www.osundefender.org Thursday, march 31, 2016 Fayose of Ekiti state needs to be told in no ambiguous terms that democracy gives room for opposition though, nevertheless what is needed especially now is constructive criticism which is needed to move our democracy forward. This is contrary to the per
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Front Page Comment
VOL. 11. NO.031
Fayose’s negative criticism of Buhari
verse, undue and negative attacks perennially launched by Fayose on President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB).
It has to be re-emphasised that the country is in a difficult economic crisis as a result of corrupt and
irresponsible leadership perpetuad most recently by the political party Governor Fayose belongs to. Not only are the attacks unpatriotic, recently they have gone into realm of irrationality. A most bizarre
example is his criticism of Buhari’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia. In Fayose’s bizarre flight of fancy, this trip was not so veiled attempt to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state. Utterly preposterous; but then
with reality, he is liable in his present state of mind to believe just about anything. On the contrary PMB deserves kudos for the Saudi Arabia trip. The initiative based on “oil diplomacy” is already proving beneficial. Oil prices are firming up.
Ahead of Ife Re-run Election:
N100
The president is forging a template whereby the turbulence in the oil market can be redirected through production agreements into fiscal benefits for the oil producers. For a monocrop economy like ours this is not just vital, it is crucial. ...continue on pg5
PDP Promises Mayhem - See Story On Page 2
Aregbesola Eulogises Tinubu At 64 - See Story On Page 2
•Rivers’ Case‘ ll be Child’s Play – Party Threatens
•(L-R) The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; State of Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun during the 4TH And 5TH Convocation Ceremony of Fountain University, Osogbo, State Of Osun, last Monday.
- Pg 7 Pg 3 Ooni Honours Predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Fayose Will Not Finish His Tenure, Prophet Olagunju Insists & 12
News osun Defender Thursday, March 31, 2016
News
Ahead Of Ife Re-Run Election: PDP Promises •Rivers’ Case‘ ll be Child’s Play – Party Threatens
Mayhem
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By our reporter T h e g r a n d p l a n , a child’s play to what according to the party we have in store for source, is to make the Aregbesola and his party state ungovernable for the APC-led administration in Osun. We are going to o f G o v e r n o r R a u f use all available resources Aregbesola as a prelude at our disposal to ensure to the declaration of a t h e s t a t e b e c o m e s state of emergency by the ungovernable for them. It Federal Government. will be a battle to finish,” “What happened in Rivers State would be he threatened.
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eeks before the proposed re-run election to also revealed how a senior the ruling party in the fill the vacant seat of Ife Central State security officer, who was state, the All Progressives Constituency in the State of Osun House called on phone during Congress (APC), in the of Assembly, as a result of the demise of the former one of the meetings, area. The officer was legislator representing the area, Honourable Oladejo professed his allegiance Makinde, who died last December, the main and loyalty to the party, g a t h e r e d t o h a v e opposition party in the state, Peoples Democratic while promising to do promised a replica of Party (PDP), has concluded plans to unleash all within his power what happened in Rivers unprecedented mayhem on the electorate, should it to ensure victory for State on APC members in the area in particular plan, a major stakeholder the party and assist in and the state in general lose the election. OSUN DEFENDER and financier of the unleashing mayhem on should the need arise. gathered f r o m party, whose penchant prominent members of authoritative sources for violence is legendary that series of clandestine has been gathered to m e e t i n g s h a v e b e e n have promised to supply held in various locations l o g i s t i c s t o e n s u r e across the state in the victory for the party at past few weeks since the all cost starting with independent National the provision of some Electoral Commission vehicles to ensure smooth (INEC) set the date for the operation and mobility for those saddled with re-run election. One of the sources one responsibility or the h a d c o n f i d e d i n t h e other. This same financier medium that most of the meetings were held has also taken it upon at the numerous houses himself to use his wideowned by the defeated range connection in the gubernatorial candidate police hierarchy to ensure of the party in the August hitch-free operations 14th, 2014 election, Senator of the members of the Iyiola Omisore, in the party in the course of state scattered across the carrying out their various assignments. ancient town. F e e l e r s f r o m t h e •L -R Idris Tella, Patron Orisaleye Kehinde, Kehinde Ayantunji, Osun NUJ Vice-Chairman, Mr Adebayo Fatai, Dada At the meetings, several issues reportedly various meetings held Estate Unit Commandant of Man O’ War, Ajala Adekunle, State Commandant of Man O’ War Suleima, during an came up for discussion; mostly in the night have award for Ayantunji by Man O’ War in Osogbo, recently. all tailored on the way to ensure victory for the PDP at whatever cost, as members saw the increased their fares on were overcharging their know what petrol is election as the last saving the premise that they got customers on any drop. saying; you don’t know grace for the party, if it petrol at higher pump Findings have revealed the price and stress it took truly determines to stay prices. that both the Korope me to get petrol for my relevant in the state. By ismaeel uthman A litre of petrol is being drivers and the Okada vehicle, etc. “Our members see the he scarcity of Premium Motior Spirit (PMS), sold between N150 and riders got easily provoked A Korope driver, who coming re-run election in popularly called petrol, which has resulted to 170 at some of the filling whenever a customer gave his name as Sola Ife Central Constituency arbitrary increase in the pump price of the stations in Osogbo, except tried to negotiate the fare Michael, in a chat with as a do-or-die affair, as it remains the last stroke product, has been taking its tolls on the residents for the Mega Station of the downwards to what he or OSUN DEFENDER on that will determine the of Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun. NNPC and its acquired she could afford. Monday, said: “It is what OSUN DEFENDER stations. Transportation in the fate of the party in the I n m o s t c a s e s , you buy that you sell. state. The election will city is fast becoming o b s e r v e d t h a t t h e The transport fare to c o m m e r c i a l d r i v e r s You cannot expect us to also determine whether u n b e a r a b l e f o r t h e commercial transporters, some areas in the city and riders drove away be carrying people at the the party will stay afloat teeming populace who who operate the popular w h i c h w a s b e t w e e n angrily from the sight of old fare, when we were of go permanently into r e l y o n c o m m e r c i a l mini-buses known as N30 to N50 have been the customers, lamenting; buying a litre of petrol oblivion,” the source transporters to get to their Korope and commercial increased to N40 to N70 “maybe you are not in for N87.90 or even N100, various destinations for motorcyclists, popularly by the Korope drivers, Nigeria and you don’t compare to now that we stressed. called Okada riders, have while the Okada riders To give teeth to the their daily endeavours. are buying a litre between N150 and N170. “It is one thing to buy at higher price, it is another personal achievements political efforts and N i g e r i a n p o l i t i c a l thing to get the product By kehinde ayantunji and involvement as a strategies, progressive evolution would not be without stress. We spend he Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Senator of the Federal politics for which the complete without ample minimum of one hour to Aregbesola, on Monday described as a true Republic of Nigeria, a South West was noted recognition of the roles get petrol at filling station. democrat and bridge-builder, former Governor pro-democracy activist, now dominates the realm. of this selfless political So, we charge people with of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “ N o d o u b t , t h e l e a d e r , ” A r e g b e s o l a the price of petrol we two-term governor of This was contained time to come. Lagos State, mentor of a c c o u n t s o f m o d e r n stressed. buy. We are also going He stated that the successful leaders and in a congratulatory make a living, or what Change of Name Change of Name to message to Tinubu on further expansion of currently a major player is the essence of working the occasion of his 64th the political space of and factor on the national I, formally known when you cannot feed I, formally known birthday, which came the country also makes political scene. and addressed as MRS your family? and addressed as MISS Tinubu a bridge-builder up last Tuesday. OLAYINKA TITILAYO AFODESHO ROFIAT “He strikes as a “We understand that LAWAL, now wish to be YETUNDE, now wish to In the statement signed and an astute politician, consummate politician the customers too are known and addressed as be known and addressed by the Director, Bureau who brought to pass the a n d v e r y s t r a t e g i c , struggling to cope with MRS MRS OLAYINKA as MRS ADEKOLA of Communications and prediction of the late sage, original political thinker. TITLAYO RAHMAN. ROFIAT YETUNDE. the current economic Strategy in the Office of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, “When he became All documents with hardship, there is no All documents with the Governor, Mr. Semiu that the progressive governor of Lagos, the former name remain money anywhere. But former name remain valid. The General Public valid. The General Public Okanlawon, Aregbesola South and North will one state was financially should please take note. they have to understand should please take note. portrayed Tinubu as day come together to rule i n c a p a c i t a t e d b u t what we transporters are one gallant Nigerian, the nation. Tinubu’s knowledge of passing through also. We The statement said public finance changed who fought not only for pray God makes things democracy but also the in part: “Asiwaju Bola the fortune of the Lagos’ Change of Name easier and comfortable for Change of Name expansion of the nation’s Ahmed Tinubu means Internally Generated many things to many R e v e n u e f r o m m e r e political space. I, formally known everyone of us.” I, formally known Some people have and addressed as MISS Aregbesola highlighted people but there are N600 million. The rest is and addressed as MISS PRINCE ADEWUMI resorted to trekking to T i n u b u ’ s f i n a n c i a l c e r t a i n t h i n g s t h a t history, as Lagos today OYEDELE ABIOOLA A D E R I N O L A their various destinations, management ingenuity, everyone agrees about stands on firm, sure SERIFAT, now wish to ADEGBOLA, now be known and addressed unparalleled political him: a political think- footing of unimaginable w i s h t o b e k n o w n as they could not afford a n d a d d r e s s e d a s the high transport fares. as MRS OJOLOWO mobilisation capacity thank, master strategist, development proportion. MRS ADEGBOLA ABIOLA SERIFAT. and the ability to keep promoter of politics “There is no denying ADERINOLA SAMUEL. All documents with his large political family of inclusion, political the fact that Asiwaju is All documents with former name remain together, as some of the futurist and fearless a rare breed politician, former name remain valid. The General Public reasons Tinubu would activist and top politician p a t r i o t a n d a t r u e valid. The General Public should please take note. should please take note. continue to be celebrated per excellence. democrat. Through his “His life is packed with and revered for a long
Upsurge In Transport Fare As Petrol Scarcity Bites Harder In Osogbo
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Aregbesola Eulogises Tinubu At 64 T
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osun Defender Thursday, March
Osun Assembly Directs Effective Control Of Herdsmen
By kazeem mohammed he State of Osun House of Assembly has ordered that a Task Force be set up to monitor and control the entry and exit of cattle herdsmen into the state. o n I n f o r m a t i o n a n d A statement released Strategy, Honourable b y t h e C h a i r m a n Olatunbosun, said the H o u s e C o m m i t t e e directive followed the
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report of indiscriminate grazing of farmland by Fulani herdsmen with their cattle across the state. The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, gave the directive at a meeting
with the State Committee on Peaceful Co-existence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers, as well as officials of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. He said, the two major entry points of herdsmen
•National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his conferment with the award of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration, at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University of Sokoto,Sokoto State, last Saturday.
into the state, which are Iwo and Ila axis, should be properly manned by the task force to control their movement. According to him, the herdsmen could not be left uncontrolled, while the crops that have been worked hard to produce by farmers are being grazed indiscriminately. The Speaker stressed that the activities of the herdsmen have been denying the farmers equitable returns on their investment in farming, mostly through loans from banks and cooperative groups. While cautioning the herdsmen, Salaam, according to the statement, tasked the officials of the ministry to put into use, the alreadytrained youths to engage in producing crops that are mainly meant for feeding cattle. He said, this would not only generate revenue for the state, it would also create employment for the youths. The Speaker also maintained that there is the need to engage the nomadic in training to be
Man O’ War Honours NUJ Vice Chair
By olawore mariam he State of Osun Command of the Man O’ War, Dada Estate Unit, on Saturday honoured an OSUN DEFENDER reporter, and the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, as the Human Right and Civil Society Reporter of in accordance with the the Year (2015). State Commandant rule of law and to prepare of the Man O’ War, Mr its members for future Suliamon Ibraheem, leadership role, which presented the award informed the leadership to Ayantunji during a and civic training. Ibraheem said: “One citizenship, human rights and leadership training of the major security for members of the para- problems in the society military organization is inadequate intelligence at its state command in for the security agents to operate. As a Osogbo, State of Osun. Ibraheem said, Man O’ paramilitary, we are war Honoured the State trying our best to prevent NUJ Vice Chairman as c r i m e a n d p r o v i d e a result of his support necessary information and passion for human to the police and other rights, civic education security agencies and I and advocacy for justice. urge the members of the He said, the unit and public to see security as a command evaluated collective responsibility.” “Community leaders several human rightsrelated media reports and parents could not in Osun both print be exonerated from and online and rated the unruly behaviour t h o s e a u t h o r e d b y of youths, especially in Ayantunji as the highest school students, who in recent time possessed and most objective. According to him, arms. It is the inability the new orientation of o f t h e p a r e n t s t o Man O’ War as a para- carefully mentor and military organization is encourage them to join to educate their members organizations that will on global standard of d i s c o u r a g e t h e m i n security engagement, engaging in criminality,” which has to do with Ibraheem said. He expressed fundamental human rights as entrenched in concern over growing the 1999 Constitution of indiscipline among the the Federal Republic of secondary school pupils in the state and promised Nigeria. H e s a i d , t h e that the organization organization intends will continue to assist t o i n s t i l d i s c i p l i n e , the government to foster orderliness and crime- discipline in schools and prevention in the society, provide intelligence for
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the security agencies in the society. Responding, Comrade Ayantunji said advocacy for human rights, justice and respect for human dignity have been part of him at a tender age and promised to dedicate his remaining career in journalism to advancement of democracy and better
society. The Commandant of Dada Estate Unit of man O’ War, Fatai Adebayo, appreciated the national and state leadership of the para-military group and promised to work in accordance with the rules and regulations of the organization.
on the same page with the government and ensure peaceful coexistence in the state. He also encouraged Agricultural Officers in the state to be up and doing in generating new ideas that could arrest the trend. The Speaker reportedly stressed that the measure would also safeguard the investment of the state government, which empowered the farmers in the state through provisions of loans and farm inputs. He emphasised that the insensitivity of the herdsmen and continual grazing of farmland were capable of truncating food security programme of the government and weaken the resolve of the farmers to do more. While speaking, the Chairman, Committee on Peaceful Coexistence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers, Honourable Oguntola Toogun, regretted that most farmers were now being discouraged due to the grazing of their crops. He also expressed worry over attacks on famers by the herdsmen, after grazing their farmlands with cattle. Toogun then suggested that since the issue of herdsmen was a national problem, enabling laws should be enacted by both the state and national assemblies to proffer lasting solution to the issue.
Tinubu’s Contributions Unparalleled - Osun APC
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ll Progressives Congress (APC) in the and vicious criticism of State of Osun has added its voice in join the present administraing numerous friends, associates and sup- tion that Tinubu helped porters to congratulate the party’s National Leader, to power for change, the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the occasion of APC is still standing and his 64th birthday. “His contribution in the government is firm“This birthday is all making Mohammadu ing its hold on power. the more worth celebrat- Buhari President today “This is not a mean ing because the leader is unparalleled in the his- achievement for an indihas come a long way in tory of political alliances vidual. The political hisshaping the paradigm of in Nigeria.” tory of Nigeria, whether change in Nigeria over The party added that we like it not, will give the last decades’, the in spite of pessimisms significant and positive mention to Bola Ahmed party claimed. In a statement signed by the party’s Director of Publicity, Research rs Modupeola Adelakun, the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in and Strategy, , Barrister Boripe North Local Council Development Kunle Oyatomi, the APC said: “Very few Nigeri- Area (LCDA), Chief Iyiola Adelakun, is dead. Mrs Modupeola died at Top among them were: ans, if any, can lay claim the age of 68 after a brief the Chief of Staff to the to the level of political illness and will be buried Governor, Alhaji Gboyechange that occurred in at a later date to be an- ga Oyetola, member 2015 for the first time nounced by the family. State House of Assembly in the half century that The deceased, a trad- representing Boripe/BoNigeria has been inde- er, is survived by chil- luwaduro, Honourable pendent.” dren and grand children, Bello Osuolale, Alhaji SoAccording to the party: among them is Mrs Fa- baleje Imran, Alhaji Sule “But for the strategic dairo Folashade of the Aderemi, Prince Bola masterstroke of Tinubu’s Independent Nation- Adejumon among others. Pa Adelakun, while effort and political influ- al Electoral Commission, speaking with OSUN ence, a sitting Federal (INEC), Lagos. Prominent politicians DEFENDER, regarding Government would nevand chieftains of the party the death of Modupeola er have been removed have continued to con- as a great loss to the Adthrough a free and fair dole with Pa Adelakun at elakun family, describing election. his residence in Ororuwo. her as humble, diligent
Tinubu’s contribution to the evolution of democracy in Nigeria,” the party added. “All well-meaning people should therefore, join in celebrating this irrepressible national leader of the APC at 64,” the party urged.
APC Chieftain, Pa Adelakun Loses Wife
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and hardworking. “I just have to accept the wish of God, as Modupeola has been a major part of my life that has united my family for a very long time. She was devoted Christian, who played pivotal role in the church.”
•The late Mrs Adelakun
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News
Aregbesola Charges New Akinla To Pursue Accelerated Development
osun Defender Thursday, March 31, 2016
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overnor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of the existing peace and transformations across O b a A d e y e b a t o b e Osun has urged traditional rulers in the state tranquility being enjoyed the nooks and crannies magnanimous in victory and extend hands of love to expedite actions capable of heralding by his administration of the state. He said the current and togetherness to all genuine rapid development, as well as foster peaceful to what he described as coexistence and mutually beneficial relationship unflinching support and g o v e r n m e n t h a d and sundry. Governor Aregbesola cooperation received significantly accorded among the residents in their communities. due recognition to all the i m plored the new from the citizenry. Governor Aregbesola moral building, also While enumerating traditional institutions, t r a d i t i o n a l r u l e r t o gave the advice while c a l l e d o n t h e r o y a l presenting the Staff of fathers not to relent in some of his achievements, religious institutions, maximize his position Office and Instrument of their efforts at placing the Governor Aregbesola as well as the people’s in bringing all round Appointment to the new Yoruba’s values, customs, said his government has c u l t u r e , v a l u e s a n d d e v e l o p m e n t a n d Akinla of Erin-Ijesha, traditions and culture successfully given the t r a d i t i o n s s i n c e progress to the ancient town, saying he must Oba Isaac Adeyeba, in at the front burner of state a deserved look and assumption of office. A d v i s i n g t h e n e w not hesitate to fill the identity as evident in the the ancient town of Erin- growth and development Ijesha. in the global community. influx of socio-economic, m o n a r c h , G o v e r n o r seventeen years (17 years) The governor, who He further attributed political and cultural Aregbesola admonished was represented by the State Secretary to the Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, called for the continuously strengthening of the existing love and unity in the state, saying it remains the only way to actualize the desired progress, growth and development. According to him, the development and progress of the society must certainly be prioritized by traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the society, just as he charged the monarchs not to rest on their oars in ensuring sustainable transformation. Aregbesola, who described the traditional institutions as an heritage •Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar serving food to underprivileged children at the American University of Nigeria of societal reformation, (AUN) Yola, Adamawa State, last Monday. attitudinal change and
Ooni Honours Predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade By sola jAcobs he Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has renamed Ife City Hall in honour of his predecessor, the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, describing him as an architect of modern Ile-Ife and a visionary ruler. Ooni Ogunwusi at the Ife sons and daughters, Easter gathering in the eulogized the visionary ancient city, which was q u a l i t y o f t h e l a t e attended by prominent monarch in harnessing the resources of the land
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and making it accessible to all Ifes. Speaking further, Oba Ogunwusi said the prayers of Oba Sijuwade have brought him to the stool of the Ooni, as he had told me that I would be served and be too important to be ignored.
Furthermore, he commended the patriotic stance of the monarch for instituting Ife Development Board to coordinate both human and natural resources of the land, which resulted into the building of the edifice, Oba Okunade
Man In Court For Stealing N1.2m Beer By shina abubakar ne Yemi Adeoye has appeared before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing beer worth N1.2 million, being property of Bola Garba Nigeria Limited. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e the Sales Manager incharge sheet read in the charge of the company, court, the suspect, as allegedly stole 84 cartons
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Court Remands Man Over Rape
By raheem sherifat n Osogbo Magistrate’s Court has remanded a 68-year-old man, Ganiyu Oladejo, in Ilesa Prison custody for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl. According to the charge person, however, was sheet made available not taken. The presiding to OSUN DEFENDER, Ganiyu, on the 15th day m a g i s t r a t e , M r s of March, 2016, at about Olajumoke Olowolagba, 17.30hrs, at Balogun t h e n r e m a n d e d t h e area, Osogbo, in Osogbo a c c u s e d p e r s o n a t Magisterial District, did Ilesa Prison pending have unlawful carnal the Director of Public knowledge of a 13-year- Prosecution’s advice, old girl in his house before the matter will be forwarded to an upper and thereby committed court. an offence punishable under section 221[1][2] of laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003. The plea of the accused
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of Goldberg beer, 30 cartons of Heineken Beer, cartons of 33 Lager Beer, three cartons of Ace Roots Beer and one carton of Passion drinks. It also disclosed that the suspect stole eight cartons of Fayrouz drink, 94 cartons of Maltina, 155 cartons of Trophy beer, two cartons of Milk Drink, Gold Malt drink, two cartons of 1960 drinks, and 82 empty cartons of International Breweries’ products. Other items allegedly stolen by the suspectn as revealed by the charge sheet included 127 empty cartons of assorted drinks and cash sums of N371,070. The offence, the charge sheet disclosed, was contrary and punishable under section 390(9) of the State Criminal Law. It also disclosed that the suspect allegedly committed the crime a sometimes in 2014 and January 27, 2016 at the
stated office located along Iwo road Osogbo. However, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge preferred against him. Defence counsel, while applying for the bail of the accused person, pleaded with the court to grant him bail in the most liberal terms. Police prosecutor did not object to the bail application, affirming that the court has the discretionary right to grant bail as it pleased. Presiding Magistrate, Mrs A. Olowolagba, then admitted the suspect to bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in the same sum, adding that one of the sureties must be a civil servant of not below grade level 9.
Sijuwade Hall. Oba Ogunwusi also commended the indigenes of Ife, both dead and alive, for their contributions to the development of the land but reminded those that attended the event that the time to build the virile source of the blacks in the world is now, as Ile- Ife is the source of blacks in Africa and diaspora. He therefore, sought their collaboration in human and natural development, as he said, posteritywill not forgive the current generation if it fails to develop future leaders. The Ooni tasked all the prominent sons and daughters of Ife who are business moguls and entrepreneurs on the need to mentor the youths, for the progress of the land and the nation at large. He further admonished all to see one another as brothers and sisters without discrimination. The ceremony was well attended by prominent dignitaries from Modakeke, Ipetumodu, Edunabon, Ifetedo and Ile-Ife.
vacuum created after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Adeyinka Adeosun. He therefore called on the sons and daughters of the town to rally round the new monarch in his bid to pilot the affairs of the town to the greater heights. In his remarks, Oba Isaac Adeyeba, who commended Governor Aregbesola on his giant strides, however expressed profound gratitude to the state government for approving him as the new monarch of the ancient town after seventeen years of royal interregnum. Oba Adeyeba, who promised to consolidate on the efforts of his ancestors, said his reign would bring unprecedented development and progress to the town. The monarch said his emergence was a new dawn to the people of Erin-Ijesha both at home and in diaspora. He affirmed on his determination to turn the town to a must-visited world tourist centre in the world, pledging that his reign would leave no stone unturned at showcasing the natural values of the town(Olumirin Waterfalls) to the global community for general development and betterment of all. Oba Adeyeba however promised to support the state government in its bid to maximize the state revenues through sustainable taxation, adding that his office would be used to enforce prompt tax payment among his subjects. The monarch described taxation as a driven force aiding the policies and programmes of government, stressing that the time has come for all and sundry to demonstrate positive attitude towards taxation. He therefore, sought for cooperation and support from the indigenes and residents of the town, just as he assured peaceful cohabitation of all. Meanwhile, it would be recalled that Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola approved the appointment of the then Prince Isaac Adeyeba Ayeni as the new Akinla of Erin Ijesha in Ori ade Local Government area of the state, just as his appointment came 17 years, 17 days after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Adeyinka Adeosun. The 52-year old new monarch however hails from Ayeni Royal family of Osefiri Ruling House.
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osun Defender Thursday, March 31, 2016
Fayose’s negative criticism of Buhari
...continued from pg1
Until we diversify our economy (something that is not going to happen overnight), we will have to play oil politics and secure international cooperation across the board in order to weather the storm. Fortunately, providentially, PMB is proving to be a master of the game. After all this is a field in which he has vast experience having once been an incorruptible federal oil minister. Fayose must get a grip on his reckless imagination. It is beginning to assume the nomenclature of psychosis which means that he is out of sync with reality.
For a man entrusted with the care and good governance of the millions of people in Ekiti state this is a very dangerous state of mind! As far as the Saudi Arabia trip goes it is beneficial. This has been acknowledged internationally. Further more Buhari does not have the constitutional instruments to “islamize” Nigeria. The constitution if Fayose still has the presence of mind to consult it, expressly forbids the adoption of a state religion. This should settle the matter once and for all. Unfortunately it won’t. For Fayose has an emotional need to fish in troubled waters. Contrary to his perversion what is needed today at a time of economic downturn is cooperative federalism and not the hurling
of childish brickbats. The recent economic summit initiated by the federal government acknowledged this. Governors across party lines also accepted the need for cooperation in order to solve the economic crisis. Fayose cannot buck the trend. And for the sake of the people of Ekiti state he should not attempt to do so for there is nothing to gain. Cooperation Unfortunately it won’t. For Fayose has an emotional need to fish in troubled waters. Contrary to his perver sion what is needed today at a time of economic downturn is cooperative federalism and not the hurling of childish brickbats. The recent economic summit initiated by the federal government acknowledged this. Governors across
Ekitigate Against Democracy Must Be Probed
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ecently, news broke in the social media that the Ekiti State government addressed a press conference in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, where it stated that one of the arrested lawmakers of the state in the custodEkiy of the DSS had died. This information was further confirmed by news reportage in the radio and the drama of the press conference in which some people were even weeping over the alledged death was very comical and typical of a stunt, which might qualify for a Nollywood film. Customarily, one found the news very unpalatable, but on closer scrutiny and realizing that the state government was the one making this allegation, one’s security sense was immediately awakened in realizing the character and antecedents of the head of the government in Ekiti state in person of Mr. Ayodele Fayose, who is better known as a stunt man of no mean repute. Before, we go further, we must all realize that based on confessions by
active participants such as Captain Sagir Kooli and Dr. Temitope Aluko in what is today known as Ekitigate, following the gubernatorial election in the state on June 21, 2014, an allegation of coup against democracy that took place in the state was in need of proof and naturally, the security agencies are expected to perform their constitutional
responsibility of bringing to book violators of the law, no matter their political party bias or status. Thus Nigerians, as lovers of peace and democracy, have been very vociferous in calling on the security agencies to carry out their function, in order to save our democracy, which was greatly undermined by this coup and send a strong message to the society that no violation of the law will be allowed
to stand. Even in the midst of the allegations of invasion of the State House of Assembly and arrest of lawmakers against the DSS, without any iota of proof by the state government and the legislature as demanded by discerning and conscious Nigerians, who have become used to how the Ekiti State government has redefined the art of
governance to be the opposite of discipline, order, civilized conduct and responsibility. The latest allegation of death of one of the arrested lawmakers, which the Ekiti State government rushed to public with the sole aim of entrenching its agenda of intimidation, blackmail and calumny against the DSS has backfired, as the agency had produced alive the alleged dead lawmaker and further exposed the character
of Mr. Ayodele Fayose government as lacking in integrity, honour, decorum and respect for the sensibilities of Nigerians, whose symbol of authority as encapsulated in government has been ridiculed by this outright lies, falsehood, misinformation and campaign of calumny with the aim of incitement to cause a breach of public peace. We must all therefore, in the light of the recent developments, admonish Nigerians to remain ever vigilant and not allow themselves to be deceived by anti-democratic elements, who are ever determined to play on the people’s intelligence against constitutionally established institutions from carrying out their responsibility and thus escape justice for violations of the law. The Ekitigate, which is a coup against democracy must be investigated and prosecuted accordingly, no more, no less. •Nelson Ekujumi,
party lines also accepted the need for cooperation in order to solve the economic crisis. Fayose cannot buck the trend. And for the sake of the people of Ekiti state he should not attempt to do so for there is nothing to gain. Cooperation is needed to ensure the sort of accross-theboard economic stimulus vitally needed. On the contrary there is everything to lose for the people of Ekiti state. There is a time and a place for everything under the sun. These times require soberness, measured thinking, restrained words and action. It cannot be the time for childish theatricals. Governor Fayose really has to grow up and it is about time too.
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INTERVIEW
osun Defender Thursday, March 31, 2016
Fayose Will Not Finish His Tenure, Prophet Olagunju Insists To many people, Prophet Wale Olagunju, the Presiding Bishop of the Divine Seed of God Chapel, Sasa, Ibadan needs no introduction. His yearly prophecies and predictions are followed by Nigerians in all regions of the country. Recently, NIYI OLASINDE took him up on some of his 2016 predictions, especially those concerning Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, who the prophet insisted will not complete his tenure of office; and President MuhammaduBuhari, who he advised on steps to take concerning corruption, the Biafra issue and some others. Excerpts:
•Culled from Naij.com
OSDF: In your 2016 predictions, you said Buhari is not Nigeria’s messiah; now Nigerians are groaning, the Naira is falling, fuel is scarce, things are not going as they should. Is this how the country will continue? Prophet Olagunju: In my prophecies for 2015 and 2016 as revealed to me by the Living God, the Lord said He wants to use Buhari for a certain purpose and the purpose is to cleanse Nigeria and deal with the people that looted the nation’s treasury recklessly. He told me clearly that Buhari is not the messiah that will take Nigeria to the Promised Land. Now, if you look carefully, you will see that Buhari is being surrounded by some of the looters. Number two, Buhari’s hands are tied. Look at the National Assembly, he cannot rule like a military leader. He will just have to bow to the dictates of the National Assembly and apart from that, the PDP mercilessly looted the treasury causing problems for the country. So Buhari has found himself in a thick cloud; just like my prophecy in 2016 where I said I saw Buhari in thick darkness trying to bail Nigeria out. He will try his best; it is only a matter of time. Talking about the fuel scarcity, the Naira situation, Buhari cannot get there in a day and change things, it is not possible because majority of Nigerians are corrupt. He cannot salvage the country alone. That is the problem he is facing now. OSDF: You said God wants to use Buhari to cleanse the country, good. Buhari is fighting corruption, but members of the opposition have made allegations that even members of Buhari’s cabinet are corrupt. What would you say about this? Prophet Olagunju: The government says it wants to fight corruption. The people they are dealing with are very clever now. You cannot compare the corruption of 1983 to what we have presently. Corrupt people have advanced scientifically. I will also tell you that the current Attorney-General of the Federation is not capable, not all SANs are capable. When Femi Falana’s name came up, people felt well, this man will try. That was a mistake on the President’s part. Look at the economy, the current Finance Minister is just too young for that position, he should have appointed Soludo and have Pat Utomi as the Minister in charge of the Economy, and we would have had a very strong team to fight corruption. But as it is now, people are even wondering if the man can tackle corruption. The only way people of Nigeria believe his anti-corruption is genuine is for Buhari to probe all the past leaders anything other than this is selective, orally, I am speaking the mind of millions of Nigerians. Corruption is evil and even Nigerian Christians who are supposed to be praying to deal with the evil spirit have messed things up. So I don’t even know how the man can survive. They are refunding money and they are releasing them. Nigeria has a problem because if you steal another man’s property now, you can still go to court and get an injunction to bar the police from arresting you. That is exactly what is happening now. Those who looted the treasury are going to court and getting interlocutory injunctions to stop the police and DSS from arresting them. How can we solve the problem of corruption now? OSDF: Now that you have outlined the problems, how do you think they can be solved? Prophet Olagunju: There are two ways of dealing with corruption; physically and the spiritual aspect of it. Buhari is trying to fight corruption but what about the spiritual part? You cannot say it is PDP alone that is corrupt. What about the petrol marketers that are manipulating fuel prices and their pumps? What about those market women that bought oil and inflated the price? Corruption is at all levels. What about the lecturers in higher institutions that will say ‘you better undress or I will fail you?’ Is that not corruption? So we are talking about the spiritual aspect. Unfortunately, Nigerian bishops who should lead the war against corruption were supporting the government because their hands too had been soiled. OSDF:You once criticized Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor,
the Christian Association of Nigeria and its members. Why have you decided to set yourself apart from them? Prophet Olagunju:The Bible says thou shall not follow the multitude of people to commit evil. How they supported Jonathan was not the best for me. On May 29, 2011, when they were celebrating the inauguration, the Association of Nigerian Witches and Wizards came up that they should give them Sunday, which is the Lord’s Day; and give Saturday to the Christians. It was published in the papers. Oritsejafor was there, all the notable Nigerian bishops were there and they granted them that Sunday. That was the beginning. I started praying and that very night, the Lord revealed to me how they pushed out Jonathan from the Aso Rock Villa, they tore his clothes, tore the chair. Ever since that time, I have been telling them that this man (Jonathan) would not win. They started dividing the country along religious lines. You know Oritsejafor comes from the South-South. Bosun Emmanuel, who was outside the country too condemned the APC leadership, condemned Buhari. I said this is not the gospel of Christ. Why are you propagating a gospel different from that of our Lord Jesus Christ? When I discovered that Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor was the leader of the cabal that would push Jonathan to disgrace; I decided to set myself apart. I was close to Jonathan and his government. I predicted that surely, Yar’Adua would die. When that prophecy came, I was invited to come and pray for him. I discovered that while some people were praying for Yar’Adua, some Bishops were secretly anointing Jonathan as the President of Nigeria. I decided to steer clear because I didn’t want to involve myself in all that rubbish. The 2010 prophecy that Yar’Adua would die and that Jonathan would become President was my first contact with the Aso Rock Villa. They saw me as their man and since Jonathan is a Christian, I kept praying for him. But when I discovered that the way they were going was not the best for me, I withdrew and I started to separate myself and I kept warning Jonathan that these bishops would mislead him and push him into disgrace. I wrote many letters, I said it everywhere. They insulted me until they pushed him into disgrace. The problem is on ground now. Now Buhari should be able to see that there is division in Nigeria. There is crisis in Nigeria already. I expect him to set up a national reconciliation committee to bring the people together instead of arresting them. Buhari doesn’t need to arrest Kanu. It is a mistake on the part of the government to arrest that man. He should have called him and the Igbo people to ask them: ‘why do you want to leave Nigeria?’ You know this is a national issue; like if the Yoruba people want to go now, nobody can stop them. See how they are shedding innocent blood in Nigeria. I am very skeptical about this government. This is a government I laboured for. I prayed for seven months when I saw the way Jonathan was ruling
and the bishops were dividing the country with religious and ethnic sentiments. I decided to be praying for Buhari, I didn’t collect anything from anyone. I and like-minded pastors, we prayed for seven months that God should appoint a man after His own heart, so I decided to separate myself. OSDF:So you are not a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria? Prophet Olagunju:I am a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria but not that of Oristejafor because not until Oritsejafor leaves, the credibility of CAN can never be restored. The current CAN is too corrupt for my liking. Evidences abound. Were you not in Nigeria when Rotimi Amaechi accused them of collecting N6 billion? How then can I associate with corrupt leaders when the Bible tells me corruption is a sin? They are saying the President wants to impose somebody on CAN. They caused all these things. They have politicized CAN; that is why the Bishops in Nigeria are no more talking. What do they have to say now? When I was calling them to order that this thing is not right, they saw me as their number one enemy. They called me anti-Christian. OSDF:Around 2005, you prophesied that Buhari would be president. You seem to have a likeness for Buhari and the APC and you said you prayed for him for seven months. The pay must be very good. How much was involved sir? Prophet Olagunju: As the Lord Almighty liveth, I have never collected a kobo from APC leadership or General Buhari. OSDF:But your predictions favour them? Prophet Wale Olagunju: There is no doubt that my prophecy for 2015 favoured Buhari from A to Z. How do you want me to support Jonathan? I supported Jonathan originally without collecting anything and then the Association of Witches and Wizards came up and adopted Jonathan as their candidate. Are you saying I should go along with such a man? Jonathan is a son of witchcraft so you should not expect me to go along with him. He brought marabouts from Senegal to come and pray for his government. I am a pure Christian. Can you see the beginning of his problems now? Those bishops did not see anything wrong in all these things. They didn’t guide him when he was taking those steps. When I was praying, I said Lord, tell me your choice for Nigeria, let Your will be done. That is just the secret. It was then that the Lord began to reveal to me the next president in the person of Buhari. If God now says it is Buhari, are you saying I should support Jonathan? That is just the reason my prophecies and write ups favoured Buhari and APC. I didn’t collect anything from anybody and I am not supporting Buhari so as to Islamize Nigeria. It was purely based on what God revealed to me. That was why I stood my ground that Buhari would win that election. OSDF: A lot of people are not happy about the current situation in the country. Do you still pray for President Buhari? Prophet Olagunju: Lately, I have not been praying for him. The reason is this, I don’t want Nigerians to see me as Buhari prophet, and I discovered that Buhari is surrounded by cabal who did not wish his government well. I have decided to ‘siddon look’ (sit-down-and-look) and watch as other Nigerians are watching. And when I want to start praying, God will reveal some things to me, but I have been going to the mountain and coming back confirming the situation with God. The situation in Nigeria is getting worse. I discovered that when the PDP led by Jonathan was rounding off, they embezzled funds massively thereby •Continued on page 13
phototalk
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4TH And 5TH Convocation Ceremony Of Fountain University, Osogbo, State Of Osun, Last Monday.
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2016 Easter Service Last Sunday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI
•Alhaji Babatunde Badmus (TUNS) (right) and other dignitaries at the event.
8th Annual Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium In Abuja Last Tuesday.
•(L-R) Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the programme.
2016 Award of Excellence By Dynamic Reformers Group At Local Govt Service Commission Hall, Abere, State of Osun, Recently.
•A cross section of invited guests at the event.
•A cross section of Christians, worshipped at The Apostolic Church, NECO Area, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Sunday.
•A cross section of Choristers at Cfamic World Pillars Church, Agunbelewo, Osogbo.
Christians Celebrated Easter Monday Across Nigeria.
•Fun seekers at Magicland during the Easter celebration in Abuja last Monday.
•Another cross section of Fun seekers while celebrating Easter Monday in Lagos.
health
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osun Defender Thursday, March 31, 2016
The Many Benefits Of Garden Egg Garden Eggs Has Many Health Benefits. It Can Help You To Lose Weight As Well As Prevent Other Cardioclinic and Acupuncture center, Vascular Diseases.
P
EOPLE who want to lose weight can achieve it now by consuming plenty of garden eggs. According to Jummai Hassan, a nutritionist with Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, garden egg also known as eggplant “have low calorie, low sodium, low protein and is very high in dietary fibre and potassium. It’s a fruit that is classified under vegetables and anyone who really wants to lose weight should eat fresh garden egg. “When you take garden egg, it fills the tummy because of its fibre content which reduces the food you consume, thereby reducing the calories and body weight.” She said that the high fibre content in eggplant helps to reduce bad cholesterol in the body, thereby protecting the heart. According to her, garden eggs help to regulate the blood pressure and maintain and regulate the function of the heart. She said that because of the high fibre and low soluble carbohydrate content of the eggplant, it controls glucose absorption and reduces the risk of hypertension and is very low in calorie content, such that when a diabetic person consumes it, it suppresses the sugar level and brings the blood pressure down. She added that garden eggs have anti-ulcer remedy, which could be used as a treatment for ulcer while noting that they do not protect one from having ulcer but that the anti ulcer content in the fruit suppresses the ailment. Also, a study conducted by S. A. Igwe, Dora Akunyili and C. Ogbogu, published in the 2003 issue of the journal of Ethnopharmacology on ‘Effects of Garden Egg on some visual functions of visually active Igbos of Nigeria’, found out that eating plenty of garden egg can help lower eye pressure in persons with glaucoma. Garden eggs, could be eaten raw or cooked. The garden egg plant apart from being a source of vegetable also has numerous health benefits which are essential for the overall development of the human body. Its acceptability cuts across religious, tribal, cultural and ethnic groups in Nigeria, hence the wide usage of the garden egg plant. Garden egg fruit is beneficial and nourishing to the body because it is rich in vitamin which provides the body with both soluble vitamin and water soluble vitamins; they are rich in thiamine required for normal growth and proper functioning of the heart and nervous system and niacin needed for cellular respiration. Garden egg is one of the anti cancer fruit which has been used for over decades, to fight against cancer and other diseases. In Most African countries, this fruit is a highly valued delicacy and constituent of the African food. It also represents fertility and blessing and thus, common to find it served during wedding ceremonies in some communities across the African continent. For weight reduction,
garden egg is the perfect recipe for achieving weight loss within a short period of time because it is very low in calorie content. This is why experts are encouraging people that want to lose weight to eat
more of the fresh form, just as people that are told to protect their heart against cholesterol effects should make it their delight. Ndubuisi Nwakakwa, physician/consultant Acupuncturist at Green leaves
Ilasamaja, Lagos, said that garden egg has the power of reducing a high level of blood cholesterol level which is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart diseases. According to him when cooked in oil, it contains more than 300 calories due to absorption of extra fat. “Even though garden egg is generally said not to contain huge amount of protein and other nutrients, it is low in sodium and very rich in high dietary fibre, it is also high in potassium, a necessary salt that helps in maintaining the function of the heart and regulates blood pressure. Nwakakwa said that the benefits of garden egg to the human body are numerous.
Boost Your Health With Garden Egg - Health - Family Parliament Forum
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t is over a decade I ate garden egg stew. Without doubts in my mind, it is one of the healthiest stews ever made for me by my grandmother. Garden egg otherwise known as egg plant fruit has somewhat lost its place in the diet of Nigerians especially the younger generation. Grandma usually tells me that most times whatever is sweet to the mouth is poisonous to the stomach and whatever is bitter to the mouth provides a lot of advantages to our body. Clearly, this is the case for the lack of adequate patronage of this bitter tasting fruit particularly among the younger generations who prefer chocolates candies and other sugar coated products which is killing them slowly. Solanum melongena as it is botanically called is widely distributed in the temperate and tropical regions. In many west African countries, the fruit is known as bitter tomato and it is specifically grown for food, nutritional and medicinal purposes. The Health Benefits Of Garden Egg (Solanum melongena) Each day in my email box, I keep getting messages concerning “how to lose some fats”. This continues to surprise me as many of the senders are hoping to hear me say to them of certain nutraceuticals they need to buy that will take 20 pounds of fats off their bodies within 5 days,where as a potent food like garden egg does not only stare at them but is at there beck and call. It is good for weight loss Research carried out on laboratory
rats or mice both home and abroad with this fruit has corroborated the fact that it has the capacity to make humans lose weight due to its high fiber content and low calorie value. Without gainsaying, this is the perfect recipe for achieving weight loss within a reasonable short period of time. My advice is if you find the fruit difficult to chew in its natural form due to its bitter taste, you could make a sauce out of it. Trust me it tastes nice. Helps to relieve constipation & manage HBP The high fibre value has also been helpful in treating serious cases of constipation. Many constipated people who chew or include it into their diet are grateful to do so. With garden eggs loaded with potassium; an important electrolyte which is critical in maintaining body functions and regulating blood pressure, there is hope that cases of hypertension could be well managed and prevented.
Abundant in Important Vitamins and Minerals Asides containing high amount of potassium and dietary fibre, garden egg is a very good source of manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus. vitamin B6, folic acid, vitaminC, E and K among others. Phytonutrients such as nasunin, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids,saponins, and chlorogenic acid are also present in notable quantities. Surely, those who avoid this fruit are missing quite a lot. It should also be noted that thorough chewing of egg plants provides an opportunity for more of its nutrient to be released. The nutritional benefits of Garden eggs are numerous and cannot be totally enumerated.Benefits of Zobo
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osun Defender Thursday, March 31, 2016
JOB vacancies Recruitment Coordinator · Ogun, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sectors: Human Resources, Recruitment · Posted on Friday, February 26, 2016 · Reference: 138748 Job Details We are a fast growing recruitment organisation. We have been central to integrating recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) into the Nigerian market and are now maximising our potential for this industry by expanding our base across the country. We are currently recruiting to fill this position.Responsibilities · Assist with recruitment process and work closely with the Recruiters in making sure all procedures are followed and co-ordination of recruitment is fully covered and under control at all times. · Build and maintain relationships with agencies, external workers, HR and line managers · Working with the Resourcing Partners to ensure the job details in the client’s system are correct and completed. · Ensuring all the necessary approvals for the roles have been gained. · Managing candidate dispositions in the recruitment system. Candidate Requirements · Minimum of M.Sc in human resources. · At least 4 years relevant work experience · Excellent and professional written and verbal communication skills essential. · Prioritizing effectively is an essential skill. · Ability to work to tight deadlines is an essential skill. · Experience of working in a client/ customer care environment highly desirable. · Excellent team player. Must also be people orientated · Able to work autonomously · Organised and methodical with a strong attention to detail. · Interest in business issues and motivated to add commercial value · Able to provide an effective, professional and timely response to the candidates · Highly responsive with excellent ability to absorb information quickly · Confident with the ability to work well in a demanding environment. Apply before Tuesday, April 26, 2016 - 29 Days left …………end………………… Unit Manager · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Insurance · Posted by Hot Jobs on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 · Reference: 149142 Apply before Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 61 Days left Job Details Employer: Hot Jobs A leading player in the financial services sector of the Nigerian economy with subsidiaries and a network of branches requires the services of suitably qualified candidates to fill this position. Candidate Requirements · HND/B.Sc or its equivalent from a reputable institution. · Must have a minimum of 5 years direct marketing experience in Healthcare insurance · Self-motivated and result oriented. · Strong interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills. · Excellent written and verbal communication skills. · Able to take responsibility and demonstrate high level of integrity with all stake holders. Apply before Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 61 Days left ………………………..end……………………………. Technical Assistant (Eand I and Precommissioning) · Bayelsa, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Technical · Posted by Adexen on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 · Reference: 149140 Apply before Sunday, May 29, 2016 - 62 Days left Job Details Employer: Adexen Our client is an Engineering, Procurement, Installation, Construction, and Management (EPIC-M) Company, with an ISO 9001:2008 Certification. The company is a member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and Pipeline Professionals’ Association of Nigeria (PLAN). Job Description Reporting to the Manager, Precommissioning/Commissioning, the responsibilities for this role include but not limited to the following: · To administer Construction - E&l and Pre-commissioning document filing system. · To prepare Construction- E&l and Precommissioning database . · To Prepare Construction - E&l and Precommissioning work package document as required. · To support the department Quality improvement and general administration. Candidate Requirements · Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline. · Minimum 1 year experience in the oil & gas construction field. · Good knowledge in computer application. · Good coordination skill. · Document management skill would be advantage. · Proven qualified Fluent in English. Apply before Sunday, May 29, 2016 - 62 Days left ………………………end…………………………… Business Supervisor · Akwa Ibom, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Business Management · Posted by Hot Jobs on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 · Reference: 149136 Apply before Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 61 Days left Job Details Employer: Hot Jobs A leading player in the financial services sector of the Nigerian economy with subsidiaries and a network of branches requires the services of suitably qualified candidates to fill this position. Responsibilities · Responsible for overseeing and supervising a company’s activities and employees. · Keep workers aligned with the goals of the company. · Develop and implement budgets, prepare reports for senior management and ensure the department complies with company policies. · Assess the performance of the department or company against the business’s goals and plans. Candidate Requirements · HND/B.Sc or its equivalent from a reputable institution. · Minimum of 5 years marketing experience in general insurance. · Proficient in the use of MS office and basic underwriting skills. · Self-motivated and result oriented. · Strong interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills. · Excellent written and verbal communication skills. · Able to take responsibility and demonstrate high level of integrity with all stake holders. Apply before Saturday, May 28, 2016 - 61 Days left …………………………..end……………………… Senior Manager: Business Development (Healthcare Division) · Abuja, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sectors: Business Management, Management, Graduate · Posted by PPC Limited on Thursday, March 24, 2016 · Reference: 148429 Job Details Employer: PPC Limited With over 20 years track record of delivering turnkey engineering solutions across 5 business sectors - Telecommunications, Energy, Health, Transport and Building Management Systems, PPC (formerly Philips Projects Centre) is a Systems Engineering and Integration Company whose activities are primarily geared towards providing specialized integrated solutions. PPC started business in 1991 as Philips Projects Centre, an affiliate of Philips Electronics N.V. of the
Netherlands. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position: Overall Summary · Reporting to the GM (Medical Division) you would be responsible for the driving sales and marketing activities and increasing the patronage of all Medical Equipment sales and services in Central and Northern Nigeria. Responsibilities · To develop and implement effective growth strategies that would profitably increase the volume and value of product lines being sold and services being provided across Central and Northern Nigeria · To liaise with the OEMs (particularly Philips of Netherlands and Human of Germany) for technical and commercial information, pricing and training on all new products; · To make daily sales calls, promote these products in all privately and government owned healthcare facilities within the territory; · To liaise with and develop a strong working relationship at the State and Federal level with government officials secure the off take of Medical Equipment, particularly Radiology and Laboratory equipment. · To drive the commercial activities within this region - focusing on market development and product/service availability · Achieve budget and other financial goals. · Develop short and long-term plans to grow the medical equipment sales and service business. · Demonstrate successful execution of business strategies for company products and services. Candidate Requirements · Excellent interpersonal, communications, public speaking, and presentation skills. Fluent in Hausa. · Strong sales and marketing skills, experience and knowledge of related products in the medical industry - sales and servicing of medical equipment · Solid working knowledge of budgeting, sales, business development, and strategic planning. · Ability to generate respect and trust from staff and external constituencies. · At least 10 years of experience, with 5 in an management level position in a medical related Industry - Equipment sales and servicing. Direct Relationships: · Clients/ Clients representatives · Partners ( OEMs, Suppliers etc) · Medical Engineers/Business Development Staff · Project Managers · PPC’s Management Apply before Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 21 Days left ……………………………..end…………………………. Financial Adviser · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sectors: Accounting, Finance, Management, Graduate · Posted by Royal Exchange Plc on Thursday, March 24, 2016 · Reference: 148427 Job Details Employer: Royal Exchange Plc A leading player in the Financial/Insurance services industry with several subsidiaries, requires the services of qualified candidates to fill the vacant position: Job Description Successful candidates for the position of Financial Adviser will be trained to perform the following tasks: · Marketing life and general insurance products and services. · Rendering sound financial advice to clients. Candidate Requirements · B.Sc/HND in any discipline. Apply before Friday, April 22, 2016 - 30 Days left ………………………………….end………………………………. Senior Manager: Business Development (Healthcare Division) · Abuja, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sectors: Business Management, Management, Graduate · Posted by PPC Limited on Thursday, March 24, 2016 · Reference: 148429 Apply before Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 21 Days left Job Details Employer: PPC Limited With over 20 years track record of delivering turnkey engineering solutions across 5 business sectors - Telecommunications, Energy, Health, Transport and Building Management Systems, PPC (formerly Philips Projects Centre) is a Systems Engineering and Integration Company whose activities are primarily geared towards providing specialized integrated solutions. PPC started business in 1991 as Philips Projects Centre, an affiliate of Philips Electronics N.V. of the Netherlands. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position: Overall Summary · Reporting to the GM (Medical Division) you would be responsible for the driving sales and marketing activities and increasing the patronage of all Medical Equipment sales and services in Central and Northern Nigeria. Responsibilities · To develop and implement effective growth strategies that would profitably increase the volume and value of product lines being sold and services being provided across Central and Northern Nigeria · To liaise with the OEMs (particularly Philips of Netherlands and Human of Germany) for technical and commercial information, pricing and training on all new products; · To make daily sales calls, promote these products in all privately and government owned healthcare facilities within the territory; · To liaise with and develop a strong working relationship at the State and Federal level with government officials secure the off take of Medical Equipment, particularly Radiology and Laboratory equipment. · To drive the commercial activities within this region - focusing on market development and product/service availability · Achieve budget and other financial goals. · Develop short and long-term plans to grow the medical equipment sales and service business. · Demonstrate successful execution of business strategies for company products and services. Candidate Requirements · Excellent interpersonal, communications, public speaking, and presentation skills. Fluent in Hausa. · Strong sales and marketing skills, experience and knowledge of related products in the medical industry - sales and servicing of medical equipment · Solid working knowledge of budgeting, sales, business development, and strategic planning. · Ability to generate respect and trust from staff and external constituencies. · At least 10 years of experience, with 5 in an management level position in a medical related Industry - Equipment sales and servicing. Direct Relationships: · Clients/ Clients representatives · Partners ( OEMs, Suppliers etc) · Medical Engineers/Business Development Staff · Project Managers · PPC’s Management Apply before Wednesday, April 13, 2016 - 21 Days left
•Continued from page 7
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“Fayose Will Not Finish His Tenure”, Prophet Olagunju Insists •Continued from page 7 creating problems for Buhari. That is why Buhari is now finding it so difficult. What Nigerians ought to do is to be patient with the man, at least, a little bit. Though as revealed in my 2015 and 2016 prophecies, the man will try but he is not the messiah. When you say it seems I love Buhari, honestly speaking, I love him, he is disciplined and I believe he is a saving grace for Nigeria now because things are so bad. But the fact remains that Buhari ought to sit down instead of moving from one country to another while there is a Minister for External Affairs. He should study the situation because the people that put him there are hungry. He should do something. Even in the Bible, when Jesus Christ was preaching, he noticed that the people were hungry. He told them to sit down and he gave them something to eat. They were talking about change; I have not seen any change now. If the truth must be told, there is no change as far as I am concerned. OSDF: You said you are not presently praying for the president but when you look at 1 Timothy 2:1-2, it says prayer and supplication should be made for all men and for kings and all that are in authority that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty? Prophet Olagunju: I am not saying I am not going to pray for Buhari and Nigeria. If I have not been praying for Nigeria, I will not be receiving all these messages for them. I pray throughout the year. The moment I start praying the Lord will be revealing things. The fact is this, I did an advertorial, I gave him 14 points, and he has not implemented any of them. I said he should reverse the privatization. Look at the power situation; they are saying if they don’t increase the tariff, the country will be in darkness, it is wrong. Look at the fuel price, Jonathan put it at N 87, you now put it at N86.50, what about import duties? He should do something about all these things. He needs to do something so that people will not regret voting for him. Buhari has to talk less, pacify the people and if he decides not to do anything, they will be looking at him because 2019 is around the corner. OSDF: Was it you or someone else, who prophesied that Buhari may eventually be killed? If it happens, what do you think will become of Nigeria? Prophet Olagunju: I am not the one that prophesied that Buhari will be killed, it is Father Mbaka. My prophecy says Buhari should be very careful so what happened to General Murtala Muhammed should not happen to him. OSDF: But General Murtala Muhammed was killed. Prophet Olagunju: In my prophecy, I had to use common sense. I don’t want a situation where I will be scaring the President like Father Mbaka. That was why Mbaka found himself being criticized unnecessarily. We will pray that such a thing should not happen. That is just my prayer because in the present situation, Buhari is the only saving grace for this country. OSDF: You also predicted in 2013 that Nigeria will witness monumental corruption … Prophet Wale Olagunju: (cuts in) …is it not happening now? This is the type of corruption we have never witnessed before in the history of this country. In fact, I am surprised that Oritsejafor could support Jonathan and his government. I am even surprised that bishops supported that type of government that recklessly looted Nigeria’s treasury. They were telling us that God appointed Jonathan but how can God appoint a man who was so difficult. I am still wondering if we have bishops in Nigeria, if we have Christians
•Prophet Olagunju. in Nigeria. I am ashamed that was the type of government we supported. OSDF: What is the way out of this corruption now? Prophet Olagunju: It has become cancer of the blood. It is only God that can solve it. This corruption is in two forms: physical and spiritual. We the Christians are supposed to lead the war against corruption in this country. But in a situation where Christians and pastors were supporting this type of thing, what do you think God will do? The Lord God Almighty decided to support Buhari. God appointed Jonathan, a so-called Christian president, to rule Nigeria. I was expecting them to lead the war against corruption. Why Buhari now? If you look at Buhari, you will see that the President distanced himself from Nigerian Christian pastors because they have messed things up. The way forward now lies in the hands of God. The solution to Nigeria’s corruption is in the hands of God, not in the hands of Buhari. OSDF: You prayed and supported Buhari to become president despite calls then that he was going to Islamize the country. Governor Fayose has again claimed that Nigeria will be Islamized by Buhari. What is your take on this Islamization issue? Prophet Olagunju: The issue of Islamization is a very delicate one. Buhari made a mistake when Fayose said they were going to Islamize Nigeria. I expected the Federal Government to say something. At least, they ought to say no, we are not doing this thing. I am not boasting, in my lifetime, I don’t think anybody can Islamize Nigeria. Muslims may have that agenda but it cannot work. If anyone tries it, I will not hesitate to team up with likeminded Christians to call on God. It will never see the light of day. I stand to be quoted. We are not going to use guns because we serve a Living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel. What I am saying is that I am not going to support Buhari if he decides to Islamize Nigeria today; he will see Wale Olagunju in another colour, look at what Kaduna State Governor is doing now, presenting Anti-Christian bills to the State House of Assembly for approval, how can he curtail the rights of Nigerians Christians, our God is a consuming fire, I pity El-Rufai. No Christian will want to Christianize Nigeria but we preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We don’t force people to join our faith. How can someone force me to join Islam? That is out of it. If any Christian leader emerges today and tries to Christianize Nigeria, I will tell him to get out of this place. I will just give him seven weeks to leave the place or face the wrath of God. The issue has become a serious one; the government should come out to defend itself. OSDF:You also prophesied that Governor Ayo Fayose will not complete his tenure but today, he has spent a year and some months, he is waxing
stronger politically and has even become the face of the opposition. Do you still think he will be removed? Prophet Olagunju:As God Almighty liveth, I am not a card-carrying member of any party in Nigeria, they can crosscheck that through INEC and I will never be. The Lord revealed to me that he would face crisis; that was part of the prophecy you mentioned and the reason is this; he equated Jonathan with the Lord Jesus Christ. A curse had been placed upon him. When I was praying about a week ago, I discovered that a spell had been cast upon him again. OSDF:Yes, he faced crisis but he knows his way around. When they tried to impeach him, he blocked all entrances to the state capital and those who wanted to impeach him couldn’t enter the state. Prophet Olagunju: Let me tell you this, before Fayose came, the first thing that the Lord revealed to me in 2013, I saw Fayose at the Government House. I told Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua that I saw Fayose coming, Ekiti will face crisis. I told him to talk to his people; I met him about three times. So the problems Ekiti people are facing now, we should blame the CAN (defunct) leadership, the president and the elders. Olumilua is still living, there is evidence on ground. I talked to Chief Falusi, the Deputy Chairman, even the Chairman of Governor Fayemi’s ward, I told him, ‘look, this man will take over from you people. Speak to the governor’. He said the governor was working, the man will not leave. I spoke to Yemi Adaramodu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, I said; “this man will take over from you and Ekiti people will find themselves in another problem. All of them are living. They created the problem because of their I-don’t-care attitude. Now, this Buhari is too slow for my liking in the sense that this man had been insulting him ever before he became President; he had been placing death advertorial on him and insulting him at every campaign. Imagine he is insulting the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the generality of Nigerians. He is insulting everybody, including himself. In Yorubaland, we have a culture and our culture is centered around the Bible. We respect elders, so what is happening? It is a matter of time, you wait. He will not complete his term. I’ll say Buhari caused the problem. He gave him too much room to operate. OSDF: But Ekiti people like him. Prophet Wale Olagunju:That was before. They know what is happening now. It is the spell they cast on him that is making him behave like that. He will get out of the place. That is what God revealed to me. OSDF: In 2005, you predicted that Nigeria would break into five. You also said the person that would instigate the break up was outside the country
then. Has God showed you anything about the break-up lately? Prophet Olagunju: When you look at my 2016 prophecy, the Lord revealed to me that the breakup of Nigeria is imminent. I am not praying for Nigeria to break. It is not my wish but I stand by that prophecy. Everybody is claiming to be marginalized but selfishness and inordinate ambition will not allow our leaders to sit down to discuss the real issue. The other time, they were celebrating 100 years of incompatibility. What are they celebrating? In a marriage, if the wife says I want to go and the husband continues to refuse, she will kill him one day. If Buhari wants his government to be perfect, he should call the Igbos, sit them down and discuss the issue of Nigeria. OSDF: You used to have a programme on radio, but it has been off the air for some time now. What happened? Prophet Olagunju: It was due to financial constraints. I could no longer fund the programme. I am praying and by the special grace of God, I will get back on radio. I love giving out messages on radio. I pray God will raise sponsors for the programme. OSDF: Many people call you “Baba tikii we” (the prophet who doesn’t take his bath). That has been on for about fifteen years now. How do you manage and when are you likely to have your bath? Prophet Olagunju: It is not that I just sat down one day and decided that I will not take my bath. I heard the voice of God that said I should not have my bath for a certain period. He didn’t say for so and so years. You are right, it is fifteen years plus now and I am not feeling any odour, all glory to God. When the time comes that God will release me from it, the whole world will know. And if God says this is the way you will live for the rest of your life, to God be the glory. I know one thing, if God wants to make use of one person as a pastor or prophet or anything, a price must be attached to that calling. The Lord told Isaiah to walk naked for three years; no shoe, no pants, nothing, and he did so. Look at Hosea, God instructed him to go and marry a harlot, so I have been following the Bible very well. It is my view that if God wants to make use of somebody, a strong price is attached. So, I am paying a price. OSDF: How are your family members taking it? Prophet Olagunju: My wife and my family have no problem with me because we prayed together before this thing started. When I heard the voice, I told my wife, she too prayed. At first, I was skeptical so I asked her to pray along with me. When we discovered that it was the voice of God, we obeyed and God has been sustaining us. OSDF: How do you manage the family? Prophet Olagunju: That is the mystery of the Living God. In 2014, I had the opportunity of becoming very rich through Jonathan, based on my prophecy. They contacted me that I should send my account number and stuffs like that. They wanted to give me money to support the government. For about three months, they were contacting me, even those pastors that advised me to take it, I drove them away. Who knows maybe today, EFCC would have invited me that ‘Mr. Pastor, it is better you refund this money’. So, God has been helping me. I don’t see money as something special. When I need something, God raises people. I have decided to live a moderate life. OSDF: If you meet President Buhari one-on-one, what will you tell him? Prophet Olagunju: The advice I have has been published in my 2016 prophecy. But if I meet Buhari one-
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President Buhari Should Probe Police Over N600m For Dogs Grace Ketefe is the director of gender and legal aid at the Women Advocate Research and Documentation (WARDC), and in this exclusive interview with NAIJ.com’s Esther Odili, she bares her mind on the police’s recent purchase of foreign dogs for over N600 million. She also spoke on other sundry issues. Excerpts:
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ow do you see the recent report of the Nigerian police spending N600 million on the procurement of foreign dogs? The first thing that comes to mind is that this is a major contradiction to the government’s policy of looking inwards in this period of economic crisis. However, another question that comes to mind is that whether due processes were followed in acquiring those dogs in the recent years. If yes, then it means the purchases were done within the ambit of the law. From the report given by the IGP, Sololmon Arase, he stated that in the last few years. My question then is from what year to date. How many years and what quantity could sold for that amount. I see the money spent as excessive which was also collaborated in the statement of the IGP when he said ‘spending such a huge amount of money on the importation of dogs from foreign countries that rarely adapt to the country’s policing objective, is not sustainable in the face of the economic reality of Nigeria’. I however, feel that using N600 million to import 150 dogs at the rate of N4 million per day warrants a national probing of the police. Do you think it is necessary? I think the purchase of sniffer dogs is necessary in combating crime but not at the scandalous cost. Dogs are important in combating crime because of their intelligence, bravery and stamina. They are actively used for the detection of explosives or illegal drugs, narcotics. Modern policing requires sensitivity; and a dog’s nose is probably the most sensitive piece of equipment available. The nose of a trained sniffer dog is around 2000 times better than that of the human being. Dogs are able to detect smells even 10 years after. The reality on ground that is such dogs need adequate protections and care to function very well. The service of a veterinary doctors, daily feeding and housing are very important because of their kind of breed. Are the Nigerian dogs not good enough? The training of dogs to perform as a guard and watchdogs requires special skill only available to security intelligence professionals. I believe that our local dogs can also be trained in this regard. The police funds should have been used to develop local alternatives, like upgrading and developing local K9 unit of the Nigerian police. What would you have advised them do with such money? Security is important and it cannot be swept under the carpet. I feel it is important for both state and federal government to spend money on youth empowerment and employment initiatives this will reduce crime in our country. However, there is the need to develop the Nigerian criminal justice system which is currently in a bad state. Do you think it is true that they spent such an amount? I can’t say for certain whether such money was actually spent on the procurement of dogs. That was why I stated that it is important to
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follow due processes during procurement. Like I said before, the IGP stated that the summary of purchase made over the years. The IGP in his report stated that the money should be used for breeding such dogs in Nigeria. I also think that such money should also be spent on intelligence gathering, training of the police. With the state of our economy and the police still spend such amount on dogs. Do you think they are ready to carry out their duties effectively? believe there is a need to improve our accountability mechanism in this country. The police each year is expected to submit their annual expenditure, if the National Assembly had approved the such spending, it is important to monitor such spending to ensure judicious use of tax payers money. How would you define the operations of the police in the past and present? The police force is the primary law enforcement agency on Nigeria with a staff strength of about 371, 800. Several reports show that there are plans to increase the force to 650,000. Over the years there have been conscious efforts by various Inspector General of Police to rebuild the image of the police force and ensure professionalism amongst its member. Several reports also showed that “the police is “saddled with a large number of unqualified, under trained
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and ill-equipped officer and men many of whose sustainability to wear the respected uniform police is in doubt:” he government of Nigeria too has taken step to also improve the image of the police with the establishment of the Police Service Commission. The Commission is responsible for appointing, promoting and discipline member of the police. There is improvement in the modus oparandi of the police in the past as against the present. Our police have excelled and given awards outside the country. I would however state that there has been instances of lawlessness, extra judicial killings, torturing of citizen on the part of the police. Are you encouraged by the level of security in Nigeria? It is not encouraging but I would however state that there is improvement on the part of relevant stakeholder to improve security in our society. What do you think went wrong and how can it be fixed? I think there is a need to reevaluate our value system; the fact that our government had allowed impunity both on the part of our office holders and the “so called mighty”. Culled from NAIJ.com
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I Am Afraid, Says Buhari Owolabi Raps NFF Over Super Eagles Text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s remarks at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National ExF ecutive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, March 24, 2016.
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ROTOCOLS We are mem bers of the legacy party, plus APGA and DPP. We realized since 2005 that to remove the PDP from power, we must sink our differences, come together and form a party. God willing, that eventually happened and that is why we are where we are today, coming together inspite of our differences, both personal and ideological. We must not forget that. Having identified that as members of the legacy party, we again identified three fundamental things facing us. First, security, second, economy and unemployment and thirdly, corruption. We campaigned throughout the country on these three fundamental issues and nobody successfully challenged us and these issues remained relevant. On security, we have made progress. It was a very courageous decision that the party took and executed by the Executive by removing most of the military hierarchy and appointing those to take over from them, acquiring some new hard and soft ware and raising the morale of the military to go secure the rest of the country which was then 14 out of 774 local government. I have said it often that as far as I know and the service Chiefs who are on ground, they are not holding any local government. But they still have some capability especially on soft targets by using technology. For Niger Delta, the militants are sending some conflicting messages. Some have said they are ready to drop their arms and join the rest of the nation to build it. But part of them are still sabotaging installations which is making investments in that lucrative area of Nigeria difficult because nobody will submit his riches to financial institutions, get money only to suffer huge loss. So, the environment for investment is being sabotaged by our own selves, Nigerians. We are doing our best with the military by trying to persuade them to join the rest of the country because in unity lies our strength. Of course the leadership of INEC has been changed, but I appeal to the leadership of the military, security agents and INEC that what I want Nigerians to remember me for, even if I have to leave the Presidency tomorrow is that I respect them. I want all Nigerians to believe and hold their PVC as personal entitlement as Nigerians and use it the way the like, and vote for whoever they like at which ever election. If they voluntarily sold it, it is part of their right and so, let them sell it and remain at home and not participate in any election. But let the law enforcement agencies give them the confidence that nobody will come out who has money to hire thugs, give them drugs and stop them from exercising their fundamental right. I am afraid I did not succeed in the election in Kogi, Bayelsa, Rivers. I
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think that more Nigerians are killed or killed themselves in Rivers than in any particular state. At this stage of our political development, to remain brutal is shameful and as a government, I promise we will do something by the next general election. n the economy, the fall of oil prices after Nigeria has made itself a mono economy is a disaster. I wonder why people could not believe that in Nigeria, about 27 out of 36 states have difficulty in paying basic salaries of their workers. If from 1999 to at least 2003, oil is above 100 dollars per barrel and an export of about 2 million barrel per day, how come Nigeria failed to make some arrangement to cushion the effect of a probably volatile oil market? Again, it show failure of the last administration. But we are now to pick the pieces as an APC government and so, there is no need complaining, but let us concentrate and see how much we can do with whatever remains of the economy. We realized that agriculture and solid minerals are two areas that can quickly come to help us to recover economically, at least in terms of employment and feeding ourselves and more importantly, saving the hard currency to make sure that what is left our industries remain open, employing Nigerians and producing goods and services which is very important. The policy we are trying to implement is TSA. When we insist that we have to know what comes in and what goes out for us to make a comprehensive amendment to the economy. If you go and see the Central Bank Governor, he will tell you that in the TSA, we have more than N3 trillion. Where would this money have
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been if TSA was not in vogue? I was made to understand that vouchers would have quickly been raised towards the end of the financial year and checks made. Whether they are going into projects or private pockets, nobody can prove it to you. But that money is there, it is identified, if is quantified and when the budget comes back eventually, the Ministry of finance will see how to allocate it to the rest of the country. We have tried to make sure that NNPC is reorganized, so that we know how much of our crude is taken, how much it is sold and to which account the money is going. But I tell you that up to the time we came, if anybody told you that he knows how much of crude exchanges hands either on the high sea or reaching their destination and the accounts the money goes into, that person is not telling you the truth. We are getting the cooperation of countries that has received this crude. But we have to be sure of the facts in our hands before we start prosecution so that Nigerians will believe what we have been telling them. Again, I have to repeat myself here for you to appreciate what I am going through because you are closer to the people than myself. I was telling a British team that came to supervise the training team they sent, that when I was in uniform, you took the perceived corrupt ones and put them in safe custody and quietly told them they were guilty until they can prove themselves innocent. But now under multi-party democratic system, I see some of them ride Rolls Royce, some of them have built estates here, but they are innocent until we can prove them guilty. This situation is true and you don’t
need to stress your imagination to find out. If you can find out, you discover that a level eight officer has five houses, while you, as a Permanent Secretary or Commissioner is still living in a rented house. We have to get credible evidence to carry out successful prosecution and get judgement from the Judiciary. But effort is being made to give a list of recoveries in whatever currencies so far so that Nigerians will know that it is not all about long stories. For the party, I will like you to continue to make sacrifice. I know you are being harassed since the election that they haven’t seen anything on the ground. Well, if you have any explanation that could be accepted, is that you have three more years to go. When we came in after 16 years of PDP, each government had 42 ministries. We reduced them to 24, removed 21 Permanent Secretaries. We sat down and reflected seriously. We were all in the process of taking over at a time of national budget. So, imagine the volume of work and with what happened in the National Assembly, the padding, it would appear that below the Permanent Secretaries, there are still a lot of bureaucracies that are still with them. So, you have to appreciate the position we are in. aving cut 42 to 24, corre spondingly, the parastatals will be cut down to some size and realigned and the boards reconstituted. We gave a blanket order which we had to rescind when we said all boards are suspended or dissolved. We had to go back and lick our vomit in terms of university boards because we found out that according to their laws, they cannot choose Vice Chancellors unless the Boards seat down, interview prospective candidates who wants to be VCs. So, there is nothing wrong in saying sorry and going back on your decision. So, we said sorry and allow all the universities to continue with their boards. But for the rest, eventually, we will make it. So, please, try to bear with us as we reflect on where we found ourselves. For globetrotting, sometimes, you need to present your case on personal basis to your economic colleagues and neighbors. Nothing is better than personal touch and I believe that we are learning a lot and eventually, the nation will realize so, I don’t envy you on the harassment you are going through from your constituencies. Take it with a lot of determination and we will be all right, God willing.
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orm e r G r e e n E a g l e s w i n g e r , F e l i x Owolabi (MON), has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to always consider stability and future of the team before taking decision on who to employ as Super Eagles coach. Owolabi, made this statement to Osun Sports, as he lamented the Gabon 2017Defender AFCON the precarious situation q u a l i f i e r s , s t r e s s i n g of the Super Eagles in that instability in the coaching department
grossly affected the team. He explained that the employment of Sunday OlIseh as Eagles Coach led to the inclusion of certain players, who did not measure up to standard, while their zeal to perform made many
question their Inclusion in Super Eagles. Owolabi stated further that the team got it wrong from the moment it managed a draw away to Tanzania, pointing out that the result would have been better, had
osun Defender Thursday, March 31,
By OLUSEUN AJAYI-OBE Sports Reporter they handled Tanzania the same way they played against Egypt in Kaduna. The ex-shooting starts player said even though, they did not win against the Pharaohs, everyone felt that the players raised their game and were only unlucky not to have won. He categorically said that Super Eagles were better under Samson Siasia than Oliseh, who resigned at a very crucial time and put the country’s qualification for 2017 AFCON in jeopardy. “We struggle to prove our mettle in African football nowadays, because we have no
rolling plans for Super Eagles and other Nigerian teams. We are always reluctant to realise that sustaining an aura of excellence is more difficult than achieving excellence. There should be proper planning for our teams as other African teams see ours as the ones to beat”, Owolabi said.
‘Amoo Confident On Dream Team
C •Super Eagles in action.
Ex-Athletics Star Expresses Rio Olympics Worries
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ormer African athletics record holder, Ronke Akindele –Obanubi has declared that only miracle could see Nigeria perform better than she did at the London Olympics in 2012, when the country begins to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The erstwhile Nigeria at the end of the events. She particularly star athlete made this s t a t e m e n t i n I b a d a n expressed worries that while assessing Nigeria’s athletes morale seem to prospect at the Rio games, be down as they manage adding that preparation to train and maintain their is even poorer than it was top form while looking in 2012, when Nigeria forward to compete with came back with no medal the world’s bests during
the summer Olympics. Akindele-Obanubi also berated the country’s inability to hold a National Sports Festival since the 2012 edition in Lagos, stating that the situation would affect our athletes performances during the games. She said the festival would have enabled the athletes to be in top shape while putting them in real competition mood, with more athletes discovered and prepared to hoist
Barcelona Are No Longer Lionel Messi-Dependent - Jordi Cardoner
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arcelona vice president Jordi Cardoner said the team are no longer reliant on superstar Lionel Messi, but that does not mean the club have started to think about a post-Messi era. Having been the main Maradona at Napoli, focal point of Barcelona’s Barca had succeeded in attack for several years, ensuring their success over the past two seasons was not just based around t h e 2 8 - y e a r - o l d h a s one big player. formed a world-class “The Messiattacking triumvirate dependence is over,” with fellow South C a r d o n e r s a i d . American superstars “Barcelona have been Neymar and Luis Suarez. able to move on from This trio has seen Barca that, something which for reclaim their status as example did not happen the best team in the at Napoli with Diego world by winning the Armando Maradona. Champions League, La When Maradona left, Liga and Copa del Rey Napoli suffered a lot. Treble last season, and “We have the obligation Luis Enrique’s side look as directors that the day well-placed to repeat that Messi leaves, the team achievement this term. do not collapse. There T h e C a m p N o u was talk of the end of a o u t f i t ’ s “ s o c i a l ” V P cycle, but Luis Enrique told Argentina media innovated to reinvent group Clarin that, unlike the team and make Barca in the case of former more vertical. They said Argentina great Diego Neymar could not play
for Barca, and he does. They said Luis Suarez should not join as Barca played with a false No. 9, and nevertheless he does. We have managed an integration.” Asked if Barca were preparing for the day when they would be without the world’s best player, Cardoner said he did not think that could ever occur with Messi staying at the Camp Nou for a long time yet. “I do not believe that will happen,” he said. “Because Barca have an obligation for the best player in the world to be playing at Barcelona. And we will never not have the best player. Messi will be and already is the best player in football history and we are convinced he will be the only one of the greatest players to begin and end his career at the same club.”
the country’s flag at the Olympics. According to her, “most Nigeria athletes lack exposure as they don’t participate in international tournaments, this situation, coupled with the fact that we have missed two National sports festival editions now make me feel that we are not ready for the Olympics”. The commonwealth Silver medallist identified paucity of fund as a major threat to sports development and called for the need to see sports as an industry that needs funding to flourish and create more employments for Nigerians.
oach of Nigeria U-23 football team, Fatai Amoo has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to excel at the 2016 Olympics football Tournament in Rio, Brazil, as he declared that the team is gradually taking shape. A m o o m a d e t h i s opposition at a big stage, s t a t e m e n t w h i l e saying that the players s p e a k i n g w i t h o u r were so far living up to reporter on the chances expectations. of his team at the games, The U-23 team pointing out that things handler declined to are working for the mention any star player team according to plans, in the team and simply with players showing said that all the players enthusiasm and zeal have been doing well to once again show the as the team was taking world what Nigeria shape. He said the team is capable of doing in would be ready to take on the rest of the world football. The coach said the at the Rio games. “We are giving the friendly against Brazil players equal chance really helped the in the team, as we are players to rediscover interested in team, themselves and learn rather than individual new things on what p e r f o r m a n c e . T h e makes a team strong players appreciate this and bold to face any fact and are feeling free opposition. to express themselves Amoo also added that on the field he stated. the coaching crew had from the outset planned to build the team around quality players who are capable of standing any
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o say that election is another time for war in Nigeria is to say the obvious. The political class has always boasted that they can do anything to get to power. To them, power is the gateway to economic empowerment. That explains the violent nature of our politics. Developing countries are prone to political violence because of the simple facts that from time in memorial, politics has provided jobs and serves as gateway to quick wealth. Perhaps, that explains the inclusion of section 140 of 1999 Constitution, which ordered the President to declare his assets before taking the oath of office. Section 185 of the same Constitution demands that the governor and his deputy should declare their assets and liabilities. But the question is; how many governors and political office holders have declared their assets? That is why they fill their assets declaration form with deceit and absolute lies. Politics is said to be a continuation of war. But in the dimension of what we are witnessing here in Nigeria, it is indeed a season for blood-shedding. From the blood that was shed in the 1960s called operation” wetie”. The “Wild Wild West”, which was badly handled by the immature politicians. What they saw as Western Region affairs snowballed into a national crisis that claimed over 4 million lives during the Biafran civil war. Those who felt the 1965 general election was a task that they must win won the election but they could not stay alive to enjoy their victory. It was indeed a pyrrhic victory. The politicians were sacked and democracy was caged by the military for about 13 years over political instability and violent nature of our politics. The Second Republic politics was even worse, from Ibadan to Kaduna, to Ondo, it was all violence. The Fagbamigbes in Akure cannot forget about the 1983 general elections easily. The bread-winner, late Fagbamigbe, who was the major backer of Chief Akin Omoboriowo, paid the supreme price, when the mob came calling accusing the NPN and Omoboriowo of election rigging. Hundreds of lives were lost to the said election. Fagbemigbe was set ablaze together with his house. Several others were also killed or maimed in the violence that followed the mob action, which greeted the announcement of the challenger of Pa Adekunle Ajasin candidature. Omoboriowo ran helter skelter to escape from the people’s anger. The purported election rigging terminated the Second Republic. Sixteen years later, the macabre
By YOMI OBADITAN
gallows. It is the failure of the law enforcement agents to do their duties in apprehending and prosecuting offenders that has made the field wide for would-be perpetrators. How do we explain the recent re-run election in Rivers State that painted the land with the blood of the innocents? Rivers: The State of Blood iolence and bloody clashes in the Niger Delta Areas has dated back to the first Republic; when Isaac Boro and his freedom fighters confronted the Federal Government in a battle of liberation of the Niger Delta Area. The effrontery of carrying arms against the state marked the genesis of the violent nature of the region. The death of the 8 Ogonis and the summary execution of Ken Saro Wiwa and his colleagues turned that region into a theatre of war for years under General Sanni Abacha. The widows of the military prosecution of the said conflicts and the raping of innocent women by the military and the children that could not know who their fathers are numerous. Those born under the traumatic war of environmental degradation are now grown up and are angry with the way they came into the world unloved and uncatered for. The likely language such youths now comprehend is nothing but violence. And if the political class can pay their price, they are certainly ready for action. In 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) purportedly used these youths to achieve their political ends. But they failed to keep their bargains to the violent merchants. It was these let down by their leaders that gave birth to the Niger Delta Area militancy. However, President Musa Yar’Adua negotiated for the ceasefire and amnesty was granted to the repentant rebels; some are now foreign-trained pilots, engineers etc. But when President Goodluck Jonathan came into office, there was a missing link between what would have made for resocialisation and reorientation. It was the political elites from the area that benefited most, as well as exmilitants leaders, as they were paid in dollars for monitoring pipelines in the region. So, the pool of recruits by politicians for political thugs is always available. That is why each time there are elections, battle must be fought, not with hands but with AK47 rifles. From the 2015 general election campaign to the election day, thugs had their day. They killed, maimed and raped, as they were on their paymasters’ payroll. None was convicted till date.
Election: War For Power V And Selfishness
•INEC Chairman,
dance was back, although, the 1999 election was a bit fair, subsequent ones were off target. The worse came up in 2011, when it was alleged that Muhammadu Buhari was the one that provoked the violence, when he told his supporters that the election was rigged by the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Hundred of lives were lost. National Youth Service Corps members were sent to their early graves. The lamentation of the aggrieved and the tears they shed remain fresh till date. The compensations paid to the families of dead corps members were insulting in nature and quality. Since then, several other souls have been wasted to politics by politicians. The political elite refused to use their children for thuggery, instead, children of the common man are easily manipulated into doing their bidding. Poverty and lack of good education were responsible. In the North, a high number of hungry youths that are roaming the streets
serve as the catchment area for the politicians. The flamboyant former governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, was manhandled by these miscreants, suffered blood pressure and gave up the ghost shortly after he was admitted into hospital. s long as the murderers of late Chief Bola Ige are not found, the tragedy of a whole Attorney General of the Federation reportedly murdered in his bedroom, and are still walking free on our streets, it will continue to haunt his murderers. The humiliation Ige suffered at the Oni of Ife’s palace was nothing but a prelude to the violence that later consumed him. Marshall Harry and Funsho Williams were victims of the same malady. The world watch, with sad attention, each time we go into electoral battle. We have come to see the violence as inevitable. Ever since, violence has been part of our political process. How many of the perpetrators have been jailed or sent to the
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