Osun defender march 5, 2016 edition

www.osundefender.org saturday, March 5, 2016

That the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a recipient of one laurel after the other during this period of our national history is

TH E

Front Page Comment

6 TH

deservedly received two awards; one in Lagos as The Sun Newspaper ‘Man of the year’ and the other at the University of Abuja as a recipient of honourary doctorate degree.

These honours are coming as a recognition of Asiwaju’s positive roles in our national development so far. It’s highly commendable that givers of these honours

NEWS-

VOL. 11. NO.020

Asiwaju: Honours well deserved

no surprise. Given his contriutions to our democratic and national development he really deserves all this recognitions and even more.

Within a period of one week Asiwaju

M O ST - V I S I T E D

deemed it fit to give honour to whom it’s due. Of course the honours have been directed to the right quarter.For we are living in the era of sychophancy so much that a lot of awards these days are politically

motivated and directed to wrong quarters.

It’s correct to assert that the history of Nigeria democratisation project can never be complete without the mention of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. ...continue on pg5

N310m Vehicle Scandal, Sheriff Chairmanship:

Osun PDP In Disarray - See Story On Page 3

•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, (left), exchanging pleasantries with the Chairman, Commonwealth ITU Group (CIG), Dr Bashir Gwandu at Ibadan Airport last Wednesday.

We Must Work To Improve Our Education Sector - Osun Deputy Gov Ajalaye Of Ipetu-Ijesa Dies At 89

- See Story On Page 4

- See Story On Page 3

News

2

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

News

3

N310m Vehicle Scandal, Sheriff Chairman-

Underfunding, Bane Of Legislative Oversight Osun PDP In Disarray Functions - Osun Assembly M T By kazeem mohammed Also, Honourable Constituency regretted that all relevant W a s i u A d e b a y o legislative committees in ( O l o r u n d a ) ; a n d embers of the State of Osun House of discussion, the Speaker, financial autonomy.

Noting that despite the state parliament were B a b a t u n d e O l a t u n j i Assembly have identified poor funding H o n o u r a b l e N a j e e m Salaam, said oversight the paucity of funds, being underfunded. of the legislative arm of government as a among others, said, the He suggested that in major factor militating against effective oversight function of the state the Osun Assembly was oversight functions could h o u s e s o f a s s e m b l y doing a lot to ensure the face of the current functions by houses of assembly across Nigeria. economic realities, a only be more effective, if The lawmakers raised workshop for members would have been more that the activities of resolution should be funds are made available. the issues in Ijebu-jesa on on legislative practice effective, if the legislative the executive are well- passed by the assembly In his lecture titled: arm have been properly monitored and checked.

Tuesday at the second and procedure. t h a t t h e p a r l i a m e n t “Deepening Legislative f u n d e d a n d g i v e n T h e m e m b e r day of the training Leading the representing Ede North should be informed Oversight for Social on any release of fund beyond N1 million, for Peace and Democratic the Assembly to be aware C o n s o l i d a t i o n ” , D r Benjamin Aluko of the and monitor same.

T h e l a w m a k e r University of Ibadan regretted that the state said, it has come to a houses of assembly were point that legislative arm not being involved in of government should the release of funds they begin to look for bodies appropriated for.

H o n o u r a b l e that could give grant Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, for legislative oversight representing Obokun functions.

In seeking the grant, he Constituency, said if the said the parliament must oversight functions of the show seriousness and legislature are allowed courage to effectively to work effectively, it perform these functions would reduce corruption to serve the purpose of their representation. and inefficiency and According to him, e n c o u r a g e g o o d rather than relying on information provided governance.

According to him, if by MDAs, the legislature must establish its own there is effective oversight networks and use its function, the funding of independent machinery anti-graft agencies by the to get the desire results.

He also suggested that government would be legislative committees •President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd left), when he visite the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar recently. drastically reduced. of the house should engage the services of consultants and academia for the provision of technical support required to make law to promote By ismaeel uthman social peace and o f u n d e r s t a n d i n g , together. They will want economic progress. especially at this period, to put all manners of he Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan as a people to summon when the Yoruba nation structures on our way Ogunwusi, has described Afenifere as an the Aro and Odofin in our a p p e a r s s e r i o u s l y and spanners in the instrument for the actualization, promotion bellies, as Yoruba people, endangered. work.” in order to rebuild our “Kabiyesi, we want to and sustainability of peace and unity in Yorubaland. civilization as a people. prepare you for some of Oba Adeyeye urged will progress, if we can Fasoranti encouraged the challenges you may the monarch to continue confront in the good task the group to give priority love one another. to the progress of Yoruba In his address, the with the unity move, you have set for yourself, land, irrespective of National Chairman of saying: as the enemies of our “Rest assured of the i n d i v i d u a l p o l i t i c a l the Afenifere, Chief who have been cooperation of Afenifere nation, differences.

R e u b e n F a s o r a n t i , in your royal request happy in our disunity, T h e f r o n t l i n e assured the monarch of to forge a new spirit would not fold their hands and see us come traditional ruler stated the group’s readiness this during a courtesy to support any course visit by members of the that can promote unity to open up access roads they have demonstrated group to the palace of in Yoruba-land.

By kehinde ayantunji in about 50 communities, clear understanding of The Ooni in Ile-Ife, on Fasoranti in his he State of Osun Project Monitoring Committee with a view to improving the project and its benefit Tuesday. speech titled: “A Gift (OSPMC) on Monday and Tuesday inspected the the living standard of the to their communities.

Oba Ogunwusi, who to the Yoruba Race”, 225 kilometres Rural Access Mobility Projects people in the rural areas, Chairman of the Road expressed dissatisfaction described the recent over disunity among visit by Oba Ogunwusi (RAMP) roads construction projects in Iwo and Ilesa adding that among the Based Maintenance Gang, The Yoruba, urged the to prominent monarchs regions of the state. principles of the project Mr Muideen Wasiu, also T h e c o m m i t t e e government of Ogbeni is the participation of appreciated the gesture group to put the love of as a challenge to the Yoruba first in all their group, and a fruitful inspected nine major Rauf Aregbesola for the beneficiary communities of the state government programmes. move by the traditional roads in Iwo and six other construction of 225km through Community and other partnering He said: “Despite ruler. roads in Ilesa zone to rural roads in the state.

Road Maintenance Gang agencies and pledged how powerful and He said: “In the last ensure strict compliance He appreciated the to ensure longer life-span their commitment to the influential we are in few weeks, you have of the contractors to job support of the World of the road. maintenance of the roads.

Yoruba-land, we have stepped out of your specifications and assess The roads inspected Oriolowo disclosed allowed politicians to throne to pay epoch- t h e p r o g r e s s o n t h e Bank for the funding of b y the committee the rural road projects. that the size of the project cause disunity among making visits to your projects. included; Agoro, Aba Also speaking, Project is actually 500km of us. I am happy to meet brother Obas and in the T h e C h a i r m a n o f Coordinator, Engineer rural roads in the state Ayo, Akinleye, Isero, you today and I want to process, put an end to Ikonifin, Sade, Ile-Ogo, use this opportunity to historical animosities, t h e C o m m i t t e e a n d A d e l e r e O r i o l o w o , but RAMP is currently Ajagunlase, Dagbolu, Permanent Secretary explained that the project c o n s t r u c t i n g 2 2 5 k m Asa-Bode Osi, Ogbaagba appeal to you to leave age-long rivalries, petty politics aside and love disputes and perennial M i n i s t r y o f W o r k s , started in 2015 in the in the three senatorial and Ile-Ogbo in Iwo E n g i n e e r N u r u d e e n rural areas to enable districts. each other for the sake of conflicts. zone, while the tour took “You have practically Adeagbo, during the farmers have easy means progress of Yoruba-land.

The project coordinator the team to Isale-General, “I want you to go t o r n t h e w a l l s a n d inspection tour, expressed of transporting their farm however, commended Moro,Ooke-bode, Iluout and meet those that rekindle a ray of hope s a t i s f a c t i o n a t t h e products to urban areas. the maintenance groups O l o m o , O d o g b o , the long-sought offended you and settle for The roads, according to for their commitment to Igbowiwi among others unity of our people. level of work done so the dispute. I am very You have challenged us far and commended the Oriolowo, were designed the projects, adding that in Ilesa zone. sure that Yoruba-land

Ooni Charges Afenifere To Work For Yoruba Unity, Progress

T

OSPMC Inspects Rural Road Projects In Iwo, Ilesa

T

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

By by our reporter

he lingering N310million vehicles for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deal has further worsened the plight of the party in the State of Osun.

It would be recalled that relentlessly to have the the former PDP Acting injunction vacated.

National Chairman, It was while the vehicle Prince Uche Secondus, s c a n d a l w a s r a g i n g is being detained by the that the controversial Economic and Financial issue of PDP National C r i m e s C o m m i s s i o n Chairmanship of Senator (EFCC) over the N310 Ali Modu Sheriff, joined million vehicles given to the fray. the party chief.

OSUN DEFENDER OSUN DEFENDER authoritatively learnt reliably gathered that t h a t S e n a t o r S h e r i f f since the revelation of the spent not less than N1 vehicle scandal, which billion to prosecute his some top notchers of the chairmanship ambition, PDP are said to be part of of which members of the beneficiaries, things the National Executive have never been the same Committee of the party for the party again. were heavily settled.

Information showed It was further learnt that accusing fingers are from sources close to the being pointed at members national secretariat of the of National Executive party in Abuja that apart Committee (NEC) of the from pecuniary benefit of party from the state, who the PDP-NEC members were said to be alleged in the Senator Sheriff beneficiaries of the car chairmanship ambition, scandal. there is an agreement It would be recalled between the National that the party’s National Chairman and the PDPSecretary, Professor Wale NEC for the chairman to Oladipo, and the State elongate their tenure in Chairman of the party, office.

Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, are It was also gathered the statutory members of that some PDP members the PDP-NEC from Osun. had sworn to avenge It was also learnt that deliberate starvation of Professor Oladipo has not both governorship and responded to the EFCC presidential elections by invitation in this regard, some stakeholders of the while he has obtained party in Osun. a court injunction OSUN DEFENDER restraining the anti- learnt that some of the graft commission from P D P m e m b e r s a n d arresting him. The EFCC chieftains were unhappy i s h o w e v e r w o r k i n g and surprised that some

of the leaders of the party were not after election winning but what they would gain monetarily.

A chieftain of the party, who craved for his name not to be mentioned, said: “My friend, all is not

T

he State of Osun House of Assembly has assured Osun Produce Association of favourable resolution on complaints arising from government policies on revenue generation drive, with a view to alleviating its negative impact on their businesses.

C h a i r m a n , H o u s e Lowo Adebiyi to suspend Committee o n further action, pending Agriculture and Food the resolution of issues Security, Honourable at stake.

Gbadebo Abdullahi, In their separate gave the assurance while submissions on behalf responding to complaints of the Association, the by members of the State Chairman, Chief Raheem Produce Association, Adeniji and the Secretary, who came to register C h i e f A d e w o y i n , their displeasure over informed the House on increased levies on cocoa the hardship being faced transactions, which they by produce buyers, who considered arbitrary. are members, as well as While emphasising the exporters, which they need for members of the said would have direct association to be ready negative impact on the to make sacrifice, due farmers. to the economic realities They cited the increase of the country, he said, in fee for registration steps would be taken to of stores from N7000 to ensure that they are not N15,000, registration for overburdened. exporters from N25,000 The House, through to N100,000 and recently the committee chairman, to N150,000; the dry also ordered the task port registration from force headed by Elder N25,000 to N500,000, as

By kehinde ayantunji

the party, while the party is in tartars? After the elections, which we lost in the state, some of our leaders are now richer.

Some of the hotels, houses and cars of states symbol are all what they have to show for the lost elections. Is it not strange?

“It will not be an overstatement to say that

members of the party in this state are disenchanted because of open show of opulence by our uncaring leaders. Simply put, our party is in disarray in Osun.

“As it is today, it is not a credible alternative to the ruling APC in this state. It is nauseating. Our leaders are only looking for what to grab in the party”.

•Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (right) paid a visit to the hospital where his senior driver was receiving treatment after he had a car accident on his way to Lagos an official duty recently.

Ajalaye Of Ipetu-Ijesa Dies At 89

By kehinde ayantunji he Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government, State of Osun, Oba Adekunle Baderin, Afinbiokin III, has joined his ancestors.

He died at the age of 89 on Tuesday.

Oba Baderin spent 40 Aregbesola, on Tuesday, years on the throne, as announced the death of he was installed in 1976. the monarch, who he G o v e r n o r R a u f described as a bridge builder and peace-loving in a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon. well as harassment of Ipetu Ijesa Traditionalcocoa buyers between Council had on Tuesday neighbouring towns. morning intimated the All these, he said, governor on the passage w e r e i m p e d i n g t h e of the monarch in a letter smooth running of their signed by High Chiefs businesses.

Lesanmi Ogunrotimi T h e a s s o c i a t i o n (Odofin), Ilesanmi implored the House to Samuel (Aro) and Ayo wade into the matter, Olayinka, the Risa of saying, not the buyers Ipetu-Ijesa. and the farmers alone The governor said Oba would be affected, but the Afinbiokin’s passage will objective of generating leave a noticeable gap in more revenue by the the town and the state. government might be “We regret to announce defeated in the long run. t h e p a s s a g e o f t h e In his remark through monarch of Ipetu-Ijesa; his deputy, the Speaker, a referred monarch, we H o n o u r a b l e N a j e e m certainly feel the sudden Salaam, appreciated the initiative of the departure of our dear association in the way Afinbiokin.

“On behalf of the they approached the House for resolution of government and people complaints, saying they of Osun, we commiserate have actually lived up with the family of the late to their status as elders king, the people of IpetuIjesa and the entire state. in the society.

H e p l e d g e d t h a t We wish the departed the matter would be soul peaceful rest with deliberated upon at the Lord,” the statement a larger forum of the said.

Meanwhile, the House, with a view to discussing with relevant National President of authorities for amicable Federation of Ipetu-Ijesa

T

Osun Assembly Assures Produce Buyers Of Resolution To Help Their Business By kazeem mohammed

well with our party in Osun. Is this how to play opposition? Our leaders are simply greedy. They are not after winning of election but rather, what they stand to gain from it.

“Is it not worrisome that some of our leaders

have been living fat on

Clubs and Associations, (FICA), Chief Tunji Oluwatayo, has described the death as a great loss to IpetuIjesa and the entire Ijesa community.

Oluwatayo, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, said the late monarch was forwardlooking and has brought honour and dignity to the traditional stool with unprecedented development during his reign.

According to him: “The monarch was so passionate about the progress of the community and individual development, he was so concerned about all indigenes of Ipetu-Ijesa home and abroad. In fact, he was a model of peace and unity.”

Oluwatayo said, the monarch facilitated the commencement of IpetuIjesa Day celebration in 1992, which has become a forum to unite all sons and daughters of the town for the development of the community.

Also, a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon MBO Ibraheem, who hails from the community, described the monarch as the “bedrock of modern Ipetu-Ijesa,” adding that major social amenities sprang up during his reign.

He said: “The late Oba Baderin was a blessing to Ipetu-Ijesa.

The community has a General Hospital, modern central mosque, modern churches, modern town hall and facilitated the establishment of Air Force Base. There is no way you will write the development history of Ipetu-Ijesa that it will not revolve around Oba Baderin.

The Aro of Ipetu-Ijesa, High Chief Ilesanmi Samuel, said, the monarch will continue to be remembered in the Ipetu-Ijesa Traditional Council, describing him as a loving monarch who always stood by the community at critical periods.

Afinbiokin was 49

I, formerly known and addressed as Micheal toyin adegoke, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs. toyin isaac. All former documents remain valid. NYSC should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as miss komolafe rachael toyin, now wish to be known and addressed as mrs. abraham rachael toyin.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC should take note.

Change Of Name

Change Of Name

4

News

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

We Must Work To Improve Our Education Sector - Osun Deputy Gov S By shina abubakar pupils of public schools. the issues of education The speakers then would further plunge the agreed that issues of sector into chaos. education must be dealt with without political sentiment, saying allowing p olitics to influence judgment in

takeholders in the education sector in the education sector. towards ensuring that State of Osun have been urged to separate politics T h e y a l l a g r e e d its investment in the from education, in a bid to ensure a better future that the stakeholders sector does not amount for the youths in the state. must cooperate with to waste by encouraging The call was made by the state government the state government indiscipline among the the Deputy Governor of would not allow some the state, Otunba (Mrs) few undisciplined pupils Grace Laoye-Tomori, distort its developmental w h i l e m e e t i n g w i t h programmes in the sector stakeholders from five and therefore, called on local government council parents and guardians areas of the state in t o e n sur e t h at t h e ir continuous stakeholders’ wards comply with the seminar on the need to rules and regulations of improve the sector’s schools or be expelled.

She reiterated that performance.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e schools would no longer deputy governor, the allow the use of mobile various stakeholders phones and other devices must not politicize the in the school premises, issues of socio-vices neither would it condone among pupils of public i m p r o p e r d r e s s i n g , s c h o o l s i n t h e s t a t e saying pupils that break and must all see the the set rules would face need to cooperate with disciplinary actions.

In their different government in its bid to c o ntributions, improve the standard, as well as ensure discipline r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s o f participants from the among the students.

She said, the current five local government administration in the c o u n c i l s o f B o r i p e , state is investing huge Boluwaduro, Obokun, sums of money into the Oriade commended the sector and is determined state government for its •Wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo (right) in handshake with wife of the Turkey President, Emine to ensure improvement investment in the sector Erdogan, during her visit to State House, Abuja, last Tuesday. i n t h e s t a n d a r d o f and a vision of a better education by ensuring that discipline is instilled in schools across the state.

Ministry of Information, loopholes.

She added that the By kazeem mohammed Home Affairs, Culture According to him, the cies. mock examinations Oyintiloye who comhe State of Osun House of Assembly has said and Tourism and the paucity of fund in the introduced by the state mended the station in that the services of externally auditors would be OSBC. state and Nigeria as a government have come to employed to look into the financial transactions He said, there is the whole has demanded the promotion of govstay in the system, saying parents and guardians of the State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC). need to look into the that all hands must be ernment policies and programmes, said a lot must ensure that their C h a i r m a n , H o u s e Oyintiloye stated this on details of the Internal- on deck to ensure that of more efforts must be children improve in their Committee on Informa- Thursday at the commit- ly Generated Revenue the government has more made to improve the academic activities. tion and Strategy, Hon- tee’s meeting with the (IGR) and expenditure resources to finance its level of IGR in the corA c c o r d i n g t o h e r , ourable Olatunbosun management of the state to block all the perceived programmes and poli- poration.

He also assured that the Assembly would do everything possible to assist the corporation in tackling the factor militating against its perforone of the leading events mance.

Addressing the manin Africa, where business, he Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi agement of the Ministry government and ideas’ of Information, OyintiOsibajo and the National Leader of the All examine and review Other speakers and people meet. loye challenged the ofProgressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola the socio economic panelists are Alhaji “Chaired by a Tinubu, will join other prominent Nigerians, as all is challenges that Nigeria K a s h i m S h e t t i n a , senior Editor from The ficials to do more in the set for this year’s edition of The Economist Event’s is facing in view of Governor, Borno State, Economist, the summit area of grassroot mobilisation.

Nigeria Summit. her first democratic Nigeria; Franklin Cudjoe, will explore the economic organised by the events’ This, he said, would go power transfer and the Founding President and and social progress made a long way to allow the Philip Walker, the arm of the international implication of the global Chief Executive Officer, to date and take an in- people at the grassroot Regional Manager s o c i o e c o n o m i c macro-economic forces IMANI; Philip Lindop, depth look at what the know more about the o f T h e E c o n o m i s t news magazine, The as being shaped by the Head of Africa Investment future will hold for activities of government Intelligence Unit, Miguel Economist. ridiculously low global Banking, Barclays Africa Africa’s biggest economy to improve their lots.

Melo Azevedo, Head The two-day summit, Also speaking, a memoil prices which is the G r o u p , F o l a L a o y e , of Investment Banking, themed: “The Dawn of A “This year’s Nigeria mainstay of the Nigerian Chairman, Hygeia Group. S u m m i t w i l l b r i n g ber of the committee, A f r i c a , C i t i G r o u p New Day” is scheduled The list also includes: t o g e t h e r o v e r 3 5 0 Honourable Kamardeen economy. among others will also t o t a k e p l a c e a t t h e A l h a j i U m a r u T a n k o p a r t i c i p a n t s d r a w n Akanbi said the governOther guests line-up at the same event on Intercontinental Hotel, ment need aggressive and speakers’ list include: Al Makura, Governor, from different walks of publicity at the grassroot Monday, March 7 and Lagos.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; life including Nigeria’s level to enlighten the Tuesday March 8, 2016, According to the P r e s i d e n t , D a n g o t e C h i e f W i l l i e O b i a n o , p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e people about the efforts join eminent Nigerian organizers, the event Group of Companies; Governor, Anambra State, sectors, international of government, especialbusinessmen and top will feature exhibitions, Danladi Verheijen, Chief Nigeria, Issam Darwish, business players and ly at this critical period. government officials experts’ submissions, The Permament SecExecutive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman investors for a discussion from around the world, to p a n e l d i s c u s s i o n s M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r , & Chief Executive Officer, on how Nigeria can turn retary of the Ministry, review Nigeria’s current b u s i n e s s l e a d e r s , a s Verod; Herbert Wigwe, IHS Towers; Adebola its economic growth Alhaja Adejoke Bello economic situation and well as representatives and the OSBC DirectorChief Executive Officer, Williams, Co-Founder, into social and political General, Prince Soji Fadeprovide an overview of the Nigerian civil Access Bank, Nigeria; RED among others are p r o s p e r i t y , ” D a n i e l han said more ingenious of the global macro- society; together with Okechukwu Enelamah, also billed to speak at the F r a n k l i n , E x e c u t i v e ways would be introduce economic picture, talking international investors, Minister of Industry, summit. through the growth e c o n o m i s t s a n d Director of The Economist to improve the system.

Trade and Investment, Now in its 11th year, the disclosed. prospects for Nigeria academics to discuss N i g e r i a , J o n a t h a n Nigeria Summit is part of and the region. and debate Nigeria’s Rosenthal, Africa Editor, The Economist’s successful This will be taking economic direction. high-growth markets The Economist. place at the 11th Annual “The event will also series that has become Nigeria Summit being

Osun Assembly To Audit OSBC Finance

T

Osinbajo, Tinubu, Dangote, Others To Speak At The Economist’s Summit T

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

5

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

Asiwaju: Honours well deserved

....continued from pg1

Tinubu, who was there to defend democracy even in the face of fierce military dictatorship - as epitomised by the Abacha era - has also been around to fight for the deepening of the country’s democracy since 1999 that Nigeria embraced democracy.

the role he has been playing so far during this civilian era, subscribers to the truth will agree with us that Asiwaju really deserves all this laurels. He is a consistent democrat, a dogged fighter for good governance and defender of democratic norms.

Of course no mind that is truth-disposed will dispute our position here.

Except those who may be suffering from amnesia, the role Asiwaju Tinubu played in our collective effort at ensuring the return of democracy to our fatherland was no minute. We can all recollect his unwavering disposition at the level of NADECO (National Democratic Coalition) with respect to the clamour for the de-annulment of the June 12 1993 presidential election won by late chief M.K.O Abiola of blessed memory. No doubt chunk of the credit for the democracy we are enjoying today goes to the Bola Tinubus of this world.

As a leader of opposition Asiwaju played that role admirably well. For him it was constructive criticism throughout and consistently putting the PDP government on its toes without exhibiting any PHD (Pull Him Down) traits in his approach.

Well versed in democratic praxis and as a man who, for years, was exposed to the ideal role of opposition in the advanced American democracy, Asiwaju Tinubu positioned himself well as leader of opposition in our national politics and succeeded in his quest to providing a better alternative to the PDP’s misrule.

And like we unmistakably stated above the role Asiwaju has been playing ever since the advent of democracy in 1999; in terms of sustaining our democratic gains and deepening its process, couldn’t still in any way be seen as minute. For the mind that will not be afraid to call a spade its name Asiwaju’s appearance on our political landscape has brought a lot of positive development to our democracy. When we view his role during the de-militarisation struggle and

With the success of the opposition in dislodging the sitting government in the last presidential election, an unprecedented happening in our democratic experience, Asiwaju Tinubu has opened the eyes of the people to the imperative of opposition politics in a democracy as we have been made to know that a virile opposition is germane to democratic growth. Indisputably without Asiwaju it would have been difficult for Muhammadu Buhari to be president today. Thus a lot of credit goes

Why Is Legislature Not Oversighting Effec-

O

ne factor that has continually mitigated against good governance in Nigeria today has always been the inability of the legislative arms of government at the local, state and national levels to effectively perform their oversight functions.

Unless we are deceiving ourselves, legislature, being the first arm of government, has performed below expectation, most especially in the area of oversight functions.

If the appropriate legislative committees in the National Assembly and state assemblies have been effective enough in their oversight functions over the activities of the executive and necessary sanctions

are imposed against them when they err, the level of corruption, inefficiency and low productivity would not have been as serious as it is today.

For instance, we have Committees on Defence in both the

Senate and the House of Representatives, ye t , t he y ha v e no t been able to expose the Dasukigate that has been unveiling serious fraudulent deals in the purchase of arms to fight insurgency and other security challenges.

It is very unfortunate

that some people have such wicked courage to hide somewhere and corner the resources of this nation that were appropriated for and meant to save lives, yet, people were dying.

It is also saddening that the arm of

government that appropriated the funds also kept quiet, until a new leader came and the cat was let out of the bag. The failure of the National Assembly to discover this fraud calls to question, its capacity to discharge its duty.

It is important for the legislative arm of government at all

levels to buck le up and strengthen their oversight function mechanism to ensure that the purpose of their representation is served.

It will not be out of place to consider the lack of funding of legislature as the bane of their major functions, which is oversight. This has always been the excuse of the parliament.

In my own view, the parliament has the power supported by the Constitution to make things better by looking outside the box and develop alternative means of harnessing resources justifiably to ensure effective oversight function.

• Abimbola Adebayo, Erin Osun, Irepodun Local Government.

to Asiwaju for the success of the main opposition party, APC, in the last election.

What’s more? Asiwaju as a leader has impacted on the lives of many positively. He has brought so many people up politically especially in the southwest here which is his regional constituency. Many who have attained high political posts today owe their positions to Asiwaju’s political generosity. In fact, to say that his political magnanimity is unparalleled in contemporary Nigerian politics is really not disputable.

For a leader who has contributed so much to the country’s democratic development Asiwaju deserves more laurels as we fervently believe that our heroes must be appreciated and celebrated while they are still alive.

Failure to recognise them while they are alive only for us to start rolling out the drums when they pass on, is doing disservice not only to their memory but to humanity at large. It’s for this reason that we appreciate The Sun Newspaper and the University of Abuja for deeming it fit to honour this icon. Kudos to these institutions!

Congratulations to Asiwaju…!

OSUN DEFENDER

Publisher – Moremi Publishing

House Ltd. Managing Editor – Kola Olabisi

(0803-392-7286) Editor

–

Kayode Agbaje

(0803-388-0205)

Lagos Editor

– Kola Odepeju

– Pet-Kola Taiwo Ibitowa

Production Editor

Senior Reporter Senior Reporter

(08023191891)

– Sola Jacobs – Kazeem Mohammed

Magazine Editor

– Niyi Olasinde

Reporter Reporter

– Kehinde Ayantunji – Francis Ezediuno

Photographer Photographer

– –

Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager

–

Murtala Agboola

Computer Operator – Computer Operator –

Saheed Afolabi Mary Akintola Assistant Computer Operator – Lukman Oseni

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

All correspondence to the above mail address.

ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com

6

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

5

10

advert

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

SECURITY

How To Eradicate Cultism In Nigeria’s Higher

7

By ALBERT BLESSING BETTTY

ne of the greatest social crimes committed in all the institutions of higher learning in the country as of today is cultism.

It is a social crime, which is very rampant in universities, Colleges of Education and Polytechnics all over the country.

It is a social menace, which is not restricted to only the institutions of higher learning but that which is a common phenomenon that characterises the entire society; the secondary schools are not left behind. Cultic activities are sometimes laden with blood.

It may be the blood of an animal or that of human beings. There have been reports that during initiation rites or during rival group clashes within the university setting, blood flows during which many lives are lost in the process.

There are various secret cults now in our institutions of higher learning. They are called different names, depending on the institution. There are those cults mostly meant for male students, while there are some, mostly for the female students.

These various cults are usually in conflicts with one another, during which many of their lives, including those of the innocent non-members, are lost. This chapter is set out to examine the causes, types and consequences of cultic activities in the Nigerian institutions of higher learning and to suggest ways of eradicating them.

O

CULTISM: The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defined cult as a small group of people, who have extreme religious beliefs and who are not part of any established religion.

SECRET CULT:

•Some suspected cult members..

•Some of the LASU suspected cultists after their arrest.

A secret cult can simply be defined as an enclosed organized association or group devoted to the same cause. It is an enclosed group, having an exclusive sacred ideology and a series of rites centering around their sacred symbols. Secret cult is a terminology coined by a former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, between 1983 -1984. Before this period, these gangs had always been referred to as fraternities. The members of the cult, commit themselves to oath and allegiance, which served as their strong bond.

These groups of people are always violent when defending their course.

SECRET SOCIETIES: Secret societies, also known as a close association, guilds, and cult groups with closed membership.

These societies are ‘fraternities’ established by a conjunction of purposeful intentions, with a view to achieving specific ends.

They are branded ‘secret’ partly because only few people with a special knowledge or interest can understand them. Societies make use of particular rituals, signs, symbols and forms of knowledge, which are withheld from noninitiates and these things, are regarded as a special source of power, though being kept private.

There are many secret cults in Nigeria and they are not restricted

to any particular place in the country. They are found among the various ethnic groups. They have been in existence since the precolonial period in Nigeria. Some of them have now been reformed into three groups: Religious secret societies, Semi-religious secret societies and Anti-social secret societies.

Cultism is a social crime and the activities of cultists are sometimes laden with blood. Through the cultist’s activities, many lives have been lost, many people maimed and many students have been rusticated. There is the urgent need to put an end to it. Some people have openly declared that cultism is as worse as armed robbery. So, in order to curb it, there should be: A definite legislation that will give jail term to anybody found guilty of cult activities in the campuses.

Moral education should be made compulsory in the primary and secondary schools in the country.

Cultism and its consequences should be treated in the General Studies courses in all tertiary institutions in the country.

Parents should take time to understand their children, give enough time to listen to them at home and satisfy their emotional, psychological and physical needs.

Parents should watch the friends their wards are keeping in the institutions and take time to watch any misbehavior put up by their wards and correct such immediately.

Aggressive campaigns and serious war against cultism in all tertiary institutions should be

8

phototalk

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari Host His Counterpart From Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan, At State House, Abuja, Last Tuesday.

9

phototalk

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Inspecting Ongoing Osogbo High School Building Project, Last Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (left) in a discussion with the Site Engineer, Mr Musibau Kazeem (2nd left) and Site Supervisor, Mr Baynam Tilmaz (right), during the visit.

•President Mohammadu Buhari (right) in a handshake with Turkey President, Tayyip Erdogan (left).

•Some of the workers at the site hailing Governor Aregbesola during the inspection tour.

•Ongoing Multipurpose Hall project at Osogbo High School.

•President Erdogan (right) in a handshake with Minister of Work, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), while President Buhari (2nd right) and other Ministers watch.

•President Erdogan inspecting the guard of honour during his visit.

•Governor Aregbesola playing basket ball during his inspection tour to Osogbo High School.

10

health

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

Benefits Of Cocoyam (Colocasia ocoyam Root and tuber crops are well known for their high nutrition contents.

Quite many of them offer high nutritional benefits that can help bridge the gaps and balance certain dietary requirements.

Among these beneficial root and tuber crops is the cocoyam.

Cocoyam possesses high nutritional values when compared with others like cassava and yam, with substantial vitamin, mineral and proteinous contents.

As a relatively well known staple crop in the underdeveloped and developing countries, it can serve as a weaning food and its own leaves are sometimes used as vegetable for cooking.

Cocoyam belongs to the family of Araceae and some species include Xanthosoma sagittifolium, taro, Alocasia, tannia, Amorphophallus and Colocasia esculenta.

It is an aroid because it is grown mainly for its edible corms, however their leaves can also be used for both medicinal and culinary purposes.

This root crop is originally from the tropical and sub-tropical countries and studies reveal that it is among the the least studied root plants.

It is mostly cultivated in countries like Nigeria, Asia, Pacific Island, Ghana and Japan due to its high importance.

It produces two edible parts namely the corms (tuber) and the leaves of which the corms contain approximately 25% starch and eaten mainly as thickeners, purees or whole. Cocoyam is a great source of dietary fibre and starch that can generate energy to the body. Surveys report that cocoyam production has tremendously increased from 1990s till present and this number is expected to increase more.

The highest proportion of cocoyam production is recorded in Africa with minority from Asia and the least proportion from the Caribbean. Cocoyam is usually available throughout the year with other similar staple root crops such as yam, potato and cassava.

Cocoyams are characterized by corms, stems and leaves, however they are differentiated in leaf attachment as some species have their leaves emerging near the centre while others have their stalks attached Like any other crops and plants, cocoyam is susceptible to pesticidal attacks and the common pests include slugs that attacks the corms thereby providing entry points for micro-organisms attack. Moreover the pesticidal attacks can cause the corms to start decaying two weeks after

11

OPINION

Striking Workers: An Appeal To Sheathe The t is an anathema for folks of sound mind to accidentally get entrapped in incidental quagmire and still choose to remain in same.

Most of the time, errors are not envisaged. It is however a call for mockery, if despondency forces a man to submit to fate. No sane person prays for problem; but human beings live daily to proffer solutions one way or the other to problems, which evolve due to human quest to break into the world unknown to as to record new fit through voyage of discovery.

Unless we will remain dummies and be content to be so referred, human beings must continue to take risks capable of differentiating them from mere animals that live by mere intuition and run into errors many times without recourse to precautionary measures capable of averting constant recurrence.

There is no where we travel to in Nigeria today that we don’t see pockets of people discussing one way or the other about the seeming misfortune that has befallen the nation. Those who know next to nothing about economic paradigm are even quick to suggest solutions to problems that suddenly plunged us in economic doldrums. If you ask me, I will tell you that nobody should be blamed for trying to make for repository of ideas and solutions. After all, the proverbial ailment that is plaguing our compatriot ‘Aboyade’ has assumed an epidemic level, affecting all of us. Notwithstanding the fact that some bear the brunt more than others, all must feel concerned that we are at a critical crossroad, which ordinarily no one bargained for. That is exactly what is playing out that we have all turned problem solvers in our own right.

The free-fall of our local currency of late just worsened the already-aggravated economic woes. All goods and services depreciated in values; so much so that the remnants of compassion left in individuals evaporated suddenly because of this natural tendency to want to get living fulfilment derivable from survival imperatives. Everybody (except for the affluent few that can maintain average survival balance) now looks out for opportunities to avail self of what nature can bring. Joints efforts in supplication and equitable disposition appear to be working in some instance, but parochial consciousness is forcing people’s attentions away from such remedial exploit. When

By adeolu gbotemi

I

C

harvest. Cocoyams can also suffer from post harvest losses due to mechanical damage as well as microbial attacks on the corms during storage. Insecticidal and microbial attacks of cocoyams can be prevented by the use of bactericides, insecticides, diseasefree planting materials, fungicides and proper cultivation methods.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF COCOYAM ocoyam contains starch, C which makes them an excellent source of carbohydrate.

It contains dietary fibre and higher protein contents than majority of the tropical root crops. It also contains thiamine, calcium, niacin, manganese, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, copper and riboflavin. Consuming nutrients-packed food like cocoyam is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system, which helps our body to make use of protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients in the food we eat.

Dietary fiber maintains a healthier digestive process and helps in the easy passage of stool.

BENEFITS OF COCOYAMS Cocoyam can be consumed in different ways through roasting, cooking, frying, baking, pounding and milling etc. Cocoyams can also be processed into various food products used for industrial and culinary purposes. Africans usually blend cocoyam and use it as a thickener for baking and cooking soups such as oha soup and bitter leaf soup etc. It can also be cooked as porridge and the leaves can be used for cooking soups.

PURCHASING GUIDE 1. Inspect the corm thoroughly to make sure that the corms are firm and that you are satisfied wholesomely.

2. It is a right claim that the softness of the corm whether in part or whole is a clear sign that the cocoyam is damaged.

3. Press the corm right round to ensure that the firmness is unquestionable.

4. Ensure that you buy cocoyam that is devoid of cracks and physical wounds as much as you can.

REFERENCES .

Braide W. and Nwaoguikpe 1 R. N. (2011), Production of ethanol from cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), International Journal of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Vol. 3(3), pp. 64-65.

2. Eleazu C. O., Iroaganachi

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

M., and Eleazu K. C. (2013) Ameliorative Potentials of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L.) and Unripe Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) on the Relative Tissue Weights of StreptozotocinInduced Diabetic Rats, Journal of Diabetes Research, pp.1-4.

3. Enwelu I. A, Asogwa N. P, Nwalieji H. U and Ezeano C. I (2014), Assessment of Constraints to Cocoyam Consumption in Selected Communities of Enugu State, Nigeria, International Journal of Research in Applied Natural and Social Sciences, Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp.31-32.

4. Nwufo M. I. and Fajola A. O. (1998), Production of Amylolytic Enzyme in culture by Source: blogs.biomedcentral. com

“A lot has been said about what led to the current sorry state of our economy; it is therefore needful that we move on so that precious time is not spent again on needless rationalization. Let us assume that the government of the day actually made some mistakes in being over ambitious in projects execution, as being peddled in some quarters, we just have to put accusation and counteraccusation behind us, so that we can get out of our sorry state. We must all take it that we are responsible for all woes that currently betide us. If for instance the civil servants have not colluded with politicians in the last two decades or less, if the artisans have been paying taxes as and when due, and the money is being spent by successive governments to fix our dilapidated infrastructure; the situation would not have been this worse.” we say Nigeria is sick, it is all fragments of it that are sick. We tend to behave as if Nigeria as an entity is uniquely independent of other component units. Whereas the reality is that if we say Nigeria is sick, it is the unstable state of the component units that affect their amalgam. For Nigeria to be healed therefore, solutions must be proffered to the issues of soundness that is suspect in the federating units. This is where the issues under scrutiny directly affect our own State of Osun; our own Jerusalem in urgent need of healing elixir.

I saw from one The Punch publications of the penultimate week how the State of Osun got the least disposable income accruing from monthly allocation from the seat of power in Abuja.

People may be quick in asking for how we got there through sentimental viewpoints that often colour our objectivity. All the blames are always dropped at the doorstep of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, because people assume that he must have the magic wand that would transform our state from the present pathetic situation like he did in Lagos in his capacity as the then Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.

This is also not unconnected with the myth that Rauf has a magic wand that is capable of proffering

solutions to all problems.

The earlier we allow reality to dawn on us, the better, so that we may all look inward to develop home-grown solutions to our problems. Ogbeni Aregbesola may indeed (as most of us believe) possess the quality to fashion a way out of the gridlock that we all have found ourselves in, the fact that he can do little or nothing; given our current situation without our collective determination to tame the tide is to say the obvious.

I look at the aggressive approach to impetus of tax payment; I develop some pessimism about the extent the efforts would go.

Foremost, the economy of the state that is still tied to the apron of liquidity available in the government-paid jobs still puts a question mark on the extent to which the state government can realize its objective in this regard. ll the ongoing projects at A varying degree of completion cannot be abandoned because of the funds already sunk into them. If it does happen (God forbid) that the ongoing projects are left uncompleted, the situation will get worse by the day, such that some of the roads that have been opened up will deteriorate so badly that before long, they will prove impassable and it will continually become a reference point that Osogbo, the state capital, is worse;

albeit fallaciously than the way Aregbesola met it.

Some income-generating organs need serious rejuvenation to be more alive to their responsibilities.

We have reached a point in our state history when we all have to regard ourselves as stakeholders.

Self defence at this point in time must just be pocketed for now.

Two wrongs never make a right.

So, all those on strike presently must endeavour to resume work immediately, while those contemplating such action should also bury the idea because no fund comes from anywhere now.

We need to aggressively step up actions on internally generated revenue that will augment the meagre allocation coming from the seat of power in Abuja in the face of dwindling oil revenue. lot has been said about A what led to the current sorry state of our economy; it is therefore needful that we move on so that precious time is not spent again on needless rationalization.

Let us assume that the government of the day actually made some mistakes in being over ambitious in projects execution, as being peddled in some quarters, we just have to put accusation and counter-accusation behind us, so that we can get out of our sorry state. We must all take it that we are responsible for all woes that currently betide us. If for instance the civil servants have not colluded with politicians in the last two decades or less, if the artisans have been paying taxes as and when due, and the money is being spent by successive governments to fix our dilapidated infrastructure; the situation would not have been this worse.

When everyone fulfils his\her obligations towards government, it will be possible for people themselves to serve as watchdogs to government in ensuring that available fund is judiciously spend. People will be able to ask questions on issues that need clarification. When mutual trust is built, such that we all see ourselves as partners in progress, it will be possible for people in government to realize that they are answerable to the electorate that gave them

editorial from other newspaperS

12

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

Fiscal Responsibility Law: Holding NNPC To

R

eports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has not been auditing its accounts duly may not come as a surprise to keen followers of the cagey manner the affairs of the national oil company have been run over the years. But what should not be overlooked from now on is the need to be more serious about the enthronement of transparency and culture of accountability in public office just to discourage other agencies from going the way of the state-owned enterprise.

For many years, the corporation has been at loggerheads with the National Assembly over issues bordering on financial accountability and transparency. The immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, even bluntly refused to appear before the lawmakers when summoned over allegations that she spent over N10 billion to fly in private jets. To legitimise her action, she successfully obtained a court injunction to restrain the National Assembly from questioning her.

It was, therefore, not surprising that, recently, top officials of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, at a meeting with their NNPC counterparts, challenged the latter for not presenting its audited account to the commission since 2010, in violation of section 23 (3) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

The provisions of that section say, “Each corporation shall, not later than three months after the end of its financial year, cause to be prepared and published its audited financial reports in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed from time to time.”

Given the sensitive role of the NNPC as the agency warehousing the country’s oil and gas resources, this is an infraction that should not be overlooked. Significantly, according to the acting Chairman, Victor Murako, this blatant show of impunity took place despite

several reminders from the FRC. Such an attitude naturally suggests an attempt to cover things up. This has been confirmed by periodic reports of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, one of which exposed in June last year, an outstanding $19.1 billion that the NNPC failed to remit to the Federation Account. NEITI indicted the NNPC for defaults by oil companies in the payment of royalties and the refusal to remit to the Federation Account $11.6 billion paid by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company.

Many have questioned this cloak of opaqueness in the NNPC operations. Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Lamido Sanusi,

and Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai had, at different times, called for a thorough investigation of the national oil behemoth. While the former raised the alarm about the huge sums of unremitted money, the latter called for its outright replacement with another entity with different sets of aims and objectives.

El-Rufai, in his lamentation, said, “Only God knows the amount of damage their (NNPC’s) actions have inflicted on Nigeria.”

But is the NNPC turning over a new leaf? The spokesperson for the corporation, Ohi Alegbe, thinks so. He says, “Before, nobody could even say what our books were like, whether we were operating at a loss or at a profit. It’s a new NNPC. We want to be as transparent as

•Alison-Madueke

REPORTERS NEEDGraduates with flair for writing are required to work in a newspaper organisation.

They must be resident in the State of Osun and be ready to work with minimum supervision.

A cognate experience is an added advantage.

QualificationS: 1. HND 2. BA 3. BSC

The Managing Editor, Osun Defender Newspaper, Promise Point Building, Opposite GTBank, Gbongan Road, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.

possible.”

Truly, the Ibe Kachikwuled management has signalled a change of course, but the rot is very deep. Previous corrupt federal administrations gave executive cover for the defiance of the NNPC. The period under consideration falls, in the main, within that time when the price of crude oil, Nigeria’s main foreign exchange earner and chief source of revenue, was going for more than $100 per barrel, compared to the current rate of about $36 per barrel. Nigeria made so much money, yet it is difficult to see what was done with it.

A thorough investigation into why accounts were not audited and submitted as required by law would give an insight into part of what happened to Nigeria’s oil resources. The FRA was put in place to, among other things, “provide for the prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensure long-term macro-economic stability of the national economy, secure greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations within the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework…”

The agency is not unique to Nigeria.

Indeed, it has been employed by countries such as Brazil (Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2000) and India (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2003) to instill financial discipline into the conduct of public officials.

According to the Brookings Institution, a Washington DC-based think tank, the fiscal situations of Brazil’s states have improved since the enactment of the law.

As The Economist, a Londonbased weekly publication, wrote on October 18, 2013, Brazil’s Fiscal Responsibility Law “is generally regarded as having been an essential precondition for Brazil’s subsequent economic stabilisation and growth, including keeping inflation under control, gaining investment-grade status, rescuing tens of millions from dire poverty and creating a vast new lower-middle class.”

It is not only embarrassing but unthinkable that the FRC allowed such a serial abuse of the due process to linger unchecked. The relevant sections of the law establishing the commission empowers it to “compel any person or government institution to disclose information relating to public revenues and expenditure.”

That same law also empowers the FRC to investigate “whether any person has violated any provisions of this Act.” Upon a satisfactory investigation and conviction that the law has been violated, the commission is required to “forward a report of the investigation to the Attorney General of the Federation for the possible prosecution” of that person or institution. Rather than wallow in lamentation, this is the time for the commission to initiate a process to ensure that those who blatantly violated the law are brought to justice.

•Culled from The Punch

13

opinion

Osun Defender Saturday, February 6,

Reflections On The Biafra Agitations As Political NELSON EKUJUMI e c e ntly , t h e N i g e r i a n political space has been jolted by the Biafra agitations in the South East, which has culminated in streets protests by supporters and members of the group, calling for the establishment of the sovereign State of Biafra and IPOB, who according to sources, are protesting the continued detention of one Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in the custody of the Nigerian government, due to his inability to fulfil the conditions of his bail, as set by the courts, as well the alleged marginalization of the South East in the political arrangement of the Nigerian state.

That this renewed protest for the State of Biafra in the South East is coming up vigorously just some few months of the assumption into office of a new administration in which majority of the people of the region and their

R

political elites campaigned vigorously and voted against on the basis of ethnicity and religion, speaks volume about the motive of the sponsors of this streets protests.

A confirmation that the renewed protest for Biafra is akin to the Biblical; the hands of Esau but the voice of Jacob, and a manifestation of the hypocrisy of the political elite, who keeps mum when their economic interest is preserved, but exploits the ignorance and poverty of the masses when they are no longer in the centre of action, was exposed by the recent media interview of a former governor of old Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, when in justifying the Biafra agitations, he said of President Muhammadu Buhari, “”He is pushing the Igbo out of Nigeria by his actions, (The Sun Newspaper, November 11, 2015).

In the above quoted interview, Dr. Ezeife, embarked on a campaign

of blackmail and calumny against President Buhari’s administration as marginalizing the Igbos, barely six months in office, when in actual fact, we all know that this supposed elder “statesman” is being economical with the truth, just because his unbridled access to our commonwealth, which he and his ilk enjoyed endlessly under the immediate-past administration of lawlessness and impunity ended with the exit of the Jonathan Presidency at the polls. he cries of marginalization by the ethnic nationalities has become a recurring decimal in the Nigeria political state since time memorial if we all recollect the agitations of the Ogonis, as encapsulated in the Ogoni Bill of Rights, the Zango Kataf crisis, the Tiv and Junkun crisis, the South South agitations, as encapsulated in the Kaiama declaration, the Yorubas, the Middle Belt, etc.

Unfortunately, while the calls for the resolution of the national question

T

phototalk

Progressives Women Forum Meeting

is very germane, one must use this medium to admonish the youths in the South East not to allow themselves to be abused by political elites to settle personal political scores, rather than serving national interest. They must purge themselves of the planted mindset of hatred against other nations in Nigeria on the basis of ethnicity and religion. It is character and integrity that defines a man and not where he comes from or the colour of his skin or his religious faith.

The renewed agitation in the South East is part of a larger plot by some political elites who lost out of the equation as a result of the 2015 general elections outcomes, where the people’s will prevailed, but are now masquerading as fighting for the rights of the people who matter to them, only to be abused and exploited for feathering personal interest at the expense of national interest.

The ongoing scenario in the South East was what Afenifere Akure, a Yoruba socio-cultural group planned to do with the youths of the South West, by using the recent kidnap of elder statesman and member of the group, Chief Olu Falae, as a decoy but unfortunately for them, their plan collapsed with the early and safe return of Chief Olu Falae, contrary to expectations and thus, they had to resort to the irresponsible and unconstitutional call for ban of Fulani herdsmen from the South West, just to actualize their agenda of sowing ethnic discord and causing societal upheaval for the Buhari administration, which is now being fully implemented in the South East. n as much as one recognizes the right of people to protest, which is a fundamental right, which should not be abridged by the government, no matter the circumstances, but one must admonish the protesters and their sponsors that this right must be observed within the confines of the law and not abused to infringe on the rights of others and threaten national security through provocative statements, burning of Nigeria’s flag, hoisting of Biafra flag on Nigeria’s territory, assault and destruction of lives and properties.

As the evil plot of political vendetta by enemies of peace, democracy and our country comes to the fore, one can only admonish the security agencies to live up to their constitutional responsibility by unmasking the sponsors and making them face the consequences of their action according to the Constitution.

Equally, one would like to urge the government to make use of every available means of communication to engage with the people and social institutions all over the country on what the government is doing and intends to do to make life meaningful for the ordinary citizens, who have been economically, politically and socially traumatized by the mismanagement and misrule of the economy by our political rulers. This will go a long way in disabusing and educating our teeming youths who are victims and willing tools of societal destruction.

The mass of our youths who are being exploited and misguided by selfish political elites for the political vendetta of Biafra protests in the South East is a sad reminder of the state of unemployment in the country as a whole and not only in the South East, thus, this should serve as a wakeup call to the government to frontally tackle the menace of unemployment, in order to avert the time bomb that this menace portends for our society.

I

•The Exco of Progressives Women Forum during their state meeting at Ola Oni Centre, Osogbo, co-ordinated by Mrs Olusola Adeoye a.k.a. Califonia and Mrs. Temilade Ajayi as secretary recently.

Pastor Dedicates Twins

•Pastor and Mrs Samuel Olufemi (middle) at a thanksgiving service when they brought their newly-born twins to Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Parish, Tinumola Estate, Osogbo recently for dedication. Left is the pastor’s mother carrying one of the twins while his sister is seated right, carrying the other twin-baby, on the occasion.

14

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Mid Level Female Accountants Company: Edu Umechukwu & Co. (Chartered Accountants) Location(s): • Lagos Specialization: • Finance / Accounting Industry: • Ecommerce / Retail / Wholesales Application Deadline: 11 March, 2016 Job Type Fulltime JOB DETAILS Our client, sole representative for manufacturers of global brand of electronic and household appliances with an office in Victoria Island Lagos, requires for immediate employment: Two (2) mid level Female Accountants Minimum qualification is OND in Accounting ICAN ATS qualification is required Masterly of Microsoft office, especially Excel Knowledge of any Accounting software QuickBooks etc Knowledge of Financial Reporting principles and practice Office Location is Victoria Island Lagos Required: Interested candidates should call Mr. Chinedu (08033022381) and visit www. ngcareers to forward their resume via the apply button on or before, 11th of March, 2016.

JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 3 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: • Accounting DESIRED SKILLS: • Accounting Processes • Accounting Principles • Account Reconciliation OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Preferred candidates should be residing in the areas close to Victoria Island Surulere, Yaba, Orile, Apapa, Obalende, and the environs. Minimum remuneration for a month is N50, 000. Other benefits also apply. Candidates would be interviewed and tested on the use of excel. .........................

Business Development Associate Company: Property Owners Group Location(s): • Lagos Towns:”Lekki Specialization: • Sales/ Marketing / Bus. Dev. Industry: • Food Services / Hospitality / Hotels • Engineering / Construction / Real Estate Application Deadline: 30 April, 2016 Job Type Fulltime Salary ¦ 800,000 - ¦ 8,000,000 JOB DETAILS Business development scouting for new clients both corporate (institutions) and individuals Setting sales monthly, quarterly and monthly targets Prospecting for new business with a strategic mindset Managing relationships with new clients, existing clients, and exploring additional opportunities for revenue Keeping up to date with market place trends, documenting them & making use of business intelligence Progress reporting to Director and attending meetings as scheduled Researching relevant information needed for business development and growth Posting ads on classified web sites and responding in a timely manner to inquiries Ensuring that units being managed are constantly being occupied Assisting with other tasks as may be needed/required by the director JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 0 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: • Economics DESIRED SKILLS: • Analytical • Communication • Excel • Leadership • Problem Solving • Sales skills OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university Previous experience of at least 2 years in sales, business development & customer service is an asset Track record of setting sales/revenue targets and meeting them Motivated individual with an interest in hospitality, real estate, entrepreneurial and self driven Problem solver, analytical and good communicator - Ability to learn and adapt quickly, sociable and hospitable Willing and able to drive Studied Engineering, Math or Economics 1st Class or 2nd Class Upper - Covenant University, Landmark University, Redeemers University, OAU, UNILAG 26 Years old and less.

Visit www.ngcareers.com to apply.

DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS .........................

Marketer Company: Jubo Diagnostics Location(s): • Lagos Towns:”Ikotun Specialization: • Medical/ Health Industry: • Healthcare / Nutrition Application Deadline: 31 March, 2016 Job Type Fulltime Salary ¦ 720,000 - ¦ 840,000 JOB DETAILS Developing new marketing strategies is an important part of the role.

Plan, develop and implement a comprehensive and innovative marketing plan.

Monitoring competitor activity.

Map out potential customers and generate leads for the organization Would manage and control the relationship between services and your target audience.

JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 1 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: • Business • Laboratory Technology • Marketing • Medical Lab Science and Tech DESIRED SKILLS: • Brand Marketing and Strategy • Business Awareness • Communication and presentation skill. • Diagnostics • Good communication OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of BSc/OND and in any related field Minimum of 1-3 years experience Must have a good negotiating and interpersonal skills.

Good communication skills.

Experience in a health related company or laboratory is an added advantage Must have a passion for marketing A Goal Getter and result oriented Should have very good knowledge of Ikotun, Igando and Isheri environs.

Visit www.ngcareers.com to apply .............

Sales And Marketing Executives Company: Dogan’s Sugar Limited Location(s): Specialization: • Sales/ Marketing / Bus. Dev. Industry: • Manufacturing / Production Application Deadline: 15 March, 2016 Job Type Fulltime JOB DETAILS A manufacturing concern based in Lagos is keen to engage the services of experienced professionals as Sales and Marketing Executives for various areas in the country. Candidates must have a good first degree in the relevant course. He/she must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in sales and marketing within the coverage area. She/he must be fluent in English and the relevant local language spoken in the coverage area. Candidate must be able to secure and close business deals within the said coverage area. Role and Responsibilities Identifies business opportunities by identifying prospects and evaluating their position in the industry; researching and analyzing sales options. Sells products by establishing contact and developing relationships with prospects; recommending solutions. Maintains relationships with clients by providing support, information, and guidance; researching and recommending new opportunities; recommending profit and service improvements.

Identifies product improvements or new products by remaining current on industry trends, market activities, and competitors. Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information. Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards; establishing personal networks; bench marking state-of-the-art practices, Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 2 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: Not Specified DESIRED SKILLS: • Brand Marketing and Strategy OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Presentation Skills, Client Relationships, Emphasizing Excellence, Energy Level, Negotiation, Prospecting Skills, Meeting Sales Goals, Creativity, Sales Planning, Independence, Motivation for Sales The coverage areas are; • NORTH – Adamawa/Taraba (Jalingo), Borno/Yobe (Maiduguri), Sokoto (Sokoto), Kebbi (Birnin Kebbi), Zamfara (Gusau), Gombe (Gombe), Kwara( Ilorin), Kogi (Lokoja) • SOUTH EAST – Imo (Owerri), • SOUTH SOUTH – Rivers ( Port Harcourt) Bayelsa (Yenogoa) Akwa Ibom (Uyo) • SOUTH WEST – Ekiti, (Ado Ekiti), Ondo (Akure).

Visit www.ngcareers.com to apply. ...........

15

sport

Osun Defender Saturday, March 5, 2016

England Boss Hodgson Monitoring Injured Luke Shaw Ahead Of Euro 2016 L uke Shaw is still being monitored by England manager Roy Hodgson, who hopes the Manchester United defender can recover from a double leg-break to take his place in the squad for the European Championships.

The 20-year-old a heavy challenge left-back suffered a i n a C h a m p i o n s double fracture from L e a g u e d e f e a t a t

PSV Eindhoven in September and is still on the long road to recovery.

Shaw has been named in United’s Europa League squad in the hope he can play

•Massimiliano Allegri speaks after his side’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 first leg.

in the latter stages of the competition if the Red Devils advance, but his chances of going to the Euros appeared to be dashed when he was not included in an England squad get together at St George’s Park in February.

While other injured players such as Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck — who has since returned to fitness for Arsenal — were invited along, Shaw was not a part of the meeting.

But now Hodgson has given the former S o u t h a m p t o n youngster the biggest hint yet that he could go to France if he can get fit in time.

“We are still monitoring Luke Shaw,” the England boss said at a Euro 2016 coaching workshop in Paris.

“He is making good progress,” he said. “We are also monitoring Jack Wilshere, who is making very good progress.

But we have to accept in March [friendlies

against Germany and Netherlands] we won’t have those players, but hopefully in May, when I have to make a decision, they will be available for selection.”

Hodgson also has captain Wayne Rooney on the sidelines with a knee injury, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out with a similar problem.

While a lack of postseason fatigue could be seen as a positive for his injured players, Hodgson played down the idea that not playing for their club sides would be of benefit to the national team.

“I am loath to talk about injuries in terms of being an advantage,” he said.

“When a player gets injured, it’s a major disadvantage, not least of all to the guy who wants to play. I don’t know whether we could put a positive spin on it by it saying it will make them more fresh, I’m not certain that’s the case.”

Tough tests against

buddy Messi in the all-time great stakes.

His answer was nondecisively statesmanlike.

“Unfortunately I never saw Pele play,” the 24-year-old replied.

“What I know of him is through my grandfather, my dad’s dad, who used

to talk to me and tell me about how he played.

“It’s a difficult question for me, because I’ve seen Messi play and have had the chance to play alongside him. They’re both geniuses, though.”

Neymar: I’d Rather Have Lionel Messi’s Left Foot Than Cristiano Ronaldo’s Right

W

hile he’s arguably doing alright for himself prefers beating Real using the two legs he was born with, Neymar Madrid to the thought of has admitted that there is one limb out there beating Manchester City. that he wouldn’t mind swapping his own out for.

The Brazilian striker S p e a k i n g d u r i n g more annoying than was also asked to choose a light-hearted Q&A journalists and that he between Pele and his session with UOL’s Mauro Beting, the Barcelona star was asked which body part he’d prefer to pilfer from his La Liga contemporaries.

“I’d take Lionel Messi’s left foot, with all due respect to Cristiano Ronaldo, because my right foot is pretty handy too,” Neymar said.

Among other things, •Luis Enrique says the pressure on Barcelona has not changed, despite their separation from Atletico and Real we also learned that Madrid in La Liga.

Neymar finds defenders

Massimiliano Allegri To Real Madrid Talk Dismissed By Juventus’ Marotta

J

uventus general manager Beppe Marotta has leg is a handicap but rejected speculation linking Massimiliano Allegri with the chance to turn things around and the with a move to Real Madrid next season.

It has been reported that already and I repeat it conviction we can do it,” Marotta said. “We want Juventus coach Allegri now.” is attracting attention “We will head to the to get through.” from Real, having already Allianz Arena with great ruled himself out of the determination, aware running for the Chelsea that 2-2 from the first job.

“We’ve got a cordial and respectful relationship with Allegri,” Marotta told RAI television.

“There are no secrets between us and there’s no secrets between us and Real Madrid either.

“Allegri is a professional and we want to carry on this cycle with him. His [signing •Manchester United’s Luke Shaw suffered a double leg a] new contract is just fracture on his right leg and will undergo early rehabilitaa formality. I’ve said it tion in the Netherlands.

Germany and Netherlands later in March will test England’s readiness to compete at the European Championship, having won all 10 of their qualification games to get there.

Hodgson has not been able to play a friendly since the 2-0 win over France in November but he was pleased to be able to bring together a host of players for a day last month.

“I was delighted with it,” he said.

“First of all I was delighted to see the players again, delighted that everyone invited was able to turn up apart for two on the actual day who were taken for medical examinations otherwise they would have been there.

“That gave me enormous pleasure. I enjoyed meeting the players and having a chance to exchange a few words, and then in the actual content was basically around a review of the principles we have been working on in the two years since the World Cup in terms of our aims and philosophies and what we try to do with and without the ball.”

Valencia’s Gary Neville Feels For Malaga’s Carlos Kameni After

V

alencia coach Gary Neville sympathised with Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni after the Cameroon international’s howler in Los Che’s 2-1 La Liga win at La Rosaleda on Wednesday just looked like a mistake, evening.

Malaga were ahead something we have all early through Duje Cop made in our sporting and seemed set to win lives.”

After Neville’s second the game, but things turned around after a away win in La Liga, he freak own-goal when said his team had worked Kameni slapped a cross out a way to play against into his own net, and Javi Gracia’s very well Denis Cheryshev won organised side.

“The chances we had it for the visitors with a were on counter-attack,” second-half strike.

Kameni was furious Neville said. “The way when the equaliser was M a l a g a p l a y , v e r y given, claiming he had compact, they have their been caught by Cheryshev two lines of four. We as he went to claim a wanted to get our three high ball. The former midfielders on the ball.

M a n c h e s t e r U n i t e d But it was difficult to get defender was very critical through the middle, so of the refereeing after we ended up going wide.

Sunday’s 0-3 home defeat Our goals came from to Athletic Bilbao, but two crosses. That was said tonight the officials important for us tonight as Malaga closed off the had made the right call.

“I’m sure if it was centre very well.”

The win sets his side against us, I’d defend my goalkeeper and say it was up well to receive second a foul,” Neville said. “But placed Atletico Madrid I don’t think it affected at Mestalla on Sunday the hand movement or evening, Neville said.

“Tonight feels really the contact on the ball the keeper then made. I important,” Neville said. am sure there will be a “In my message to the complaint. But for me it players this afternoon

I said let’s make sure we don’t let 10 bad minutes on Saturday take away the fact we’d won previous four games.

Let’s get back on track and win tonight.

“It takes us into Sunday’s game in a good frame of mind. You know it will be a difficult game, one I am looking forward to, that players have already started preparing for. We want to play as we did in first 70 minutes against Bilbao, but take chances we get in the game.”

Neville was also asked about a late incident, when Valencia’s medical staff rushed to help Malaga midfielder Nacho Camacho when he fell awkwardly on his neck near the sideline.

“I have seen incidents like that before, causing great damage, I could not believe their doctors did not run on,” Neville said.

“So I sent my doctors on, I want to win the game, but I was not going to wait for the referee to stop play, or for other doctors.

I wanted to get the boy seen to. It was just the right thing to do — in a sportsmanlike way.”

www.osundefender.org Saturday, march 5, 2016

D

5 TH

Audacious Exploit

emocracy has evolved overtime. It originated from the Greek city states, where direct or classical democracy was practiced, till the present day, where indirect or representative democracy is in vogue.

Modern states with their

complexities make the adoption of direct democracy impossible. Some people are elected to represent the interest of the larger society. It is practically impossible now for all people to assemble in a particular place to take decisions affecting all, hence the modern system.

To stem the abuse of the system, some devices are adopted to check elected representatives. A member of parliament in a presidential system of government can have his/her tenure terminated, if a recall process is invoked in his constituency. The process means that majority of members of the constituency would assemble to take a position on a member of the parliament that is not effective. He is deemed to have been removed from office, if such action (recall) has the knowledge of the electoral commission.

The chief executive can also be removed from office, if he is found wanting. The local government council chairman, the state governor or the president or their deputies can be removed through the process of impeachment. This process is carried out through the representatives of the people in parliament.

The councillors in the local government councils, members of the House of Assembly and the National Assembly are authorised by the Constitution to effect the removal of their chief executives respectively.

In the parliamentary system, if a ‘vote of no confidence’ is passed by members of the parliament, majority of whom are members of the ruling party, a date is set aside for a new election. This power, which is rarely used, however, is so effective that if within a year or two, the electorate is not satisfied with the performance of the new government, voters go to the polls. If the sitting government services it, it stays in office, if not, another government comes on board.

All these mechanisms are adopted to ensure that the electorate are not surcharged.

The place of the voter in a democracy is very paramount because no government can be established without voting.

However, in our own experience, the voter is placed in the abyss.

He is made to feel important and relevant to the extent that his vote is needed, but he is discarded after the polls. A lot of voters have also not helped matters because they seek

TH E

with Murtala Agboola Tel: 0806-119-7897 E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com

Are We Helpless In Our Democracy?

•Poor children

and get favours before they cast their votes. Those who dish out bribes and others solicited for gifts during electioneering campaigns would seek to recover the money spent while in office. hat b o t h e r s m e a s a W concerned citizen is that what can the people do when the elected representatives of the people are not doing the bidding of the people? The intriguing thing is that if the parliament is populated by the same party, as that of the executive, it is assumed that all policies, popular or otherwise, will sail through. It is so because everything would have been done in the Government House before being passed in the hallow chamber of the parliament.

On the other hand, if the opposition party is in the majority in the parliament, good policies may not pass through because everything is

sacrificed on the altar of partisan party politics.

As a keen observer of politics since the second republic, when presidential democracy was introduced, I want to suggest that there should be a mid-term assessment of governments in power.

My suggestion is that after two years in power, sitting governments should be assessed, not by political actors, but by the media, non-governmental organisations, pressure groups and corporate bodies.

Rather than organize elections midterm as in the United States of America (USA), we may not waste resources to conduct elections.

The institutions mentioned above must be coordinated by the media to probe into how the sitting governments have utilized the mandate of the people for the preceding two years. Between 1999-2003, Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, did

M O ST - V I S I T E D

NEWS-

assessment of the then governments in the South-west geo-political zone of the country.

In the assessment of the Afenifere, the government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of Lagos State came top, closely followed by Chief Bisi Akande of Osun State.

Stakeholders must take interest in the polity, rather than stay aloof and watch things go awry only to complain later. I have decided to look into this problem, as a result of the serious economic problem we are going through. t happened during the second I republic, when a concerned Nigerian and the former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, alerted the nation that the ship of the nation was heading towards the rock. Rather than respond to issues raised, the party apparatus of the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) criticised and condemned Chief Awolowo.

Later, Nigeria was thrown into serious economic problem, which partly led to the overthrow of the President Shehu Shagari’s government

by General Muhammad Buhari. The powers that be refused to heed to his patriotic call.

In our recent past experience, some patriotic Nigerians raised their voices against the mismanagement of our resources. The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi OkonjoIweala, not only refuted the allegation but said the economy was well, contrary to all available facts and figures.

We shall soon overcome this problem, but is that how we shall stay akimbo, if any government decides to mismanage the economy tomorrow? Can we just say because it is the parliament that can impeach the executive, we stay helpless? The National Assembly controlled by the Peoples Democracy Par (PDP) was in place then but did nothing or chose to see nothing wrong in what transpired. oday we are all victims of T the misrule of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. We need to act fast, so that we do not fall into the same pit every time. Unfortunately, there are few consciences of the nation, which people in government respect; Professor Wole Soyinka, Mr Femi Falana and very few others are the few ones outside partisan party politics that can be listened to because they are genuine and all altruistic. We must all be alive to our responsibilities.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the Managing Editor, Kola Olabisi, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.