and credible election is an impostor, a charlatan and a devil. “Anybody that sells his/her voter’s card has sold the right to make demands from government. That person has disenfranchised him/herself. That person has given away four years in just a day. That person has given away the right to good governance. That person is assisting criminals to
get into political office. That person has sold the development of the state.” Omoworare stressed that the people of Osun should consider anybody who asks them to take oath as enemies, who are Godless and unfriendly to the plight of the people. Omoworare therefore urged the electorate to vote wisely during the election and return Governor Rauf Aregbesola for second term.
Reverend Tope Popoola, has said the landmark achievements of the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, motivated his ministry into donating hospital beddings to the state public hospitals. The clergy man, who said works of the state the inspiration to make the government and donation was driven by the contributing to the cause of passion to contribute the humanity. church’s widow’s mite of the Ilori said every single church to the performing item donated would be administration of judiciously utilised by the Aregbesola. hospitals’ management. Popoola made the She noted that such donation of three hundred philanthropic gesture from (300) pillows to the state- men of God and faith-based owned hospitals under the organisations was aegis of his NGO, Give encouraging, as they gave Pillow Campaign. back to the communities. In his words at the “I appeal to agencies and ceremony: “Sick people organisations to come and need comfort, as the quality partner with the state of sleep they have enhances government. their quick recovery. “We also solicit prayers “The decision to do this for the peaceful conduct of is for us to identify with the election in the state and good works going on in the triumph of Governor state.” Aregbesola at the poll. Receiving the materials, “As a government, we are the State Commissioner for not resting on our oars in Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope making sure that we give our Ilori, commended the cleric people qualitative health for supporting the good care services,” Ilori said.
Participate In Scholarship Award Interview •SA Advises Osun Students In Tertiary Institutions
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HE Special Adviser to the Governor of the State of Osun on Higher Education, Alhaja Mulikat Bello, has called on qualified Osun indigenes, who are students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions to participate in the Year 2013/2014 scholarship awards interviews tenable in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Alhaja Bello made the call According to the in a press statement signed statement, all interested by the Coordinating undergraduates ,HND and Director, office of the NCE applicants should be Higher Education, Mr registered full-time students Tunde Ajiboye. in their second year or The gocernor ’s aide above with a minimum stressed that selection Cumulative Grade Point interview on the Average (CGPA) of 4.0 and scholarship award for all above,or its equivalent in applicants in the state has their previous academic been scheduled to hold year’s examinations, while between Monday 7th postgraduate applicants July,2014 and Saturday 11th must be full-time students of July,2014 at Osogbo High public universities with first School,Osogbo by 8:00 am degree of minimum of daily. Second Class Honours
(Upper Division) . The release therefore directed all eligible applicants to visit www.fsb.gov.ng to fill the form online or print the a p p l i c a t i o n forms and ensure that the completed form is endorsed by the HOD and Registrars in their respective institutions, while online completion will end on 4th July,2014. The statement also advised intending applicants to visit Scholarship Unit, Office of the Higher Education, Block D in the State Ministry of Education, State Government of Osun Secretariat,Osogbo for more information and enquiries.
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
News Feature
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Ministry Of Justice, NMA, DNA Absolve Paediatrician, Nurse Of Baby Swap Allegation A
paediatrician, Dr Agelebe Efeturi, and a nurse, Mrs Mujidat Kareem, who were accused of swapping a male for a female child at the Lifeline Hospital, Igbona, Osogbo have been exonerated of the allegation. A letter from the State Ministry of Justice sent to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, State of Osun, said the parents of the said baby, Mr and Mrs Nurudeen Ibrahim, who accused Efeturi and Mujidat of swapping their male baby for a female, had no evidence to prove that the baby they brought to the hospital was a male child. According to the letter signed by a State counsel, Mr Muyiwa Ogunleye, for the Director of Public Prosecution of the ministry, Mr. Dapo Adeniji, the DNA test of the female child that was rejected by the parents on the claim that she was not their child, matched with her twin sister and her mother. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has also absolved the doctor and the nurse of the allegation, describing it as baseless and false. The wrong accusation occurred when Semia Nurudeen, the mother of the baby, gave birth to premature set of purported male twins at the Spring Specialist Hospital, Osogbo on March 2, 2013 around 2am. One of the twins was a stillbirth. The parents rushed the other surviving twin to the Lifeline Hospital, Osogbo for intensive medical care. The baby was reportedly placed in the incubator by a nurse on night duty, Miss Kareem Mujidat while the pediatrician, Dr Agelebe Efeturi, was directing the nurse on phone for necessary action needed to take to save the life of the baby. On March 6, 2013, the father of the baby, Nurudeen, raised an allegation that his child, who was still in the intensive care at the hospital had been changed, saying that he brought a male child to the hospital and not a female child that the doctor and nurses were treating since four days. Nurudeen claimed that his wife gave birth to a set of male twins prematurely at Spring Hospital and the only surviving one was handed over to a nurse at the Lifeline Hospital in his presence. Efeturi and two other nurses were arrested and detained by the police on the allegation that they swapped a baby at the hospital. One of the nurses, Kareem Mujidat, was charged to court and her case file was sent to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice. Investigation however revealed that there was no referral letter from the Spring Specialist Hospital to the Lifeline Hospital, when the baby was rushed to the latter. It was also gathered that there was no record establishing the sex of the twins at the former hospital before the surviving one was rushed to the Lifeline Hospital. OSUN DEFENDER gathered that a DNA test was conducted for the surviving baby and her mother. The corpse of the other twin baby was also exhumed for DNA test. The result of the DNA test of the babies and their mother matched, an indication that the female baby at the Lifeline Hospital, which the parent claimed was not their child, was actually their child. A copy of the letter made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday in Osogbo reads: “It is very clear that, looking at the evidence available in the
By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
file and coupled with evidence of the specialist and an independent party, as well as medical expert from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, confirmed from his analysis that the female child, the dead baby and their mother’s blood correlated. He further said that there was no doubt that the mother was the bearer of the baby girl. “The complainant has not established a prima-facie case against the accused because looking at the record attached to this case file, it was shown that the baby from Spring Hospital, Testing Ground, Igbona has no record that indicates whether the baby was a male or female. “It was also revealed that the corpse of the deceased baby was exhumed and subjected to post-mortem examination by a consultant pathologist of OAUTHC and some body parts were also collected and sent to medical laboratory at Ibadan alongside the mother of the baby and the living child for DNA profiling. “The result showed that the deceased was a female child and correlated with the mother and the living baby. It was advised that the accused was not found culpable of any offence. I advised that Kareem Mujidat should not be charged for any offence.” Speaking with our correspondent, Mrs Mujidat Kareem, the nurse that admitted the baby at the Lifeline Hospital, said: “I checked the sex of the baby when her father brought her to the hospital. She was a baby girl. The father was looking at me when I was treating her. I registered the child in the presence of her father. I was told the twin sister of the baby girl was a still-birth. “There was no referral letter from the Spring Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, where the child was referred to our hospital. I treated the baby because she was in a critical condition and I could not be asking for referral letter in that situation. “On the fourth day, the Matron of the hospital called me on phone that the father of the twin, the baby girl, said the baby on the bed was not his child, that he
brought a male child to the hospital. I considered it as fallacy and the Matron insisted that I must come to the hospital. I was on off-duty at that time. “When I got to the hospital, I met the father and he was insisting that he brought a male child to the hospital. All efforts to explain and convince the man that he brought a twin female baby to the hospital proved abortive. The father was not listening to any explanation. “I was arrested by the police alongside a nurse on duty by the police. I was detained for three days. I missed my examinations at the School of Health Technology, Ilesa. I was charged to court for offence I knew nothing about. At the end of the day, the court discharged and acquainted me based on the advice from the Ministry of Justice. Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday, Dr Agelebe Efeturi said the child that was rushed to his hospital at that night was a female that weighed 1.35kg with a slim survival chances, but God used him to save her life. Efeturi said he did not collect a penny from the parents of the child as deposit before giving the baby necessary medical attention, reiterating that the baby brought to his hospital was a female as confirmed by the nurse on duty. He explained that for a premature baby, one could mistakenly take a female for a male child, adding that the clitoris of the twin brought to his hospital was big enough to mistake it for a male organ. The pediatrician stated that he took care of the baby for over eight months after her parents abandoned her in the hospital, claiming that he spent between N200,000 to N300,000 on the child. When contacted on phone on Tuesday, the doctor at the Spring Hospital, where the surviving baby was referred to Lifeline Hospital, simply known as Dr Abiodun said he had nothing with or against Dr Efeturi. Abiodun refused to comment further on the matter, just as he refused to answer further phone calls to his line In his comment, the Chief Medical Director, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Professor Femi Fadiora, described Dr Agelebe
Efeturi as a complete gentleman that could not partake in any criminal activities. Fadiora said: “Agelebe is a good man; hardworking, humble and God-fearing. He knows his job and he does not joke with the ethics of his profession. He has never been found wonting or caught in any wrong doing. You can ask anybody who Agelebe is; they will tell you he is a kind man. They will tell you good things about him.” One of the workers at the LAUTECH, who prayed not to be named, said Efeturi was wrongly accused of the baby swap, saying that she was not surprise when the Ministry of Justice exonerated him and his nurse. When contacted on phone, the Chairman Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, Dr Francis Faduyile, who was sent on a fact-finding mission on the baby-swap allegation, said the reports of the investigation absolved Dr Efeturi and the nurse. According to Faduyile, the DNA results and other scientific tests conducted for the baby girl, his dead twin sister and their mother confirmed that the trio are biological, thereby dismissing the allegation of the parents that their male child had been swapped for a female baby. Faduyile maintained that the baby-swap allegation was false, as it could not be substantiated, saying that ignorance was responsible for the parents’ insistence that they brought a baby boy to the Lifeline Hospital, even when all tests conducted for the surviving baby, her dead twin sister and mother proved that they were biological. The NMA chairman described Efeturi as a patient, gentle, easy going and a doctor doing his best safe the life of the patients. Police Public Relations Officer, Osun Police Command, Mrs Folashade Odoro said the police have taken the baby girl to an orphanage centre in Osogbo, following the refusal of her parents to accept her as their child. All efforts to get the parents of the baby girl proved abortive, as the medium could not get their contacts.
•One of the newly-completed roads at Ile-Ogbo, Ayedire Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as captured by our cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, recently.
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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi: A Truly Outstanding Emir Of Kano cessors, immediately Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi became the Governor of CBN his name became a household name throughout the country. But to say that his name rang bell or that his name was on the lips of many people more than those of his predecessors is to simply state the obvious. In fact, that's one fact that remains incontestable and the reason isn't unconnected with his controversial nature.
sector witnessed appreciable level of sanity and transformation under his watch. For this we give him kudos.
As the Governor of the CBN the new Emir of Kano brought competence to bear in the banking sector. Under his regime the banking sector underwent a lot of reforms and his was a regime of zero tolerance for corruption. Though his reform efforts were not without criticisms from financial experts and economic analysts, it will continue to be Thus just like his prede- on record that the banking
As a personage who has the blood of activism flowing in his vein Sanusi Lamido could not see without kicking. Being a candid and patriotic person he could not stomach some inherent rots in the system. That was why he had to blow the whistle concerning the non-remission of $20b oil proceeds into the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). It was that exposé
Continued from pg1
Thus there is no denying the fact that the right choice has been made to continue to steer Kano's cultural ship. Until the new Emir became the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) little was known of him publicly. But the position of the Governor of the country's apex bank is a no mean one not to bring its occupier into public glare. In fact, the position of CBN Governor could be compared only to that of the President in terms of popularity and prestige. Hardly can the CBN Governor opens his mouth to say anything without being reported by the media especially as it concerns the country's finances.
Apart from exhibition of competence in the course of his career, another attribute that is worth mentioning about him as the CBN Governor is his activism. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi behaved more like an activist and this was why he fell out of favour with the power that be towards the tail end of his tenure as CBN boss.
from him that created frosty relationship between him and the authority which led to his suspension and eventual sack. At Osun Defender we admire Sanusi Lamido Sanusi's courage, his sense of candour and patriotism as the CBN Governor. We fervently believe that, these, amongst others, are the virtues we need to propel our country. It's our hope that he will bring all these good attributes to bear as the new Emir of Kano. We thank Almighty Allah for making his life to be characterised by glories. His is a case of 'from one glory to a higher glory'. We cannot but wish him long life and good health to stay on his forefathers' stool. May Kano be peaceful during your reignAmen.
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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 Saturday, July 5, 2014
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Presentation Of An Award On Most Innovative Governor Supporting Education In Nigeria By International Ambassador In-charge Of Education Development, Zuriel Oduwole, To The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, In Osogbo Last Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. Wednesday.
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (4th left); Initiator, Dream up; Speak up and Stand up Project/ International, Ambassador on Child Education Development, Miss Zuriel Oduwole (5th left); her parents, Mrs Patricia Oduwola (2nd left); Mr Ademola Oduwole (left); Head of Service, Mr Olayinka Owoeye (3rd left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Institutions, Alhaja Mulikat Bello (right) and other dignitaries, during a presentation of award to Aregbesola as the Most Innovative Governor Supporting Education in Nigeria at Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Wednesday.
•Aregbesola signing a football to make a case for girls’ education after receiving an Award as the Most Innovative Governor Supporting Education in Nigeria at Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, State of Osun. With him is Miss Zuriel Oduwole on Wednesday.
•Otunba Laoye-Tomori (right), receiving an award as the Most Dynamic Commissioner for Education in Nigeria from Regional Manager, Heritage Bank, Lawrence Okate (left) and Miss Zuriel Oduwole (middle), at Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, State of Osun, on Wednesday.
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
PHOTOTALK
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Presentation Of An Award On Most Innovative Governor Supporting Education In Nigeria By International Ambassador In-charge Of Education Development, Zuriel Oduwole, To The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, In Osogbo Last Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (6th left); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (4th left); Miss Zuriel Oduwole (5th left) with her parents (2nd left) in a group photograph with State of Osun public school pupils in Osogbo last Wednesday.
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•A cross section of State of Osun public school pupils at the programme.
•A cross section of dignitaries during the programme.
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), State Of Osun Chapter, Held A Meeting With The State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At CAN Secretariat, OwodeEde, State Of Osun, Recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and State of Osun CAN Chairman, Reverend Elisha Ogundiya, during the meeting.
•(L-R) State of Osun Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye; State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere; State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Wale Afolabi and State Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro.
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•(L-R) State of Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Treasurer, Mr Kunle Odeyemi; Honourable Lasun Yusuf; CAN Treasurer, Reverend Olasunbo Ige and State APC Chairman, Elder Lowo Adebiyi.
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FOR THE RECORDS
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Acceptance Remarks By The Governor Of The State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At A Ceremony To Present Him With The ‘Most Innovative Governor Supporting Education In Nigeria’, Held At The Banquet Hall Of Government House, Osogbo, On Tuesday July 1, 2014
Education As Liberation with a sense of historic IT isresponsibility that I stand before this important gathering today. Of a truth, every human generation and segment thereof occupies a space and a place in history. Consequently, each of them is tasked with a mission and responsibility that it must fulfil. However, identifying these mission and responsibility is as important as fulfilling them; for identification is the first logical and necessary step that determines the success of the latter. I am thus filled with joy to be in this historic gathering today. Today’s occasion is historic in the significant sense that it is a mark of our success in properly identifying and fulfilling our mission and responsibility in our time and in the space we occupy in history. Let me here enter a note of genuine gratitude to the ‘Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up’ Project and the brain behind it, Miss Zuriel Oduwole, an 11year-old America-born girl of Mauritian and Nigerian descent. It is on account of her globally acclaimed pet project for promoting education (especially for the girl-child) that we are gathered here today. I must therefore sincerely thank the ‘Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up’ Project for identifying me as one of the privileged few, all over the continent of Africa, that are doing ‘very cool things’ for the improvement of education. This is a reason for which I am being presented today with the award of the ‘Most Innovative Governor Supporting Education in Nigeria’. This occasion is also a historic moment for our country, Nigeria, and for our small but beautiful State of Osun. The award ceremony underscores the fact that in Africa – popular image notwithstanding – serious positive efforts are being made to change the lot of the people for the better. Happily, as today’s awards presentation squarely demonstrates, Nigeria is in the vanguard of these ‘very cool’ developments, to borrow from Zuriel. It is even more gratifying for us in Osun that our state is helping to put Nigeria in that lead position. The ‘Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up’ Project came up with four award categories for efforts at improving education in Africa. Two of the awards went to two African countries, Tanzania and Mauritius. The other two came to Nigeria, and they have been won by the State of Osun. The import of this achievement can be better appreciated against the background of the fact that there are 55 internationally recognised countries in Africa, a continent with a population of approximately 1.1 billion people. Yet Nigeria won two of four awards due to the continent. Our education reform effort in Osun has once again put the country in positive global reckoning. It is a feat for which we
•AREGBESOLA
are immensely pleased and proud. But this is far from being an easy achievement. It is one that is born of serious-minded leadership, singleminded dedication to providing solutions to societal problems, as well as an unflinching commitment to the service of our people. In our commitment to better the lot of our people, we are resolved in paying no obeisance to any obstacle. As a result, when we came aboard, we quickly defined our mission and responsibilities in government, and we immediately set about fulfilling them. One of these was effecting a complete transformation of our public school system which had sunk into unacceptable state of degeneration. We constituted an Education Summit that came up with useful recommendations. We then began their implementation with a view to building a robust education system that would be at par with international standards. Our high objective is to produce well-rounded and thoroughly educated individuals that will have the intellectual and moral capacities to positively affect the fortunes of their society. For this to happen, it was deemed necessary for us to have free education at the primary and secondary levels; to rebuild the decrepit physical infrastructure; and to
urgently tackle the problems affecting the teaching staff, among other things. We identified poverty as a major obstacle to elementary school enrolment and completion. So, we repackaged the existing pilot school feeding programme into the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O’MEALS). The aim is to ensure that every child in school gets a meal every school day that will provide sufficient nutrients required for his/her daily academic exertions. The introduction of O’MEALS led to a surge in primary school enrolment by 25 per cent within four weeks, thereby adding another 38,000 pupils to the Elementary school population. Today, Osun has the highest primary school enrolment second only to Niger State in the whole of Nigeria. On physical infrastructure, we are building international standard model schools at all the three grade levels into which we have reorganised our public school system. The Elementary, Middle and High schools will each have 100, 50 and 20 of such buildings respectively. The school buildings at the first two levels are built to accommodate 900 pupils, while the High school buildings will each have space for 3,000 students. Many of these buildings are already completed and in use, while
work is accelerating towards the completion of the remaining ones. To solve the problem of learning materials and text books, we have introduced the world-renowned ‘Tablet of Knowledge’, called OponImo. It is our innovative and hugely cost-saving solution to a very difficult problem. Opon-Imo is a unique application of existing e-tablet technology to our specific problems. This tablet weighs only 1.1kg and yet contains lecture notes, some 53 text books for all the subjects of study in the terminal examinations for secondary school leavers in Nigeria and West Africa. It also contains past questions and answers dating back to 10 years as well as extra-curriculum subjects such as History of The Yoruba, Sexuality Education, Civic Education, Ifa on ethics and morals, enterprise education, hints and tips on passing SSCE and ‘How to live a Healthy and Happy life’. In Opon-Imo there is an average of 16 chapters per subject and 823 chapters in all, with about 900 minutes or 15 hours of audio voiceovers. These are just some of the many features of the smart e-learning device which is making access to learning easily and freely available to our public school students. It is a concrete statement of the depth of innovation and creativity we have brought to our education reform, and governance generally, in Osun. The core objective of our education policy is to completely change the face of public education in the state and to also make good and qualitative education something that will be taken for granted by every child in the state. Permit me to mention here that in the drive towards making education a commonly available right of any child in our state, the achievement of Zuriel will certainly be a massive boost and high inspiration for every school child in Osun, especially the girl child. At age 11, she is already a globally recognised figure who is making a stand for school-age children in Africa to have the right to education just like any of their peers across the world. I want to assure you that here in Osun, at the highest level of our government, we place a very high priority on giving high quality education to our children. For us, education goes beyond giving our children a mere meal ticket; we regard education as a powerful force for the liberation of the human person. Hence, as a government, we will continue to ‘Dream Up’, to ‘Speak Up’, and to ‘Stand Up’ for the right of our children to have education. Once again, I am grateful for the award. I thank you all for your attentive audience. Osun a dara!
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FEATURE
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Shun Religious Divisive Antics Of Detractors - Aregbesola Cautions Residents
•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 last Tuesday.
The space of time between the most recent mega rally held at Ibokun, the seat of Ijesa North Federal Constituency and the previous one held at Ikirun was filled with events, reports, gestures and intrigues – all from the opposition, and which represent antics to distort residents’ senses of judgment in making wisest and decisive choice in the approaching gubernatorial polls. NIYI OLASINDE amplifies the note of caution sounded by Governor Aregbesola at the Ibokun Mega NSINUATIONS, antics, intrigues and people of those places were subsumed by the clean; being well cared for through a carefully IRally. His reports: heads of ministries as sensitive as Police Affairs 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 abovementioned 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 aftereffect 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
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 Subsector. The trend today has produced a rancorfree 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
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
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 co-opted 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.
Continued on page 13
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FEATURE
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
Shun Religious Divisive Antics Of Detractors - Aregbesola Cautions Residents
••Governor Aregbesola (2nd right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left); the Alademore of Ibokunland, Oba Festus Awogboro (right) and others. Continued from page 12
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N 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? 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. 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 audience-participating programme packaged at the instance of the incumbent administration and transmitted live on all stateowned 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 last 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 Awogboro (Obokun); The Elegboro of Ijebu-’Jesa, Oba Aribisala (Oriade); and Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa, Oba Baderin (Oriade).
14
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
FOR THE RECORDS
A Meta-commentary On The Ekiti Election
•AREGBESOLA
•OMISORE
•FAYOSE
Although the Osun State governorship election is around the ‘corner, speculations about the possible influence or bandwagon effect of the Ekiti election on that election must consider the realities of Osun politics. Three things are clear: Osun is not Ekiti. Rauf Aregbesola is not Fayemi. And Iyiola Omisore is not Fayose, although they both caught the same bolekaja figure. Aregbesola’s popularity in Osun is not a fluke, while Omisore’s negative baggage tops his positive attributes. In a way, Aregbesola has Fayose’s mass appeal, but without Fayose’s negative baggage. True, Aregbesola has delved into some controversial projects, but the controversies were politically motivated, being drummed up by the opposition, precisely for its possible electoral value. The truth is that Aregbesola’s policies, programmes, and projects are as widely accepted as he is popular. - By NIYI AKINNASO
’
•Culled from The Punch of July 1, 2014.
15
PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, July 5, 2014
More Pix On Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Re-election Mega Rally In Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency In The State Of Osun, Held In Ibokun Last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI And SHOLA ADERINTO.
•A sea of heads at the Ibokun mega rally.
•Governor Rauf Aregbesola, acknowledging cheers from his supporters and admirers at the Ibokun mega rally.
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IGERIA is a very interesting country where anything or everything happens. Some have said it is a country where the inexplicable happens. Nigeria is a country very rich in mineral and human resources, but paradoxically, the citizens are poor. Nigeria is an arable land, yet we import food for subsistence. Nigeria is the fourth largest producer of crude oil, yet import fuel for consumption. Our armed forces are very good at defending the territorial integrity of other countries, yet we are finding it difficult to contain the Boko Haram insurgents. Our police personnel are reputed to be among the best on the continent, if not the world, but nationally they are known to be chasers of parti-kola. The human capital in the country is among the best. A computer wizard, Emegwali, is of invaluable asset to the United States of America (USA), where he has distinguished himself. Nigerians are known to go to a football contest with their second eleven, even where there are abundant talents. This self-styled Giant of Africa has produced renowned people in different spheres of life. A Nobel Laurette, Professor Wole Soyinka is the first African to be so-named. The late Professors Chinua Achebe and Sam Aluko were among Nigerian egg-hands, which used to be in the ivory towers. A cleric, Pastor Adejare Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is famous for leading a church, which is currently planting parishes all over the world. In the political field, the late Dr Namdi Azikiwe, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, who was the Premier of the defunct Northern Region and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo were political statesmen, who distinguished themselve,s not only in Nigeria, but throughout the world. To an average Yoruba person, the late Awolowo, popularly called Awo, was a messiah. His innovations and foresightedness put the Yoruba race ahead of their peers. He introduced the first television station in black Africa in 1959 in Ibadan. The Western Nigeria Television Service (WNTS) was established when some European powers had none. The Liberty Stadium in Ibadan was first among equals. He established industrial estates like the one in Ikeja and Apapa in Lagos to engage the vibrant youths, who were churned out from schools. Today, most of the warehouses
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Have We Descended So Low?
•FAYEMI
established by the government of him after his demise. The Obafemi the late sage have become Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, is reputed to have one of the best churches. architectural Are we as religious “The fact that we are in control of activities designs in or pious now should not give us the license to misuse Africa. The as we the resources. If the past leaders had products of p r o f e s s squandered the resources, what would we have the school, to be? fallen on? In spite of the level of education p o p u l a r l y Above all, and our sophistication in the South-West, we known as it was have allowed a temporary relief to becloud our Great IFE, education sense of reasoning. Such behavioral pattern are amongst that put could have been excused elsewhere but the best in Nigeria and t h e certainly not in the South-West. We s t e r n We should endeavour to do self-assessment A f r i c a . R e g i o n and realise that stomach infrastructure is only Currently, h e above its but ephemeral. I am not against political t p e e r s . parties giving out food, but that should not the university is F r e e determinant factor to vote for or against recognised b y p r i m a r y candidates in elections.” Webometric education as the best w a s in Nigeria. introduced in the region, while By combining education with secondary education became commerce, the Yorubas were on top affordable. He initiated the University of of the scheme of things. In the civil Ife, Ile-Ife, which was named after service, they hold top posts, while
in the business sector, they are not relegated. This obviously has made the Yoruba a source of envy of other races. The legacy of Awo is still enduring. The road infrastructure, schools, hospitals and other legacies are still a pride of the Yoruba race. Until recently, most of the primary schools built by the late sage and the roads constructed dotted the lines in the South-West. However, a new development has crept into the region with the stomach infrastructure. The new coinage entered into the political lexicon of Nigeria with the landslide victory of Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose in the last Ekiti state gubernatorial election. Fayose routed the sitting governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in the election. The result was overwhelming. The sitting governor could not deliver his local government council area. The landslide victory has been attributed to stomach infrastructure, which the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) introduced. The party was known to have provided rice and other food items for the electorate. This, according to the PDP, helped swayed votes in favour of the party. Critics believe that Fayemi performed well, but because he did not provide stomach infrastructure, the electorate voted against him. If this conspiracy theory is to be believed, then we are in trouble. Food is a necessity, but shall man live by bread alone. If Awo had done that, what would we be talking about? What legacy are we leaving behind? It is now a popular slogan that rather than build infrastructure, it is better to embark on stomach infrastructure to gain the favour of the electorate. We need to build infrastructure so that future generations would benefit from our collective commonwealth. The fact that we are in control of activities now should not give us the license to misuse the resources. If the past leaders had squandered the resources, what would we have fallen on? In spite of the level of education and our sophistication in the South-West, we have allowed a temporary relief to becloud our sense of reasoning. Such behavioral pattern could have been excused elsewhere but certainly not in the South-West. We should endeavour to do selfassessment and realise that stomach infrastructure is only but ephemeral. I am not against political parties giving out food, but that should not the determinant factor to vote for or against candidates in elections.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the Managing Editor, KOLA OLABISI, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail:
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