Osun Defender - March 13th, 2014 Edition

THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014 When all is said and done, there is something to be noted about the recently concluded All Progressives Congress’ registration exercise that speaks to the aspirations of Nigerians for change.

Aside the sheer energy that went into it, the organisation and sophistication was exemplary. So was themass participation.

In the quest to do things differently this time around,

PEOPLE FIRST

Front Page Comment All stand for APC’s registration there was no missing the imperative to put the ordinary citizens in the saddle of the political process.

Beyond showing class, the APC has shown that it means business; that it has something to showcase to the world. Perhaps, it was just as well that the party that started with loads of promise would seek to do

things with some panache.

Despite the grassroots appeal of the party, it took nothing for granted. The message to the people was crisp and direct to the point: Nigeria sorely needs new tending hands.

After nearly 15 years of misrule in the hands of the PDP, it was time to put new men in the saddle.

Men with ideas about modern governance; individuals not only imbued with the love of country but would regard the people as the object of governance. And APC, with its promise of change, was the vehicle for its realisation.No wonder the people responded in kind.

They turned out in large numbers to register. Men and women, continue on pg5

VOL. 9. NO.031

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

N 50

IGE

Crisis Rocks Osun PDP •State Chair, Scribe Suspended •Omisore May Be Dropped For Adeleke - See Story On Page 2

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left); his Lagos State counterpart, Barrister Babatunde Fashola (right); Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi (2nd right) and father of the bride, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (2nd left), during his daughter’s wedding in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, last Sunday.

2007 Bomb Blast: Police Fail To Produce Red Diary

- See Story On Page 3

How Akinlabi’s Attempt To Buy Religious Title Failed

- See Story On Page 4

2

News

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

Crisis Rocks Osun PDP •State Chair, Scribe Suspended •Omisore May Be Dropped For Adeleke

C

RISIS rocking the State of Osun Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken another dimension as a faction of the party has suspended its scribe, Major R.A Towobola (rtd) (a.k.a. Major Rat) and another faction suspended the State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Gani Ola-Oluwa.

OSUN DEFENDER Towobola was suspended investigation gathered that because of his support for the suspension of the scribe one of the aspirants of the was not unconnected with party from the same area his alleged romance with the with him.

However, the PDP leadership of the ruling party, which his supporters said leadership in the state is bent on forcing former was not true.

According to findings, Senator Iyiola Omisore on

other aspirants, hence, its decision to axe anyone suspected not to be in support of the Senator’s ambition.

A supporter of the sacked scribe was said to have claimed that the retired soldier has nothing to hide, particularly the allegation of romancing with the ruling party in the state, which he said was far from the truth, saying his suspension was mere witch-hunting, adding that the move would be

By SHINAABUBAKAR resisted at all cost. the deputy chairman of the However, in a swift move party should take immediate to counter the Gani control of the party.

Olaoluwa-led faction, the Findings also revealed local government council that aftermath of the area’s chairmen of the PDP suspension of the scribe, in the state met at an some chieftains of the party undisclosed location and in the state have started discussed the issue calculation on how to drop extensively and announced Omisore and have even the suspension of the state started begging a former chairman of the party. governor in the state, According to the 27 party Senator Isiaka Adeleke, to bosses in the council areas, pick the intention form of the party.

A source close to the party secretariat hinted that the party’s present crisis was not unconnected with Olaoluwa’s disposition to events in the party in recent times, putting everything on the line for a particular aspirant.

Also, it was gathered that another reason for the crisis in the party is the manner Omisore nominated a ministerial candidate from the state without the consent of other party members, describing it as an affront on the founding members of the party in the state.

It was learnt that Omisore boasted of enormity of his influence in the presidency and could get whatever he wants without recourse to the party leadership in the state.

Check showed that other members of the party have since decided to make the senator regret his move, especially as he has decided to go to war with the party elders in the state.

As it stands, the medium gathered that as soon as the former governor agrees to pick the party’s nomination ticket, Omisore would be dropped, as all aspirants would be asked to go for the mandatory primary election.

Meanwhile, the Omisore camp is also working to fight dirty and ensure that the move to lure the former governor into the race does not materialise, particularly as Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan has already been made minister.

It was also gathered that the Omisore camp of the party is not resting on ensuring that any party member that works against his ambition is dealt with and made to face the music.

IRS Revenue Service Staff Embark On Training •The Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam (2nd left), collecting his Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) at Ward 4, Unit 6, Ilupeju, Ejigbo, State of Osun, last Friday.

Osun Assembly Makes Case For LAUTECH Teaching Hospital’s Disintegration

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

T

HE Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) ownership crisis between Osun and Oyo states resurfaced again on Tuesday, as the State Assembly of Osun has resolved that each of the states should shoulder the finances of the university’s teaching hospitals in its domain.

The resolution followed was Osun that had to the failure of the House come in again to pay the Committee on Finance and striking workers before Appropriation to submit the they could return to work. report of the committee on “What is giving us 2014 budget defence to problem now is the the House at the plenary on teaching hospital. Osun Tuesday, due to the has nothing to lose if we inability to harmonise the take that of Osogbo up budgets of the two because we have all the teaching hospitals in necessary equipment to Osogbo, Osun and stand alone.

Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

“We should concentrate Moving a motion for the on our teaching hospital resolution, the Chairman, here and whatever House Committee on appropriation we have Health, Honourable Leke should be made for our Ogunsola, stated that the own teaching hospital body language of Oyo here,” he added.

State government has Also, the Chairman, shown that it is no longer House Committee on interested in the ownership Education, Honourable venture.

Folorunsho Bamisayemi, He recalled that the regretted that the two teaching hospital in states pay the same Osogbo went on strike for amount of money on sixabout three months last month basis every year, year because Oyo State but do not have the same government refused to pay number of personnel. salaries, after Osun had He said: “The ratio of paid its part, noting that it personnel there is about 90

per cent to Oyo and 10 per cent to Osun, yet we pay the same amount as grant.

“Bringing in the teaching hospital in Ogbomoso to the system will be so unfair to Osun people. The entire university is in Oyo, with about seven faculties there, while we have just the teaching hospital here, yet, another one is in Oyo, which we are being asked to finance again.

“It is a great disservice to continue the joint ownership, because it is observed that our brothers in Oyo State have made up their minds to unilaterally have the institution,” the lawmaker stressed.

In their separate submissions, the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye; Chief Whip, Ipoola Binuyo; Dejo Bello and Wasiu Adebayo among others, argued that the state parliament should direct the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to meet his Oyo State counterpart, to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Also, the Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, said that LAUTECH is a joint

patrimony of the two states and remains so for now, but the situation in the teaching hospitals in the two states requires that they should be separated.

He concurred with other lawmakers for a resolution, empowering the governor to liaise with his Oyo State counterpart, with a view to settling the matter.

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO ITHOUT increasing tax levies whatsoever on any tax payer, the State of Osun is now on the pathway to making the state self-dependent, as far as revenue generation in the state is concerned.

This was made known by Osun Internal Revenue the Acting Chairman/CEO, Service (OIRS) Tax Station Internal Revenue Service Managers, and train them (IRS), Mr. Dayo Oyebanji, on more skill acquisition, while receiving the Fidelity that would prepare them Bank team members, who towards realizing increment in internally generated are in charge of training. revenue in the state.

According to him, part of Therefore, the step taken the modalities employed to on staff training, according make a wholesome to Oyebanji, was borne out achievement in revenue of a need, to keep them generation was the abreast of the contemporary engagement of staff on tax issues in the domain of revenue generation through related skill acquisition.

Meanwhile, the the use of Point of Sale programme is set to engage Terminal (POS)

W

Take Voters’ Registration Seriously - Osun Speaker Counsels

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

S

PEAKER of the State Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has charged Nigerians to take the ongoing voters’ registration update with seriousness, as it is the only power they have to elect credible leaders.

He spoke on Friday, (INEC) in the exercise, he shortly after receiving his hoped that the commission Permanent Voter’s Card at would continue in the like his Ward 4, Unit 6, Ejigbo manner and even improve Local Government Council on it.

“This registration update Area of the state.

According to him, by is a thing that must be trooping out en masse for taken seriously, because registration and updating this is the power we all of voters’ cards, it would have to elect credible be difficult for any leaders, either at the state politician to shortchange or national level.

“Regardless of the them for any election.

Commending the misgivings facing this processes adopted by the country, we can still do Independent National better, if we have good Electoral Commission leadership and part of the

process required to have good leaders is to register as voters.

“If we have good leaders, we can remain as one, unemployment rate can be drastically reduced and the infrastructural facilities would be adequately catered for.

“I am appealing to our people that this is their right and power as citizens and they must troop out in millions to retrieve their cards and register as voters,” Salaam stressed.

While urging the people not to be careless with their voters’ cards, he added, “be vigilant and don’t allow some political jobbers to take your cards from you”.

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897, 08023191891.

News

3

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

2007 Bomb Blast: Police Fail To Produce Red Diary •Say Suspect Did Not Mention AC Leaders’ Names

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

T

HE purported red diary that was claimed to have been recovered in the wreckage of the Peugeot 505 car that exploded at the Ministry of Water Resources on June 14, 2007 at Abere, State of Osun Secretariat, is now nowhere to be found, according to the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Danlandi Audu.

Audu failed to tender the and Commissioner for red dairy at the hearing of Justice in the State of Osun, the trial of Richard Abayomi Mr Wale Afolabi who led Adesanmi, the surviving the prosecution counsel, suspect caught at the scene had asked Audu the of the explosion. whereabouts of the The Attorney-General mysterious diary, which was

mentioned in paragraphs 19 and 20 of the affidavit sworn to by Adesanmi.

The police inspector testified at an Osogbo High Court, when the matter came up for hearing on Monday before Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, saying that ‘the police indeed recovered the red diary under the driver’s seat of the car wreckage, but he neither knew what happened to the diary, nor its whereabouts.

Audu stated this just as he disclosed that the diary was never shown to Adesanmi, adding that the suspect was not also with the police when they recovered the diary inside the wreckage of the car.

He said: “I was with the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Osogbo, when the accused person was brought to our office at OkeBaale, Osogbo with a sworn affidavit by Deputy

(R-L) Dr. Oladele Temitope, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr. Usamatu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Health; representative of Healthcare Herbal Products, Dr. Olaosebikan; Pharmacist Oladele; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs) Temitope Ilori, Health Commissioner; Dr. Kayode Ogunniyi and Mr. Bolarinwa; Desk Officer (Trado-Medical).

Superintendent of Police, Mr Ayuba Adekunle (now late).

“I asked the accused to write a statement on the affidavit and he did. The suspect was arraigned in court. Based on the content of the affidavit, some members of the Action Congress were also arrested and charged to court.

“In the affidavit, the accused mentioned a red diary. The diary was in the exploded vehicle. The police went to the wreckage of the exploded vehicle and found the diary under the driver’s seat.”

Audu disclosed that the diary was given to the then Commissioner for Police, Mr John Moronike, who also transferred it to his successor, Mr Olusegun Solomon (now rtd AIG).

According to Audu, he did not know what happened to the diary between Adekunle Ayuba, who was the Officer InCharge of Legal Matters of the police and Olusegun.

Adekunle was the prosecutor of the matter before he was transferred out of the state.

He said: “I did not know what happened to the diary between the O/C (Legal) and Commissioner Olusegun Solomon. I did

Health Ministry To Organise Trado-Medical Conference - Commissioner

By SHINAABUBAKAR

I

delayed because of fragmentation within the body, but now things have been settled, the ministry can relate with them as a body.

The health commissioner also revealed that resource persons from from NAFDAC, WHO, legal practitoners and other relevant agencies would attend to them on the benefits, what to avoid and legal limitations of their profession.

While fielding questions

N continuation of its policy of achieving sound health for all the citizens of the State of Osun, the State Ministry of Health, in conjunction with Health Care Herbal Products, would be organising a conference for traditional medicine practitoners.

According to the State conference in the state, the Commissioner for Health; ministry had written to the Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Ilori, the national body through the aim of the conference was state branch to intimate to generate a data base for them of the impending traditional medicine workshop. practitioners and also to Ilori added that the plan avail them the opportunity to organise the conference of being under an umbrella had been in the pipeline for body. a long time, but had been The health commissioner stated this during a press conference held in her office to intimate journalists on the SUN Movement for Peace, a non-partisan socioproposed trado-medical cultural group based in Osogbo, the State of Osun conference. capital, has tasked all well-meaning stakeholders to According to Dr. (Mrs) together to resist attempts by unscrupulous persons Ilori, the conference, which come to use politically-motivated divisive arguments to threaten would be held in April, the current peace, unity and progress of the state. would serve as an avenue Speaking to newsmen in Ede education, religion and unity in for the traditional medicine town recently on the our state by a tiny, but very practitioners to be duly- motivation for the forthcoming vocal segment of the political accredited with regulatory Symposium on Osun elites, who seem to have bodies such as NAFDAC, Education Policy, being mastered the art of infiltrating SON and others, so as to sponsored by the group, and recruiting allies in the ensure quality of their Coordinator of the group, media to drum-up war beats in products and the general Comrade Temidayo Bankole, our state, where religious and safety of consumers. noted that some politically- cultural tolerance is a very She explained that forms advantaged elites have desirable bedrock of the would be distributed free- perfected plans to wage a unfolding new rebranding and of-charge from next week to media war, aimed at developmental order”.

Comrade Bankole said it practitioners, while she bastardising some laudable enjoined traditional people-oriented projects and was unfortunate that a unique medicine practitioners initiatives of the incumbent and rich policy like the new operating in the state to administration in the state, in Osun Education Policy that come to the office of the an attempt to score political could have translated into a national strategy for bail-out of State Tradomedical Desk points.

“We are worried about the the shambolic public school Officer, Ministry of Health, current spate of sector, has suddenly assumed Abere to pick up their forms. misrepresentations and tension religious and political She revealed that before being created around important colourations, fuelled largely by the decision to organise the but delicate issues like mischief and partisanship.

from journalists, she noted that the conference was intended to be a continuous exercise.

“We want to use the conference to establish a relationship and it would be a continuous exercise.

“We aim to learn from each other, so as to promote a healthier society.”

Present at the press conference, which was held at the office of the health commissioner, was the Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Ilori; the Health Commissioner, Dr.

Oladele Temitope; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Rafiu Usamatu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Health; Pharmacist Gboyega Oladele, Special Adviser to the Governor; Dr. Kayode Ogunniyi, Director of Primary Health and Disease Control; Mr. Samuel Bolarinwa; State TradoMedical Desk Officer and Dr. Bola Olaosebikan, representative of Health Care Herbal Products.

not know where the diary is now.”

Afolabi interjected the statement of the witness and told the court that he never saw the diary and that it was not handed over to him as exhibit for the prosecution of the case, just as he lamented the sudden disappearance of the diary, which was one of the vital exhibits needed for the prosecution of the case.

It would be recalled that the Chairman of the Action Congress then, now the Secretary to the Government of the State of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Secretary of the party, Prince Gboyega Famodun, the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy now the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, elder brother to the deputy governor, Elder Sunday Laoye, popularly called Hakunamatata and an Assistant Director, Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Fayemiwo, were arrested, arraigned and remanded in prison, while the current governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, was also haunted and harassed, based on the content of the said diary.

When cross-examined by the defence counsel, Chief Wilson Atirene, Audu affirmed that the suspect’s affidavit did not contain the names of the AC leaders, adding that the accused person did not see the diary when it was recovered.

Other witnesses called by the prosecutor; the Attorney General were: Alhaji Fatai Adeleke, who was working with the Ministry of Water Resources and a Principal Registrar, Mr Taiwo Jacob, who was the Commissioner for Oath for the suspect’s affidavit.

Adeleke claimed that he was looking through the window of his office when the Peugeot 505 exploded.

The matter has however been adjourned till March 21, 2014 for further hearing.

Osun Movement For Peace Tasks Citizens On Political Watchfulness

O

“With what one could note from current trend of discussions relating to the Osun school system in circles expected to churn-out informed opinions, there are obvious politically-motivated efforts to play down the holistic beneficial impact of the various components of the policy such as the O’Uniform, OMeal and Opon Imo, which have been adjudged as revolutionary concepts in public school management approach in the country.

“We see attempts to get the media to focus solely on the reclassification of schoolseven this is clearly misrepresented- and an attempt to rubbish the wider public spirit and mission of the policy that ordinary Osun people are describing as the best intervention in the state’s education system since the era of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Free Education

Policy”.

He said the One-day Symposium on Education Policy themed: “Osun Education Policy in Perspective: Issues, Challenges and Imperatives” is the group’s contribution towards garnering a robust support base for the policy which has emerged as a sure strategy for the socioeconomic development of the state.

Comrade Bankole added that the symposium, with critical stakeholders drawn from the media, civil society, religious groups, academia, professions and traditional institutions in attendance, would seek to evaluate the various components of the much-maligned Osun policy on public school management, with a view to enhancing public understanding and appreciation of its desirability.

The symposium, he

stressed, would also serve as a platform for constructive engagement of critical stakeholders to ensure the nonderailment of the noble vision behind the policy formulation.

“We hope the symposium will be able to dissect the ongoing rejuvenation of the public school sector in Osun as a strong rebranding project and see how the project has begun to impact positively on the state’s overall education management profile, as well as the state’s economy in key areas like job creation, empowerment and agricultural development.

“Where there is need to help the government in the area of fine-tuning the policy with regard to the sustenance of its long-term vision for the overall transformation of the state, the symposium will definitely serve as a veritable platform,” he explained.

4

News

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

Students’ Protest: Osun APC Fingers PDP Gov Aspirant

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

T

HE All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun has fingered a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the brain behind last Monday protest embarked upon by the students of the state-owned tertiary instititutions in Osogbo, the state capital.

According to the ruling and disrupt normal business party in the state, it has in its life. possession, authentic The aspirant in question, the information that a PDP party affirmed, is seeking to get governorship aspirant is behind the students’ support for his the agitation by the students electoral ambition. of tertiary institutions in the “According to information, state. he promised to supply buses, According to APC findings, only if they could go on the the final plan to cause chaos streets to demonstrate and through students’ disrupt business activities. demonstration was finalised “The students were enticed last Thursday in an hotel in with huge sum of money to Ijebu-Jesa, where the students start the operation on Monday were mobilised to hit the streets and continue with a larger

turnout during the week,” the state APC stressed.

The party therefore, called on the security agencies to ensure that the state remains peaceful, because students’ demonstration, if not properly handled, easily turns violent.

In a swift reaction to the students’ demonstration, the APC expressed disappointment that after all the good things Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola did for the protesting students by increasing their bursary from

N2,000 to N10,000 and reducing the school fees paid from N42,000 to N25,000, their gratitude is to disrupt the peace that the governor is trying to create in the state, so that the same people who made life difficult for them before

Aregbesola came in, should now return to government.

The party therefore, called on parents of these protesting students to call their wards to order and teach them that in civilised community, ingratitude is never tolerated.

Osun Speaker Warns Against Open Defecation

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED Speaker of the State Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has warned the people of the state against open defecation.

This, he said, is with a people,” he added. view to preventing any The Speaker then urged outbreak of cholera and other well-to-do individuals other related diseases in the in the society and state. representatives of the He spoke in Ejigbo on people to be ready to assist •The Deputy Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye, signing the condolence Friday while commissioning any section of the society, register. With him, Honourable members, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourables Biodun Awolola (left); a two-room public toilet, wherever they see that they Ipoola Binuyo (2nd left) and Olanrewaju Ajibola (right) during a condolence visit to family of the late Speaker, Ondo which he built at Iyapo are in need of this kind of State House of Assembly, Honourable Adesina Ajayi recently.

Compound of the ancient gesture. town.

According to him, the government is making frantic effort to ensure

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN healthy living for the people, but the efforts would be acting on the allegation of PDP is unconstitutional and useless if the people are not supportive.

HE National Conscience Party (NCP) has accused the the state, Mr Ibrahim that NCP has formed alliance undemocratic, stressing that the NCP is an independent “The present police and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Maishanu, to enlighten his men with the APC.” Lawal said the denial of the party like the PDP and the administration has done so frustrating agents of the party out of some polling on the need to allow all the much interms of units in the State of Osun in the ongoing collection of party agents monitor the card NCP agents at the polling units APC. environmental cleanliness permanent voters’ cards organised by the Independent collection exercise. and this effort would be National Electoral Commission.

Lawal said: “On Friday, useless if the people refuse The Deputy National ignorantly bought the NCP and UDP party agents to key into it. were not allowed to monitor Chairman of the NCP in the accusation.

“Though, we are happy South-West, Alhaji Waheed Lawal, in a press statement the collection of permanent that the people are buying Lawal, said the party’s agents made available to journalists on voters’ cards at Eripa, a

By SHINA ABUBAKAR into the idea of this were not allowed to monitor community in Boluwaduro preventive measure, but we the distribution of the cards in Saturday, called on the Local Government. The same RADITIONAL rulers in the State of Osun have again still need to do more, for us some polling units in Ila, Independent National Electoral thing happened in Igbajo and declared their total support for the proposed creation of Commission (INEC) to address to continue to remain Boluwaduro, Ife-East, Ifeadditional local government council areas in the state. the issue as a matter of urgency. some other towns in the local healthy.

The monarch said this when was in support of the creation Central and some other local He refuted the allegation that government council area.

“Because I believe that government council areas in the House of Assembly Com- of the new council areas. the NCP has formed alliance “The same thing happened the the government cannot do state. mittee on Local Government He said the proposed counwith the APC on the monitoring in some polling units in Ila, Ifeit alone, that was what According to Lawal, the of the permanent voters card East, Ife-Central and some and Cheiftancy Affairs visited cils would enhance economic them in their palaces during the informed my decision, as a NCP agents were accused of or any other political other local government council tour of proposed headquarters development at the grassroots. representative of the people, forming alliance with the All collection The monarch explained that issue in the state. areas in the state. Our agents of the new council areas. to build this toilet on my Progressives Congress (APC) the proposed new councils The NCP boss also called on were chased out by the police, Governor Rauf Aregbesola would also improve the state own, for the use of the by the PDP, while the police the Commissioner of Police in had on December 16, 2014 pre- Internally Generated Revenue

Voters’ Cards: NCP Accuses Police, PDP Of Frustrating Agents Out Of Polling Units

T

Osun Monarchs Declare Support For Proposed Councils

T

How Akinlabi’s Attempt To Buy Religious Title Failed

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

E

MERGING facts have shown the reasons behind the failure of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the State of Osun, Senator Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, to purchase an Islamic religious title ahead of the August 29 gubernatorial election in the state.

Findings showed that the long time ago, along with PDP governorship aspirant being a title holder in the is already seeing the church, only deeming it fit handwriting on the wall that to re-convert to Islam, when he may not get the party the permutation for ticket in the said election actualisation of being a and has therefore, begun deputy governorship moves to strategically aspirant of his party position himself for the post demands. of a running mate to another The Christian titled candidate in the party. holder politician was said to However, knowing full have contacted some that the supposed flag- prominent Muslim clerics in bearer of the party is a his home town to approach Christian, Akinlabi began to the Chief Imam of the state run from pillar to post that he has re-converted to begging Muslim clerics in Islam and now fit for an his community to honour Islamic title. him with a Muslim title that He was also said to have could convince the masses agreed to bankroll the entire that he is a convert. celebration, which, he said, It was gathered that the he would prefer to take Muslim-born politician place at the Osogbo Central converted to Christianity Mosque, as a sign of

authority and acceptability among Muslims in the state.

Two weeks before the scheduled event, the governorship aspirant had started sending text messages to friends and political associates, including those in the ruling party in the state, as well as announced the event on public broadcasting stations.

However, on hearing of the event, Muslims across the state were baffled, considering the status of the Chief Imam in theSouthWest and Edo and Delta states.

Several religious leaders, particularly those with radical views, frowned at the development on the ground that no one should be allowed to desecrate Islam for political gains.

Various Islamic groups have therefore, vowed to make the event impossible, even if the aspirant’s claim of reconversion to Islam is true.

Threatened by the various groups, particularly the young Imams group, to lock up the Central Mosque before the purported event, the Muslim leaders communicated their decision not to go ahead with the event.

Faced with imminent embarrassment, the former senator quickly went back to the public broadcasting stations that the celebration of his Islamic title could no longer be celebrated elaborately and thanked the affected Muslim leaders for honouring him with a title.

He also sent similar messages to his friends and associates, as well as opposition party members for their support. He however went on social medial posting a picture of being turbanned at an unidentified place by unidentified persons, claiming to have been turbanned as the Seriki Adini.

sented a bill to the state parliament for creation of additional council areas in the state.

The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, said in his palace in Ede that the proposed council areas would bring government closer to the people at the grassroots.

He added that the proposed new councils would also bring development, employment and investors to the grassroots.

The monarch, who noted that Ede community would be glad, if the proposed Ede-West Local Government Council Area can be created, said the community would see to its sustenance.

Also speaking in his palace, the Olufon of Orolu Kingdom in Orolu Local Government Council Area of the state, Oba Al-Marof Magbagbeola, said he

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform members of the public that MISS SADIKU AYISAT MORENIKEJI is the same person as MRS ABDULRAUFU AISHA MORENIKEJI. General public should take note.

and also bring government closer to the people.

On his part, Oba Kareem Olagunsoye, the Alie of Ilie Kingdom in Olorunda Local Government Council Area, said the creation of new council areas was long overdue.

Oba Olagunsoye said creation of additional council areas would enhance economic growth at the grassroots.

In his response, Honourable Wasiu Adebayo, the committee chairman, said the state legislature would ensure the speedy passage of the new council creation bill.

He affirmed that the proposed council areas would bring government closer to the people, while he assured that the assembly would do thorough justice to it.

Change Of Name I, formerly known and addressed as MISS RAJI AMINAT OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEBARE AMINAT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

5

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

continued from pg1 clamoured for.

It was more than the leadership of the party could have bargained for. In the end, it became inevitable that the exercise be extended by two days to accommodate those intending members.

Here is how Lai Mohammed, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary surmised the situation with young and old; they all shook off the garment of indifference as they took the first decisive steps in the direction of the change t hat they

All stand for APC’s registration had barely 24 hours to the initial deadline: “Even with one day to go in the original registration schedule, we have exceeded the number of members we set out to register, and many more have reached out to us to give them the opportunity to join the APC train of change, hence our decision to extend the registration.”

Hardly could there be better confirmation that the APC message has reached the nook and crannies of

the republic – or better evidence that the party enjoys wide acceptance across the federation. Without question, the APC has now positioned itself as the party to beat in the 2015 general elections. For majority of Nigerians yearning for good governance as against the arrogance, tyranny, arbitrariness, incompetence, impunity and corruption that have since become the second name of the PDP, that is some piece of good news.sk ahead re

Admittedly, the ta mains daunting. To be sure, this is hardly the time to understate the challenges ahead. That the party has come thus far has been described as nothing short of a miracle. We understand the miracle to be the hard work and personal sacrifices by the leadership, particularly their willingness to subordinate their personal ambitions to the larger imperative to rescue the nation from the

Attention! Osun Waste Management Agency

I

write to call the attention of the State of Osun Waste Management (OWMA) to the challenges of waste disposal of the people in the state capital, which is becoming more difficult and unacceptable.

It is important to mention that the current administration has performed in an unprecedented manner in the area of environmental sanitation and waste management.

It is on record that before this administration, the prevalent situation was flooding across the state, which always resulted to death and loss of properties worth millions of naira.

Not only that, the 90

days emergency on sanitation also helped the people of the state to also achieve hygienic environment, records of the health experts indicated that the efforts have drastically reduced the malaria, cholera in the

state.

These are bold steps that are commendable, but that efforts of the state governor in the area of waste management appear unsustainable by partnering agents.

It will be recalled that the government commissioned some

trucks to be picking refuses in houses, which will be paid for.

The commissioning resulted in the involvement of the private sector in refuse collection.

I can however inform

authoritatively that the private agents engaged by government are not living up to the task. At the moment, in areas like Ogo Oluwa and some others within the state capital, they have abandoned collection of the refuse, which has even forced some

households to terminate the contract.

The government partners appeared not to have capacity to do the job and to save the state from imminent diseases and not to sabotage the efforts of the government, it is important to increase their capacity, or recall those that were doing the job before.

The situation is becoming terrible and if not addressed timely, people may be forced to be dumping refuses on water ways which has become a thing of history in the state.

• H A L I M AT A F O L A B I , Agunbeelewo Area, Osogbo, State of Osun.

rampaging bands of the PDP. It is important that the rank and file cona stantly bear this in mind. The truth of the matter is that the party would need larger doses of the twin pills of hard work and discipline in its journey to wrest power from the clueless administration currently in the saddle. In this, the party and its leadership will do well to watch out for fifth columnists – agents of destabilisation that may have been

planted in their midst by the desperate administration.

Finally, we expect the party to maintain the present course of deepening its roots across the sixgeo-political zones.

That, to us, is the only way to maintain its current status as a grassroots movement.

OSUN DEFENDER Publisher

–

Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Managing Editor

–

Kola Olabisi (0803-392-7286)

Editor

–

Kayode Agbaje (0803-388-0205)

Lagos Editor

–

Kola Odepeju (08023191891)

Production Editor

–

Pet-Kola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter Senior Reporter

– –

Sola Jacobs Kazeem Mohammed

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

– – – – –

Shina Abubakar Ismaeel Uthman Niyi Olasinde Kehinde Ayantunji Francis Chukwuma

Photographer Photographer

– –

Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager

–

Murtala Agboola

Computer Operator – Computer Operator – Assistant Computer Operator

Saheed Afolabi Mary Akintola – Lukman Oseni

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

6

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Hijab Crisis Is Dangerous Politics To Play With - Osun O'SCHOOL Chair Lai Oyeduntan Chief Lai Oyeduntan, a former Osun State Commissioner for Health, is the chairman, Osun School Infrastructure Development Committee (O’SCHOOL). In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, SEGUN AJIBOYE & PAUL UKPABIO, he speaks on the reclassification of schools in the state, the efforts of the government to develop the decaying infrastructure in the education sector and other challenges of rescuing the falling standard of education by the Rauf Aregbesola administration, among other issues. Excerpts:

L

ET’s talk about school infrastructure in Osun State.

Between now and the time that Governor Aregbesola came into office, how has it been?

I think we should first of all look at the background.

Why this type of intervention; the scale for the intervention and the need for the intervention? I always like to tell the story so that we know how we got to where we are now.

Firstly, the school system that is the educational sector became or fell into abandonment and became rotten. A situation that became totally unsatisfactory by virtue of the resources but we were getting. By the time Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola became governor, the result from internal and external examinations were totally unsatisfactory. It was lower than five per cent for public schools, in a state where education is highly valued, and where the foundation for the relationship between the people and western education had existed for over half a century. For us to find ourselves in that kind of situation is so unfortunate.

It will be irresponsible of a government that professes to have the love of its people, which professes to want to make a charge, to fail to take action. However, a critical appraisal of the situation suggested that the intervention would have to be drastic and far reaching; we couldn’t have had a cosmetic change. That would have been people doing things the way it was being done then. It was obvious that nothing was working anymore. Every attempt at intervention, every attempt to ameliorate the situation in the past resulted in a situation of being in a hole and still digging. We needed to claw our way out of that hole.

The result from examinations is the only measure of the effectiveness of the school system. A situation whereby an average Osun State pupil attending public school may not graduate until the a.ge of 30 could not be said to be satisfactory because it means our kids will suffer disadvantage when it comes to competiveness in the job market.

This may have a lasting effect on even the future of the poor pupil. Therefore, we had to have this comprehensive intervention.

The intervention, having done a through conference appraisal, at an education summit that was attended by experts from all over the world, and having done comparative studies and seeking experts’ advice on policy Options opened to us which are limited, decided that the basic components of the education sector must be taken care of. The students, who were no longer motivated to learn, must be brought back. They must begin to appreciate the importance of education. The teacher who was not as much motivated and had become disgruntled, must be made to accept teaching and see it as a respectable professional and also see himself as making significant contribution to the society. That is motivation.

How about the school infrastructure?

The status of the infrastructure required a major overhauling. Thinking back, many of us will remember when we went to school. The school used to have the best environments in our neighborhoods and villages. Not anymore. I have pictures of what it was like three years ago when we got to Osun. If the student is ready to learn, if the teacher is ready to teach, what of the environment in which all these is going to take place? It must be brought to par with today’s world.

In motivating the students, we started to tackle all these, one at a time. That is what brought about the restructuring, the governance change and all the restructuring that is taking place today. The reform became necessary because we have to encourage the pupils and the teacher viz a viz the economic reality on the streets of Osun and the level of poverty that is apparent in Osun. We had to intervene to support the parents too in the society.

Last month was kind of hectic for the Osun State government with the crisis of hijab and other things and claims and counter claims.

What do you think went wrong?

The issue of hijab is not new in Osun, I was Commissioner for Health in year 2000, Chief Bisi Akande’s time. I had to contend with the issue of hijab at the School of Nursing as far back as that time. It is a readymade tool in the’ hands of an upstart religious person, religious busi-

•OYEDUNTAN ness person that is about to make a name. What has kept it from blowing up is the larger society that has been able to override the sensationalism with level-headedness when it comes to religion in Yoruba land. The issue specifically is that a set of people objected to the wearing of hijab in their school, in only one school in the whole of Osun. That did not mean that we down played it. We have engaged that particular school, the particular set of people in constructive engagement, trying to find a common ground.

Please check your records, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has never made any pronouncement about hijab. A committee of seven was put together to decide the school uniform, the secretary ‘of that committee is a reverend father.

Out of the seven four of them are Christians, the school uniforms were designed without any religious bias before the government of Rauf Aregbesola came into being. The issue of hijab has been an issue; that was why a body called NIREC was set up in Osun. It is the leadership of Muslims and Christians coming together so as to smoothen over at these rough edges in the relationship. Fortunately for us in our society, religion hardly comes into a relationship between two people except when there are some vested interests to be protected.

The past month has been a well orchestrated propaganda by” those who thought they could make profit out of creating that scenario. When they started wearing funny attire to school, we found it was so obvious that it was

orchestrated; to that extent, we know that this issue must be brought into the open. We need a change process, we knew that will always be accompanied by resistance and that so much work has to be done to overcome it. That is what we are doing. The truth must be told and we will need every well-meaning’ responsible person to think more of the society in leading the change.

You must have seen the picture of the governor visiting the same school and the way he was received by the students. The church itself did not oppose the change; the Baptist church did not oppose the change, the Baptist church is one of the Churches that bought into the reclassification. That is why the first school to be built is Baptist Dare. So we must situate these things properly. Is it the church that opposed or some individuals that have vested interests? What exactly is the opposition all about and how has it got to do with Rauf Aregbesola? The allegation is not right. You accuse Rauf for Islamisation, is that not ridiculous?

Let’s talk about the governor himself, his private life, his private capacity, he is one of four children of his parents, two of them are Christians, two are Muslims. If he has not been able to Islamise his siblings, how would he now Islamise his environment, his community? The man is from Desha. The governor is a declared Muslim and he owes

Continued on page 7

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

7

‘No Policy Is Influenced By Religious Consideration In Osun’ Continued from page 6 nobody an apology for being who he is.

But if you know him, he’ has never affected his relationship personal and official, or his social linkages. This man has been in the public sector and as a public manager at the topmost level for several years, how come he did not do it in Lagos? How come it is not reflected in his appointments? How come it is not reflected in the composition of all those bodies that he has implemented?

Those who are orchestrating this, this is their own way of playing politics, but they must be aware that in all of these, they know the beginning of this attrition but you may not be able to project and predict the outcome of it. It is dangerous thing to play with.

In Yoruba land, we do not have a history of religious violence or disagreements, should this ugly trend continue, what are you doing to stop it?

I said earlier on that we will continue to explain that there is no act or action of this government that has been influenced by any religious consideration.

The governor swore to an oath to do justice and protect the rights of every citizen of Osun irrespective his or her political or religious lineage and the governor would never stop to remind you that in his private capacity, that he is a Muslim Osun was to be one of the six states where this was to take place. When it got to Osun, what was done was not that much of encouragement.

Primary one to three were given food that was not consistent and regular. When we recognised that as a motivational element, and nutrition playing a lot in the development of the brain at early age, as recognised by experts that the capacity of the brain for both cognitive and intuitive is formed at that age, we brought experts together to formulate a diet for the pupils.

Primary 1-4 would be fed at the cost of N4billion a year. The governor was ready to go along with the idea. But then again, periodical challenges. By the time the food vendors brought the food to the younger primary school pupils, their older brothers in primary 5 and 6 could no longer concentrate, especially when their younger ones were eating eggs and chicken, and they know the time table off head. That became a challenge.

What were those challenges?

Of course part of the issues we had was the issue of the psychology of managing these people. The psychology of a six-yearold is different from that of a 10-year-old.

When you take a six-year-old to school, he wants you to take him into the classroom.

But by the time he is 10, you drive him to school, he wants to jump out before you park the car. He doesn’t even want to be seen with you. That is reality. So the teacher of a six-year- old adopts a different methodology to that of a 10-year-old.

This influenced the thinking that primary 1-4 should stay together and primary 5 and 6 can move in with the junior students, whereas the high school pupils are the senior secondary school, which is the reason for the classification. It is about the continuous intervention in the school governance itself, the psychology of it, and the methodology of it. So we will continue to think. Uniforms were given to students as part of the motivational aspect that we are talking about. The citizens of Osun too must buy into the need for us to see ourselves as a self-respecting set of people. That led to the rebranding which targeted the psychology of the average Osun person, who either has become lethargic with his relationship with the government or he didn’t care about what they say. So we create psychological impact, even ordinary pin you put on his shirt can motivate him, which to him becomes like bonding, a sort of loyalty. And then we have our anthem, we have all those things being done to motivate the society.

So how about the teachers, how have you been able to motivate them?

Now many of the teachers are staggered by their salary scale, many had not been promoted for years. So teachers that were due for promotion were promoted. We’ve increased the teacher’s stock by over 50 per cent. We found during our school analysis review that we have schools with 60 pupils in primary’s 1-6, with two three teachers, the schools have become so itemised that it became ineffectual and that is the need. All these schools were created in the last 10, 15 years since when the education sector suffered neglect and total failure. So it wasn’t as if there were plenty pu-

•OYEDUNTAN pils in the school, but each person wanted to take a school to his neighbourhood as his own dividend of democracy. Teachers posted to those schools and when they go there, a teacher teaching eight pupils in a class is not as motivated as the one teaching 20 or 25. This structure has been rectified. It is not just structure of upgrading schools; it is the totality of reviving the education system. Students have been increased drastically. If a teacher is motivated, if the pupil is encouraged and the environment of learning is okay, all is well. We say a journey with one thousand steps starts with the first one.

Can you tell us more about the reclassification that you have done?

The re-classification has not created new schools and new sites at all, all we have done is to move the pupils around the same schools that have been in existence, so the pupils do not have to do more walking than they were doing before. Then beyond that today, we have been operating that system for about four months. We have gone beyond that. What we have now is the feedback.

The elementary school that had just been commissioned in lie-He had only one 162 pupils before our intervention. Today, it has capacity for 1,000. It had no toilets; it had nothing because everything had caved in.

Today, they have 16 toilets, they have 25 teachers for the 25 classrooms, and they have every facility with even play grounds, equipment that keep them happy to come back from school. And that is the most important thing.

There is no child that cannot be taught, even those with language difficulties. So it is not the fault of the child if the society fails to train him. A responsible government must therefore accept the responsibility for helping the society to transform into a more modernised society where the citizens see themselves has part owners of the government.

You said that the elementary school at He-He use to contain 162 students, but now it can occupy 1,000 students. Is it that other schools in that neighbourhood have been collided into one school? No, that is the beauty of it, let me now use lie-He as an example, we have a comprehensive record, before we embarked on the re-classification, we did a situation analysis that took us to every school in Osun. We know the distribution and the enrolment. He-He is central and more than 50 per cent of the total number of students in He-He is-within one kilometre. So it was about moving pupils

across the road into another school. That is because some classes or school structures had totally broken down. So we moved primary 1-4 to join those ones in the elementary school at Ile-Ife. There is St. John’s school across the road too on the left side.

Don’t forget that these schools we are now transferring pupils from, used to have primary five and six. So we now moved the primary five and six to St. John’s where we have moved primary one to four.

So we are not colliding, we are just moving. The truth now is that it is a lot easier to schedule 25 teachers than six teachers in teaching· so many pupils. Don’t forget that as we are moving them, those teachers are becoming more available from all those classes and schools, and when you now aggregate them, we are talking of capacity and they were not the same numbers. You find out that some schools are so popular they will have 80 in the class and some for whatever reason, within the same community had far less.

In addition, you cannot continue to manage that school the way you are managing a school of 162, 300 or 400. With this number of people, the governance imperative changed with the number of facilities introduced. You cannot leave the head teacher to be running around for water because the pump is not okay. We now have a borehole that has to be kept alive, we now have grasses and facilities that must be kept wholesome, and so we now have a school manager who is now in charge of the facilities, while the teacher teaches. In Osun we all have freedom, professionalise teaching, a teacher in primary school can go all the way to the last salary grade recognising his professionalism but does not have to go and change into something else.

Looking at schools like the Baptist Girls High School, St. Charles, very good schools, one would have expected that you improve on those schools rather than bringing students from other schools to that place. St. Charles is a boy’s only school, now that government has taken over...but how about maintaining tradition and legacies?

I am not going to contradict what you are saying but it is a reality of a public manager, you must realise that for you to make amendments, you may have to break a neck!

What is the advantage of having a girls only school or boys only school nothing! I as a manager of a public space am concerned about the generality of the society. My obligation is to every citizen of Osun State in respective of his station or status in life.

Every child in Osun has the opportunity to

go to school. In the situation that we found ourselves, there was no room for continuing a practice that has grown out of need.

Don’t forget that there was a time when we had modem school. We had teachers grade 2. We had teachers grade 3, they served a purpose and they became outdated. So also is this girls only school and boys only school, the question simply is this, where does it lead to? The boys came from a primary school that was mixed, will end up in a university that will be mixed or end up in a society that is mixed and comes from a home where he has a father and mother. So what is the advantage of having boys only? Every secondary school, virtually every secondary school started as boys only, my school started admitting girls only in 1967 because of the perceived disadvantage for girls, there was a need to set up girls only schools to address some of the psychological barriers of sending girls to school.

Today, you and I ·do not discriminate between daughters and sons in the kind of education exposure you give them. So it does not have that thing, but we recognise the sentimental attachment of the old boys or the old girls, you cannot run away from that, but apart from that, what else? The schools that we had became just a salutary shadow of what we experienced, they are not the same thing anymore, yes many old students association have come to help their schools, they’ve built new buildings, they’ve repaired structures many of them even employ teachers but that cannot be admitted as a government policy which addresses generality. Accessibility to quality education is what we are aiming for now and not a sporadic intervention by publicspirited, well-placed people. And you can count on the fingers the number of schools with effective old student association, should government policy be based on that.

All these educational renovations that you are carrying out, what if another government comes and changes it, what do you think?

Sustain ability, yes, I don’t see why any other government will not continue what we are doing. We have not gone outside of what is available for the government to do.

What we are doing is construction works; it is about judicious allocation of resources.

Let us ask the questions, four billion naira is being spent a year to feed the children but that money goes into the street of Osun to boost the economy of Osun, what is the government for? You mention the government efficiency and service by the economy.

That is why everyday all over the world, indices are published, employment, housing, inflation to measure how a government touches the citizens. A government must deliberately put up policies that will put money in the pockets of the citizens. It is about the citizen being able to meet his basic needs and to achieve his potentials.

With school feeding, 3,500 women in Osun are engaged every day. Also, because of the school feeding system, more young people are going into poultry because right now, we have to go to Kwara, Oyo, and neighbouring states to buy eggs, to supplement what is produced in Osun, these are economic activities. There is no input in the school feeding system that is external to Osun; they eat fish; they now eat cocoyam, there is a new breed of farmers that produce cocoyam only and it is a professor that has come to introduce cocoyam.

If you see the number of people that is brought into all that is going on, then you will understand the passion to continue with it and cocoyam is such an interesting product: put it there and you come back, it’s all grown. It is more nutritious, according to the nutritionist.

The government of Aregbesola spends N200 million every month on OYES; that money puts money in somebody’s pocket.

Where is it getting it from? He spends N4billion on school meals, it goes directly to the citizens that could be forgotten by government. I can track who collected one kobo for every construction site, we must use our people, you must use locally available tradesmen and artisans the impact is already on the streets of Osun.

We ranked third from bottom in revenue allocation but today, Osun is one of the top economies in Nigeria, beating many oil-producing states.

•Culled from THE NATION

8

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

Compare And Contrast Between The New AUD Elementary School, Osogbo Under The Administration Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola Of The State Of Osun And Old Photo: GBENGAADENIYI. AUD Primary School In Osogbo.

•New AUD Elementary School, Osogbo, built by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

•Old AUD Primary School, Osogbo, as it was before it was reconstructed by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

PHOTOTALK

9

Osun House Of Assembly Committee On Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs On Tour To Proposed Local Government Headquarters In The State Recently.

•(R-L) House of Assembly members, Honourables Kamil Oyedele; Leke Ogunsola; Taiwo Adeyemi and Akinloye Oluseye at Erin-Osun.

•The Elerin of Erin Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye (2nd left); Honourable Wasiu (left); Honourable Johnson Ajagbe (3rd right) and others at Erin-Osun during the visit.

•A cross section of traditional rulers in Iwo during the visit.

Assistant Chief of Staff to State of Osun Governor, Honourable Toogun Oguntola (left); Leke Ogunsola (2nd left) and other dignitaries in Iwo.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

11

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Jobs at Vanguard Media Limited Vanguard Media Limited invites applications from suitable and qualified candidates to fill the vacant position below: Job Position: Production Manager Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of HND or equivalent in Printing Technology Age: Not more than 45 years Experience: 8 - 10 years on Web Offset press.

Must have ability for Production Planning and Control.

Must have experience in Newspaper and commercial printing.

Must have knowledge of both Pre-Press and Press digital machines.

Must be a team leader, plan and ensure quality control.

Must be good in troubleshooting and have passion for the job Must also possess experience on Goss Machine.

Must be computer literate.

Must be able to work under pressure.

Job Position: Printing Supervisor Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of HND or equivalent in Printing Technology Age: 25-35 years Experience: 5 - 10 years on Web Offset press.

Must have experience in Newspaper and commercial printing.

Must be a team leader, plan and ensure quality control.

Must be good in troubleshooting and have passion for the job Must also possess experience on Goss Machine.

Must be computer literate.

Must be able to work under pressure.

Job Position: Asst. Printing Supervisor Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of OND or equivalent in Printing Technology Age: 25-35 years Experience: 3 - 5 years on Web Offset press.

Must have experience in Newspaper and commercial printing.

Must be a team leader, plan and ensure quality control with ability to solve problems with minimal supervision..

Must be good in troubleshooting and have passion for the job.

Must also possess experience on Goss Machine.

Must be computer literate.

Must be able to work under pressure.

Job Position: Senior Printer Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of OND or equivalent in Printing Technology Age: 25-35 years Experience: 3 - 5 years on Web Offset press.

Must have experience in Newspaper and commercial printing.

Must be a team leader, plan and ensure quality control with ability to solve problems with minimal supervision..

Must be good in troubleshooting and have passion for the job.

Must also possess experience on Goss Machine.

Must be computer literate.

Must be able to work under pressure.

Job Position: Printers Location: Lagos Requirements OND or equivalent in Printing Technology Age: 24-32 years Experience: 3 - 5 years on Web Offset press, preferably on Goss Machine.

Must have experience in Newspaper and commercial printing.

Must be a team player and quality conscious with ability to solve production problems.

Ability to work under pressure.

Job Position: Mechanical Supervisor Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of B.Sc/HND in related field.

Age: 25 35 years.

Experience: 5 - 10 years cognate experience on Goss Community Machine.

Ability to work under pressure.

Must be good in troubleshooting and have passion for the job.

Must be a team player.

Job Position: Mechanical Technician Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of HND or equivalent in related field.

Age: 25-35 years.

Experience: 3 - 5 years cognate experience on Goss Community Machine.

Ability to work under pressure.

Must be a team player and have passion for the job.

Job Position: Electrical Technician Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of HND or equivalent in related field.

Age: 25-35 years.

Experience: 5 - 10 years cognate experience on Goss Community Machine.

Must be a team player, able to work under pressure.

Must have passion for the job.

Job Position: Electrical Supervisor Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of B.Sc/HND in related field.

Age: 25-35 years.

Experience: 5 - 10 years cognate experience on Goss Community Machine.

Must be a team player, able to work under pressure.

Ability to solve problem with little or no supervision.

Must have passion for the job.

Job Position: Pre-Press Supervisor Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of HND or equivalent in Printing Technology/Graphic Arts.

Age: 25-35 years.

Experience: 5 - 10 years cognate experience on Newspaper.

Production/Commercial Printing.

Ability to prepare pagination imposition.

Sound knowledge of Coreldraw, Photoshop, Pagemaker, Adobe In-Design and other related computer applications for production process.

Ability to operate Computer to Plate machine is an added advantage.

Must be a team leader and have passion for the job.

Job Position: Pre-Press Assistant Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of OND or equivalent in Printing Technology/Graphic Arts.

Age: 25-32 years.

Experience: 3 - 5 years cognate experience on Newspaper Production/Commercial Printing.

Ability to prepare pagination imposition.

Sound knowledge of Coreldraw, Photoshop, Pagemaker, Adobe In-Design and other related computer applications for production process.

Ability to operate Computer to Plate machine is an added advantage.

Must be a team player.

Must be able to work under pressure.

Job Position: R & A Technician Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of OND or equivalent in Electrical Engineering.

Age: 25-35 years.

Experience: 3 - 5 years experience.

Must be versatile in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Must be a team player with passion for the job.

Job Position: Forklift Driver Location: Lagos Requirements Minimum qualification of OND or equivalent in Electrical Engineering.

Age: 25-35 years.

Experience: 3 - 5 years experience.

Must have sound knowledge of forklift operation.

Must be able to work under pressure and have passion for the job.

Must have a minimum of SSCE with current drivers license.

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications to: Administration Manager Vanguard Media Limited, Kirikiri Canal, Berger Yard B/Stop Apapa/Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Application Deadline 24th March, 2014.

————————————————————————————— Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) recruitment The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to fill vacant positions at some of PCN offices across the country (Nigeria).

The various positions, requisite educational qualifications, work experience and remuneration package are as specified below: Job Title: Computer Analyst Location: Abuja Applicants for the above position must: Possess a Bachelor degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering from a recognized University; Have completed NYSC; Not be more than 30 years of age; Job Title: Administrative Officer Locations: Abuja, Niger and Bayelsa Applicants for the above position must: Possess a Bachelor degree in any discipline in the Social Science or Humanities from any recognized University; Have completed NYSC; Not be more than 30 years of age; Job Title: Legal Officer Location: Abuja Applicants for the above position must: Possess a Bachelor degree in Law from a recognized University; Have been called to the bar; Possess at least six (6) years post- registration cognate experience. Experience in the Federal or State Public Service will be an advantage; Not be more than 37 years of age; Be computer literate.

Job Title: Director (Legal Services) Location: Abuja Applicants for the above position must: Possess a Bachelor degree in Law from a recognized University; Have been called to the bar; Possess at least sixteen (16) years post- registration cognate experience. Experience in the Federal or State Public Service will be an advantage; Not be more than 47 years of age; Be computer literate.

Job Title: Pharmacist Locations: Bayelsa, Rivers, Oyo, Edo and Ondo Applicants for the above position must: Possess a degree in Pharmacy from a recognized University; Be registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and have a current practising licence; Have completed NYSC; Not be more than 30 years of age; Be computer literate.

Job Title: Principal Pharmacist Location: Lagos Applicants for the above position must: Possess a degree in Pharmacy from a recognized University; Be registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and have a current practising licence; Possess at least Seven (7) years post- registration cognate experience. Experience in the Federal or State Public Service will be an advantage; Be computer literate.

Not be more than 38 years of age; Job Title: Chief Pharmacist Location: Lagos Applicants for the above position must: Possess a degree in Pharmacy from a recognized University; Be registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and have a current practising licence; Possess at least ten (10) years post-registration cognate experience. Experiance in the Federal or State Public Services will be an advantage; Not be more than 42 years of age; Be computer literate.

Job Title: Assistant Director (Pharmacy) Location: Abuja Applicants for the above position must: Possess a degree in Pharmacy from a recognized University; Be registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and have a current practising licence; Possess at least thirteen (13) years post- registration cognate experience. Experience in the Federal or State Public Service will be an advantage; Not be more than 45 years of age; Be computer literate.

Job Titile: Registrar Location: Abuja Qualifications: Applicants for the above position must: possess a degree in Pharmacy from a recognized University; be registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and have a current practising licence; possess at least twenty (20) years post- registration cognate experience; not be more than 55 years of age; Additional qualification in Pharmacy or relevant discipline as well as computer literacy would be an advantage Anyone below Conhess 14 or Grade Level 16 or its equivalent in the private sector need not apply Functions The Registrar shall serve as Secretary to the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and its Disciplinary Tribunal. The officer shall perform duties as stipulated in the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act Cap P17, LFN, 2004 in addition to other duties as directed by the CounciL Tenure This appointment will be for four (4) years in the first instance, but following a satisfactory performance it may be renewed for anotherfour(4) years.

Remuneration Salary and fringe benefits are as applicable to similar officers in the Public Service.

Conditions of Service Conditions of service are similar to those obtainable in the Public Service, Method of Application Candidates are required to forward ten (10) copies of handwritten application with copies of relevant educational and professional qualifications as well as detailed Curriculum Vitae to reach: pcnig@yahoo.ca The Ag. Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, Plot 7/9, Idu Industrial Layout, P.M.B 415, Garki, Abuja Application Deadline 21st April, 2014 ————————————————————————————— Recent Job for an Account Officer in Lagos at Firstrust Investment Managers Limited Firstrust Investment Managers Limited is a registered Company in Nigeria with core strength in the areas of Funds Management, Portfolio Management, Real Estate, Mutual and Syndicated Credits as well as Assets Leasing and Intermediation in Stocks, Ventures Capital and Insurance.

Our clients requires the urgent service of a male account officer with the following qualifications: Job Title: Account Officer Location: Lagos Requirements He must be an OND/HND holder in accountancy.

He must not be more than 27yrs old.

He must have a minimum experience of 2yrs He must be able to use excel, peachtree.

Method of Application Interested candidates should forward their resume to: yinkaadedeji@firstrust.com.ng Application Deadline 21st March, 2014

You can subscribe to Job Vacancies in Nigeria, Jobs in Nigeria via your e-mail: www.recentnigerianjobs.com

12

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

Names Of Delegates To National Confab ELDER STATESMEN

6.Dr. H. U. Sanusi

1. Dr. Tunji Braithwaite 2. Chief Ayo Adebanjo 3.Chief Richard Akinjide 4.Chief Olu Falae 5.Erelu Olusola Obada 6.Chief Afe Babalola, SAN 7.General Ike Nwachukwu 8.Iyom Josephine Anenih 9.Senator Jim Nwobodo 10.Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN 11.Senator Azu Agboti 12.Chief Peter Odili 13.King Alfred Diete Spiff 14.Edwin K. Clark 15.Daisy Danjuma 16.Prof. Evara Ejemot Esu, OFR 17.Chief Nduese Esiene 18.Prof. Ambrose Okwoli 19.Alhaji Abdulahi Ohoimah 20.Prof. Ibrahim Gambari 21.Mr. Dogara Mark Ogbole 22.Prof. Jerry Gana 23.Gen. Jonathan Temlong 24.Prof. Jubril Aminu 25.Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Muazu 26.Arc. Ibrahim Bunu 27.Amb. Yerima Abdullahi 28.Mr. John Mamman 29.Alhaji Adamu Waziri 30.Alhaji Umaru Musa Zandan 31.Prof. Mohammed Jumari 32.Mallam Tanko Yakassai 33.Senator Ibrahim Idah 34.Hon. Justice Usman Mohammed Argungu 35.Prof. Sambo Jinadu 36.Ishia Aliyu Gusau 37.General A. B. Mamman

LABOUR REPRESENTATIVES

RETIRED MILITARY AND SECURITY PERSONNEL (i) RETIRED ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE OFFICERS (RANAO) ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (ARPON) 1.Gen. Zamani Lekwot 2.Maj. Gen. Alex Mshelbwala 3.Rear Adm CS Ehanmo 4.Brig. Gen. (Barr.) DO Idada-Ikponmwen 5.Group Capt Ohadomere 6.Gen. Raji Rasaki (ii) ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS OF NIGERIA (ARPON)

1.Abdulwahed Ibrahim Omar 2.Chris Uyot 3.Kiri Mohammed Shaibu 4.Joe Ajaero 5.Promise Adewusi 6.Issa Aremu 7.Lucy Offiong 8.Ayuba Wabba 9.Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson 10.Emma Ugboaja 11.Ibrahim Khaleel 12.Michael Olukoya

1.Engr. Ebele O. Okeke 2.Dr. Edet A. Ekerendu 3.Mr. Akin Arikawe 4.Chief Robert Audu 5.Ammuna Lawan Ali

1.Asabe Baba Nahaya, JP 2.Brenda Akpan WOMEN IN MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS AND PUBLIC SERVICES (WINBIZ) 1.Mrs. Ifeoma Idigbe 2.Hajiya Bola Shagaya POLITICAL PARTIES ALL PROGRESSIVES GRAND ALLIANCE (APGA)

ORGANISED PRIVATE SECTOR NIGERIA EMPLOYERS’ CONSULTATIVE ASSOCIATION (NECA)

20.Dr. Maryam Abdullah Women for Peace in Nigeria 21.Hajia Shetu Alfa FOMWAN 22.Y. Z. Ya’u Centre for Information Technology & Development 23.Abubakar Saidiq Ibrahim Campaign for Democracy & Development 24.Dudu Paloma Responsible Citizenship NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA EUROPE 1.Adebayo Oladimeji 2.Christian Chukwudozie Udechukwu AMERICA 1.Mr. Gabriel Okoye 2.Hon George Anibowel AFRICA

1.Chief Chris Ejike Uche 2.Dr. Sagir Auwal Maidoya

1.Abdulahi Abubakar 2.Amb. Vincent Okobi

ACCORD PARTY

ASIA

1.Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja 2.Hon. Muhammad Lawal Nalado

1.Dr. Jonathan Obaje 2.Dr. Balarabe Yushau

LABOUR PARTY

PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

1.Chief (Barr.) Dan Nwanyanwu, mni 2.Comrade A. A. Salam (Baraden Paiko)

1.Dandeson Hart 2.Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi 3.Ms. Ekaete Judith Umoh 4.Kenan Mamman 5.Esther Andrew 6.Zainabi Argungu

1.Chief R. U. Uche 2.Mallam Mahmud Othman

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

MANUFACTURERS ASSOCATION OF NIGERIA (MAN)

1.Dr. Ahmadu Ali 2.Commodore Olabode George (rtd.)

1.Chief Kola Jamodu, OFR 2.Alhaji Ali Madugu, mni

ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC)

NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS ASOCIATION OF NIGERIA

1.Yet to forward nominations 2.

1.Mr. Nduka Obaigbena 2.Mal. Kabir Yusuf

MUSLIM LEADERS

NIGERIA GUILD OF EDITORS

1.Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali 2.Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede 3.Hajia Amina B. Omoti 4.Mal. Muzzammil Sani Hanga 5.Alh. Nurudeen Lemu 6.Nomination yet to be completed

1.Isaac Ighure 2.Is’haq Modibo Kawu

NIGERIA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND MANUFACTURERS ASSOCATION (NACCIMA) 1.Alhaji Mohammed B. Abubakar, MON 2.Chief Bassey E. O. Edem, MFR NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT GROUP (NESG)

1.Comrade Henry Nwabueze 2.Ajani James Olawale 3.Abdullahi Abdulmajeed 4.Mallam Hamma Bello Bilkindo 5.Charles Ibiang 6.Ben Duntoye

RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS

NIGERIAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN JOURNALISTS (NAWOJ)

1.Bobboi Bala Kaigama 2.Barrister Musa Lawal 3.Mrs. Dinatu Asibi Assani 4.Olasanye Oyinkan 5.Sunday Olusoji Salako 6.Olakunle Olanrewaju Olaitan 7.Peter Esele 8.Augustine Etafo 9.Maryam Jummai Bello 10.Hassan Salihu Anka 11.Bede Opara 12.Aliyu Musa

(iii) RETIRED STATE SECURITY AND NIA OFFICERS

1.His Royal Highness, Alh. Dr. Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Yauri 2.His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr.) Nuhu Mohammed Sanusi, Emir of Dutse 3.His Royal Highness, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Mustapha, CFR, Lamido of Adamawa 4.His Royal Highness, Alh. Abdullahi Ibn Muhammad Askirama III, Emir of Askira 5.His Royal Highness, Alh. Sulu Gambari, CFR, Emir of Ilorin 6.His Royal Highness, Elder Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos 7.His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, Ariyowonye Lim Owaoye of Okemesi 8.His Royal Majesty, Oba Arc. Aderemi A. Adedapo, Alayemore of Ido Osun, Coordinator 9.His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr) Cletus I. Illomuanya, Obi of Obinugwu 10.His Royal Highness, Eze Elder Agom Eze, OON 11.His Royal Highness, Dr. Edmund Daukuro, FNSE, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom 12.His Royal Highness, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom 13.HRM Ismail Danlami Mohammed, Sarki of Karshi

1.Ms. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau 2.Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor

TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA

1.Mr. Bukar Kyari 2.Mr. Frank Nweke II

TRADITIONAL RULERS

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS (FIDA)

NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS

1.R. O. Osanaiye, AIG (rtd) 2.Alh. (Barr.) Mamman Misau, AIG (rtd) 3.Alhaji Bashiru Albasu, AIG (rtd.)

4.Chief (Barr.) Nicholas Duru Nkemdeme, CP (rtd) 5.Barr. J. I. Ebinum, DCP (rtd) 6.Barr. Samuel Adetuyi, CP (rtd)

1.Chief Jeremiah Okwuonu 2.A. K. Horsfall 3.Mr. Iliya Danga 4.Chief Babatunde Ala 5.Amb. B. M. Sani 6.Amb. J. K. Shinkaiye

4.Mrs. Sarah Benjamin 5.Mrs. Felicia Sanni 6.Mrs. Ifeayinwa Ezenwa

CHRISTIAN LEADERS

NIGERIA YOUTHS ORGANISATIONS NATIONAL NIGERIA

YOUTH

COUNCIL

OF

NATIONAL ASSOCATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS) 1.Yinka Gbadebo, GCNS 2.Sylvester Okoh 3.Abdullahi Ali-Kano 4.Chinonso Obasi 5.Clifford Abur 6.Olayinka Dada (JP) OTHER YOUTH ORGANISATIONS 1.Hassan Rilwan 2.Yadomah Bukar Mandara 3.Yakubu Shendam 4.Kasim Akande 5.Mosunmola Umoru 6.Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu WOMEN GROUPS NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN’S SOCIETIES (NCWS) 1.Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Okemini Mba 2.Mrs. Love Ezema 3.Mrs. Remi Kuku 4.Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Ogbonnaya 5.Chief (Mrs.) Anthonia Balogun 6.Chief (Mrs.) Temitope Ajayi 7.Hajiya Ramatu Usman, mni 8.Chief (Mrs) Hannatu Lohor 9.Mrs. Princess Rabi Ibrahim 10.Mrs. Safiya Ibrahim Ogo 11.Hajiya Miriam S. Mohammed 12.Mrs. Princess Hadiza Ibrahim MARKET WOMEN ASSOCIATIONS 1.Mrs. Sheila Tamuno Abiye 2.Hajiya Alina Usuma 3.Hajiya Marvyatu Iliasu

1.Bishop Joseph D. Bagobiri 2.Prof. Andrew Haruna 3.Elder Barr. John A. Achimugu 4.Pastor Emmanuel Bosun 5.Dr. Mrs. Kate Okpareke 6.Barr. Godswill Iyoha Iyoke CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS 1.Rev. Nnimmo Bassey Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) 2.Mahmood Aminu Public Interest Lawyers League 3.Dr. Isaac Osuoka Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action) & Pan Niger Delta Conference (PNDC) 4.Joe Okei-Odumakin Women Arise for Change Initiative & Campaign for Democracy 5.Ezenwa Nwagwu Partners for Electoral Reform 6.Festus Okoye Human Right Monitors 7.Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN Leader, Civil Society Organization 8.Ebuchukwu Ezike Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) 9.Femi Falana, SAN Leader, Civil Society Organizations 10.Dr. Abiola Akiyode Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre 11.Wale Okuniyi PRONACO 12.Bisi Olateru Olagbegi Women Consortium of Nigeria 13.Kyauta Giwa Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) 14.Steve Aluko Civil Liberties Organization 15.Jaye Gaskiya United Action for Democracy 16.Rommy Mom Lawyers’ Alert 17.Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre 18.Mallam Naseer Kura Basic Rights Action – Kano 19.Dr. Emma Shehu International Institute of Journalism

NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS 1.Alhaji Mohammed Sani Zoro 2.Mr. Lanre Ogundipe BROADCASTING ORGANISATION OF NIGERIA 1.Abubakar B. Jijiwa, MFR 2.High Chief (Dr.) Aleogho Raymond Dokpesi, PhD, OFR SOCIO-POLITICAL/CULTURAL AND ETHNIC NATIONALITY GROUPS SOUTH SOUTH GEO-POLITICAL ZONE 1.Okon Osung 2.Idongest Nkangha 3.Ray Ekpu 4.Amb. (Prof.) Lawrence Ekpebu, OFR 5.Prof. Kimse Okoko 6.Sen. Musa Adede 7.Ntufam (Dr.) Josephat Okey 8.Hon. Orok Out Duke 9.Chief Joshua B. Fomudo 10.Gen. Paul Omu 11.Chief Paul Enebeli 12.Sen. Yisa Braimah 13.Barr. Chris Agbonmwanegbe 14.Chief Sergeant Awuse 15.Dr. Silas Eneyo SOUTH WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE 1.Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele 2.Supo Sonibare 3.Sir Olaniwun Ajayi 4.Dr. Adetokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu 5.Chief Ajibola Ogunsola 6.Barr. Niyi Akintola, SAN 7.Mr. Yinka Odumakin 8.Senator Anthony Adefuye 9.Senator Femi Okunrounmu 10.Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood 11.Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa 12.Dr. Amos Akingba 13.Chief Gani Adams 14.Dr. Femi Obayori 15Pastor Tunde Bakare SOUTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE 1.Gary Enwo-Igariwey 2.Chief Onyema Ugochukwu 3.Chief Chukwu Wachukwu 4.Prof. I. C. Madubuike 5.HRH Igwe (Amb) L. O. C. Agubuzu 6.His Excellency, Amb. Fidel Ayogu

Continued on page 13

13

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

Names Of Delegates To National Confab THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION

Continued from page 12 7.Chief Goddy Uwazurike 8.Dr. Dozie Ikedife 9.Chief Chris Eluemunoh 10.Chief Uzoma Nwosu Iheme 11.Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba 12.Dr. Joe Nwaogu 13.Dr. Sam Egwu 14.Dr. Clement Mgbada 15.Prof. Nnenna Oti

BENUE STATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

JUDICIARY

1.IGP Ibrahim Coomassie (rtd) 2.Amb. Yaro Yusuf Mamman 3.Prof. Auwalu Yadudu 4.Alhaji Magaji Danbatta 5.AVM Mutari Mohammed 6.Sen. Bello Maitama Yusuf 7.Ms. Fati Eunice Ibrahim 8.Sen. Mohammed Kabiru Jibrin 9.Sen. Saidu Musa Dansadau 10.Col. Bala Mande 11.Gen. Tanko Ayuba 12.Hajiya Maria Waziri 13.Bilkisu Magoro 14.Hajiya Laraba Dattijo 15.Sen. Ladan Shuni

DELTA STATE

1.Chief Achike Udenwa 2.Chief Olusegun Osoba 3.Obong Victor Attah 4.Alh. Saidu Barda 5.Amb. Fidelis Tapgun 6.Nomination not completed

1.Prof. Godini G. Darah 2.Chief Benjamin S. C. Elue 3.Female nominee expected

NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF

EBONYI STATE 1.Dr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Nwuzor 2.Senator (Dr.) Offia Nwali 3.Prof. Chigozie Ogbu EDO STATE 1.Mr. Charles Edosomwan, SAN 2.Prof. Sylvanus Oboh 3.Female nominee expected

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FORUM

EKITI STATE

1.Hon. 2.Hon. 3.Hon. 4.Hon. 5.Hon. 6.Hon.

1.Prof. Akin Oyebode 2.Prof. (Mrs.) Bisi Aina 3.Bishop Felix Ajakaye

1.Rt. 2.Rt. 3.Rt. 4.Rt. 5.Rt. 6.Rt.

1.Okey Wali, SAN Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) 2.Engr. (Senator) Adefemi Kila, FNSE The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) 3.Dr. Segun Aina, OFR Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIB) 4.Dr. Osahon Enabulele Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) 5.Dr. Nelson U. O. Uwaga, mni, FNIM Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) 6.Arc. Waheed Niyi Brimmo, fnia, pnia Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) 7.Senator (Chief) Felix Kolawole Bajomo, FCA Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) 8.Mr. Johnson Oludeinde Oluata, FCNA Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) 9.Dr. Rotimi Oladele, FNIPR Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) 10.Mrs. Bunmi Oke, frpa Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAPN) 11.Mr. Emeka D.Eleh The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) 12.Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu Nigerian Environmental Society 13.Prof. Olu Ajakaiye Nigeria Economic Society 14.Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu Historical Society of Nigeria 15.Alhaji Musa Isiwele Road Transport Employers Assocation (RTEAN)

1.Engr. V. I. Maduka, OFR

FORMER GOVERNORS

Ghali Umar Na’Abba, CFR Chibudom Nwuche, CON (Chief) Obi Anoliofo Umar Kareto Lawan Musa Elayo Abdullahi Sheik M. Sekoni

ASSOCIATION OF FORMER SPEAKERS

PROFESSIONAL BODIES

CROSS RIVER STATE

FORMER POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS

1.Senator Khairat Abdulrazaq Gwadabe 2.Senator Abdullahi Bala Adamu 3.Senator Muhammed Ibrahim 4.Senator Nnamdi Eriobuna 5.Senator John K. Brambaifa 6.Senator Iyabo Anisunlowo

1.Elder Bulus Dareng 2.Lt. Gen. J. T. Useni 3.Sen. Ibrahim Mantu 4.Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma 5.Mr. Anthony Sani 6.Prof. Onje Gewyedo 7.Prof. Iyorchia Ayu 8.Prof. John Uko 9.Dr. Philip O. Salawu 10.Bayo Ojo 11.Prof. (Mrs.) Mariatu Tunuche 12.Dr. Shem Nuhu Zagbayi 13.Engr. Mustapha Bello 14.Sen. Gbemi Saraki 15.Mr. John Dara

1.Kashim Ibrahim Imam 2.Hajiya Fati (Dongonyaro) Ali Monguno 3.Hon. Dr. Haruna Yerima

1.Gen. Anthony Ukpo (Rtd.) 2.Dr. Pius Tawo 3.Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

SENATORS FORUM

NORTH CENTRAL GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

1.Senator Jack Tilley Gyado 2.Dr. Magdalene Mba Dura 3.Maj-Gen. Geoffrey Ejiga BORNO STATE

1.Hon. Justice G. A. Oguntade 2.Hon. Justice F. F. Tabai 3.Hon. Justice Abdulahi Mustapha 4.Hon. Justice Adamu Bello 5.Hon. Justice Veronica Ngozi Ume 6.Hon. Justice Baba Alkali Ba’aba

NORTH WEST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

1.Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha 2.Chief Francis Doukpolagha 3.Dr. (Mrs.) Ngieriwagha

1.Prof. Munzali Jibril

1.Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim 2.Hon. Mohammed Umara Kumalia 3.Mr. Paul Bassi 4.Amb. Ibrahim Mai Sule 5.Dr. Abdu Bulama 6.Mr. Bar Abubakar Samo 7.Amb. Adamu Aliyu 8.Dr. Sale Dauda 9.Dr. Daniel Madu 10.Sen. Saidu Kumo 11.Amb. Hassan Adamu 12.Kashim Ndjida 13.Chief B. Leonard 14.Barrister Chris Abongaby 15.Alhaji Isa Mafindi

1.Prof. Oyewale Tomori, FAS, NNOM

BAYELSA STATE

NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF LETTERS

1.Yet to be nominated

ACADEMY

OF

1.Prof. U. M. O. Ivowi

NORTH EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

THE NIGERIAN SCIENCE

ACADEMY

Hon. (Chief) Anayo Nnebe Hon. Abudssalam Taofig Olawale Hon. Ignatius Kevin Edet Hon. Habu Isa Ajiya Hon. Mohammed Yaro Hon. Terseer Tsumba

ENUGU STATE 1.H.E. Ken Nnamani 2.Prof. Mrs. Rose Onah 3.Monsignor Obiora Ike GOMBE STATE 1.Alhaji Usman Faruk, NPM, CON 2.Barr. Zubairu Mohammed Umar 3.Mrs. Hannatu Ibrahim, MFR

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

IMO STATE

1.General Alani Akinrinade (rtd) 2.Prof. Olawale Albert 3.Prof. Anya O. Anya 4.Dr. (Mrs.) Virginia A. Anohu 5.Annkio Briggs 6.Col. Tony Nyiam 7.His Excellency, Engr. A. A. Kure 8.Group Capt. Jeo Orji 9.Ibrahim D. Waziri 10.Mrs. Binta Ibrahim Musa 11.Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar 12.His Excellency, Adamu Aliero 13.Hajiya Hauwa Bukar 14.Senator Mimibariya Amange 15.Dame Virgi Etiaba 16.Chief Asara A. Asara 17.Mrs. Eunice Igwe 18.Damian Dodo, SAN 19.Mrs. Ngozi Olejeme 20.Atedo Peterside

1.Engr. Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu 2.Chief Bob Njemance 3.Chief (Mrs.) Chidinma Uwajumogu JIGAWA STATE 1.Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu 2.Umaru Mohammed Hadejia 3.Prof. Rukayyatu Ahmed Rufa’l KADUNA STATE 1.Prof. Yusuf Turaki 2.Senator Ahmed Mohammed Aruwa 3.Hajia Nafisatu Babajo KANO STATE 1.Alhaji Sule Yahya Hamma 2.Dr. Junaid Muhammed 3.Hajiya Aishatu Isma’il

STATE GOVERNMENTS AND FCT KATSINA STATE ABIA STATE 1.Senator Adolphus Wabara 2.Prof. J. C. Ogbonnaya 3.Mrs. Victoria Akanwa

1.Justice Mamman Nasir (Rtd) GCON 2.Dr. Abubakar Saddique Mohammed 3.Hajiya Talatu Nasir KEBBI STATE

1.Dr. Mohammed Hassan Lawal 2.Alhaji Muhammed Othman 3.Mrs. Lydia J. Viko NIGER STATE 1.Hajiya Dije Bala (F) 2.Abubakar Adamu Chika 3.Barr. Halidu Ibrahim (Ph.D) OGUN STATE 1.Mr. Fola Adeola 2.Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi 3.Prof. (Mrs.) Titi Filani ONDO STATE 1.Dr. (Mrs.) Yemi Mahmud-Fasominu 2.Prof. N. Oluwafemi Mimiko 3.Barr. Remi Olatubora OSUN STATE 1.Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji 2.Chief Femi Akande 3.Mrs. Bola Ogunrimade (mni) OYO STATE 1.Chief Adeniyi Akintola 2.Prof. Ganiyu Raji 3.Female nominee expected PLATEAU STATE 1.Prof. Dakum Shown 2.Prof. Ganyir Lombin 3.Mrs. Esther Gonda RIVERS STATE 1.Prof. Amakievi Gabriel 2.Justice Peter Akere (Rtd) 3.Female nominee expected SOKOTO STATE 1.Engr. Bello Suleiman 2.Alh. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi 3.Prof. Aishatu I. Madawaki TARABA STATE 1.Justice Adamu Aliyu 2.Ambassador Suleiman Zubairu 3.Hon. Dr. Mrs. Salome Jankada YOBE STATE 1.Khalifa Hassan Yusuf 2.Dr. Garba Abari 3.Female nominee expected ZAMFARA STATE 1.HRH, Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, Emir of Gummi 2.Brigadier Gen. Muhammad Mansur Dan Ali (Rtd) 3.Hon. Justice Balkisu Bello Aliyu FCT 1.Barr. Musa Salihu FORMER LGA CHAIRMEN 1.Hon. Felex Akhabue 2.Barr. Nasiru Ibrahim Junji 3.Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed 4.Barrister Igberi Nweme 5.Hon. Emmanuel Tsamdu 6.Chief Shola Ebiseeni OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION

ADAMAWA STATE 1.Alhaji Mohammed Gambo Jimeta 2.Mrs. Binta Massi Garba 3.Mr. Moses Ngbale

1.Dr. Bello Haliru Muhammad 2.Amb. Isah Muhammed Argungu 3.Dr. Fati Lami Adamu

OFFICIALS OF CONFERENCE

KOGI STATE

CHAIRMAN, DEPUTY CHAIR AND SECRETARY

AKWA IBOM STATE 1.Senator Anietie Okon 2.Prof. Nsongurua J. Udombana 3.Her Excellency (Mrs.) Atim Etim Okpoyo

1.Prof. Sam Egwu 2.Hajia Ladi Ibrahim 3.Chief Olusola Akanmode KWARA STATE

ANAMBRA STATE 1.Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife 2.Prof. A. B. C. Nwosu 3.Prof. Dora Akunyili

1.Alhaji Yusuf Kawu Daibu 2.Senator Ahmed Mohammed 3.Mrs. Wosilat Marcarthy LAGOS STATE

BAUCHI STATE 1.Dr. Garba Ibrahim 2.Prof. Isa B. Mohammed 3.Prof. Gambo Laraba Abdullahi

1.Mr. Supo Sasore, SAN 2.Prof. Tunde Samuel 3.Olufunmilayo Osinowo-Bashorun NASARAWA STATE

THE

NATIONAL

OFFICIALS & POSITION 1.Justice Idriss Legbo Kutigi Chairman 2.Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Deputy Chairman 3.Dr. (Mrs.) Valerie Azinge Secretary 4.Dr. Akilu Indabawa Asst. Secretary, Conference Proceedings 5.Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Asst. Secretary, Finance & Administration 6.Mr. James Akpandem Asst. Secretary, Media and Communications.

Culled from BUSINESS DAY

14

IN RETROSPECT

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

A Memorable Quote From A PDP Aspirant In The State Of Osun

“Recently, Chief Bola Ige came on radio here (Osogbo the state capital), to insult me and my family. THAT IS THE LAST TIME HE WOULD INSULT ME. He was beaten yesterday. The people of Ile-Ife beat him up and he was crying like a baby, as they removed his cap and glasses. If it had been at a political gathering, he will be dead by now..... In fact, what the people wanted to do was more than removing his glasses and cap....”

-IYIOLA OMISORE. •Culled from Vanguard Newspaper.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 13, 2014

15

www.osundefender.org

THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014 All Progressives

Acts of Thuggery Brigandage by PDP

We also bring to the attention of the public and Prof.Jega,

Congress, (APC) State of Osun condemns the apparent unpreparedness and unseriousness of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration

THUGS RAMPAGE REGISTRATION EXERCISE IN OSUN

that commenced in the State today.

According to reports from the agents of the parties across the state, even though eligible voters turned out en masse to participate in the exercise, their morale has been dampened having waited several hours without the opportunity to participate in the exercise.

In many wards across virtually all the Local Governments in the state, the Direct Data capture (DDC) machines brought by INEC were malfunctioning with no technical capabilities to address the challenges.

INEC Chairman, the acts of thuggery and brigandage being perpetrated by some leaders and agents of the Peoples Democratic Party attacking registration centers and maiming agents and supporters of our party. In Ife East Local Government, some PDP thugs moved round the entire registration centre and were attacking everybody on sight.

They were in Okerewe Ward 1 and 2 where our party agents and many of our supporters were wounded. A number of them have been rushed to the hospital for medical attention. They particularly went to No 1 Mosalasi Lane, Itakogun Ile- Ife where they attacked the mother of the Executive Secretary of Ife East Local Government and some other people. The thugs are: i.

Attillery ii.

Ayo Wasca iii.

Fatai Ologede iv.

Alhaji Akinsolugba v.

Bisi Elelede vi.

Alhaja Silifa vii.

Kako. In Obokun Local Government at ward 4, Ilase, PDP thugs disrupted the

Babatunde Olatunji, Councilor of ward 4 because our supporters resist an attempt by the PDP to register underage registrants.

Among the areas affected by this unsavory developments are: 1. Ward 8 Ilesa East Local Government 2. Ward 8 Ola Oluwa Local Government 3. Ilare Ward, Ife Central Local Government 4. All the wards in Irepodun Local Government 5. Wards 1,2,3,7 & 11, Isokan Local Government 6. Ward 1, Atakunmosa West Local Government 7. Ward 3, Isale Oba, Iwo. 8.

Ward 4,5,6,8, 11 & 15 Osogbo Local Government 9. Ward 7, Obokun Local Government 10. Ward 10, Atakunmosa East Local Government 11. Ward 2, Ife East Local Government

and

•AREGBESOLA

12. Ward 4 & 10 Ayedire Local Government 13. Ward 10, Isokan Local Government 14.

Ward 5,Atakunmosa West Reports from our agents also showe that the number of machines deployed in many wards are grossly inadequate to cope with the population on intending registrants. Examples are: 1. Ward 4,5,8 and 15, Osogbo Local Government 2.

3.

In Atakunmosa West Local Government, PDP thugs attacked APC members. As at press time, 2 of them sustained serious injuries and are now hospitalized in Westly Guild Hospital, Ilesa. It is surprising that the Police who are supposed to maintain orderliness at the registration centres looked other way when our members were being attacked.It is clear that the PDP is desperate at rigging elections as elections are rigged before, during and after. People’s votes and choice must count.

We urge our members and general public to resist PDP desperation for a peaceful registration exercise and also appeal to Police Authorities to be responsible to their task.

Ward 10, Egbedore Local Government.

Ward 1&8 Olorunda Local Government

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.