Osun Defender - March 27th, 2014 Edition by OsunDefender

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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 Evidence pours in on a daily basis that the state of Osun. the economy of the state of Osun is on an upward trajectory. The toga of a run-of-the-mill civil service state is now being confined to the past. Very recently the United States ConsularGeneral, Mr. Jeffrey

PEOPLE FIRST

Front Page Comment

US Consul-Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hawkins acknowlVisitation edged the state of

Hawkins, passed a Osun as a major tourvote of confidence on the ism and cultural centre in new direction in the state Nigeria. of Osun Extending kudos to the In the company of new thrust in the state, other diplomats,

the American Consular stated that the state of Osun has one of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in the country. The scenery in his considered opinion is capable of making a first timer to the state wanting to come back again with an even larger delegation. Continue on pg5

VOL. 9. NO.037

N 50

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

IGE

Osun 2014 Guber Election:

Adesiyan Boasts Of Police Cover, Violence For Rigging - See Story On Page 2

â&#x20AC;˘(R-L) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; All Progressives Congress (APC) interim National Deputy Chairman North, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari and the APC interim National Orgainsing Secretary, Senator Osita Izinaso, during the submission of the governorship nomination form by Aregbesola at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja, last Monday.

Omisore Launches Attack On Adeleke, Loses Bid To Embarrass APC Members

- See Story On Page 3

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

Osun 2014: Adesiyan Boasts Of Police Cover, Violence For Rigging By KAZEEM MOHAMMED HE newly-appointed controversial Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Jelili Adesiyan, has been alleged to have started boasting to use police and violence, as a means of winning the forthcoming governorship election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State of Osun for his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate. Raising the alarm during had already started to a chat with this medium on effect the threat during the Monday, the lawmaker last voter registration and representing Ayedaade verification exercise, as he State Constituency in the allegedly drove recklessly State of Osun House of around in the company of Assembly, Honourable Minister of State in the Yemi Taiwo, noted that the Ministry of Defence, minister’s antecedents and Ambassador Musiliu his body language since his Obanikoro and distributing appointment have shown money in exchange for the that he is hell-bent on people voters’ cards in his making do his threat. council area. He stated that Adesiyan These, according to him,

have shown that the PDP is relying on nothing other than to engage in violence to rig the forthcoming governorship election in the state. “Adesiyan’s action during the last registration exercise, when he was driving recklessly and distributing money, in exchange of people’s voters’ cards showed that the PDP is relying on nothing other than to engage in violence to rig the August

governorship election in the state. “He has even been boasting to use his position as a Minister of Police Affairs to use police as a cover to rig the election. “Adesiyan’s actions during his days when the PDP was in power in Osun and since his appointment as a minister have explained his character,” the lawmaker said. While drawing the attention of President

Goodluck Jonathan to the threat, Taiwo warned that the minister should be called to order, as the people are ready to resist any attempt by the PDP to rig the poll. According to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been clamouring for one-man one-vote and violence-free election, stressing that anyone who wants to use the poll to cause violence and disrupt the peace of the state would

be seriously resisted. Commenting on the appointment of Adesiyan as Minister of Police Affairs, he wondered why such a person could be put in such a sensitive position. He noted that the appointment of Adesiyan as a minister into such position, despite being alleged to have been involved in the killing of Chief Bola Ige, has shown the stuff which the PDP is made off.

O’Meal Monitors To Report Defaulting Vendors By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE monitoring committee charged with the responsibility of monitoring all food vendors employed under the O’Meal programme, have been empowered to report any food vendor caught with any act of sabotage, such as providing inadequate food materials, fruits or even contracting the job of O’Meal vendor out to the office of the Elementary School Feeding and Health programme for necessary sanction. The Chairman, School Feeding and Health Mrs. Monitoring and Evaluation programme, Ayoola, Committee of O’meals, Olubunmi Mr Wahab Adeyemo, gave disclosed that ever since this charge during the the governor of the state, committee meeting, which Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was held at the conference returned from the British room at the O’Meal office, parliament, where he Osogbo, the state capital. show-cased the impact of Mr Adeyemo stressed the school feeding in the that the success of the State of Osun, visitors O’Meal programme is from far and near have hinged on the constant been coming to the office to monitoring of the food O’Meal understudy the success of vendors, while any food the programme. vendor caught will be used Mrs Ayoola maintained as scape goat for others to that O’Meal programme adjust and perform has impacted positively on diligently. the pupils and the Mr Adeyemo therefore economy of the state, urged all members of the while urging that the monitoring committee to standard must be be alive to their monitoring maintained. responsibilities and shun She then disclosed that any act that can jeopardise Governor Aregbesola has efforts of the government approved the next round on the programme. of de-worming exercise In the same vein, the for the pupils, which will Director and State be done before the Operation Officer for the schools vacate next office of the Elementary month.

•(R-L) The Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; National Secretary, Nigeria Automobile Technicians’ Association (NATA), Comrade David Ajetunmobi; South West President, NATA, Comrade Dele Odewale and others, during the governor’s Endorsement for Second Term in Office and Inauguration of State Executives at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo last Thursday.

Osun Pensioners’ Protest: We Have Provided Best For Workers - Govt By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI HE State Government of Osun on Monday reiterated its commitment to the welfare of workers both serving and retired against the background of protests by some retirees against the delay in the payment of their pensions. The government said it said: “While acknowledging has continued to open its the rights of the retirees to financial books to all demand for their rights, they stakeholders (pensioners must also be reminded that inclusive) with a view to the current administration informing them what causes has a rich history of prothe alleged delay in the workers policies among which are unprecedented payment. in pension The statement signed by increase the Director, Bureau of payments and timely Communications and payment of salaries of Strategy, Office of the workers throughout the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, state among others. “The alleged delay in the payment of the pensions cannot be divorced from the escalating revenue crisis across Nigeria. “All the states across the between 9am to 5pm in the federation have been telling evening. The release equally Nigerians the dangers that advised all interested lie in the unending candidates to visit Federal dwindling revenues from Scholarship Board’s the centre. “Nigerians should be website (www.fsb.gov.ng) reminded that Governor for determination of their Aregbesola was the first to eligibility, or contact the warn Nigerians of the scholarship unit of the financial crisis in states, office of Higher Education, should the sharp decline in Bursary and Scholarship, revenue to states remain Block D, Ministry of unstopped. Education, Government “Not forgetting the fact Secretariat, Osogbo for that Osun ranks number 34 enquiries. on the revenue allocation

Osun Students To Participate In Bilateral Scholarship Award

LL interested and qualified students of the higher institutions, who are indigenes of the State of Osun have been called to participate in the Year 2014/2015 nomination interview for Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship award tenable in Russia, China, Cuba, Morocco, Turkey, and Mexico among others. This was contained in a According to the press statement signed by statement, the selection the Coordinating Director, interview for all interested Office of Higher and qualified candidates in Education, Bursary and the state would hold on Scholarship in the Ministry Thursday, March 27, of Education, Mr. Tunde 2014 at Osogbo High Ajiboye. School II, Osogbo,

table, many states with higher revenue collection profiles such as Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and others have been shouting over the debilitating impact of the revenue shortfall.” Okanlawon added that the Nigerian media have been awash of recent with crushing tales of the shortfall in revenues to states, saying Osun has been able to pay salaries and continued with the various developmental projects, which are enough to earn the Aregbesola administration kudos in the face of the cash crunch. “It should be noted that prior to this administration, about N142million went into the payment of retirees from local government and primary schools. “It was this administration that raised the bar and ensured that what is committed to their pension monthly is almost N500million and these are outside the sums paid to secondary schools’ retirees and state civil service workers. “Prior to the end of 2013, the State of Osun ensured payment of workers’ salaries on 25th of every month. This was part of the resolutions of the current

government to ensure that workers are well-motivated to ensure robust productivity. “We need to remind our retirees that in the face of reduction of revenues by about 40 per cent of what are due to the states, all hands must be on deck to ensure that we navigate the storming waters for a stable state. “We are also quite aware of desperate politicians, who want to score cheap political points and capitalise on the grievances of the retirees. Our retirees should be kind and bold enough to ask whoever wants to exploit the situation for political advantage what could be the reason for the persistent reduction in the revenues, when Nigeria is not in a state of war and there is no problem in the international oil market.” Okanlawon therefore called on pensioners and other stakeholders to join the various governments across the country to demand why the revenues accruing to the states are on a downward slide, rather than ambush state governments that have employed all ingenious means to ensure the welfare of their serving and retired workers.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

Omisore Launches Attack On Adeleke, Loses Bid To Embarrass APC Members By SHINAABUBAKAR

HE crisis rocking the State of Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further deepened as the embattled Senator Iyiola Omisore has launched his attack machinery against Senator Isiaka Adeleke, a fellow governorship aspirant in the party, alleging him of sabotage. It would be recalled that However, Omisore’s Adeleke decided to join the supporters have since race for the governorship begun to attack the person ticket of the PDP, after he of the Ede-born politician, was pleaded with by a describing him as a saboteur, faction of the party, who whose intention is to alleged Omisore of being sabotage the ambition of the controversial and further embattled former senator to described him as an become the next governor of ‘unmarketable aspirant’. the state.

According to feelers from the party secretariat, Omisore has embarked on sponsored propaganda among his supporters to go around telling people that Adeleke was working with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to scuttle the PDP’s chance of winning any election in the state. It was gathered that the Ile-Ife-born senator went to Abuja with the same story in his bid to get the favour

of the Presidency ahead of the party primaries, which is likely to come up any time next month. Part of the calumnious campaign launched against Adeleke was that he collected money from some of the gubernatorial aspirants of the party on the promise to support their ambition, only to turn around to enter the race as well. Omisore’s supporters have also gone on social media, accusing Adeleke of

collecting money from the state APC in a bid to scuttle their principal’s governorship ambition and not because he really has aspiration to contest the seat. However, Adeleke’s supporters have come out to warn Omisore to stop his unnecessary attack on the former governor, urging him to go and prepare for the party primaries and stop looking for excuses ahead of the exercise. It would be recalled that supporters of the embattled former senator had during the 2011 general elections in the state attacked some APC candidates and killed five persons at a church in the ancient city, with some of his aides currently facing trial over the alleged murder

case. However, feelers from the Ooni’s palace revealed that Omisore has lost the favour of the palace, as his plan to rope members of the APC into an alleged murder in IleIfe recently was scuttled by the revered monarch, who was said to have told him to stop perpetrating violence in the town. Omisore was said to have invited some police officers, with a view to embarrassing some members of the State Executive Committee members of APC, who are indigenes of Ile-Ife, by effecting their arrest after a meeting in the palace, but was amazed with the way Oba Okunade Sijuade handled the issue objectively, with the concerned personalities walking away with their heads high after the meeting.

Osun Bomb Blast: Police Recount How Bomb Exploded

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye Tomori (2nd left); Chairman, Nigerian Automobile Technicians’ Association (NATA), Olorunda Local Government Chapter, Comrade Ajileye Olawale (left) and NATA Chairman, Osogbo Local Government Chapter, Comrade Oyewole Kamorudeen (right), during the governor’s endorsement for second term in office and inauguration of state executives at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, last Thursday.

HE Police Command in the State of Osun, at a court sitting, has explained before an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo how an explosive device suspected to be a bomb exploded at the premises of the State Ministry of Water Resources in June 2007. At the resumed hearing Olusegun said a lifeless of the case between the human body was found in a state government and Peugeot 505 saloon car that Abayomi Akinsanmi, the exploded at the premises of star witness in the case, Water Resources Ministry. who is standing trial over Testifying further before his alleged involvement in the court, Olusegun, who the blast at the government said he investigated the secretariat seven years ago, matter in June 2007 when it a police sergeant, Mr Elisha was reported at the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) of the State Police Command told the court that a tin was also ready to apply for entering found inside the Peugeot 505 his appearance and car with some electronic extension of time to address gadgets. the court. He also informed the Justice Falola upheld the court that the Explosive argument of the applicant Ordinance Device (EOD) counsel and adjourned department of the State ruling on both suits to Police Command March 31, 2014 to enable investigated the matter and him consolidate all the carried out analysis on all the matters in respect of the items recovered from the Labour Party before it. vehicle. The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Mr. Adewale Afolabi, who led other lawyers from the State Ministry of Justice tendered said would serve as an new evidences to the court, encouragement for him to but counsel to the accused remain committed to person, Mr. Wilson Atirene improving people’s opposed the admittance of standard of living. Earlier in his welcome the evidences. Mr Atirene claimed that it address, the Vice was wrong for the court to Chancellor of the institution, Professor admit further evidences Bamitale Omole, against his client, citing represented by the Vice section 36 (6B) of the 1999 Chancellor (Academics), Constitution of the Federal Professor Ayobami Republic of Nigeria. Salami, enjoined the Afolabi however argued governor not to waver in that “relevance is the soul his quest to rebuild the of admittance in law”, saying state. Highlight of the that the new evidences programme was the tendered before the court are presentation of Gold relevant to the case. Award on Administrative However, the trial judge, Excellence to the Justice Yinka Aderibigbe governor. Present on the occasion ruled that the evidences be were members of the state admitted as exhibits in the executive council, as well case. He thereafter adjourned as thousands of students from within and outside the case till 4th April, 2014 the university. for further hearing.

Akinbade, Oyatoro, Others Battle Over Labour Party Control By SHINAABUBAKAR AND ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE legal tussle for the control of the leadership of the Osun State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) resurfaced before Justice Jide Falola of the State High Court sitting in Ikirun, as the parties appeared in two different suits concerning the party and factions within it. Mr Rufus Oyatoro, in a the period when the case substantive suit before the was initially struck out of court, filed in a motion court for settlement and the seeking an order of the counsel to the applicant said court to set aside the the order of the court came outcome of the ward, local to life, as soon as the case government and state was reenlisted before the congresses held by the court. He added that since he party between February 19 was not filing a fresh suit, to 25, 2014. It also sought the court the interlocutory injunction to nullify and declare as of the court comes to live illegal, unlawful, null and with the suit from the initial void, the outcome of the date of the suit and the order. Speaking on the propriety said congresses, saying it of the suits before the court, was held while the matter was still in court and urged Biriomo disclosed that the brought by his client the court to order the party suit surpassed every other, to return to the status quo. saying the respondents in Oyatoro, through his the matter are the party itself counsel, Mr Edmund and the National Secretary, Biriomo, said the while the others deal with defendants, by their factions and issue of conduct, pre-empted the congresses. outcome of the court, hence, He stressed that a ruling urged the court to grant him on the matter would affect application, so as to avoid all the other matters before breakdown of law and order. the court. He stated further that the Similarly, a factional respondent, despite being leader of the party, Mr served the application, have Bankole Afilaka, through his refused to respond to it, counsel, Mr Wilson Atirene, urging the court to grant the also sought an order of the prayers, as contained in the court for a motion of contempt of proceeding and application. However, the Judge set aside the congresses sought the position of the conducted earlier this year. He said Alhaji Fatai law as regarding the actions of the respondents during Akinbade bought the

structure of the party from its National Secretary, took over its leadership without due recourse to its constitutional provision, saying he was at the court to ensure that due process was adhered to. However, an attempt by one Barrister Omotosho to argue the matter was stalled by Atirene, who disclosed

to the court that the counsel was not representing any of the parties in the matter, as he failed to enter memorandum of appearance in the court. He told the court that the response served by the respondents amounted to a waste of time, as he would not deem it fit to reply to it, except the counsel was

Job Creation, Solution To Insurgency, Violence - Aregbesola

OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has recommended to the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on unemployment, as a means of solving insurgency and other violent acts in the country. Ogbeni Aregbesola three percent in the stated this at the first country, according to the National Summit of Public National Bureau of Administration Students of Statistics, urged the Nigeria hosted by the students to be focused on Department of Public their studies, so as to excel Administration, Obafemi in life. According to the Awolowo University, Ilegovernor, his Ife. had Governor Aregbesola, administration who identified job creation, improved funding of provision of qualitative education sector, while lots education and of programmes have been infrastructure as the embarked upon to make the primary responsibility of state a model for others. He commended the government, stressed the need for a change of management and students attitude on the part of the of public administrative department of the school nation’s leaders. The governor, who said and other thirty four the state now has the least universities for presenting unemployment rate of him the award, which he

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

Osun Lawmaker Commends Govt For New LGs Creation By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

HE Chairman, State of Osun House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Honourable Kamil Oyedele, has said the proposed creation of additional local government council areas by the state government was a step in the right direction. Oyedele, who made the observation in an interview in Osogbo, said the new council areas, when created, would bring development and government closer to the people. Governor Rauf Aregbesola had on December 6, 2013, presented a bill before the state parliament for the creation of additional 27 local government council areas from the existing 30 council areas in the state. The bill, which had scaled through its second reading, is pending before the state legislature. Oyedele said the parliamentary system of government, which will be introduced to the proposed council areas, would also help government to cut cost

and minimise corruption. “This bill has some unique features that would

make local government administration costeffective, people-oriented and development-based. “The bill proposes to establish a parliamentary system of government at the local government level. “The implication of this is that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the council

would be an elected councillor from the party having majority seats in the council with other relevant qualifications. “It is our firm conviction that this will inevitably reduce cost of governance; enhance quality of representation at the grassroots level and ensure

smooth running of the local g o v e r n m e n t administration,” he added. Oyedele, who explained that the creation of new council areas was long overdue, said the existing local government council areas in the state are too large in size as regards the areas they cover, the size of

LGEAs Rally Support For Aregbesola’s Re-election By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

EMBERS of the Boards of Local Government Education Authority in the State of Osun on Saturday endorsed the second term ambition of the governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The LGEA members, who came in from all the local government council areas in the state thronged the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, venue of the event, in their numbers, all in a bid to identify with the governor. Speaking on behalf of the other members of the

board, Chairman of the board members, Honourable Isa Ojewale, said the endorsement was borne-out of the fact that A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration has recorded unprecedented achievements. He noted that the current administration in the state has simplified government by making the

people participants. While expressing appreciation to the governor for keeping to his campaign promises as embedded in his six-point integral action plan, the chairman emphasised that the governor has done so much for the state through his various massesoriented programmes and policies. Ojewole noted that the state has been relatively peaceful since the inauguration of the present administration. Also speaking, the Secretary of the Nigerian

Union of Teachers in Orolu Local Government Council, Mr Babatunde Alayande described the various interventions of the present administration in the education sector as marvelous. He stressed that with the current efforts of the government, more students of the state will now be able to secure admission, as against the former trend, when majority of the students of the state, who seek admission into higher institutions find it extremely difficult to gain

Aregbesola Reiterates Commitment To 6-Point Action Plan By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to pursue the six-point integral action plan of his government to ensure that life becomes more abundant for the people of the state. Barrister Kolapo Alimi, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who represented the governor at the official presentation of staff of office to Orangun of Ika, made this known at Ika in Ejigbo Local Government

Council Area of the State. According to him, at the inception of the current administration in the state, a number of goals were set to achieve within the framework of All Progressives Congress (APC) manifestoes.

He added that it is a common knowledge that the party is into the provision of food in excess, free education, free health care, integrated rural development, creation of employment opportunities and peaceful co-existence. The governor explained that all the set goals of the administration are being pursued vigorously within the limit of the resources available for the people of the state. Alimi also used the

Aregbesola Praised For Taking He stated that the Care Of The Needy patient, Miss Omolara Olagunju has been duly-

its workforce, as well as the quality of representation needed at the grassroots. He, however, appealed to the people of the state not to fight over where the headquarters of the new council areas would be located, rather, they should look at the development it would bring to the areas.

HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, has been commended for having the interest of the physically-challenged and destitutes in his heart. The wife of the Junction, Osogbo on the governor, Alhaja Serifat 29th of September 2012, Aregbesola, gave the and took her to the State commendation recently in Hospital, Asubiaro in her office, when the Osogbo for treatment. Special Assistant to the It was there, according Governor on Youths, to her, that the state Sports and Special Needs, government, through the Comrade Biyi Odunlade, presented Miss Omolara Department of Special Olagunju, a mentally- Needs of the Ministry of challenged person, who Youths, Sports and Special was treated by the state Needs, took over by taking her to Yaba Neuro government to her. She observed that the Psychiatric Hospital, for further passion of the governor at Lagos, treatment on the 3rd of making everybody happy led to the creation of the October, 2013. She thanked God for the Department of Special Needs to cater for the successful treatment and physically-challenged and prayed that God gives the destitute, while she was state governor more full of praises to God for wisdom to pilot the affairs the successful treatment of of the state. the lady. In his words, Odunlade Speaking Earlier, the thanked the governor for wife of the Chief of Staff his passion, logistics and to the Governor, Alhaja financial support for the Oyetola stated that she department, which picked up Miss Omolara enabled it to carry out its Olagunju at Olaiya functions.

treated, discharged and will be re-united with her family soonest. Evidence of regaining sanity was noticed in the coherent and orderly manner in which Miss Olagunju responded to questions.

occasion to rally support for the second term bid of Governor Aregbesola, while he also congratulated the new Orangun of Ika, Oba Sakariyau Owolabi Oladimeji, on the official presentation of staff of office to him. The Executive Secretary, Ejigbo Local Government Council Area, appreciated the good gesture of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for the projects executed and the on-going ones in the council area. He took the advantage of the occasion to give account of his stewardship and congratulated the new monarch on his appointment. Prince Gideon Atoyebi Oladapo, who spoke on behalf of the entire people of Ika, appreciated the efforts of the state government and pledged the unalloyed support of the people of Ika for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, while promising on behalf of Ika

people that the new monarch will be given full support to take the town to enviable heights. In his remarks, the new Orangun of Ika, Oba Oladimeji, thanked the governor and members of his executive council for approving his appointment, while promising to work hard for the development of the ancient town. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of staff and instrument of office to Oba Sakariyau Owolabi Oladiji by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi and the cultural presentation by Ajobiewe. Present on the occasion were the Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, Senator Mudasiru Hussein, Honourable Bisi Odewumi and prominent traditional rulers in the state.

admission. The Chairman, Oranmiyan Worldwide, who is also the Chairman of SUBEB, Prince Felix Awofisayo, stated that the reclassification efforts of the Aregbeosla administration has begun to yield results, as delegations from other states of the federation are now coming to Osun to understudy how the government of Osun is doing it. While calling on the people of the state to continue to support the governor, Prince Awofisayo stressed that within the short period of the current administration, Aregbesola has displayed uncommon zeal, to banish hunger, poverty, unemployment and restore healthy living beyond the imagination of the people. Addressing the members of the LGEA at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Governor Aregbesola commended the members of the board for recognising the efforts of his administration in developing the state. He stressed that it was gratifying to know that the board and people of the state recognised the efforts of his administration, which were aimed at moving the state forward, while emphasising that his government will continue to strive to develop the state. The board members also presented the key of the two vehicles donated to the governor for electioneering campaign.

•An ongoing road project at Powerline Roundabout, Osogbo, under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as captured by our cameraman, ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN, recently.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

Continued from pg1

The tasting of the pudding of course is in the eating. Right there in the Consular’s delegation was his mother, Mrs Susan Westan who was obviously captivated by what the state has to offer. Hawkins’ vote of confidence reflected on how very captivated the delegation had been by what they saw on the ground. They had seen Hawkins being particularly impressed with what they saw in one of

US Consul-General’s Visitation Nigeria’s two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Osun Groove. So impressed in fact that he had decided to visit the state next year with a larger delegation. A vote of confidence could not have been more emphatic! Even more edifying is the policy prescription that followed. We have in Hawkins’ incursion into Osun more than just a humdrum visit. It is much more significant than that.

The US Consular General pointed out that Governor Aregbesola is vitally playing a very important political role in the affairs of the country. For this reason it is very important to understand his thinking and vision. Therefore the desk officer from the Department of State who was a part of the delegation will take the huge knowledge and assemble back to Washington nent of Africa.”for analysis. The import of the data must not be understated.

For it will help to guide decisionmaking about happenings in the country and strengthen United States policy in Nigeria. The visit represents a significant gain for the Aregbesola administration. As the symbol himself pointed out, the policy thrust is to explain the historical relevance of the state as the source of creation. “The vision of the state and the Yoruba race is to use her history

On Proposed Area Councils I

intend to lend my voice to the proposed creation of local councils in the State of Osun. The Editor Sir, you will agree with me that this issue is one of the burning issues of our time; and as such should not be handled with levity. I only pray that its sensitive nature would not forbid you from giving a space to my letter in one of your editions. Let me comment that I found your medium most suitable for airing this opinion at this time because of your take on issues and policies affecting the welfare of Osun citizens which is favourable, friendly and endearing. I implore you to please keep the flag flying. Researches have revealed that as at 1991 when the present-day State of Osun was carved out of the old Oyo State, the parent state was having forty-two local government councils. Out of those fortytwo councils, the emerging Osun took twenty-two local councils while the remaining twenty went to Oyo. Within the space of six years, i.e. 1991 and 1996, the number of local government council areas in Osun had increased from twenty-two to thirty. At the return to democratic governance in 1999, exigencies which are well known to us all

compelled an area office to be created in Modakeke, thus bringing the number of council areas in the state to thirty one. This structure operates till date. Permit me to dwell a little longer on the path of history by reminiscing that there are some of these council areas in the present-day State of Osun which are yet to shed off the touch and outlook left behind by the colonial administrators.

The attendant result is that these council areas have become so big that governing them leaves little or no benefit in real terms to their residents. The solution to this cumbersomeness in administration, therefore, is further breakdown into smaller administrative units, with a view to bringing the grassroots government closer to the people. We heard a lot of noise on similar issue in nearby Lagos State during the years of former

President Olusegun Obasanjo in office. At the end of it all, the state triumphed, partly because it trod the path of due legislative process to see through the creation of the area councils. I commend the intellectual effort that went into it, knowing full well that the State of Osun today is towing much the same path. As at the time of making this letter, it is no longer news that the State of Osun Local

of our state; both for today and the future. I find it most unnecessary for me to dabble into predicting the number of such councils as would be necessary to create; or where to locate them. I only wish that the administration would put in place proper orientation prior the announcement of the councils to sensitize our people into accepting the creations as they are. After all, local councils cannot be created for individual every town and villages. People should therefore begin to see the creations not as especial favour for the communities where the headquarters are sited. Ib the creation, there should emanate a high sense of cooperation; rather than that of competition. It is only in that way that we would be helping in building the State of Osun that would align with the dreams of our founding fathers. We should all eschew every tendency that could lead to chaos and violence. Growth, development and progress thrive only where there is peaceful cooperation. May God bless our state.

Government Area Council Creation Bill 2013 is pending passage into an Act before the State Parliament. It is also trusted that the author, the Governor and his cabinet members must have done excellent work that would stand the state and its people a good stead in the proposal. I also have no doubt that the people’s legislature would consummate the work by passing the laws that would be •ABAYOMI OLUSEGUN, operational in the best interest Iwo, State of Osun.

Osun will in the end have a well diversified economy which will create jobs weaved into sustainable development.

to build a society that will take-off from the glorious past and build a hub of culture, tourism, commerce and all that is good, which when combined, can stimulate the spirit of p r o d u c t i v i t y, achievement and human development that will be second to none in the continent of Africa.”

This is why it is crucial to keep the momentum going and ensure continuity. Continuity will be guaranteed with an emphatic re-election next year of the symbol of all our aspirations for a better life in the state of Osun. Aregbesola deserves re-election. And the vote-ofconfidence in his admirable policy thrusts will continue to pour in.

We give kudos to the synergy now being assiduously concocted by the various policy thrusts of the Aregbesola administration. The eventual outcome will be overall coordinated development.

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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

No Govt Has Created Job in Osun Like Aregbesola - Lawmaker Honourable Adeyemi Rasak represents Odo-Otin State Constituency in the State Assembly of Osun and he is the Chairman, House Committee on Human Resources and Capacity Building. Our Reporter, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, met him in his office, where he spoke on the state government relationship with workers and the development going on in the state among other issues. Excerpts:-

SDF: As somebody who had for long been working in the private sector, what actually prompted you to join politics? ADEYEMI: I must say that every human being is a political animal and I must tell you that they also play politics in the private sector. However, to me, the idea behind joining politics is to contribute my quota to the development of the society and thank God, I have been doing that to the best of my ability. OSDF: It is going to three years now that you have been elected to this Assembly, how have you found the business of lawmaking interesting? ADEYEMI: It is very interesting and hectic, because the House is another ground for people to debate and learn more. In the course of argument, you find things interesting. Business of lawmaking helps you to make laws that would affect the lives of the people positively. When one is looking from outside, one may not know what is happening there, but I tell you, in an Assembly like Osun, where you have progressive-minded people, who are ready to debate on issues for the development of the state, it is highly interesting. OSDF: How far will you say this Assembly has been able to assist the executive in transforming the state? ADEYEMI: It is one thing to make a law and it is another thing to supervise and assist in the execution of that law. I must tell you, this Assembly has been very effective in performing our oversight function and this has actually assisted in the execution of the laws that we made and execution of the development projects of this government. For instance, look at all the road projects embarked upon by this government, if not for the effectiveness of the governor and that of our oversight functions, majority of the new roads you are seeing now would not have been there. The 30 per cent mobilisation fee alone is enough for some contractors to run away with, but it was difficult for them because they know that this Assembly would not take it easy with them, especially when they know that the governor himself is aggressive to achieve his developmental goals. OSDF: As a lawmaker, which of the laws that had been passed by this House will you say interests you the most? ADEYEMI: We have a lot of laws that one would appreciate, because all the laws we are making, either sponsored by the executive or members of the Assembly are meant for the development of the state. However, the bill that I found most interesting is the ‘Additional Local Government Creation bill’, that this House is currently working on. Our people have been clamouring for additional local government councils for long, but unfortunately, the last government turned deaf ears to the agitation. Chief Bisi Akande did it when he was the governor, but the administration that succeeded him did not allow it to stand. The governor brought a bill for the creation of additional 27 councils and we are presently working on it to give it legal backing, but to tell you that people really want it, they are even saying that that 27 are not enough. As lawmakers, we have the responsibility to make adjustment to the bill where necessary and the most important thing is the understanding of the people, so that the purpose of the new

•ADEYEMI

councils will not be defeated. OSDF: As Chairman, House Committee on Human Resources and Capacity Building, how will you rate this government interms of employment generation and relationship with workers? ADEYEMI: The truth is that, there has never been a government in Osun that has created jobs like Aregbesola administration in the history of this state. Even the 40,000 jobs created under Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES) in two batches is enough for a government to say we have done enough. Apart from OYES, the government employed over 3,000 into the state civil service, teachers were also employed at the primary, secondary and tertiary institution running to over 3,000 too. As these employments are being made, the workers are also being trained, so that they can do well in their jobs. Apart from that, the state government has been encouraging workers by taking care of their welfare interms payment of salaries as and when due, payment of allowances, increment and granting of car and housing loans and many others. Due to this, the relationship between the workers and the government has been so cordial and this has assisted the government in the execution of its programmes and policies. OSDF: Some people, especially the opposition, still criticise the OYES jobs, arguing that it is inhuman to use graduates to cut grasses and some other public works, how will you react to this? ADEYEMI: I am sure that that can only come from enemies of progress who

don’t want these youths to have anything to do at all, forgetting that idle hand is the devil’s workshop. They are calling them cleaners, yet some of them are going to Germany, India, Cuba, and so many other developed countries to expand their knowledge. Some of those youths have been absorbed into the State Civil Service. The PDP are criticising the scheme, yet it is the template used by the PDP-led government at the centre to organise their so-called YESSO. The World Bank had come to understudy and give it a pass mark. If the last government had done a similar thing, unemployment rate would have reduced more than this. Whatever anybody says, this OYES has drastically reduced the rate of unemployment in this state. It is a bold step that has been taken by Aregbesola because there is no impossibility in his own dictionary. It is the PDP that believes that everything is impossible. A very large number of PDP members children are in this scheme, taken home something at the end of the month. This is a progressive-minded government that thinks about the people and fashion out strategy to alleviate their suffering. If they want to criticise, they should do that constructively, because people of Osun appreciate what Aregbesola is doing. They failed us, but we have not and that is the basis for their hatred. By criticising, they are telling us again that if they have opportunity to come back, unemployment rate will increase again. May God forbid, they will never come back again, we have rejected them and it is a total rejection.

OSDF: So far, will you say this government has actually met all the aspirations of the people? ADEYEMI: There is no how a government can do everything, but when a government does well, at least to a certain level, people know and appreciate such government. There is nowhere you go to in Osun that people will not appreciate Aregbesola for what he is doing. Inspite of the meagre resources at the state disposal, what this administration has done is marvellous and whatever anybody wants to say, Aregbesola has performed, even beyond the expectations of the people. That is why he should be given another chance, for him to be able to do more. OSDF: Do you think these achievements are enough to give Aregbesola second term in office? ADEYEMI: I know that people of Osun appreciate good things and as a result, what Aregbesola had done is more than enough to re-elect him. He has done so well to the extent that people would want him to do more and regardless of what the enemies of progress say, Aregbesola is a toast to every rightthinking person in Osun today. Even the blind can hear that he has done well, while the deaf can also see that development is going on in every part of the state. OSDF: What is your assessment of the just-concluded voters’ registration exercise in the state? ADEYEMI: Averagely, the exercise is okay, but what the people would have wanted is to make the exercise a perfect one, because we are talking about election to choose a credible leader. What I would have suggested is that the exercise should be a continuous one, so that every citizen would have opportunity of voting whenever election is holding. Instead of using fire-brigade approach, whereby we will have millions of people struggling to register within three days, when we see that an election is approaching, we can make it a continuous thing, so that every eligible voter can be captured. The previous one they did, we complained of the machines they were using for the exercise and this time, it is the same machine they brought. Inspite of that, the problem has been identified, the electoral umpire still showed negligence and the situation had repeated itself. May God save us in this country. OSDF: The 2015 is approaching, do you think your party, APC can take over the government at the centre? ADEYEMI: APC has the strength and wherewithal to take over the government at the centre. It is a party that can alleviate the sufferings of the people. Nigerians are tired of the PDP-led government under which nobody is safe, there is no job and the party that can correct that is APC. You can see the evidence of all these in the APC-control states in the SouthWest and other parts of the country. OSDF: What is your message to the people? ADEYEMI: I thank the people of my constituency for their patience and support, because without their supports, nothing would have been possible for me. The same thing goes to the entire Osun people and we want more of their support, especially now that the governorship election is approaching. This government has been able to make the desired changes and I can assure you that with the support of the people, more are still coming.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Moshood Abiola International Airport At Ido-Osun, Under Construction Under The Administration Of The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, As Captured By Our Cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, Last Saturday.

•The runway of the airport.

•Runway drainage.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

•A culvert under construction at the Airport.

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•Another ongoing culvert under construction at the Airport.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

PHOTOTALK

•Another runway drainage.

•The Airport’s control tower.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

•Fire Station at the airport.

•Main entrance and fence of the Airport.

OPINION

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

Expanding IGR Base Through Property Taxation By PROF. A.S. ASAJU

NTERNALLY Generated Revenue (IGR) has played a leading role in the determination of the viability of organizations. It is the total income accrued to a state from taxes and such other payments as provided under the law that established administrative areas based on political divisions. History of governments and private organisations alike, over the years, portrays how internally generated revenue made their prospects, as well as disposition to service delivery and development. Organisations who are able to tap and utilize their internal sources adequately have positively touched the lives and major aspirations of their people. Others who have failed to tap these resources or simply are not naturally endowed have no other option than to remain in a static state or helpless want. Taxation remains the primary source of revenue for governments of different nations and at different levels. Taxation always require that the funds collected be used for a public purpose, and the element of legal coercion on the part of the public collecting agency is involved. For these reasons, it is essential that a tax, and a tax system, be just and equitable the most generally acceptable guide to the criteria of good taxation is found in the famous cannons of taxation formulated by Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations. Tax systems in most countries have now passed the stage of simply being machinery for the collection of revenue for the government. Taxation should be regarded as an active and potentially creative force in economic planning and

development and above all, as a very useful agent of social change. Historically, wealth or property served as the first basis of ability to pay. State and Local revenues still depend largely on the taxation of real property, particularly real estate. One administrative advantage of real property as a base for measuring ability to pay is the relative difficulty of concealing ownership of it. But fluctuating values and the relative illiquidity or real property have demonstrated its undependability as a source of large- scale steady revenues. A property tax is a levy on property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Multiple jurisdictions may tax the same property. There are four broad types of property- land, improvements to land (Immovable man-made objects, such as buildings), personal property (movable man-made objects), and intangible property. Real property (also called real estate or realty) means the combination of land and improvements. Under a property tax system, the government requires and/or perform an appraisal of the monetary value of each property and tax is assessed in proportion to that value. Forms of property tax used vary among countries and jurisdictions. The various types of property tax payable include capital gains tax, value added tax, capital transfer tax, withholding tax, site value rating, income tax on property, special assessment tax, documentary tax, betterment tax, severance tax, property rating, planning tax and probate tax. A research report on the various taxes paid on residential

properties in Akure South Local Government Council Area revealed that withholding tax took the highest percentage 26.08%, followed by special assessment tax and the rating tax both taking 13.04%. This was followed by site value rating, income tax, planning tax and the value added tax 8.70%, probate tax 4.34% while some property taxes like severance tax, capital transfer tax and capital gains tax were not paid. The research further showed that 52.63% of the property owners/ property users were aware of property taxation, while 47.37% were not aware. Of these 36.84% paid taxes on residential properties, while 63.16% did not pay tax on residential properties. This showed that despite the awareness of residential property taxation, most of the people in the local government were not committed to paying these taxes. On the impact of these taxes on residential property, the research further showed that this includes clearing of drainages, maintenance of infrastructure, construction of roads and culverts and provision of more shops. Identified problems of property taxation include public relation problems, negative attitude of tax payers, administrative problems arising from lack of proper records, poor assessment and valuation problem, and ineffectiveness of appeal machinery. Property taxation in developing countries, including Nigeria, is always very complex to administer, enforce and collect. Property owners, both individuals and business, can easily avoid paying taxes because it is not well enforced. The local municipalities or government areas do not see property

tax as a potential source of revenue, and they are limited with little or no power to enforce same. The growth of the property tax in America, on the other hand, dated back to 1796 and was closely related to economic and political conditions on the frontiers. Property taxation, apart from providing a major source of government fund, also serves various non-fiscal and regulatory functions. It helps to relocate wealth and resources from land by taxing away the profit from wealthy property owners. The practice is, however, far from being punitive since a high proportion of the revenue from this tax is also used for purposes that benefit the tax payer and also enhances the value of his property. Ideally, a local government authority should levy the property rate on building located within its area of jurisdiction. The proceeds from such tax form part of the much needed revenue for providing basic services like roads, markets, refuse disposals, health centres, primaryschools, street facilities. The introduction of monetary economy and rapid urbanisation has resulted in the complexity needed to be provided and consequently the old methods of raising revenue are no longer adequate. Hence, property taxation has become the most visible and viable alternative. This is because of the peculiar ease of taxation and the quite distinct identity of such taxable items. In the drive to boost IGR in the State of Osun, this writer recommends property taxation. •Prof. Asaju writes from the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure.

Protesting Osun Retirees And Misplaced Anger T

HERE was a fable that teaches life line lesson for who cares a hoot. I called it a fable, because I am yet to come across the record of documentation of the story, but all the same, it is a story worth telling. So, please go along with me. It was said that the Great Napoleon, once upon a strong man of France, who combined powers of executive, legislature and judiciary together while calling the shot in the European country, decreed on his death bed that if he died, certain conditions should be met before he was released to mother earth. That the best doctors must be assembled to carry his casket; that his gold, diamond, platinum, guns, and paraphernalia of office must be lined on the street; that his hands must be left flung from the casket, to which his Generals concurred. The third day, the great man died, and his instructions were followed to the letter. To the ordinary people who could not think beyond the box, Napoleon was painting a larger than life picture, but to one living Philosopher in the country, Napoleon made a statement to arrest the minds of the theologians and the atheists. The Existentialist philosopher disclosed that Napoleon wanted the world to know the reality of death as an ultimate project as postulated by Jean Paul Satre that if a man’s life must end, all the best doctors in the world cannot save him; that if he dies, nothing would be buried with him; that he came to the world empty-handed, and must return to nature empty handed. I deliberately related the above story to lay foundation for the discourse of this piece, because it is only designed for the wise ones among us, who can discern. If you read and abuse the writer, you are forgiven for limited intelligence, but a philosophical look may certainly be different. But the baseline is there is no point in life for telling cheap lies, because the entire space called life is ephemeral. Please, join me in fighting the government of Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun on the issue of delayed pension payment for the retirees. We have to fight the governor for making the vulnerable elders hungry, a situation that forced them on the streets of Osogbo for protest. I am angry because one day, we are all going to

By GOKE BUTIKA retire either from public service or private job, and we all pray to be cared for one way or the other in our old days, but while getting angry, let us exercise little reason for wisdom. I learnt that Osun, as a component unit of the federation, is number 34 out of 36 states on the federal allocation table, suggesting that she is designed for peanuts, when compared to what other states above her would take. Compare and contrast, when the funds in the federation account dropped, Akwa Ibom still manages to take N40 billon monthly, while Osun takes N2.9 billion. So, if a governor or a political party goes on air and describes his tokenism an uncommon transformation, the figure is there for you to place it. It was also a public knowledge that before the subsidy removal, Osun was getting close to N4 billion on the average every month, and that informed the planning of the governor on his ambitious projects, which have transformed the state from sleeping villages to modern cities anyway, and when other governors were advocating for subsidy removal, including governors from the APC, it was only Aregbesola that stood against it. The subsidy was arbitrarily removed, the workers began agitation for full implementation of their justifiable minimum wage, and the wage bill and pension in Osun shot from N1.8 billion to N3.6 billion monthly. Surprisingly, from last July, the allocation dropped from the federation account from N4 billion to N2.9 billion, not only in Osun, but other states were affected too. Please, do the mathematical calculation and reconcile the figures, if it matches the equation on ground. When Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State shouted that strange things are happenings to the federation account, people kept quiet and ignored the fact, when the suspended Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, shouted about the magnitude of stealing of our resources, and that $20 billion running to trillions of naira had gone missing, people were not shocked, they thought it was politicking of the opposition; when it was reported that the Minister of Petroleum, who is saddled with the responsibility to make money available to the federation

account, was using the same money for her private jet normally referred to as adult toy by Sam Omotseye, nobody cares, and the only answer from the President for the shortfall is: “our crude oil is being stolen blind.” Whao! In a country that has Navy, Air Force, Army, Police and Coast Guards. Ditto for billions of Naira contract on the security of the pipelines to the Niger Delta thugs, who all owned private jets and universities in neighbouring countries by the federal government. Now, the chicken has come home to roost, the irreconcilable account at the top has started biting us, Benue and Cross River states have cut the workers’ salaries by half, Akwa Ibom and Ondo, all oil-producing states cannot pay salaries and are negotiating with workers, but the saving culture of Aregbesola’s government is still keeping the state afloat, for how long, I can’t say, but the opposition, who desires to hijack power from him, were instigating the old men and women on the streets to call on the governor to stop ongoing developmental projects, with a view to using the money to pay them, as if the governor is doling out cash to the contractors. Honestly speaking, we are very right to sympathize with the retirees, but it is the natural law that the vulnerable segment of the population will continue to be endangered in the face of terrible depression. I felt for them, I felt equally for the students of the state-owned Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, who are at home, because their teachers have gone on industrial action, but in our anger, we must reason, and reason must be made to prevail, that is what a renowned scholar, Professor Soji Aremu called EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. The last time I quoted Nuhu Osahon in his work titled: ‘The Victim’, he said: I am a victim, the son of a victim and the future father of a victim; I had a situation like retirees’ protest, student protest and other protests in mind, but I think our anger must not be misplaced. Let us direct it to the centre, where a lot of stealing of our collective resources is going on with impunity. For your information, each canvasser of Goodluck Jonathan campaign for 2015 is getting N250,000 monthly. Where do you think the money is coming from? Please, do the mathematics. •Butika is the Press Secretary to the Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly.

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

Aregbesola In His Wisdom Brought RLG To Osun – Sales Manager RLG Communications is a Ghanaian ICT company based in Accra, Ghana with branches in countries like Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Nigeria, Kenya, Gambia and China. Recently, a new factory was commissioned in Ilesa, State of Osun and OSUN DEFENDER Francis Ezediuno presents this interview about the aim of inaugurating the factory, its benefits to the state and the acceptance of the people towards ICT. OSDF: Can we meet you sir? RLG: My name is Abiodun Samuel. I am the Regional Sales/Marketing Manager for RLG Communications Nigeria. OSDF: Can you give a short introduction about RLG? SAMUEL: RLG is a multi-national organisation that originated from Ghana over 10 years ago and RLG stands for youth empowerment, ITdriven and communication development in the African continent. RLG majorly aims at embracing what is African; that is why our slogan is: “Proudly Yours”. In RLG, we are into manufacturing of ICT devices and we use it in Africa, though we plan in the future to extend it to the world, but we are majorly empowering the African youths in one way or the other. OSDF: Why the partnership with the State of Osun? SAMUEL: I won’t say we are interested in Osun, but rather the question is why is Osun interested in our products?. While we are in Ghana, the Government of Osun came to us and said we should also empower youths in Osun as we are doing in Ghana. The governor of the State of Osun; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was the one

who showed interest in us and that is why in his wisdom, he came to us in Ghana and said he needed us to reciprocate what RLG was doing in Ghana in his state in Nigeria. That is how we came to the State of Osun. OSDF: Recently, the governor commissioned the new ICT complex in the state, what is your take on this? SAMUEL: RLG is a company that solidifies their presence wherever they go. RLG is in Ghana, Kenya and Gambia. They do that everywhere. The complex is an inlet into Nigeria and its presence in the country is an opportunity for RLG to have a presence in Osun. The governor of the state has given us a contract for a period of two years to have our presence, which brought about the siting of the factory in Ilesa. We chose Ilesa because of the express road; Akure-Ilesa, which acts as an arterial road leading to and out of Lagos. From there, we can easily access the whole country. The factory is a synergy between RLG and the state government and to show the partnership the state government provided a name; Adulawo. OSDF: How feasible is the 5000 mobile phones and 2500 laptops

•ABIODUN SAMUEL

daily production target? RLG: It is feasible in the sense that demand warrants supply. The factory has a staff quarters and the implication is that there are people working shifts. The very day the factory was commissioned, 350 mobile phones were produced under three hours of work, just to impress the governor and it is authoritative. So, I don’t see production of 5000 mobile phones daily as a problem. The supply will not be only for Nigeria, as we are looking at Niger, Cameroun and other African countries. The population of Nigeria alone can swallow 5000 phones daily. The mentioned amount is less than what the plant is capable of producing. OSDF: What about the employment drive? SAMUEL: That is a sensitive

question. It has to do with employment. RLG is a multinational and we intend to get the best hands. We will get the best within here and outside the state, but if Osun can provide 30 percent of workers, we are okay with that. OSDF: After the completion of this factory in Ilesa, would RLG have other factories and sales points in Nigeria? SAMUEL: I cannot tell for now that we will have it, as it depends on the demand and supply and sometimes the reach of the customers. I want to tell you that for now, the factory in Ilesa can serve Nigerians. This is a regional company and we are strategising to be the market leader. RLG is a company that has its presence on ground in Nigeria and it is always there for its customers; to repair their phones and this is unlike Nokia, LG, Samsung and others.

OPINION

National Conference: Hopes And Reality HERE is this common joke in the T political field of our dear country that associates our problem-solving approach to the creation of committees that do nothing, but further confuse the situation with absolute conviction. Then when the mistake is realised, another committee is set up to dissolve the former committee. The above situation is not only confusing, but deceptive and one which attracts petty insult from the civilised democracy. The National Conference as a conceptual means of getting consensus and solving serious political issues have always been a commendable effort, however, the outcome of past conferences leave nothing to hope for, as it has been a mere organised committee of few credible individuals, sitting with confused national parasites, who gobble the limited national resources in the name of allowances. That our dear country is bedeviled with various political problems is no news, starting from ethnic sentimentality, serious security issues, such as the Boko Haram crises in the North, high level of unemployment that defies statistics, as

By FUNSO BAMIDURO

reflected in the stampede of young future leaders in the recent poorly-organised Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) examination, coupled with outright disregard for the rule of law. All these are problems, which not only drag our nation backward, but also threaten our collective existence and drag the most populous black nation into disrepute. The National Conference started as scheduled, but barely 24 hours after the inaugural sitting, session was adjourned due to logistical problems, To the outside world and concerned citizens, this shows unseriousness on the part of the organisers, who have more than enough time to plan and even have contingency backup plans. It is indeed a lackadaisical approach to a serious issue; one that is supposed to lay a foundation for the issue-based debates that will not only solve urgent national issues, but to a large extent, determine our continued coexistence as a united state. The credibility of highly-respected

individuals such as Justice Idris Kutigi (Rtd), Professor Bolaji Akinyemi and Dr (Mrs)Val Azinge is needed and applauded. They must ensure that we do not have just another committee meeting, where the limited resources of our dear nation is wasted. Delegates should be serious and patriotic, as this confab might determine amongst other things; whether we get to have another one. They should be selfless and bold in addressing touchy political issues, which some of them have contributed to in the past as bystanders or orchestrators. They should see it as a chance of restitution and set the path straight once and for all. Dialogue should be issue-based and presented in a dignified, diplomatic, and based on mutual respect for all delegates, no matter status, gender or political affiliation. Issues such as unemployment, security, economy, political party rules of engagement, education, immigration and international image should top discourse, while the confab should be bold enough to put across the constantly “avoided” question of our continued co-existence or otherwise. This should be another way to

set right the wrong or otherwise of our uncharacteristic amalgamation and seek the collective federalism that Nigerians urgently crave. Let all ethnic groups speak, let all states speak and let Nigeria stand due mainly to the collective decision of the people. The confab should not allow itself to be used as gathering of masquerade meeting, where the dancestep differs from the drum beat. Issues reported to be causing minor disaffection, such as mere sitting arrangement and allowances, which have already been monetised as usual, should be set aside. Delegates must be willing to speak the gospel truth and realise that they have been called to a serious task in the most vital period of our political and social life, which allows no margin for error. Whether NIGERIA can be restructured and returned back to her glorious days depends largely on their God-given wisdom and selfless patriotism. GOD BLESS NIGERIA. •Bamiduro is a political strategist and writes from Osogbo in Osun state.

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 2014

‘I Cannot Blame God That I Came Through Bola Tinubu’ Iyaloja General, Chief Folashade TinubuOjo, daughter of former Lagos State governor, Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu, has denied using her father’s influence to get things. She also faulted the government’s list of delegates to the national conference, saying that it does not adequately cater for market people. She spoke with journalists in Lagos. SEYE OLUMIDE was there. What are the challenges you have encountered so far since you became Iyaloja General? HE challenges are not many except for the issue of the dirty environment of Iponri Market in Lagos. There are reports about the poor and dirty state of the market environment and also the crisis among the occupants of the market. We try to settle our issues in-house. It is only when the issue is absolutely out of order that we invite the police. Then there is the painful, spurious and unfounded allegation that I requested for money. Some alleged that I demanded for N5 million, others said N10 million and so on. Nevertheless, we have resolved the matter and it is now a forgotten matter. I am also happy that those who made the allegation have made public denial that I did not collect a dime. I need to clarify the issue of fine and penalty for any erring member. As a market body, we all subscribe to some rules and discipline. For instance, we penalize any erring member in form of fine and others. In any disciplined society or institution, there are rules that stipulate penalties for offenses and we are not exempted. It was challenge to me because I have always been a private person. Some people simply decided to create an impression about me and started using the Iponri Market issue to attack my personality and that of my father, as if I am just one naughty child who just woke up and shut down a market because my father has political influence. You were also accused of compelling the market people to register with the AII Progressives Congress (APC). Is that true? That is not correct. That information does not represent the entire Iponri Market people’s opinion. We had a press conference where they also clarified that fallacy that I did not, at anytime, force them to register with the APC. Every individual, including the market people, have their freedom of association. Even if I want to force people to register with any party, what is the population of Iponri Market compared to other bigger markets? I can go to Mushin Market; I could have gone to Mile 12 Market or Alaba Rago Market. Apart from this, traders in Iponri Market are educated and enlightened. They know what they are doing, so they are not the type anybody can just cajole. So, whoever has gone to the press to release such information is not representing the opinion of the entire Iponri Market people. Traders in the market were here during the press conference and they said it openly that I didn’t force any of them to register with the APC. We have no cause to deceive one another. The leadership of the APC knows their members, they know their people and it is not possible for nobody to force another person or group of people to join a particular party. That allegation is not only false, it is also malicious. Those orchestrating it are merely doing so with the aim of looking for loopholes in the system to get their own way. 2015 election is fast approaching and as the Iyaloja General, do we have your word that you promote freedom of political association?

Yes, people can associate with parties of their choice. I know my rights and whatever I won’t take, I won’t lord it over others. Nobody can force me to join a party against my wish. I will stand up to such person. My position or background does not allow me to dictate to anybody the party to join. Do you find it comfortable coping with those who had been with your grandmother; the late Abibatu Mogaji? I have been working with them; we have been together for the past four years, even before mama passed on. I have been in the market board to represent mama and have also been acting for her for the past four years. I am not new to, them; they are not new to me, so working with them has been so easy. Whatever respect they accord me is basically because of the position that I occupy. For instance, no matter how young the president of a nation or governor of a state is, he or she is accorded the title of ‘your excellence’ .It is the position and by the grace of God, it imperative of me to accord them the utmost respect I can give to my parents. I must confess it was strange at first when I started. You know, they will come around and try to prostrate to one as their mother and I will quickly ask them not to try such. Some of them will then say it is important to do so to me because they see me as their king. They will say even if you are born yesterday, we will still have to accord you the respect I also give them their respect too. How have you been able to articulate the problems and the interests of market women in Lagos? At times, you urge the market people to keep their environment clean and not to display their goods on the road and they will respond positively, but as soon as you are gone, they are back on the road. Just recently, there was an issue and I had to send people to Agege after receiving calls that officials of KAI Brigade were packing goods and arresting people. I asked whether they were on the road and they said no. I asked again if they were not on the road, they said they were not I wasn’t convinced so I demanded to see photographs which obviously showed they were on the road. We just need to continue to sensitise our people. Did your father actually impose you as Iyaloja, as some people alleged? That is not right and my office has nothing to do with my father. He is a politician and I am a market woman. Those who said my father imposed me on the association don’t know how he opposed the idea initially. Like I said earlier, when people started saying

•FOLASHADE TINUBU-OJO that Tinubu’s daughter did this or did that, I am not Tinubu’s only child. He has other children. I am the Iyaloja and I should be address in that capacity. My father is a disciplinarian. You will never see any of his children going out of their way to step on people’s toes because he is a politician. Is it true you use your office as Iyaloja for political mobilization? These are fallacy upon fallacy. The whole thing is becoming amusing and interesting. The fact that Tinubu is my father does not mean I am a not somebody. I have my life, reputation and integrity. I live for a value within the society. All human beings are political animals. You have the right to choose your political family and I also have the right to choose my political family. We have among the market people those who belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and we also have APC members, even those that belong to the Labour Party. I think it is necessary to overlook many things that are capable of causing distraction. Is it right to say that TInubu’s name opens doors for you anywhere? Before I became the Iyaloja general, if I had been using my father’s name here and there, you would have known me one way or the other. I cannot blame God for making me come through Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is my biological father and I bless God for all he has done for me. Does your scope of influence as Iyaloja general transcend Lagos? Well, last week, I was in Ekiti State to lay the foundation block of a market and if they beckon on me from Imo State, I have to go there and whatever decision they may want

“My office has nothing to do with my father. He is a politician and I am a market woman. Those who said my father imposed me on the association don’t know how he opposed the idea initially. Like I said earlier, when people started saying that Tinubu’s daughter did this or did that, I am not Tinubu’s only child. He has other children. I am the Iyaloja and I should be addressed in that capacity.”

to take concerning the market, I will have to be in the know Definitely as Iyaloja general, I operate beyond the scope of Lagos and the South West. What are those values you learnt from the former Iyaloja and what are the values you work with? Part of the values I have learnt from her is carrying the people along, standing up for them when it is necessary. I cherish discipline, truthfulness, openness and unbiased judgment. What are you doing about making the market people comply with the instructions of not sleeping in the market? That is somehow because you can only go to them, warn them, and sensitize them and so on. But some of them still do and we are aware of it. But I believe we will get there someday. The Presidency’s recently introduced another Iyaloja. What is your view on this development? The person the Presidency introduced is the Iyaloja for the Abuja region. I know her very well and her name is Felicia Sani. Mama crowned her during her time and established her in Abuja. After mama’s demise, she was here. But if the President decides to create a market for her, it is welcome and does not affect me in any way. The market people have reacted to the Presidency’s list of delegates to the national conference, saying that they were not well represented. Do you agree with them? Yes, I agree with them. The only person I know as a leader in the list released by government is the person I mentioned earlier, Mrs. Felicia Sani, and she alone cannot represent the interests of even her market region, not to talk of the entire six geopolitical zones. So, we are not dully represented which means that whatever decision they come up with at the conference will not be accepted by us. Such decisions will be biased and will probably just be for the Abuja Market people. What is your view-on women’s participation in Nigerian politics? I think the number is better than what it used to be before, but we are: not there yet. There is the need to still give women more opportunities. •Culled from The Guardian Newspaper

IN RETROSPECT

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 27, 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 27, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Faces At The Submission Of Intention Form For Second Term In Office By The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At The All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat, Abuja, Last Monday.

•(R-L) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Deputy Chairman North, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, the APC National Orgainsing Secretary, Senator Osita Izinaso and another chieftain of the party, during the submission of the governorship nomination form at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja, last Monday.

•(L-R) Stata of Osun, All Progressives Congress (APC) interim Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Senator Sola Adeyeye; interim National Youth Leader, interim National Organising Secretary, APC Senator Osita Isunaso; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; interim Deputy National Chairman, Senator Aminu Bello Masari; interim APC Chairman in the State of Osun, Elder ‘Lowo Adebiyi and other dignitaries in a group photograph after the submission of the intention form for second term in office by Governor Aregbesola at APC National Secretariat, Abuja, last Monday.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 OODUA FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 1800 N. BROOM STREET SUITE 109 WILMINGTON, DE. 19802 U. S. A. March 25, 2014

This is a letter from Oodua Foundation, a think-tank organization of Yoruba academics, professionals and entrepreneurs resident in all parts of the world, to our Yoruba nation in Nigeria. We write this letter out of our deep concern for, and out of our resolve to change, the depressed condition in which our Yoruba nation lives in Nigeria. We write, with particular pain,to you the youths of our Yoruba nation. We know that you are being ground down by the economic and political chaos in Nigeria, that most of you have to spend many more years than necessary to complete your school studies,that after struggling through schools, colleges and universities, you roam the streets jobless for years – incapable of supporting your parents, unable to plan your lives, to marry, or to begin to raise families of your own. It is painful to watch countless thousands of you desperately trying to flee to other lands to escape the hopelessness in Nigeria. We even know that some of you, in total desperation, try to reach the outside world by walking across the Sahara Desert to North Africa – many never making it through the dangerous desert. We write also to Yoruba entrepreneurs and working folks. We know the frustrations, discriminations, and unfair and fraudulent competitions that you Yoruba businessmen regularly struggle against. As for you our men and women in the honourable teaching profession, we know that you live with perpetual attacks on your morale and competence– in an educational system that has been made to decay steadily for decades. We also know the hideous frustrations that regularly confront our doctors and health-care workers, our market women and small traders, our commercial drivers, our technicians, and even our government employees. We know that in the context of all these, the Yoruba tradition of pride in work, in enterprise, in learning, and in adventure, has been badly brutalized in Nigeria. We write too to our traditional rulers (fathers of our nation) and to our politicians, both of whom are caught in the whirlwind of the heavily corrupted political and economic life of Nigeria. We know that, in these disorienting situations, it can be hard to uphold the accustomed Yoruba dedication of rulers and leaders to the well-being of the masses of Yoruba people.

LETTER TO THE YORUBA NATION – By OODUA FOUNDATION

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We in Oodua Foundation, like all Yoruba persons, know that we Yoruba do not deserve to live in these depressing conditions. Throughout our history, we have belonged in the forefront of civilization in Black Africa. We built the foremost urban civilization; a political system based on the sovereignty of the people and the dignity of the individual; an economy rich in production and commerce; a society that cherished qualitative leadership, loved enterprise and service to the community, respected the religious rights of all, and smoothly accepted foreigners. From the late 19th century, in the assimilation of new modern influences (especially Western education), we outpaced all of tropical Africa. In the 1950s, when the configuration of power between Nigeria’s Regions and the Federal Government gave the Regions the freedom to promote their socio-economic development, the strength of our Yoruba nation quickly surfaced mightily. Our Western Region became the pace-setter in all aspects of development and modernization in Nigeria.

Unhappily, since independence, all power and control and assets in Nigeria have been diverted to the federal center – with the result that the federal center has becomeshockingly inefficient and corrupt, that corruption has been spread to the rest of Nigeria, and that the State Governments have become impotent entities incapable of developing their domains or promoting prosperity among their people. To be able to develop in Nigeria again, every part of Nigeria needs that much of the powers that have accumulated perversely in thefederal center must be returned to the states. We also need that the delimitation of states in our federation must respect our indigenous nationalities, and that our states be fundamentally stronger than now. These proposals, in detail, are the mandate that we Yoruba people have sent our delegates to go and propagate and defend in the National Conference in Abuja. Our delegates know that these proposed changes are absolutely crucial to the proper development of Nigeria, to prosperity in all parts of Nigeria, and to harmony among the peoples of Nigeria. We trust that our delegates will unite closely and do their duty faithfully. For them to operate along political party lines in the National Conference would be a criminal betrayal of our nation. There is a time for everything – this is no time for partisan or divisive politics of any kind. Our membership of political parties is temporary and changeable, but each of us and our posterity belong to the proud Yoruba nation ad infinitum. For our nation, the outcome of this National Conference is all-important. While we trust our delegates, we Yoruba people at home and abroad must focus unwavering attention on them in Abuja, and demand ceaselessly that they do what we expect of them. They bear a sacred responsibility – and they have our fullest support. They know they cannot return home to ask their Yoruba nation to accept, under any circumstance, a continuation of the status quo (with its confusion, corruption, poverty, and conflicts); and that we Yoruba people are determined, absolutely, to get out of chaos and poverty. Above all, let all of us Yoruba determine that our Yoruba nation will revive and rise – faster and to greater heights than ever before – in Nigeria if possible, out of Nigeria if necessary. Dr. Dejo Ogunwande, SECRETARY. Prof. Adeniran Adeboye, CHAIRMAN.Prof. (Senator) Banji Akintoye, PATRON

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