Osun Defender - June 26th 2014, Edition by OsunDefender

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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

The allegation of planning to cause violence during the coming gubernatorial election in the state of Osun by the PDP governorship candidate,

PEOPLE FIRST

Front Page Comment

Omisore's figment of imagination is to say the least former Senator Iyiola Omisore against the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,

ridiculous. Coming from Omisore we see this as the most irresponsible

and preposterous allegation to levy against O g b e n i Aregbesola, a personage widely known for his pacific inclination. Continue on pg5

VOL. 9. NO.076

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

N 50

IGE

August 9 Governorship Election:

PDP Should Forget Winning Osun - Aregbesola - See Story On Page 2

•Says Omisore ‘ll Be Ridiculously Defeated

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (waiving broom), acknowledging cheers from his ecstatic admirers during a mega-rally for his re-election in Ikirun last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

Aug 9 Gov Election: PDP Should Forget Winning Osun - Aregbesola •Says Omisore ‘ll Be Ridiculously Defeated

sea of heads adorned the streets of Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun on Tuesday, to support the second term ambition of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. The campaign rally in managers encountered serious Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin difficulties in managing Federal Constituency was in vehicular movement on the continuation of the campaign ever-busy Ikirun to Kwara tour of the nine federal State boundary expressway, as constituencies across the state people were moving in droves by the ruling-All Progressives to the campaign ground, located Congress (APC) ahead of the at the back of the School of August 9, 2014 governorship Science, along Old Inisa Road in Ikirun. election. Governor Aregbesola, There was a traffic gridlock along major streets of the alongside the State First Lady, ancient town, as traders, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, and artisans abandoned their works her counterpart from Ogun to cheer the governor and show State, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, their unalloyed support for the Osun Deputy Governor, APC in the forthcoming Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, first Executive election. People trooped out from all Governor of the State of Osun, the nooks and crannies of the Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the town in their different attires, APC State Chairman, Elder bearing ‘Aregbesola for second Adelowo Adebiyi, passed term’ inscriptions, raising flags through Ada, Ororuwo, Iragbiji and banners to show their road to the palace of Akinrun of Ikirun to pay homage to the support for the governor. Security agents and traffic traditional rulers in the federal

constituency. All the major traditional rulers in the three local government council areas in the constituency were present at the Akinrun’s palace to welcome the governor. The royal fathers were Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Olabomi; the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Oyebode; the Aree of Iree, Oba Jimon Olayonu; the Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwale, the Oloyan of Oyan, the Olu Inisa of Inisa, the Olona of Ada, the Olobagun of Obagun among others. Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Akinrun of Ikinrun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Olayiwola Olawale Adedeji, said the governor need little or no campaign, saying his performance in the last three

years is already speaking for him. The monarch described the federal constituency as the home of the governor and assured him that the people of the constituency will vote for him on August 9. Responding, Aregbesola said he was seeking re-election to complete the various ongoing developmental projects and assured them that Osun election would be a different ball-game from that of Ekiti. Aregbesola, who arrived the venue amidst wild jubilation, assured the people of the state that August 9 election would clear all doubts that the PDP has no root in the state. He said: “I laugh at them whenever they are bragging that they will knock Osun down in

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI the August election. Winning in Ekiti was never an assurance that they would win Osun. In 1999, our people in Lagos voted ANPP at the federal level and voted AD at the state level. In 2011, PDP lost all the states and National Assembly seats and ACN presidential candidate, Nuhu Ribadu won only in Osun. “Ekiti people have chosen what they wanted. That is democracy. PDP was never the choice of our people. They should forget winning Osun. By God’s grace, on August 9, they would be ridiculously defeated,” Aregbesola said. The governor commended the people of the federal constituency for coming out en masse and urged them to vote for APC and jealously protect

their votes. Aregbesola, while debunking the rumour of planning to sack civil servants, said his administration has employed more workers in the last three years and has never sacked any worker, while advising the people to ignore such rumour. He also assured Okada riders that his administration has no intention of scraping their business, and urged them not to listen to the opposition’s deception. The governor added: “I am a messenger of God, and we have just started the work of God to take Osun to the greatest height and we are going to continue for the next four years. We have not completed road projects, while numerous school projects are ongoing. Work is in progress and we must continue,” Aregbesola said.

APC Alerts People Over Fake Tax Collectors By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has alerted the people of the state over the antics of those it described as enemies of progress, who are sponsoring some agents to cough out N10,000 each from innocent shop owners in the name of tax collection. The Interim State Chairman is enough to give him second of the party, Elder Adelowo term in office. Adebiyi, raised the alarm in While also speaking, the Ikirun on Tuesday at the party’s Chairman of the Campaign governorship campaign for committee in the area, Mr Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Gboyega Oyetola, called on the Federal Constituency. people to cast their votes for Addressing the mammoth Aregbesola and stand by it. crowd of APC supporters, he By doing this, he said, would said the government has never enable the people of the state sent any of its officials out to enjoy more of the under whatever name to collect developmental initiatives of •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (arrowed), acknowledging cheers from the crowd during his resuch tax from anybody. Aregbesola’s administration. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. election mega rally as governor, State of Osun, in Ikirun last Tuesday. “We have learnt that some people have been moving around to extort people of N10,000 and issuing them fake receipts. Mrs. Aina Shobowale, an wide range, it’s a testimony that would not waif for that long and “If you see such person By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO indigene of Ororuwo, on her things are going well in the state that it was love, support and again, quickly report them to the police, because they are not ITH four mega rallies held for the re-election of own, stated that for once in the and the people must identify solidarity for Ogbeni Rauf sent by our government. Aregbesola that has been making Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressive history of Osun, there is all- with this. “They have also been lying James Ayoola, an indigene of the people throng out in large Congress (APC) for a second term as governor of the round peace experienced in the that we will sack teachers, we State of Osun gone, the train of the fifth rally has moved to state and that she was not ready Eekosin, was of the opinion that numbers to see their governor. will not sack any worker, we Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency. to compromise that for there should be a mehanism for Oluwakemi Adeshina will rather employ more of the APC to reverse the wicked expressed delight at being able anything. as there was no doubt that when At the second term rethem,” he said. According to her, “If not for lies that the PDP had succeded to see the governor in person Also speaking, the State election mega rally, which was voted for a second term, the fact that the governor is an to sail through. after seeing all the works he had Commissioner for Information held at the open field opposite Aregbesola would fulfil all his agent of peace, you and I would He specifically mentioned and Strategy, Mr Sunday Coker Memorial High School, promises because they were not not be able to stand without the issue of the alleged mass done, espeially the schools’ renovation, construction and reAkere, alerted the electorate on along Old Inisa Road, the just political speeches, but plans fear. sack of the state’s civil servants. construction of major roads, the antics of those who are atmosphere was electrifying, as borne-out of a mind that wishes “The governor should, as a reviving of O’Meal, OYES “I appreciate peace a lot collecting voters’ cards for party members, different to serve the people, especially because with it, there would be matter of urgency, address the among others. money. the down-trodden. political organisations, smooth trading, religious issue of sacking of civil She stated that her He called on the electorate students, market women, Responding to the question not to joke with their voters’ secondary school students, of alleged purchase of permanent tolerance, fear of God would servants, the issue of ban of grandmother was one of the cards, with a view to enabling NURTW, ACCOMORAN voters’ cards by the Peoples persist. There would be influx commercial motoryclists (okada beneficiaries of the Aregbesola’s them to vote Aregbesola for members and security men, Democratic Party (PDP) to of investments both foreign and riders), and the closure of state administration in the area of free tertiary institutions. local.” eye surgery and ‘Agba Osun’ second term. disenfranchise majority of the “He must address these “I have told my friends that The commissioner also registered their presence. electorate, Alhaji Sunmonu Ekiti and Osun are different three because the lies these scheme and that the old woman Majority of the people, who had received a breath of new life charged those who have not agreed that it was true, but he collected their Permanent thronged the open field, venue was surprised that the security states. If PDP could go away people have concocted is just simply because a governor that Voters’ Cards to do so, to be of the second term re-election agencies did not take any step to with their rigging in Ekiti, we in too much. They have succeeded cares is in the saddle. in brainwashing the people and Osun are more enlightened. able to participate in the voting mega rally, expressed support “Considering all the aged and for the Ogbeni Aregbesola-led curb it. process. “We will never permit the not only that, they have spent helpless people this He also added that cardadministration and hope that He encouraged electorate not type of high-handedness that federal money to buy them over. administration has helped, I am buying syndicate is still to entertain any fear during the the August 9th gubernatorial “Once the governor can very sure that their prayers only occasioned the Saturday election day, saying the security election in the state would be conducting its sinister business, election to prevail in Osun at all address these issues and debunk would make him to get a second with each card going for N10,000. because we know what all those lies, he would be safe operatives that would be peaeful, free and fair. term come August 9th The community leader transpired in Ekiti. As usual, the support for deployed are meant to defend again. Over time, I have realised notwithsatnding the magnitude described it as unfair and a sign the candidate of the All the people. “Ekiti was pure daylight that Nigerians are the easiest of lies that the PDP is In his own address on the Progressive Congress and that the type of politics the PDP robbery. Remember the 2007 people to convince but when formenting.” occasion, an APC leader, Alhaji incumbent governor of the was indulged in was a dirty one election in Ekiti, at the end of you leave them out, they can be “He did not allow my old just in the bid to grab power at the day, the rightful winner got a hard nut to crack. Fatai Diekola, said since the State of Osun was massive. grandmother to be miserable and all cost. creation of the state, no A community leader in “I am also happy to hear that put to shame. In that wise, his the mandate and peace government had done what Obaagun, Alhaji Akeem He advised other eligible followed. the governor had begun the enemies that are planning Aregbesola has done. Sunmonu, categorically stated voters not to fall prey of this “I am appealing to all eligible payment of salaries of civil against him, God would put According to him, “When we that for the fact that the road scheme, which he described as were campaigning for linking Ikirun to Iree, which evil and mortgaging of one’s voters in Osun to come out servants and pensioners. This them to shame.” Altogether, from the support Aregbesola’s first term of passes throught his town, was destiny for a meagre fee, an enmasse to vote for Ogbeni Rauf is great news and he should be Aregbesola, we promised to rehabilitated by Ogbeni Rauf action which would be regretted Aregbesola, a man who rest assured, the prayers of the the governor and APC are garnering from the mega rallies, bring development to Osun and Aregbesola’s administration, he in the nearest future because promised and fulfilled it. A man elders are with him.” He dismissed all allegations the people interviewed were who has worked positively to we have all seen that that when they come into power, had bought over the support make sure that Osun attains a that the crowds that had been optimistic that Ogbeni Rauf development has come.” they would get back the money glorious height. thronging all the venues of the Aregbesola would come back to He then expressed confidence of his people. He expressed optimism that they used to buy-off the “Considering the work he has mega rallies were all rented, the Governor’s Office, Abere that the development that Aregbesola has brought to Osun other parts of the state would electorate from the very people done in the state which covers a saying that rented crowds after August 9th. see reason and vote continuity, they bought it from.

Osun 2014: Ikirun Federal Constituency Assures Aregbesola Of Votes

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

Don’t Be Discouraged With Ekiti Gov Election •Osun APC Leaders Tell Electorate

EADERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun have taken their time to analyse factors that worked against the party in the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, with a submission that the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola is not under threat. The APC leaders, while (PDP) and the Presidency speaking at the Ifelodun/ could not match on the Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal people of Osun and the APC Constituency campaign like they did in Ekiti. rally for Aregbesola’s According to Lawal, second term on Tuesday in Aregbesola has always Ikirun, called on the people been friendly with and of the state to remain accessible to the people, resolute and vote for adding that the governor Aregbesola in the August 9, has worked for the gubernatorial election. development of the state, The Osun Central and thus merit a second Senatorial Leader of the term as the governor. APC, Alhaji G.O Lawal, The septuagenarian urged the electorate and the politician maintained that all general masses of the State the indices of a developing of Osun not to be state are now present in discouraged by the Osun, compared to the 2003 outcome of the Ekiti State to 2010 period, when the gubernatorial election. state was stagnant and Lawal said the two states crying for development. are not comparable and the Lawal stressed that none political situations of the of the political factors that two states are totally worked against Governor different, adding that the Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party State was present in the

State of Osun, stating that what the electorate needed was to mobilize other people and vote for Aregbesola and defend their votes. He enjoined members of the APC, loyalists and supporters of Governor Aregbesola not to be deterred with the Ekiti development, and not to be persuaded by the sweet talks and misinformation being circulated around by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In his address, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Elder Peter Babalola, popularly called ‘Peter Action’ said: “You don’t need to fear in Osun. In fact, there is no fear in Osun. I had worked with the PDP candidate. We did not do well at all. Osun did not develop for the seven and a half years. We wasted the time of Osun State. Osun will never vote for a rude

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN politician. “Go out and vote on August 9, 2014 for Aregbesola. Osun is not like Ekiti. Aregbesola is blessed with knowledge. He is a messiah to Osun people. The PDP candidate is not a threat to Osun; in fact, he is a mismatch. Don’t compare Osun with Ekiti.” Alhaji Fatai Diekola said: “We are professional politicians; we do not have any other job than politics. We know what happened in Ekiti. We know what went wrong in the state. Authoritatively, we are saying that we will not witness what happened in Ekiti in the State of Osun. “I had told the PDP in 2007 that ACN would win the governorship election, and we won. I am saying it now that Aregbesola will win the August 9 election. Aregbesola will win Osogbo, Ila, Iwo, Ife, Ikire, Ikirun, Ede, Ilesa, Iree, Ilobu, Ejigbo and all local government council areas of

the state. “We have tested Aregbesola and he passed. I am telling you that Aregbesola will win his election. I urge the electorate not to sell their voters’ cards to anybody. It is their rights and the card to elect their leader. They should vote for Aregbesola for second term.” Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola said: “We did not rent crowd to this rally. People came here because they love Aregbesola and they appreciate his developmental projects. Aregbesola will win the coming election. “Do not disturb yourselves with what happened in Ekiti. Osun is different from Ekiti. The achievements of Governor Aregbesola are speaking for him and the people are in support of his second term. What we need is to go out and vote massively for Aregbesola.” Professor Sola Adeyeye said: “Some people killed Bola Ige because they wanted to rule. Those people are also wishing to govern Osun. We would not forget how they underdeveloped the State

of Osun. They are responsible for the backwardness of the state, but we thank God for Aregbesola that has changed Osun for good. “Osun is not Ekiti. In 2011 presidential election, Nuhu Ribadu was the candidate of the ACN. Ribadu came late to Osun during his campaign. Out of the 36 states in Nigeria, Ribadu won only Osun State. “We have shown them for long that Osun is not like other places. Osun is not Ekiti. Osun is resolute. You people here are for Aregbesola. It is not a rented crowd. Aregbesola is the messiah. You only need to go out on election day and cast your vote for Aregbesola.” The first executive governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke said: “What happened in Ekiti is different in Osun. We want to tell you that Aregbesola will win the election. We do not need to campaign for Aregbesola. His achievements are campaigning for him. Aregbesola has a listening ear. “We urge you to continue supporting Aregbesola and be patient with him. Aregbesola will not make a promise that he will not fulfill. He is a man of honour.”

APC Intensifies Campaign On Osun Gov Poll By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

•One of the newly-built Middle Schools in Ikirun under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as captured by our cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, last Tuesday.

Ikirun Rally, A Festival •Supporters Affirm ‘Osun Is Not Ekiti’ By SHINA ABUBAKAR

OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola’s re-election campaign mega rally for Ikirun Federal Constituency was held amidst fanfare in the ancient town of Ikirun. The federal constituency support the second term comprising of Ifelodun, Boripe ambition of the governor. and Odo-Otin Local Like in the previous rallies, Government Council areas of nollywood actors and popular the state was in carnival-like musicians graced the Ikirun mood, as residents and party rally and entertained crowd in loyalists came out en masse to their respective ways. be part of the re-election The road leading to the process. venue of the event was filled Ikirun, known for its with food vendors and other progressive background, was traders in the communities, the fulcrum of activities, as the making the town reflect a venue of the event was filled typical market day. by party loyalists and admirers Addressing the gathering, the of Governor Aregbesola, in a State Commissioner for bid to show him their love and Information and Strategy, support. Honourable Sunday Akere, Streets in the ancient town appealed to the teeming masses wore colourful look as males, to remain calm as the situation females and children, dressed in Ekiti State is impossible to in a chosen lemon-green Ankara happen in the state of Osun. cloth for the rally. He said the people of Osun Yet, the various political would not sell their future for groups also dressed in various a bag of rice and a token of polo shirts with inscription to N10,000 like it happened in

Ekiti. According to the commissioner, Ikirun is a town known for supporting the progressive politicians since the Action Group days. He counselled that the voter’s card is the power the electorate have to decide who governs them and how they are governed. An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Alhaji Fatai Diekola, disclosed that Aregbesola is a peoplefriendly governor, whose dedication to serving them is immeasurable. He urged the electorate not to be afraid of anyone on August 9, saying the security operatives would be around to maintain peace and security. Speaking at the rally, the current Chairman of the State Local Government service Commission, Elder Peter Babalola, commended Ogbeni Aregbesola for his efforts aimed at entrenching peace in

the state since he assumed power in 2010, adding that prior to that period, the state was in anarchy. Some APC supporters, who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, said they were not discouraged by what happened in Ekiti State, adding that they were ready to vote for Aregbesola and stand by him till the very end. Aregbesola’s entrance into the venue at about 4:12pm was greeted with ecstasy, as the crowd elegantly displayed their brooms in response to the governor’s gesture, who was displaying his broom while standing on the vehicle conveying him. The entire venue was in jubilant mood as more supporters followed him from the palace, where he had paid courtesy call on the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul Rauf Adedeji before proceeding to the campaign ground. Some women at the rally were heard saying the governor has done them a lot of good by providing free lunch for their children in school.

UPPORTERS of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and members of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State of Osun have been charged not to be weigh down by the result of the governorship election in Ekiti State, but rather forge ahead in sensitising the people and canvass for votes. This charge dominated (INEC) to do so, with a view the talks at the Ijesa North to enabling them vote for APC Campaign for the Aregbesola during the August 9 governorship election. Oyintiloye also urged the campaign held at Ibokun, Obokun Local Government electorate to vote for Aregbesola and defend their Area on Monday. The Chairman of the votes by staying around Campaign committee, Dr their polling units until their wale Bolorunduro and the votes are counted and Secretary, Mr Bosun announced. Also speaking, the Oyintiloye, while representing addressing the APC lawmaker supporters, said there is no Obokun Constituency in the point in doubting the State House of Assembly, Samson victory of Aregbesola in the Honourable Fafiyebi, sensitised the election. According Bolorunduro, electorate not to be deceived though, the developmental into selling their voters’ programmes that cards for money. He added that the Aregbesola has instituted electorate should not be were enough to give him afraid of security operatives victory, but the APC on the election day, as they members and supporters are meant to protect the should intensify their electorate and their votes efforts, so as not to give from being snatched. any chance to the Earlier, the campaign train opposition to penetrate of the committee had moved their ranks. to the palaces of some He charged the electorate traditional rulers in Obokun not to be deceived by the Local Government Council antics of the opposition Area of the state, who politicians, who are renewed their supports for spreading lies against the Aregbesola’s re-election. Among the monarchs present administration in visited were Oba of Ibokun; the state. Oyintiloye also noted Alada of Ada-Owode, Oba that Aregbesola’s Israel Adesola; Alase of Aseperformance in education, Ijesa, Oba Gabriel Oyekanmi; health, agriculture, Akinyinwa of Ikinyinwa, James Adeyemi; infrastructural development Oba and job creation among Olupasi of Ipasi, Oba Ezekiel others are worthy to be Oludare; Oniponda of Iponda, Oba A.A Omoseebi sustained. Apetu of Ipetu-Ile. To be able to do this, he andThe monarchs, who all urged those who have not gave their royal blessings to collected their permanent the second term bid of voters’ cards from the Aregbesola, assured that Indpendent National they would do their best in Electoral Commission ensuring his re-election.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

Aregbesola Has No Plan To Ban Okada, Korope Operators - Omoworare By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE Director General, Ogbeni Aregbesola Door-to Door Campaign Organisation (OD2D), Mr Segun Omoworare, has urged the people of the state not to believe the rumour being spread around by the opposition parties that Governor Rauf Aregbesola would ban commercial motorcyclists known as Okada and the intercity commercial buses called ‘Korope’ operators during his second term. Omoworare averred that programmes in the state. Aregbesola, who has been According to Omoworare, enjoying the supports of the the opposition parties, commercial motorcyclists and particularly the Peoples the mini-bus drivers would Democratic Party (PDP) was never place a ban on their the architect of the false businesses, saying that doing information on the Okada and such would resort to Korope ban with a deliberate improvising poverty and attempt to incite the people hunger in the state, which the against Aregbesola and soil his governor has successfully popularity. reduced to the barest minimum The Ile-Ife born politician with series of empowerment stated this on Tuesday at the

mega rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the re-election of Governor Aregbesola, held in Ikirun, the headquarters of Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency. Omoworare maintained that the opposition parties are jittery of the supports of the people for Aregbesola and the governor’s popularity, hence they resorted to telling lies and misinforming the general public what does not exist to discredit Aregbesola. “Aregbesola would not put burden on the people of the state and would not ban the Okada and Korope operators, being the only commercial transportation system in the

state. He said: “Okada riders are major supporters of Aregbesola, likewise the Korope drivers. We will never forget their contributions during the struggle to reclaim Aregbesola’s mandate between 2007 and 2010. We will never forget the victimization they went through in the hands of the PDP government, simply because they stood behind the truth; Aregbesola’s mandate. “Aregbesola is not an ingrate. It is only an ingrate that will not appreciate the support of the Okada riders and the Korope drivers. Aregbesola will not repay their supports and loyalty with hardship or any unpopular policy. The governor will not ban the

operations of the Okada riders and the Korope drivers. “The information is not true; it is a lie and political gunshot fired by the opposition parties led by the rattled PDP. How would a governor that is trying so hard to banish poverty and hunger place a ban on the Okada and Korope operations in the state? We know those are the means of survival for a sizeable population of the state, so the governor cannot stop their operations. “I urge the people not to believe the false information and continue to repose confidence in the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola. They are the ones that elected Aregbesola and they fought the battled to reclaim his mandate

with him. We appreciate their support so far and we promise more dividends of democracy for them. “The Okada riders, the Korope drivers, the informal workers, the civil servants and other people of the state should please verify any information concerning the present administration from reliable individual, so that they would not be misled by the politicians, who had terrorized the state for seven and half years.” Omoworare pleaded with the people to re-elect Aregbesola for second term, promising that his second term would be more beneficial to the people and the development of the state than the first term.

OAU Students Refuse To Vacate Campus By SOLA JACOBS

•A cross section of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s admirers at the Ikirun mega rally last Tuesday.

APC Kicks Off Local Rally In Ifedayo By SHINAABUBAKAR

to the major towns. In addition, Akere disclosed that Governor Aregbesola is seeking reelection to allow him complete the project to take Osun to greater height, which started in 2010, assuring the masses that he would not let them down. He then pledged that the governor is working towards extending electricity to other rural communities in the area that are yet to be connected to the national grid.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun last Monday took it re-election campaign rally to the rural communities in Ifedayo Local Government Council Area of the state, urging the rural dwellers to vote for Governor Rauf Aregbesola again. Among the communities commissioner, the governor the campaign train, led by understands that the major the Ila Federal means of livelihood for the Constituency Campaign rural dwellers is farming and Committee Chairman, it is only when the produce Honourable Sunday Akere, gets to the market that visited included Isimi- farmers make money, hence, Olotu, Alagbede, Idi-Odan, the construction of access Irepodun-Enle and Ayetoro. roads and quality roads Dwellers in the linking various communities communities visited by the party committee trooped out en mass to welcome and listen to the electioneering promises of the party, rather than going to their farms. While speaking with the By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO people, Honourable Akere said Governor Rauf chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aregbesola is committed to Ayo Akande, has told the Peoples Democratic Party improving the lots of the (PDP) leaders to perish the thought of capturing people in the rural areas by the State of Osun like they did in the just-concluded creating access to the governorship election in Ekiti State. various communities and Following the victory of Ekiti experience to prevent make it easy to move their its candidate, Ayo Fayose, incidence of harassment farm produce to the market. the PDP had vowed to and intimidation of party He said in the last three reclaim Osun from APC’s officials and voters by and half years, the governor grip in August to be security agencies. “State of Osun will have has ensured the followed by the entire South construction of medical West in the coming no setback and PDP should forget capturing it like they facilities in rural elections. In a statement recently, have been boasting. Ogbeni communities in the council area, as well as extension of Akande, who described the Aregbesola has impacted electrification projects to loss of Ekiti to PDP as positively on the lives of the costly, said the APC will re- state, especially the downmake life easy for them. According to the strategise and learn from the trodden.

Responding separately, the community leaders urged government to provide more infrastructures for their areas, saying their votes would be used in the interest of development of the communities in the forthcoming election. They also assured the campaign train of their readiness to vote for the APC, as long as they are promised the transformation going on in the major towns.

OME students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in the State of Osun, have refused to vacate their campus despite the indefinite closure of the institution by the university’s authority. Students were seen benefited the students in barricading the gates of the any way, as the various institution, while some of halls of residence are still them hanged on the gate overcrowded, while the wall, refusing the entry and conveniences and other exit of workers or visitors basic amenities in them are into the institution. in sorry state. Some of the students who They bemoaned the spoke with the medium, said decision of the institution’s that the closure of the authority and vowed to institution should not be a remain on the campus till the response to their protest on institution and wellthe hike of tuition fees by meaning Nigerians will the institution. attend to their petition. They refuted the claims They then appealed to that the students locked up the Federal Government not the Vice-Chancellor of the to make university institution, Professor Tale education an exclusive Omole and some key reserve of few individuals to officers of the institution at the detriment of the wards the Senate House on from poor families. Wednesday. They reminded the They carpeted the government that youth institution’s decision, restiveness and Boko which led to the closure of Haram menace stemmed the institution, claiming that forth as a result of making they only embarked on a education the exclusive peaceful protest, while reserve of few individuals normal academic, as well as coupled with administrative works still unemployment rate in the went on in the institution, country. while stressing that the An entry into the closure of the institution university through Road 7 was unjustified, but rather in Ile-Ife revealed that the institution’s authorities workers were using the gate should rescind its decision and the Obafemi Awolowo to hike the tuition fees. University Teaching Others who spoke with Hospital Complex, while OSUN DEFENDER said the security was beefed up not hike in the tuition fees in the to allow non-staffers entry recent past has not into the institution through the gate. However, normal administrative work continued in the institution, while few students were seen packing their belongings from the various it was an approach to halls of residence. Efforts to put phone call anarchy. “The action suggests a through to the institution’s semi-military rule. Which Public Relations Officer, Mr law precludes any citizen Biodun Olanrewaju, proved from being in any part of the abortive, as his number could not be reached. country during elections? Meanwhile, other “It was done in bad taste and an approach to anarchy members of the institution’s and it is dangerous to our community such as traders democracy. These are and shop owners in the oppressive tendencies of institution have difficulties the PDP-led Federal getting to their shops, as Government in recent times. commuter buses were being “And it was seen in the forced to drop them at the case of the barring of university gate. Amaechi and Oshiomhole They therefore, appealed from entering Ekiti and the to the government to clampdown on the ‘bring dialogue with the students back our girls’ protesters,” to resolve the matter the APC chieftain said. amicably soonest.

Osun 2014: Perish Thought Of Capturing Osun In August, APC Chieftain Tells PDP

“The people will not be intimidated, but would insist on their fundamental rights as enshrined in the country’s Constitution. “APC will need to restrategise. That experience of Ekiti is too costly. Apart from security intimidation, there was a poor turnout, with a governor getting elected with just 200,000 votes,” Akande said. He also condemned the harassment of Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State by security operatives drafted to Ekiti to monitor the election, saying

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

Omisore's figment of imagination Continued from pg1

Apart from virtues of hard work, humility, dedication, commitment to service , one other quality Ogbeni Aregbesola possesses which endears him to people is his pacific nature. More often than not messages of peace always come out from his mouth. But he (Ogbeni) doesn't only preach peace, he also walk the talk. Even when his mandate was stolen by the PDP in 2007 rather than encourage his supporters and party members to engage in violence he continued to appeal to them to toe the line of peace. As a peace loving individual he headed for the Court where he finally got justice after three and a half years of perseverance. And even after regaining his stolen

mandate he never avenge in spite of all the persecutions he went through in the hands of electoral bandits. He preferred to forgive his tormentors. Thus isn't it the height of mischief for anyone to come up with allegation of planning to cause violence against a personage of this nature? Of course it is! And even if such a wrong allegation would come from anybody it shouldn't be Omisore whose stock in trade is perpetration of violence and who derives so much joy from disturbing public peace. We see this as a case of the pot calling the kettle black or a situation whereby the thief starts to catch the farm owner because the farm owner is slow in catching the thief. In his figment of imagination or out of deliberate mischief Omisore had alleged that "the governor had bought 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers

(APCs) which would be used to cause violence during the coming governorship election". He had alleged further that "Aregbesola has a premeditated strategy to release these APCs during the election". What a spurious allegation? For those who care to know or better still for the purpose of public enlightenment the reason for the purchase of the said APCs is for further distribution to the security operatives to aid them in their responsibility of maintaining peace in the state. We recall here that the governor had earlier distributed some APCs and about 120 patrol vans to security agencies in the state. That was in April 2013 at a ceremony where the InspectorGeneral of Police was represented and the governor did promise on that occasion that more would still come.

We Are Vessels Of Honour As one of the Omoluwabi youths of the state, I want to appeal to youths in the State of Osun not to be used as vessels of hooliganism and thuggery by selfish politicians before, during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state. My appeal becomes imperative as the election is fast approaching in the state and as a High School pupil in the state and based on discussions with my age mates, I noticed that some politicians have started poisoning the minds of youths against the administration in the state. Their propaganda

included the one that Ogbeni Aregbesola’s government has bastardized the s c h o o l s ’ reclassification exercise, which to the best of my knowledge, is a ruse. As a pupil of high

school in Osun, in my personal observation, no government has invested in the education sector of the state as Ogbeni has done. The building of state-of-the-art schools, the free distribution of tablets of knowledge,

otherwise known as Opon-Imo and uniforms, are second to none in the history of the state. Also of note is the payment of WASCE fees for all final-year pupils in all public high schools, as well

therefore, be wary of politicians, who have indirectly been promising bleak tomorrow and are ready to use unsuspecting youths to their lies, while they keep their children away from the state. We are vessels of honour and not of destruction. Let them know we are Omoluabis and not Omolangidis, that no as provision of chairs one can use for and tables for each ungodly acts. pupil in the state. Up Osun Youths In view of all these Up Omoluabis and much more, it is evident that Ogbeni • A D E F I S AY O loves us and has a plan TINUOLA, Olubuse of a brighter Memorial, Grammar tomorrow for us as School, Ile-Ife, State future leaders. We should of Osun.

Thus if there are APCs in government house why the fuss about their presence? We believe common sense should simply tell anyone that these APCs are not purchased for any other ulterior motive other than to be given to the security personnel in fulfillment of the governor's promise to further empower them to make their job easier. But at Osun Defender here we are not in the least surprised that this allegation is coming from Omisore's camp. Being a serial liar that he is no serious-minded person should take him serious at all because more often than not, lie, and nothing but lie are the words that come out from his mouth.

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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

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

Why Aregbesola Deserves Four More Years

IKE most Nigerians, I am utterly disenchanted by politics. After spending two and a half decades outside the shores of this country and having seen good governance in action in other climes, I should be forgiven for regarding our politicians as liars, egotistic parasites, feeding off our collective ignorance and apathy, and our current political system as nothing more than crass bureaucratic channels of formalising the embezzlement of our common wealth by the corrupt political class. I can’t but marvel at the uncanny similarity between our current political system and the corrupt state of politics in Britain some 360 odd years ago. The difference is that they had the likes of Oliver Cromwell who was prompted to deliver a scathing attack on the Rump parliament on April 20, 1653 in which he bawled out the whole House of Commons as “... you have dishonoured (the House of Commons) by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice. Ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government. Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would, like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse. Gold IS your God. Which of you have not bartered your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes, have you not defiled this sacred place, and turned the Lord’s temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You were deputed here by the people to get grievances redressed, are yourselves become the greatest grievance”. It will not be out of place to surmise that the above description refers to present day Nigeria. I wanted to set this article in context as a political observer and commentator who has no party political affiliation. In a country bereft of credible and genuine servant-leader politicians, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has caught my fancy and is a refreshing exception to our so-called leaders to whom the above sweeping but apt opprobrium should be directed. As a social entrepreneur and a student of politics, I can’t but make reference to the key social evils of most societies like ours which any well-meaning government would seek to tackle with every ounce of energy and resource at their disposal. Aregbesola, from his programmes and published plans, has a vision of social reconstruction and social progress. The most debilitating and crippling of all the dreaded evils that are ravaging our society today is poverty. This is the key social problem which affects all the others and aggravates their effect. Aregbesola, through his “banish hunger and poverty programmes” as part of the implementation of his six point agenda programme is addressing this giant evil. The provision of a safety net for vulnerable older people in the form of welfare support under the” Agba Osun’ programme is a laudable initiative. I was pleasantly surprised when my uncle in Ilesa showed me his share of a heap 0 corn grains (seeds for growing?) which the government distributed to all farmers

•AREGBESOLA By AKIN OLUKIRAN

in his cooperative. Adopting a preventive approach to health through the “Walk to Live” and the “Bi-monthly sanitation” initiatives are good measures to encourage a healthy living lifestyle amongst Osun state indigenes. With this positive start, I will be disappointed if the government does not adopt the National Health Insurance Scheme in order to improve health outcomes for the citizens of Osun state - especially for the most vulnerable. The provision of meals for primary school pupils through the O’Meal programme is also another preventive initiative in addressing health inequality and wellbeing. Education is the main antidote to ignorance. The government’s commitment to accessible quality education is evident in its various programmes on education. In the words of Aregbesola himself, “Well-educated

children will have the confidence to face the future and remake their world in their own image. Uneducated or badly educated children on the other hand are not only easy recruits for violent gangs, they are incapable of conceiving beauty and all that is good about man, the environment and the good life. They are naturally predisposed to nihilism” The introduction of “Opon Imo” is a brilliant and laudable initiative which promises to open the imagination of the state’s secondary school students to technical advancement and encouraging them to become technological whizzes. Computer skills have become a fundamental part of education and despite the inevitable potential of abuse and misuse, Opon lmo provides that high level interactivity between students, teachers and subject matter whilst at the same time developing the students’ cognitive and creative abilities. Given the unacceptably high level of unemployment in the country, the

‘A government that encourages innovation, promotes socially inclusive policies and thinks outside the box is what any progressive state needs. One that cares about job and wealth creation, security of its citizens, social justice and a general enterprise!’

government of the State of Osun is making strides in the creation of employment. The openness of the government to new ideas and to think outside the box in order to create employment and improve the economy of the state is there for all to see. Most importantly, the recognition that the government needs to work in partnership with the private and the voluntary sectors to create job opportunities and attract investment into the state is one of the outstanding leadership qualities that the administration has displayed. Many of our inner cities and towns are looking like slums as a result of poor planning, unauthorised buildings and outbuildings and our poor attitude to environmental sanitation. The government’s renewal and regeneration strategy is therefore bound to be unpopular since they involved the demolition of some of these aesthetically unpleasant structures within our inner cities. I do hope however, that the government will seek out private property developers to partner with in order to provide affordable social housing for the growing population of the state. The government’s commitment to physical infrastructure development and maintenance is visible in terms of road works. I was at first critical of the government’s slow start in this area but I have been impressed - as with millions of others who have visited the state recently - with the pace and geographical spread of road construction in the state. Amongst the projects in the government’s infrastructure strategy which I hope will be jettisoned because I remain unconvinced of its economic and commercial viability is the MKO Abiola International Airport. A joint project to expand the airport in Ibadan or construct Oil” with Ekiti and Ondo State located between Ilesa and Akure would be a better idea and better way of spending the state’s resources. A government that encourages innovation, promotes socially inclusive policies and thinks outside the box is what any progressive state needs. One that cares about job and wealth creation, security of its citizens, social justice and a general enterprise! In a federal system like ours where there is too much reliance on the centre for monthly federal allocation and its attendant whimsical arbitrariness of the sheer weight of presidential power, the need for state generated income cannot be overstate. Aregbesola is doing a lot in this regard in calling for, and supporting business and social ideas with transformative potentials for the state as is typified by the cultural sector. The first four years of Aregbesola are a good pointer to what lies ahead in the next four – if given the chance. In my personal view, he deserves to be given the chance - he has earned it! Given the state of affairs of the state when he took over, especially the state of the education system and the road infrastructure and what he has been able to achieve, he should be allowed to continue. He has succeeded in creating a feel-good factor in the state which he should be’ allowed and supported to sustain and translate to improved economic, social, health and educational outcomes for all and sundry in our beloved state of Osun. •Olukiran, is a London-based Management Consultant. •Culled from THE NATION

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Mega Rally In Ikirun, State Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI; SHOLAADERINTO And ABRAHAM Of Osun, Last Tuesday. JESUDOYIN.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle), in a discussion with the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Olayiwola Olawale Adedeji (right) with the deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) at Akinrun’s Palace before the mega-rally in Ikirun last Tuesday.

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•(L-R) Laoye-Tomori; first civilian governor in the State of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke; Governor Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat and wife of Ogun State Governor, Princess Funmilayo Amosun at the Ikirun mega rally.

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•(L-R) State of Osun APC Chairman, Elder Lowo Adebiyi; Honourable Yinka Ajayi; Chief of Staff to State of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and Speaker State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Mega Rally In Ikirun, State Of Photo: GBENGAADENIYI; SHOLAADERINTO And ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN. Osun, Last Tuesday.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife Sherifat at the Ikirun re-election campaign last Tuesday.

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•Some of the Aregbesola supporters hailing the governor.

•Another cross section of the crowd in Ikirun.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

PHOTOTALK

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Mega Rally In Ikirun, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGAADENIYI; SHOLAADERINTO And ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN.

•Some of the PDP members hailing Aregbesola in Ikirun.

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•A cross section of school pupils struggling to catch a glimpse of the governor in Ikirun township.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Mega Rally In Ikirun, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI; SHOLAADERINTO And ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (on top of a bus), acknowledging cheers from his supporters and admirers at the Ikirun mega rally.

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•Governor Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from his ecstatic numerous supporters at the Ikirun APC mega-rally last Tuesday.

ISSUE ANALYSIS

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

Aregbesola’s Passion, Care For Women, Children And The Vulnerable Before the inauguration of the present administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the State of Osun, he undoubtedly came up with a popular six-point integral action plan; banish poverty, banish hunger, banish unemployment (create work/wealth), restore healthy living, promote functional education and to enhance communal peace and progress, which the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and other government agencies keyed into, and according to the commissioner, Mrs. Mofolake Adetoun Adegboyega, “all these centered on women, and are issues that concern women very much”. This administration in its effort to forestall events and restore confidence to the people of the state in promoting functional plan and programmes to the longing and aspirations of the people in the state, brought about caring attitude of the Ogbeni’s developmental plans. The Ogbeni’s success story begins with the people of the state where evidences of his government are felt, and have changed their lives positively. The environment has yielded the dividend of his peculiar administration even; the atmosphere in the State of Osun is filled and charged with peace, tranquility, and security. One can say that his administration’s agencies are interwoven for delivery purposes:purposely to bring all categories of children, irrespective of their religion, social background and ethnic group together to interact, move closer, dine and wine with Her Excellency, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, wife of the Executive Governor of the State of Osun, who was the Chief Hostess and Mother of the Day.

Subvention To Orphanage Homes HIS administration has provided T platform to assist and encourage committed and selfless operators of registered orphanage homes in the state as a token from the governor of the State of Osun. Fund was approved and released as subvention by his administration. First quarterly meeting of registered orphanage home operators was held at the department for close monitoring and evaluation of practices and to uphold best practices in orphanage activities. Through the ministry, one of the registered orphanages, named Covenant Orphanage, Moro was chosen and presented different tangible gift items by Osogbo CBN staff.

Distribution of Nutritional and Educational Materials to Vulnerable Children The Ministry in collaboration with Osun State Agency for the Control of AIDs (O-SACA) distributed nutritional and educational to support 400 vulnerable children, who were in dire need of assistance in public primary and public secondary schools. The programme was held at the hall of Moremi Creche New Secretariat Complex. The objective of the distribution was to alleviate the challenges faced by these children in their schools and at home.

School Social Work In line with the six-point integral action plan of Governor Aregbesola, school social work is engaged as a tool to facilitate the followings: ·enhancement of communal peace and progress ·To reduce cases of mal-adjusted behaviours among school children ·restoration of sound moral values into school pupils/students ·Social case work to foster family cohesion ·To identify peculiarities and challenges of each pupil, utilizing mechanism of school social work to intervene in a way to ensure the welfare of such pupil. ·To stem the tide of cultism amongst students/pupils of primary and secondary schools. ·To organise preventive programmes in schools through collaboration of stakeholders ·To uphold academic strength of students/pupils by encouraging academic aided culture, habits and principles. ·To unite students/pupils and their home fronts in the interest of their academic pursuits. ·To stem the scourge of vulnerability in school children ·Holding counselling retreat for the school guardians and career counsellors ·Fund was approved and released by Governor Aregbesola for activities of school social work. Social cases treated across the six (6) geo-political zones include: counselling, Interview, lectures/ talks, Home visit, case conferencing, referral-peculiar cases across the zones. Reconstruction and Renovation of Collapsed Fence and Dilapidated Building of the Children Rehabilitation Centre Reconstruction of collapsed fence to safeguard the lives of the children and prevent encroachment into the children Rehabilitation Centre, the Ministry had been requesting for fund to reconstruct the collapsed fence since 2005. Several letters for inspection and bill of quantity were written to Ministry of Works and Transport. The fund was not released but

•AREGBESOLA By MOSES BOBA

when Mr. Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola came on board, fund was released for the reconstruction of collapsed fence, which was handled by the Ministry of Works and Transport. The completion of the reconstruction of the fence and construction of gate house was included in the 2013 Budget Estimates The renovation of building conforms to the State Child’s Rights Law, which states that all categories of children in difficult circumstances should enjoy the following: Rights to good health and environment, right to development, right to survival and right to life. Establishment of vocational unit in the Children Rehabilitation Centre In conformity with four of the six-point integral action plan of the present administration, the ministry rehabilitated children in conflict with law, who have constituted nuisance to the society and threatens the peace of the land by empowering them with vocations that would make them to be self-reliant and dependent. Fund was released for the establishment of vocational centre by Aregbesola’s administration. First phase of the vocational training unit had been completed, it comprises of snailry,

(already stocked with snails), equipment was also purchased for tailoring and shoe-making materials. Children End of the Year Celebration The Oodua World Children’s Day was celebrated in the State of Osun on Monday 27th May, 2013 at the State Sport Stadium Osogbo. The theme for the celebration was “Treasure Our Children”. Part of the activities organized by the ministry to observe the day were essay, march past competition among the students from the state and students from invited Yoruba-speaking states in Nigeria, calisthenics was displayed by school children. The State of Osun Cultural Troupe also contributed their quota to the activities. Top traditional Yoruba Obas from far and near including Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and other notable Obas from Diasporas were in attendance. The Year 2013 End of the Year Party for the children of the State of Osun was carried out on Monday, 23rd December, 2013. The programme was jointly organized by the Ministry and Office of the Wife of the Executive Governor, State of Osun. The party is celebrated annually

Assistance for individuals in need: A seven year old rape victim was financially supported with the sum of N100,000 for surgical operation, two women diagnosed of cancer of the breast were assisted with the sum of seven hundred thousand (N700,000.00) for chemotherapy treatment O’YES Corps members, who are couple that gave birth to a set of triplet were supported with their medical bill fully settled and empowered to be able to carry on with the maintenance and sustenance of their children; A one-year old girl of destitute parents, who was diagnosed of critical mal-nutrition and dysentery was referred by the Ministry to a registered Non Governmental Organization (NGO), EbunOluwa Foundation for further in-depth medical examination; A mother of triplet with chronic Tuberculosis infection was supported by this administration to get optimum medical attention, while her children received essential food supplements for a quick recovery. An adopted child in need of support is being sponsored educationally by the Government of the State of Osun to pursue her University programme. A critically ill widow from Osogbo zone, who is a mother of three, without any source of income was empowered to start-off with a trade of her choice. Adoption (local) Visitation 87 homes of Adopters were visited across the Federation for follow-up and updated reports on adopted children by Zonal Welfare Officers and reports gathered on adopted children revealed that there was no negative report on any of the children. Homes were fostered in love. Intervention and psycho-socio support was given to a battered young lady.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

Ekiti And PDP Anticipated Illusive Victory In Osun Gov Election

•Governor Aregbesola (right), addressing the ecstatic crowd during his re-election mega rally in Iwo.

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won a big shot. It added a feather cap to its wings, when majority thought PDP was losing the feathers one-by-one. Bewilderment crowded Ekiti and other neighbouring states when the information filtered round the state that Mr Ayodele Fayode of the PDP had won the June 21 governorship election, even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made the official announcement. Alas! INEC declared Fayose as the winner with a landslide. Fayose polled 203, 090 votes, while the incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 120, 433. The returning officer, who happened to be the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Professor Isaac Azuzu said: Ayodele Fayose of the PDP, haven certified the requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.” Fayose won his first governorship election in 2003 and was impeached in 2006 by 24 out of 26 members of the State House of Assembly. He is currently facing charges of corruption filed against him by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a High Court. Fayemi won his governorship election in 2007, but was not declared winner until 2010 by the Court of Appeal. Fayose, a former governor is now a governor-elect, while Fayemi, the incumbent governor is now ascribed a former governor. The outcome of the Ekiti governorship election stunned loyalists and supporters of the APC across the globe. They could not believe PDP could wake up from the dead to win a governorship election in the South-West, where it was believed the party was going into extinction. But, politics played itself. While observing the election process, it was discovered that the PDP bought the large chunk of its votes from the

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN electorate. In some local government council areas like Moba, Ido-Osi, Ilejemeje, Ekiti-West, where OSUN DEFENDER observed the election, there was no violence and the election was fair and transparent. However, some of the electorate confided in OSUN DEFENDER that the PDP gave them money to vote for Fayose. Both the PDP and LP members were also financially mobilized to work for Fayose’s victory, it was learnt. Even where the PDP had no strong base, Fayose polled spirited votes. The medium discovered that there was an alliance between the Labour Party and the PDP: the two parties fought for a common goal, which was to eject Fayemi from the Government House. The candidate of the LP, Opeyemi Bamidele had severed ties with the APC, a platform he used to win the House of Representatives election in 2011 and pitched his tent with the LP to contest the governorship election. Investigation revealed that the LP agents in some polling units on the election day were PDP members, and there was directive to all the LP members to vote for PDP. The LP hardly had 10 votes in some of the polling units, and its agents were undisturbed. Historically, LP has always being receptive to the PDP. Some of the factors that worked against Fayemi, according to some politicians, were the established Bamidele’s dissentient to the governor’s second term; Fayose’s popularity, Fayemi’s elitist character and politics of isolation, as defined by many people. It was said that Fayemi had no strong structure like that of Bamidele and Fayose, and that the governor does not have a good relationship with the people at the grassroots. The jubilation for Fayose’s victory was wild: It cut across the entire state. It was a

landmark victory for the PDP family. While returning from Ekiti, OSUN DEFENDER ran into a crowd in Ora-Igbomina in the State of Osun. The crowd was jubilating over the PDP victory in Ekiti State. The general talks from the PDP fold were that “‘Osun is next’, we will reclaim Osun, Aregbesola should start packing.” The PDP members have the impression that Osun APC will suffer the same fate with that of the Ekiti. They also rely on the help of the Federal Government, which financed the larger part of the Ekiti election. Already, Osun PDP is imagining its uncertain victory in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the state. But, some factors that worked against APC’s victory in Ekiti are not present in Osun, and they will never surface, considering the leadership style of Aregbesola. It would be a miscalculation for the PDP to rely on the strategy employed in the Ekiti election for Osun; reason being that the politics of the two states differs. The National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, had warned the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore, that it would be difficult to defeat Aregbesola in the gubernatorial election. Aregbesola is a politician of repute. He is loved, not only by the politician, but by the electorate and other people. Aregbesola’s structure cuts across every local government council area of the state. Aregbesola is a noble in Osun politics. He is a schemer, a political analyst, a charismatic leader, a manager and a team player. Aregbesola builds people around him and does not disconnect himself from the structures that fought the struggle with him. Ever before he became the governor, he has been enjoying the support and loyalty of the people. He has the credibility that sold all the candidates of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the electorate in the 2011

elections, and all of them won. He is running an unusual government. He walks in the midst of thousands of people of the state every month in his Walk To Live programme. He has a feedback mechanism that is very effective; Ogbeni Till Day Break and Gbangba D’ekun as examples. He has informants that that keep him updated on all issues in the state. Aregbesola never allows any of the APC structure to crumble. He has 31 Executive secretaries that are loyal to his cause, and these politicians have influence in their various council areas. An undisputed fact is that majority of the professionals, artisans, traders and labour unions are strongly in support of the governor. The Iyalojas, a platform that was not viable before Aregbesola’s emergence, is now a force to reckon with. The Iyalojas, a grassroots structure, according to findings, are major mobilisation structure for the APC. Aregbesola has also empowered the artisans, who are majorly apolitical persons through the Osun School Infrastructural Development Committee (O’ Schools). The traditional institutions are also in good accord with the governor. Also, the governor has empowered traders through their cooperative societies with loans. Frankly speaking, Aregbesola’s achievements are unprecedented in the state, and the electorate appreciate series of developmental projects that have so far been executed. Recently, the Osogbo indigenes awarded Aregbesola with a traditional titled of ………, to appreciate the development of the state capital. No community and no household in the state could lay claim that it has not benefited in one way or the other in his administration. Each of the 31 local governments has at least 10 kilometer tarred roads and modern schools. The 20, 000 OYES cadets also have influence in the governorship election. Continued on page 13

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

How PDP Influenced Fayose’s Election With N10bn; Earmarks N28bn To Influence Osun Gov Election

RESH facts on how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) influenced the election of Mr Ayo Fayose as the governor-elect of Ekiti State, last Saturday, have emerged. Investigation by OSUN DEFENDER showed that to a large extent, the result of the election which Dr Kayode Fayemi, the incumbent governor, the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), was far from being categorised as credible. The first indication to show that the Ekiti governorship election was not credible was the arrest and detetention of some members of Governor Fayemi’s cabinet and some APC bigwigs in the state who had one or two things to contribute towards the success of their party at the polls few hours to the conduct of the election. It would also be recalled that the Rivers State governor, Barrister Rotimi Amaechi, who is an APC governor, was prevented from entering Ekiti State through Ondo State. All entreaties by some of the national leaders of the APC to the soldiers who were carrying out the exercise of preventing Governor Amaechi from entering Ekiti State, fell on deaf ear, predicating the development on the order from above. Governor Amaechi who went back with disappointment while some of the soldiers threatened to shoot him if he should advance further got another shocker of his life when his chattered plane was impounded at the Akure Airport. The Rivers State governor had to go back to Lagos by road from where he went back to his state. If Amaechi was lucky to make it to the boundary of Ondo and Ekiti states, his counterpart from Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was not allowed to make the journey as his chattered plane was grounded at the Benin Airport. Further investigation indicated that all the PDP

By ALANI IFAGBAMILA

governors were tasked to raise N10 billion, part of which was spent to prosecute the Ekiti governorship election. It was learnt that the students of University of AdoEkiti and AdekunleAjasin University were mostly used to unduly influence the election. Each of the prospective voters were promised N30,000 with N20,000 paid in advance while the remaining N10,000 was paid to those who partook in the ignoble role. It was gathered that the voters’ cards were collected from the contractor-voters and given to them the day President Goodluck Jonathan led a mega-rally for Fayose’s governorship aspiration in Ado-Ekiti. That was the reason the contractor-voters were told to show their voters’ cards at the rally to convince Jonathan that the money arranged for the Fayose political abracadabra was judiciously used. The illicit electoral activity was said to have started during the registration of voters’ cards. It was also learnt that while the Ekiti State government gave a directive closing the tertiary institutions few days to the election, Fayose elected to feed them for the period, with a directive that they should not go to their various homes. The militarisation of Ekiti State shortly before and after the election is considered a flagrant breach of fundamental freedom of movement. If the sum of N10 billion was used to unduly influence the choice of the voters by the PDP in the Ekiti governorship election, investigation revealed that the national leadership of the party has earmarked N28 billion to prosecute the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the State of Osun. It was learnt that the PDP leadership of the party

decided to hike the largese for dubious contractorvoters because of the undisputable popularity of Aregbesola in Osun. Investigation showed that N100,000 has been earmarked for each of the contractor-voters in Osun. Sixty-thousand naira is to be given to each of the dubious voters before the exercise while the remaining N40,000 would be paid after the election. It was also gathered that those who have submitted their voters’ cards to the PDP candidate in the election have already been given N10,000 while some who were not so lucky were given between N4,000 and N5,000. Like they did in the Ekiti election, when they came to campaign for Omisore, the dubious voters would also be asked to show their voters’ cards; this is the basis of the bravado of the PDP members in Osun. In furtherance of this, the PDP has its moles in the APC who have been saddled with the responsibility of causing disaffection among the rank and file of the APC members. It was also learnt that some of the legworkers of the Omisore political aspiration have infiltrated the OYES, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, students of tertiary institutions like the College of Education, Ila-Orangun; College of Education, Ilesa; Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and College of Science and Technology, Esa-Oke. To convince Omisore and the PDP that they were loyal to him, the Presidents of the affected students’ unions, have been staging sponsored protests against the Aregbesola administration with the buses bought for them by Aregbesola. The association of teachers of tertiary institutions in the state who have been on strike before now are not likely to call off the strike at the instance of Omisore until after the election.

FEATURE

Ekiti And PDP Anticipated Illusive Victory In Osun Gov Election Continued from page 12

Unlike Ekiti, scores of PDP chieftains have been defecting to the APC. The recent is that of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the first executive governor of the state. Adeleke is an influential and strong politician in the state. He left PDP for APC because he was being threatened. All his structures, loyalists and supporters in all nooks and crannies of the state followed him to the APC. Notable PDP chieftains that joined APC with Adeleke included: State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Basiru Tokunbo Salami, former chairman, Irepodun Local Government, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, former chairman, Boripe Local government, Mr Bimbo Oyedele, former Chairman, Ayedire Local Government, Alhaji Musa Bilau, former Commissioner for Local Government , Prince Adesoji Baderin, former Chairman, Iwo Local Government, former vice chairman, Ede-South Local Government, Alhaji Rasheed Adio, former leader, EdeSouth local government, Hon Bayo Aminu, Chief Adeleke Okinni, Engineer Lambe, Hon Nathaniel Adetona, Hon Akeem Bello Atanda, Waheed Oni, Jimoh Oyekanmi and Sikiru Olayiwola, among others. Aregbesola’s campaigns have always being greeted with mammoth

•FAYEMI

crowd. All the communities and constituencies in the state are very receptive to the Aregbesola’s campaign rally. The okada riders and members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employer Association (RTEAN) do not hide their support for Aregbesola. PDP in the State of Osun is suffering

•FAYOSE

from internal crisis. The party is in shambles, according to observation. The governorship ticket of the party has polarized it. Former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, former Attorney General of the State, Mr Niyi Owolade and Adeleke left the PDP due to the crises that engulfed the party on the governorship ticket. Omisore’s faction

is now left with the PDP. Osun PDP has no structure to win election like that of Ekiti PDP. The party, if at all wants to form alliance with other opposition party, has not strong party to align with. The Labour Party candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade left the PDP because of Omisore. Omisore is not a popular politician among the electorate in the State of Osun. He is not as popular as Fayose. He lost his senatorial election to Senator Jide Omoworare in 2011 general elections. Omisore’s antecedents pose serious threats to his ambition, said Mr Adelani Baderinwa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Information and Strategies. One major shot that has been working against Omisore is the death of the former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bola Ige. Omisore was arrested, remanded in prison custody for his alleged involvement in the Ige killing, but the Ile-Ife born politician was discharged and acquitted of the allegation. “It would have been a different ballgame in Osun politics had the PDP presented a credible candidate, unlike Omisore,” Adelani said. The PDP victory in Ekiti state does not affect Osun, even when the party continues to imagine its illusory victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

A memorable quote from Senator Isiaka Adeleke on the PDP candidate in the State of Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan and another PDP chieftain in the state, Sogo Agboola. Omisore, Police Minister Beat Me Up - Adeleke “On entering the hall, I saw Omisore, Adesiyan, Sogo Agboola sitting together. I went to Adesiyan to complain that police officers and DSS operatives were holding party men outside. But, instead of listening to me, he jumped over a table before him and hit me with a blow on the chest. Sogo Agboola also attacked me. Before I knew what was happening, Omisore hit me with a blow from the back. About seven guns corked were pointed at me,” Adeleke asserted. •Culled from Nigerian Tribune, Thursday April 3, 2014

•OMISORE

•ADELEKE

•ADESIYAN

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 26, 2014

PHOTOTALK

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Mega Rally In Ikirun, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGAADENIYI; SHOLAADERINTO And ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN.

•Okada riders during the rally.

•

•Former governor of the State of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, waiving to Governor Aregbesola at Ada on his way to Ikirun rally last Tuesday.

•A mammoth crowd at the rally.

•Public school pupils welcoming Aregbesola to Ikirun.

Fayose intoxicated by accidental victory

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The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described the outburst of the Ekiti State Governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, as an 'over-reaching euphoria of a coincidental victory.' Fayose on Thursday said Aregbesola is 'dangerous to Nigeria's democracy' for allegedly calling on his All Progressive Congress (APC) supporters to dear security agents during elections.

Okanlawon reiterated that the governor only called on the police to do their job of protecting rather than intimidating the people, who want to exercise their civic duties.

Fayose intoxicated by accidental victory

Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said Fayose is only whipping a dead horse by referring to a media report which had been refuted with the retraction published by the same newspaper that published it.

The governor's spokesperson noted that the people of Osun, for the past four years, have enjoyed peace under Aregbesola's government, saying that in as mush as the people wouldn't engage in any act that will tamper with or sap the atmosphere of peace, the security agencies also have a duty to complement the efforts of the peace-loving people by not taking side with any group or political party or being overzealous in carrying out their lawful duties.

A newspaper had last week published a news item wherein it claimed that Aregbesola asked his supporters to dare security agents during election.

According to Okanlawon, it therefore amounts to a contradiction for anybody to think that daring the security agencies would be the ideal thing to do for the peace-loving people of Osun.

Okanlawon, disclosed that the misrepresentation of what the governor said had, the following day, been refuted in a well-explained response to the newspaper. He said that Fayose, in an over-joyous celebration of a victory, which subtly came through a yet to be ascertained mistery, need to demonstrate that his victory at the poll on June 21 is not a fluke. The statement said : "we think that after his so-called victory, Fayose should be busy with and worry more on how his government hopes to contend with sustaining and surpassing the huge achievements recorded by the Kayode Fayemi administration before the people of

Ekiti get impatient with him. "But for the lopsided democracy entrenched in this part of the world, individuals like this, who have no business in front of a Government House, would have today through a sleuth of hand find themselves in position of responsibility, which they once had and frittered away.

He stated that while the people are exercising their civic responsibilities including voting, soldiers and police men and men of other security agencies have the constitutional right to protect and not to bully or cower them into submitting to the whims and caprice of some selfish politicians.

He continued: "Asking the people to dare soldiers or any security agency at that, will amount to promoting anarchy which a governor like Aregbesola will not do. Fayose

"Whatever transpired during that election may be hidden today. Nothing can be hidden permanently from the people. "But it is germane to say that what happened in Ekiti has no bearing or effect on Osun. Here, we are different; the terrain is different; so are the people and politics. "We are not in anyway perturbed by the phyrric victory in Ekiti. Ekiti is Ekiti; Osun is Osun. The two are not the same neither are they comparable. "Therefore the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Ayodele Fayose and their ilk should continue to dwell in their illusory world of 'as it is in Ekiti, so shall it be in Osun."

"The governor is a lover of peace and his government has never treated security issue in the state with a kid's glove. "Osun did not become one of the most peaceful state in the country overnight but for the diligent efforts of Governor Aregbesola in promoting harmonious rapport between the citizenry and those who have the constitutional duties to protect them. "To put the record straight, the governor only directed the people across the state to go out en mass to vote, protect their votes and not to be intimidated by security agents or members of the opposition political parties before and during the election."

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.