Osun Defender - March 6th 2014 Edition

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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 In our last edition we looked at the overall philosophy of the state of Osun’s 2014 Budget. As we pointed out the budget is being creatively used as the engine room for Ogbeni Aregbesola’s Six-Point- Integral Action Plan. This in itself shows that a roadmap is in place and that the budget will be used to implement it.Presenting the budget the Ogbeni emphasized that “The budget is about growth

PEOPLE FIRST

Front Page Comment fall-out,arising from Nigeria’s defective State of Osun 2014 Budget (2) with adequate measure to quasi-federalism. The enhancement and development. It clearly shows the ratio that is of best international practices,in terms of recurrent and capital expenditure. That is why our capital expenditure is far higher than the recurrent expenditure.“Part of our agenda is to drive theIGR more critically in the 2014 fiscal year. We have to useinnovative financing

provide necessary financial structure for most of our developmental project. We will focus clearly on Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, which is the practice going round all over the world now.”That this year’s budget is lower in size than that of last year’s is not the Ogbeni’s fault or that of his government.It is another

2014 budget is slimmer because of the reductionin the oil benchmark from $79 barrel to $77.5 per barrel as well as of course the numerous cases of oil theft with its attendant reduction in remittance to the federation account by

VOL. 9. NO.028

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

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IGE

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No One Can Shatter The Peace Of Osun •Says Govt After Explosive Device Was Detonated In Osogbo - See Story On Page 2

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); Chairman, National Summit Group, Alhaji Tanko Abubakar Yakassai (left); Professor of African Literature and Culture, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, Professor Pius Adesanmi(2nd right) and Executive Director, Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Symposium, Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, during the 2014 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Symposium, at Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA ) House, Alawusa, Ikeja, Lagos last Tuesday.

PDP Can’t Rule Yorubaland Again - Osun APC

- See Story On Page 3

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

No One Can Shatter The Peace Of Osun •Says Govt After Explosive Device Was Detonated In Osogbo generally, while calling on conduct a thorough

By SHINAABUBAKAR

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HE State Government of Osun has reiterated that no one can shatter the current peace being enjoyed in the state, just as commercial activities were paralysed along Station road in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, as bomb scare forced bankers to close business abruptly last Tuesday.

Findings disclosed that a The alert from the bank, staff of First Bank situated according to a source in the at the ever-busy area bank, was sent to other discovered the material and banks, which quickly put alerted the security officials their banks under lock and of the bank, who quickly key. alerted the police.

Also, shop owners at the It was learnt that when commercial area, were the Anti-Bomb Squad of the thrown into confusion, as Nigeria Police arrived the the news of the inability of scene, they had difficulty the police to detonate the detonating the alleged bomb bomb spread to the material, prompting the adjoining areas. banks across the state The staff of the bank, capital to close business who pleaded anonymity, activities for the day. told OSUN DEFENDER that

•The detonated explosive device.

In a swift reaction to the the bomb was sighted before raising alarm and a call was development, the state government reminded the put to security operatives.

Eyewitnesses in the area people of the various proconfirmed that a material was active measures taken by found in the bank, but could government of the State of not ascertain whether it is the Virtuous on security of lives and property indeed a bomb.

the security agencies to get to the root of the strange discovery in Osogbo and tell the whole world how the device found its way into a banking hall.

According to a statement issued and signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Startegy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon; “Considering the usually impregnable fortification of banks through their various screening machines, which detect metals and other objects of lesser dangers, it is unthinkable how the device scaled through this fortress of the bank before it got into the banking hall, where it was discovered.

“To be specific, we suspect a deliberate foul play in the antics of those who desire to create a sense of insecurity in this state through their various machinations and manipulations.”

The state government however revealed its conviction of the readiness of the security agencies to

investigation on the development in order to strengthen the assurances of the people and visitors that Osun remains a safe haven for businesses and pleasure.

“We are however, assured of the readiness of the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation on the development in order to strengthen the assurances of our people and visitors that Osun remains a safe haven for businesses and pleasure,” Okanlawon emphasized.

Since the advent of the current administration in the state under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the state has remained peaceful and inviting to more people ever than before in her 21-year history, the medium has discovered.

However, efforts by the medium to confirm the incident from the police headquarters in the state proved abortive, as the phone line of the police spokesperson was switched off.

Arabic Centre Marks 30th Anniversary

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•Dr Wale Bolorunduro, State of Osun Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning (left) displaying an award given to the State of Osun on Sukuk in Dubai recently. With him is Mr Andrew Morgan, MD, Redmoney Group (Publisher of Islamic Finance News).

HE Centre for Islamic and Arabic Studies, Konda, Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, has rolled out drums to mark its 30th Anniversary.

A statement by the planning Sunday, March 9, 2014. committee said the anniversary Major activities lined up for programmes will hold at the the anniversary, according to Centre Premises, Oke Konda, the planning committee, Ilobu on Saturday, March 8 and include the launch of N100 million endowment fund for the development of the institute on Saturday and conferment of The party in Osun, Islamic titles on dignitaries, according to sources close who have contributed to the of the religion and to the secretariat, is banking development the centre. on the N3 billion per state to Dignitaries expected on the win votes and find its way occasion include the Wife of back to power, after the Governor, State of Osun, dislodging the APC through Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, Speaker of State of Osun House any means possible.

Part of their strategy is the of Assembly, Honourable campaign of calumny it Najeem Salaam and Speaker of State House of Assembly, launched against the Oyo Honourable Monsurat Sumonu Independent National among others.

Electoral Commission, The committee hereby calling for the sack of the enjoins members of the public Osun State Resident to attend the programmes, Electoral Commissioner, Mr which will commence by 10 am for the two days.

Rufus Akeju.

PDP Earmarks N6bn For Osun, Ekiti Guber Polls artisan cooperative groups,

By SHINAABUBAKAR the APC would not have any HERE are speculations that the Peoples Democratic explanation to offer for not Party (PDP) has concluded plans to lure voters to making money available to elect its candidates in the forthcoming gubernatorial the masses.

Apart from Lagos and elections in Osun and Ekiti states with N6 billion.

Investigations revealed curtailing developmental Ogun states, the other APC states in the region are at the that the party is relying on projects in the region. mercy of the statutory President Goodluck This, findings revealed, allocation from the federation Jonathan-led Federal remains the only way the account, particularly, the Government, which is PDP-led Federal State of Osun, which is desperate to win election in Government believed it can among the least on the the region in 2015 to actualise set the people against the allocation table. the plan as a test-case for the APC in the zone.

This is due to the In the party thinking, deliberate move by the general elections.

The party is set to float when the PDP starts to doll Federal Government to starve cooperative groups among out money to traders and traders and artisans in Osun and Ekiti, with a view to lending them funds for their businesses, in return for their votes in the forthcoming gubernatorial polls in the two states.

HE deputy governor of the State of Osun, Otunba It was gathered that the (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori, had stated that cooperative groups are misinformation and wrong perception from the mass tailored after that of the State of Osun, but the PDP faction media can lead to the disintegration of not only the of the group would not be community, but the nation as a whole.

Laoye-Tomori made this programmes. registered with any bank, hence, it would give observation during a Making inference to some beneficiaries the mindset of courtesy visit to her office misrepresentations of the in Osogbo by the executive various programmes and free money.

The Federal Government members of the South-West policies of the state is mopping up money from Zone of the Broadcasting government in some media circulation by regularly Organisation of Nigeria on school re-classification reducing federal allocation to (BON) last Thursday. exercise, the deputy She reminded the media governor carpeted the media states, as an act of desperation to deal with chiefs on the need for report on islamization of the opposition parties ahead of objectivity in their various state by the Ogbeni Rauf and shun A r e g b e s o l a - l e d 2015 polls, particularly the reports and administration.

APC states in the South- misinformation of West, with a view to misrepresentation She advised the media government policies and houses and media executives

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it of fund to complete its projects across the state, and, if the plan works out, the PDP would, during its campaign rallies, launch attack on the APC-led administration, alleging it of abandoning projects.

Also, the PDP members in the state in a way have confirmed its national secretariat’s plan by going round the state to tell traders and youths to form groups through which they can benefit from the party’s largesse.

Misinformation, Bane Of National Integration - Laoye-Tomori

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By SOLA to engage in issue based reportage instead of being sentimental and subjective in their reportage.

The deputy governor also enumerated some of the achievements of Aregbesola in the area of creation of 40.000 jobs for the youths, building of state-of-the-art schools, construction of schools, O’Meal school feeding programmes and many others.

She added that the state government has not been partisan in all its policies and programmes to the people of the state.

Otunba Tomori therefore

JACOBS

counseled the media operators to project Nigeria’s cultural and moral values, rather than degenerated programmes that project the country in bad light.

In his speech earlier during the visit, the Chairman of BON in the South West Zone, Mr Ayinde Soaga, said the visit was to acquit the media chiefs with the developmental programmes and policies of the government and also to rally support for the annual programme of the association coming up in Calabar next month.

The State commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere lauded the policies of the state government and its non-partisan posture by not interfering in programmes and running of all the stateowned media houses.

He therefore urged the media chiefs to avail themselves the opportunity of their visit to the state to access the developmental projects of Ogbeni Rauf A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration.

Some dignitaries at the visit were the Prince Soji Fadehan, Mr Sunday Akere, Honourable Kola Akanji among others.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

Aregbesola, Cuban Ambassador, Lagos Speaker, To Launch Book On Capitalism

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

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HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji will on Tuesday lead other prominent personalities to launch a book titled: “The Nigeria State and the Crisis of Capitalism.”

The book written by a 10am on Tuesday 11th of rights activist and former March, 2014.

South-West Coordinator A statement by the of the National Association author of the book, said of Nigerian Students Governor Aregbesola will (NANS), Comrade Tunde be the Chief Host, while Balogun, will be launched former NULGE State at the Conference Hall, Chairman, Dr Oyeboade Funfield Events Centre, Olowogboyega will deliver Osogbo, State of Osun by a lecture on: “Revamping

The Nigerian State: The Radical Option?”

The book will be coreviewed by Dr. Femi Obayori of the Lagos State University, and Comrade Abiodun Ogunade, a trade unionist, researcher and human rights activist.

The event is expected to be chaired by Comrade Femi Aborisade, while Hugo Ramos Milanes, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria will be the Special Guest of Honour.

Chairman, Federal

House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Honourable Abike Dabiri will be the Mother of the Day; Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa and Dr. Abiola Akiyode will be special guests, while keynote address will be delivered by Honourable Olawale Oshun, Chairman Afenifere Renewal Group.

The book, according to Balogun was precipitated by the numerous political convulsions that the country has been passing

through since her independence in 1960 and its recent dimensions of terrorism and bombings.

It also dwelled on how the rich and ruling elites have always found their ways out of every financial crisis including how the poor have been subjected to manipulation, sufferings and economic starvations.

The book, which is divided into two sections, shows how imperialism has put the nation on its knees through economic dependence and how the situation has, among others, inflicted corruption, bad governance, sit-tight rulership style, wasteful and high cost of governance in Nigeria.

Man Electrocuted

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N unidentified middle-aged man has been confirmed dead by the Police after being electrocuted in Ilobu, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun after allegedly attempting to vandalize the electricity transformer in the area.

According to the and mistakenly stepped on Police Public Relations a cable.

Officer (PPRO) for the It was learnt that some State Police Command, men of the underworld Mrs Folashade Odoro, the lifeless body of the man currently at-large, had was found on the ground stormed the premises of close to the transformer. the local government Mrs Odoro disclosed council secretariat to that the police have since perpetrate dastardly act, launched investigations but escaped after one of into the incident and them had been assured that the causes electrocuted. of his death would be However, the identity of fully unraveled. the deceased could not be Finding revealed that the deceased was ascertained as at press electrocuted when he time, but police have •(L-R) Honourable Laide Ajibola; State of Osun APC Chairman, Elder Lowo Adebiyi; state Deputy GovernorOtunba jumped inside the brick assured to get his identity.

(Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori and State APC Women leader, Mrs Kudirat Fakokunde, during the endorsement of APC fence, It was also learnt that where the Women Governor Rauf Aregbesola for second term in Osogbo last Friday by APC women leaders in Osun. transformer was installed the guard working at the council secretariat was not at his duty post when the hoodlums stormed the marginalisation in the intellectual capacity and monumental failure. secretariat.

By SHINAABUBAKAR practically all aspects of the philosophical The APC therefore called In recent times, “SHORT of war or brutish violence, there is no way the governance at the centre, in background to provide the on Yoruba people to be vandalization of electric Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can capture, recapture a country, where they were Yoruba people with any form wary of those politicians of once the pace-setters. of well-being from Lagos to preys assembled in the PDP, transformers had been or reclaim any state in Yorubaland again.

“All of this happening Abeokuta, to Ibadan to because all they are out to rampant in the state “And the reason is now merged with other Osogbo, to Akure and to do is to feed fat on the simple: the destruction of political parties to form the under the PDP rule.” especially, Osogbo, the The APC stressed that as Ado Ekiti, because the Yoruba people and their the development APC, finally recaptured all state capital. infrastructure created by the states in the West, except currently constituted, the people’s experience with resources.

PDP Can’t Rule Yorubaland Again - Osun APC

late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for the well-being of Yoruba nation was ruthlessly destroyed by the PDP between 1999 and 2010 and the Yoruba nation will never forgive the PDP for it.”

This statement was contained in a press statement issued in Osogbo

by Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi in reaction to the reported plan of the PDP to recapture the West, starting from Ekiti and Osun states this year.

The APC reminded the PDP that it was during its reign that some Yoruba leaders were killed without trace of their killers and the essential infrastructure for human capital development, as well as the industrial infrastructure that Awolowo laid down, were recklessly destroyed or sold off to competitors of the race within Nigeria and to foreign interests.

Since 2010 when Awolowo loyalists assembled in Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN),

Ondo, that the Yoruba nation has been trying to reconstruct itself to attain the standard that Awo left and move forward from there.

“It is therefore inconceivable, that these people who have been so hurt by the PDP will for any reason whatsoever vote that party into power again.”

The APC argued that on balance, the PDP experience, both at the Federal and state levels, for the Yoruba people was and is an unmitigated disaster, from which people are still struggling to recover.

“Our educational institutions were destroyed; our leadership in business and industry was strangulated between 1999 and 2010. The great agricultural infrastructure laid down by Awolowo was left to rot and/or destroyed.

“Our children were forced out of schools, when these schools became nonaccessible to them because of Federal character nonsense. And today the Yoruba suffer the worse form of injustice through

PDP lacks the personnel,

them

was

that

of

Aregbesola Promises To Place Traditional Rulers In Rightful Place

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HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has stated that his administration is all out to place the traditional institutions in the state in their rightful positions of honour and dignity, as well as restore all ancient monuments, statues, customs and traditions.

The State adding that traditional Commissioner for Local institutions are Governments and indispensable tools for any Chieftaincy Affairs, government because they Barrister Kolapo Alimi are the path-finders who who represented the represent the people at the governor, made this grassroots. known at Iragberi in Aregbesola also stated Egbedore Local that one of the objectives Government Council Area of his administration is to of the state, during the create an atmosphere that official presentation of would bring about Instrument of appointment communal peace, harmony and Staff of Office to and tranquility among the Aragberi of Iragberi, Oba good people of the state, Folorunsho Agboade adding that his government Makanju Ilufemiloye believes in freedom of (Osunsoko I). religion and religious The governor informed tolerance, stressing that his the people that his administration relates administration highly equally with all religions recognizes traditional and this manifests in all institutions in the state, official engagements.

He therefore charged the people to create an enabling environment for peace, understanding and unity, as the government is poised to stamp-out all forms of hooliganism, thuggery and violence.

The governor then congratulated the people of Iragberi and called them lucky, because of the calibre of person the new monarch is.

The leader of Iragberi community, Barrister Matthew Laogun, appreciated the cooperation of the people that rallied support for the new monarch.

The new Aragberi of Iragberi, Oba (Dr) Folorunsho Agboade Makanju Ilufemiloye Osunsoko (I) thanked Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for endorsing the choice of the people of Iragberi by strictly following the principle of justice and equity.

He solicited the cooperation of his people and friends to move the town to greater heights.

The highpoints of the occasion was the rendition of traditional songs and ‘Bata’ dance by Ajangila Cultural Troope and Badagry Cultural group.

Barrister Kolapo Alimi later presented the staff of office to the new monarch.

Present on the occasion were the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere and that of Justice, Barrister Wale Afolabi, Honourable Abiodun Awolola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Mufutau Oluwadare, Director Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Kunle Olatunji, prominent traditional rulers, sons and daughters of Iragberi, as well as wellwishers.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

Why PDP Wants Osun INEC Boss, Akeju Out

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

T

HE consistent calls for the removal of State of Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju by the rattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might not be unconnected with the failure of the INEC boss to compromise and allow himself to be used by the PDP, said the Alliance of Collaborating Political Parties (ACPP).

The State of Osun chapter of the ACPP said the unprecedented defeat suffered by the PDP in the 2011 general elections, where the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidates swept all the elected offices in the state, was part of the reason the PDP is currently aggrieved with Akeju.

According to the ACPP, the PDP is not comfortable with

the fairness and uncompromised principle of Akeju, hence has to resort to blackmailing the INEC boss, with a view to relieving him of his duty in Osun and influence the transfer of a compromised INEC official to the state.

Addressing a press conference on Monday in Osogbo, the ACPP maintained

that the PDP’s call for Akeju’s removal is a ground plan of the party to rig the August 9, 2014 governorship election, and also prepare an excuse for its failure, if it loses the election.

The opposition parties challenged the PDP to come forward with any evidence proving Akeju’s misconduct and illicit act, saying that the party’s allegation against the INEC umpire was baseless and barbaric without evidence.

It maintained that the 2011 general elections supervised by Akeju were free, fair and credible to the extent that only a House of Representatives’ candidate of the PDP,

Honourable Wole Oke, could contest the results of the election at the tribunal and eventually lost at the court.

The ACPP condemned what it described as untoward attitude of the PDP and its ‘illegal attempt to scandalize the electoral body with baseless and false allegations, saying that the call for Akeju’s removal was aimed at achieving some sinister agenda.

Describing the protest held by some youths against Akeju in Osogbo recently, as shameful and gathering of some handful of disgruntled elements, who were paid for the dirty job by the PDP, the

ACPP said the PDP’s activities against Akeju do not represent the position of the opposition parties in the state.

The ACPP said: “The truth of the matter is that while other political parties are busy mobilizing their supporters in the forthcoming election, these PDP elements are hell-bent on creating a situation where they will be able to explain away their impending doom in the election, as it is very clear that the entire Osun people had rejected them.”

However, the ACPP called on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard the PDP’s call and do

not allow itself to be distracted by the party’s shenanigans, but rather concentrate on how to ensure free, fair and credible election, where people’s votes will count.

Members of the ACPP are: National Conscience Party (NCP), United Progress Party (UPP), Progressive Peoples Party (PPA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), United Democratic Party (UDP), African Peoples Alliance (APA), Citizens Popular Party (CPP), Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Peoples for Democratic Change (PDC).

Osun Lawmakers Condole Ondo Legislature Over Speaker’s Death

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

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EMBERS of the State Assembly of Osun has condoled the Ondo State legislators over the death of their Speaker, Honourable Adeshina Ajayi.

The Speaker of the Osun builder.

Assembly, Honourable “We are sad about the Najeem Salam, represented incident and on behalf of by his deputy, Honourable good people of Osun, we Akintunde Adegboye commiserate with the delivered the message on members of the assembly, Tuesday when he led other his family and the entire lawmakers to the Ondo people of Ondo State”.

Assembly complex in In his response, the Ondo Akure. deputy speaker, Honourable The late speaker, Dare Emiola described the representing Odigbo late speaker as a vibrant constituency II, died on politician, who believe in February 25, during a peace and unity among the protracted battle with members of the assembly. the cancer of the urinary Emiola said the late bladder. speaker during his life time Delivering the ensured harmonious condolence message, relationship among Adegboye said the members of the assembly. legislators and people of He regretted that the late Osun received the news of speaker would be greatly the late speaker with a rude missed by people of the shock. state.

He said the entire member “Our late Oga would of the assembly were sad always preach peace, love about the death of the late and unity in the assembly speaker, describing him as a and we will continue to believer of democracy and imbibe this legacy he left a senior colleagues in behind. legislative business.

“But all the same, we need “We are here to mourn your prayer to maintain the one us who was a senior peace and unity he left colleagues in legislative behind in the assembly”, he business as well as a bridge stressed.

•Some of the pupils eating their meal at one of the schools in Osogbo recently.

Osun PDP Allegation Against INEC Pedestrian - Attorney-General

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

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HE Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the State of Osun, Barrister Wale Afolabi, has described the recent campaign against the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Rufus Akeju, as calumnious and unfounded.

In a statement issued and the state on Monday, Afolabi made available to journalists in described the attack on the

Man In Court Over Impersonation

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

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37-year-old man, Peter Bamidele, was on Friday arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly impersonating as a personnel of the State Security Service (SSS).

The charge sheet read in According to the charge court alleged that Bamidele sheet, the accused person conspired to commit felony collected the stated sum of against the laws of the State money from Adegbite of Osun by collecting the Bukola, Awogbade sum of N51,000, from Adekoyejo and Adeosun unsuspecting members of Ayodele with the pretence the public, as installmental of assisting them to facilitate payment, with the false their recruitment into the pretence of assisting them (SSS) and (DIA). in their recruitment into the This, the charge sheet State Security Service(SSS) revealed, was contrary to and the Defence section 422 of the state Intelligence Agency (DIA). criminal law.

The charge sheet alleged The suspect allegedly further that the accused committed the crime on person conspired with one February 3, 4 and 8, 2012 in Kunle Henry, falsely Ifetedo town, headquarters representing themselves as of Ife-South Local officers of SSS and government Council Area of defrauded members of the the state at about 9.00am. public.

Bamidele however It stated that the alleged pleaded not guilty to the offence was punishable four-count charge preferred under section 484 of the against him by the state criminal code cap.34 vol.11 security service. laws of Osun State.

Defence counsel, Mr S.

Gbenle, applied for the bail of the accused person in the most liberal term, saying that the accused person will not jump bail if granted.

He maintained that the magistrate has the discretionary power to grant bail, adding that the suspect would provide credible sureties to guarantee his readiness to face trial.

However, the prosecutor, Micheal Ubi opposed the bail application; on the ground that the offence was serious in nature.

He further stated that if the accused person was

granted bail, he would interfere in the investigation and make it impossible to arrest his accomplices believed to be still at-large.

Ubi then urged the court not to grant the accused person bail, saying he was not ready to face trial and would only jeopardise the course of justice.

Presiding Magistrate, Olusola Aluko, however admitted the accused person to bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum before adjourning the matter till March 29, 2014 for mention.

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person of the REC as ‘not only pedestrian, but idle’.

It would be recalled that the State of chapter of the PDP had disclosed in a national newspaper last week that INEC committed contempt of court.

Afolabi said Akeju is neither an agent of the state government, nor that of the ruling party in the state, describing the allegation as a propaganda orchestrated by the PDP. Reacting to the issue of court contempt, Afolabi disclosed that the PDP played to the gallery, as the case was stayed by an order of an Appeal Court, enabling the electoral umpire to conduct the 2011 election in the state.

The statement reads: “The truth here is that during the general elections in April 2011, the PDP approached the Federal High Court sitting at Osogbo in suit No FHC/OS/26/ 2011 by way of originating summons, seeking for the determination of 5 (five) issues all relating to the competence/ legality or otherwise of the REC, Mr. Akeju to conduct the April 2011 general elections in the State of Osun.

“An order preventing the REC, State of Osun from conducting general elections in the state was granted on the 28th March, 2011 and which order the INEC has appealed against at the Court of Appeal, Akure.

“It is important to

emphasize again that the interlocutory orders granted by the Federal High Court, Osogbo has been properly appealed against and thence put the enforcement and further proceedings in the case in abeyance, pending the outcome of the appeal.

“Curiously, it was even the counsel to the Plaintiff/now Respondent (PDP), against all known practices, that approached the lower court for stay of proceeding. The practice, which the court described as “curious and bizarre”, albeit was granted and the proceedings stayed.

As a result of the application, the AttorneyGeneral said: “The originating summons and the prayers sought therein were in respect of April 2011 general elections.

It is trite and an elementary principle of law that no court will grant what is not sought or prayed.

“Therefore, the impression that the court gave a perpetual order against INEC restraining its officer from conducting any election in the State of Osun is not only erroneous, mischievous or at best, a display of ignorance of this universal principle of law.

“The order made by the court and the competence of the said originating summons is at present a subject of Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure.

It was the counsel to the plaintiff in the suit (PDP), who curiously sought and obtained the stay of proceedings of his own suit,” the commissioner added.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

State of Osun 2014 Budget (2)

Continued from pg1

box.

the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and which has also sadly led to drastic reduction in allocations to states.

This is a damning condemnation of the government at the center. It also shows the difference between the two approaches. For example, the central government is just prepared to as it were swim along with the tide. Whereas in contradistinction the government of the state of Osun really wants to make a concerted effort to break out of the vicious circle of boom and bust. Here the difference in approach is clear.

The emphasis placed on growing the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) is important. It is a very sensible way out of breaking out of the dependency syndrome and unhealthy reliance on the centre. As the Ogbeni stated innovative financing is essential to provide the necessary financial structure for most of the state’s developmental projects.

This is a commendable example of the Ogbeni’s capacity to think outside of the

Think outside of the box, this contrarian has actually done. Notably for example in being able to use new emerging financial instruments such as the sukuk. A key element here is that the Ogbeni appreciates the need for the use of ‘social capital’.

Social capital is more than important at this stage of development. It fulfills the need to direct long-term capital and finance as a way of developing the state’s social and physical infrastructural base. It is only a cohabitation of the state and the private sector through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) that can achieve this.

This the Ogbeni realizes. This means that co-partnerships in this direction will be intensified in the years ahead. The enhancement of prudent management of meager resources and the emphasis on social capital will certainly help to deepen the state’s developmental base. Furthermore it will lead to social cohesion and social solidarity. This has already manifested it-

self. Osun state has demonstrably known peace for the first time in a long while.

Gone for example are the days of blood and thunder under Oyinlola ancient regime. This is as a result of the ongoing socio-economic transformation. Employment generation for example is absorbing a lot of hitherto restless unemployed youth. A future is now being created for them. This means that there is less canon- fodder for people like the discredited Iyiola Omisore to use and subsequently dump.

We commend the symbol of our aspirations in the state of Osun for the policy thrusts in this budget. Through it the foundation for the construction of a new era in Osun state is being laid. A glorious future awaits a much denied populace. The expected overwhelming endorsement of the Ogbeni through reelection this year will further consolidate this. In the state of Osun, we are on our way to ‘life more abundant.’And about time too.

Executive Bills Blockage: APC Action In Order

I

write to request for a space in your widely-read newspaper to add my views on the recent directive by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to their National Assembly members to block all the executive proposals, as a result of the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

The directive has met various criticisms from the Presidency and the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The National Publicity Secretary

of PDP, Olisa Metuh, described the directive as a desperate means to cripple the economy and development of Nigeria and urged the people of the country to disregard the

directive and warned APC of causing uncontrollable crisis in the country.

The directive has also however created tension at the National Assembly, which has

necessitated all forms of consultations, negotiations and alliances to halt the APC decision.

Recent of such alliances was the invasion of the National assembly

appropriation bill.

The budget in contention is about the people and the chunk of the revenue to even fund the budget is from that part of the country, where the lives of the people are not more safe in the name of political dominance.

APC has done the best in a democratic setting to protect its government in Rivers, since the presidency was so adamant and pretending as if it’s not concerned.

by the PDP national leadership, Labour Party Governor Olusegun Mimiko, and his APGA counterpart, Mr Peter Obi, to resist • J U M O K E the APC threat of O G U N L E Y E , stopping the 2013 Ilesa, State of Osun.

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

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6

OPINION

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

Social Solidarity And Political Economy At The Time Of Aregbesola

By ADEKANMI ADEMILUYI

“Some men they think about things that have happened and ask themselves, why? For myself I have dreams about all those things that never were and then I ask myself, why not?”

ENATOR Robert Francis Kennedy gave the admonition of the Roman philosopher fresh impetus when he used it as his raison d’etre for his ill-fated presidential bid in 1968.

The Editorial Board of Independent Newspapers Limited also anchored on this proposition when considering and eventually in making the Osun state helmsman, Engineer Rauf Aregbesola its man-of-the-year 2013.

In a dismal landscape, men like Aregbesola stand out. He is a significant force in presenting a very much needed alternative perspective. A clear alternative is very much needed in order to break out of the present long-jam of perennial underachievement.

Aregbesola’s intervention in the polity represents a new wave of thinking. This links theory (in this instance Aregbesola’s intellectual preparation) with praxis (his performance in practical governance).

In a lot of ways Aregbesola represents a throwback to the past. The past in many ways was far more

S

edifying. Tune was when the political actors came into office, armed with a well worked out manifesto. Such preparation has helped to act as a roadmap and a veritable compass with which to navigate the ship of state.

Preparation for office is crucial. In the end it’ shows. Aregbesola’s preparation manifests itself in the form of the six-point agenda on whi.ch he ran for office. It is a mission statement of what he will do in office. Unlike those who sell the electorate a false prospectus, he has been true to his commitment.

Aregbesola has delivered by aligning administration in such a way as to rekindle the concept of the social contract in governance. The long years of military governance inevitably destroyed the very centrality of a social contact, which is a societal pact between the political establishment and those they govern. The military did not need and indeed could not contemplate such a pact in the first place. It would have been a contradiction in terms anyway for such is the nature of dictatorships.

A significant wave inspired by people like Aregbesola is that the concept of a social contract is back on the front burner. The obligations of governments are now clear. In the case of Aregbesola this obligations are being met across all the sectors.

This has been met through the instrumentality of the streamlining of the

public finances. Vitally under his watch a hitherto chaotic and opaque public finance system has been made open and accountable. Technically it is now based on a performance planning budget system. This has delivered the goods.

The latest budget for instance sees 55% been allocated to capital votes. This is a practical translation of accepting a social contract which is based on building up the physical and social infrastructure.

No infrastructure will be built under a framework in which recurrent expenditure takes the lion share of the budget.

Across the sectors the state of Osun is seeing the construction of the foundations for long-term sustainable development. Osun for this reason will never be the same again. For example access to both Education and Health facilities has seen a quantum increase.

The opening up of opportunities has been achieved by imaginative means.

Examples abound. The provision of free meals in the schools has pushed up enrollment figures. The introduction of the knowledge tablet, the Opon Imo has been a masterstroke. Through this mechanism a whole new tech-savvy generation is being brought up to have the technological skills in order to be competitive in the future. It’s a real game-changer.

Again in the Health Sector the emphasis has been on the provision of free health services through primary

health care and secondary healthcare.

There can now hardly be any family unit that has not benefitted from wider access to health. The effect of all this on overall development is decisive. For a healthy population is a more productive and competitive economic unit.

As a result of the Aregbesola intervention the political economy of Osun has taken a lift. Increased economic activity has led to more employment as well as an increase in the Internally Generated Revenue. It’s a welcome development.

If we take a backward glance one thing is clear. The state of Osun has gone through a transformation; there are now two phases which will guide future historians. These are pre and postAregbesola.

Aregbesola the mould-breaker has infused the polity with bold, imaginative initiatives. The long-term effect will be memorable. Under his watch the promotion of social harmony has replaced the ancient regime’s polities of discord. Social solidarity anchored on the belief in the collective good of the community is now paramount. Social cohesion is cementing the new direction away from consumption towards building a sustainable development.

History will judge him very favourably. Not the very least because pre-Aregbesola was so unedifying.

•Culled from DAILY INDEPENDENT

Aregbesola Is An Icon Of New Thinking, Says Osun Speaker In this interview with Gbenga Faturoti, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Sallam, speaks on Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Independent Manof-the-Year 2013. Excerpts:

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HAT is your take on Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerging as the Man of the Year 2013 of Independent Newspapers?

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is one man who brings a lot to the table of governance in Osun, and as the Speaker of the State parliament, I am privy to do many things this man is capable of, and the yardstick used by the newspaper to elect Aregbesola is not only-unique, but also unprecedented in the history of the award in this country, and I may safely say that so it is in this continent.

So, my ‘take on the award is that the man, Aregbesola actually merits the symbol of new thinking used as indicator, because he brought so many initiatives that were not found anywhere in the world, he has brought development considered unbelievable to the state, and I stand to be corrected, His school feeding programme has drawn the attention of the international community to us, his education policy coupled with tablet of knowledge ‘Opon Imo’ has won the state international

accolades, and his employment generation has placed Osun as the seventh largest economy in the country. However, it was obvious that the resources accrued to the state could not even finance salaries and pension alone. Aregbesola is eminently qualified.

Having had his achievement acknowledged, don’t you think the award is capable of whitt1ing down his morale to do more?

Thinking that award would whittle down Aregbesola’s passion is an underestimation of what Ogbeni is. One thing is very clear, Aregbesola is driven and motivated to carve a niche for himself in the (history of this state in particular, and the country in general. So, all his moves, his projects, and initiatives are attributed to the creation of a new man who is complete mentally, behaviourally, emotionally.

And a cursory look at his sixpoint integral action plait is interwoven around the concept of emotional intelligence called ‘Omoluabi’.

So, Aregbesola is not a man who seeks power to hoodwink or window dress, but to make a

lasting impression that will make his name indelible in the plaque of history. I think he reads our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo like book, and he is making effort to re-establish the lost era, and I am sure he is still running a time bound race that demands more for positive result.

But the opposition insists that Aregbesola has not done anything to warrant celebration?

That is expected of the opposition, I was once in the opposition, and I know that our job is to keep the government on its toes by pointing out its flaws and be silent on its achievement, but the opposition we have in Osun of today is not a thinking opposition they are just begging for relevance, when they ought do their homework, and engage the government in a constructive criticism, but they seem to love blackmail and rumors as instrument of propaganda. Such an opposition does not worth a dime. I pray they turn a new leaf, So that we can have a complete process of democracy in place.

•SALLAM

What is your advice on the forthcoming governorship election?

I am confident that the good people of Osun, the employer of any office holder would not be hoodwinked into another terrible experiment that drew the state back for years before the advent of Aregbesola’s administration. But what matters is for the Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC)

to do justice to the election by being free, £cur and credible.

Let it be known that what obtained in Anambra election would not happen here, because our people would not sleep until the winner is declared, that shows we are going to positively make one man, one vote counts.

Culled from DAILY INDEPENDENT

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

PHOTOTALK

State Of Osun Education: Compare And Contrast Between Governor Rauf Aregbesola And Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s Administrations As Compiled By GBENGAADENIYI.

•Laro-Timehin Middle School, Isale-Osun, Osogbo, being built under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

•Laro-Timehin Primary School, Isale-Osun, Osogbo as it was under the administration of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola before it was rebuilt by Governor Aregbesola.

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PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

Some Of The New Schools Built By The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, As Captured By Our Cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI Recently.

•DDTC Middle School under construction at Ijebu-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun.

•L.A Elementary School under construction in Ilesa.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Some Of The Newly-completed Roads In The State Of Osun Under The Administration Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

•A newly asphalted road at Oromu, Ilesa.

•Another newly-completed road at Prudence area of Ijebu-Ijesa.

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FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

•An aerial view of Baptist Elementary Central School, Ilare, Ile-Ife, State of Osun, recently commissioned by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

It shows good things can happen, but one of such people that can make good things to happen is our governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is a typical good example to follow.

The execution of the project was done to the specific standard. This is because we have a professional and one who is committed to excellence at the helm of affairs.

I thank him as a professional for a job well done.

Mr Ajibesinro Olalekan, Modakeke It has never happened in Ife Zone. This shows the passion of a caring governor.

His care is all-encompassing, as he cares for the youths, aged, children, men and women. I made bold to say all.

We’ve withdrawn our children from private schools back to the public schools.

Therefore, we are urging our people at the grassroots to enrol their children in public schools and support the second term ambition of Aregbesola.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (with mic) cutting the tape to commission Baptist Central Elementary School, Ilare, Ile-Ife; with him, are his wife, Sherifat, (2nd left) and the deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (right).

What Ife People say on the recent commissioning of Baptist Elementary School, Ilare, Ile-Ife by Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola of the State of Osun.

Hon Sola Lawal It is a great positive turn in Ile- Ife and the only institution that can rival this architectural masterpiece is Obafemi Awolowo University in terms of concept, building and facilities.

For Ife indigenes, it is an unthinkable turn of event and that it is happening in our generation. It is a wonderful experience and a clear demonstration of Ogbeni Aregbesola’s vision of functional education for all and sundry, irrespective of one’s status in the society.

Oluomo Gbenga Owolabi This is unprecedented and as an Ife chief, I feel very proud of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The taste of pudding is in the eating. We’ve seen what Aregbesola can do and he is still working. So, we should support him with our votes and prayers, so that he will return for a second term in office to continue with the good works.

Aristotle once said: “Political tools should be given to those who will use them effectively.” So Aregbesola should be given the mandate to return for a second term in office.

Sooko Bunmi Adegoke, President, Ife Recreation Club We, people of Ife, thank God and Oba Okunade Sijuwade, as well as our governor,

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for this edifice. God will keep protecting the governor. It is a good thing.

Professor Moses Awogbade This is a model, a legacy that can only be bequeathed to the people by a caring governor.

There are few of this kind of school in this nation. We were not privileged to attend such schools.

It shows a purposeful Aregbesola in action in the state.

I was impressed at the record of the manifestation of the policy he had stuck to in the last three years.

Hon Posi Omisakin Chairman, ICLG Education Board It is a giant stride that has never happened in the history of the nation; that a public school could be this massive and well-stocked.

It requires a visionary, masses-oriented and purposeful governor of a state in Nigeria to achieve this feat.

It is marvelous to us, irrespective of our political leanings.

This will, in no doubt, add value to the learning culture and development of education at the grassroots.

Hon Taiwo Olaiya Executive Secretary ICLG I feel on top of the world. I feel as if my age could be thirty years aback and I should go back to school to enjoy this kind of orientation.

When Nigeria is at the forefront of educational crisis in Africa and a governor can execute this kind of project, I feel on top of the world.

I made bold to say that this structure is the best in the whole of the State of Osun today.

I therefore, charge parents and ward owners to come and compare this school to the privately-owned ones, where they pay so much and get little, but avail themselves the opportunity that this present administration of Ogbeni has offered all to send our future leaders to befitting public schools.

Ogbeni has once again etched his name in gold, as nothing can surpass this in the history of this state.

I pray that we will all encourage him to continue with our votes, come August election in Osun.

Chief Oduola Fawole, Otun Tobalase of Ife It was beautifully done, no doubt about this.

Hon. Taju Lawal Executive Secretary IELG I am very happy for what is happening today in Ifeland. We’ve not seen public schools like this in our life time. You can see that Oba Okunade Sijuwade was there with all the traditional rulers in Ifeland and in the state as a whole.

We, Ife indigenes, appreciate what Ogbeni has done for us. The people in Ife-East Local Government Council Area are here in a large number to show our support for the governor that is doing this for us.

Chief Mrs Sariyu Obawole Otun Iyalode of Ife This is not a political statement; I want to thank Ogbeni Aregbesola for doing these for us as mothers and children.

The task of educating our children takes toll much on mothers.

Sometimes, our children refuse to go to school because of the poor learning environment. Some children refuse because of lack of food, while others do not have school uniforms, because of their poor background.

All these have become history in the State of Osun.

The vision and passion of Aregbesola have changed the story. Thank you Ogbeni, we, mothers, appreciate your effort, more power to your elbow.

Sekinat Adewole Pepper Seller, Oja Titun I ‘ve never physically seen Ogbeni before in my life. I only saw him before on television, but today, I saw him when his convoy passed through the market road. He waved at us and that has changed my perception of him. He wore primary school uniform to identify with the children of the common man like me.

By his singular act, he has won my heart.

I will vote for him so that he will continue to provide good things for common man in our state.

11

HEALTH

Understanding Cancer THE State of Osun Ministry of Health under the commissioner, Dr. (Mrs) Temitope Ilori, last year emphatically campaigned on cancer, the dreaded disease ever present of all time.

According to her, the mortality and mobility can be put under control with a lot of sensitization and creating awareness. It was recalled, that the ministry collaborated with the first lady of the State of Osun, Mrs. Serifat Aregbesola, to curb the menace of this dreaded disease by educating women on the need to go for preliminary check up on their breast periodically and subsequently go for adequate overall diagnosis at the cancer center nearest to them. She noted that, provision of cancer screening centre is part of the vision of the present administration. She further stressed that the present administration directed and guided by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is poised to deliver health care services to the people of the state of Osun.

Here are some of the cancer screening tests recommended. a . Breast Cancer b. Testicular Cancer c. Colorectal Cancer d. Lung Cancer e. Cervical Cancer f. Endometrial Cancer g. Urinary Tract and Bladder Cancer h. Oral Cancer i. Throat Cancer j. Prostate Cancer k. Skin Cancers Cancer has robbed a lot of souls to their untimely death, leaving behind millions of loved ones, who mourn in pains, anguish and traumatized for the loss of their fellows to this disease. All over the world, scientists, scholars, professors, government agencies and some notable agencies are craving for the lasting solution for humanity to break free from this terminal disease.

This release is cancer update from JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITALS, US. After years of telling people chemotherapy is the only way to try (try being the key word) to eliminate cancer, Johns Hopkins is finally starting to tell you there is an alternative way.

•Every person has cancer cell in the body. This cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billions. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment; it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancers cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

•Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person’s life time.

•When the person’s immune system is strong, the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

•When a person has cancer, it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and life style factors.

•To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

•ILORI

By MOSE BOBA

•Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, hearts, lungs etc.

•Radiation, while destroying cancer cells, also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

•Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumour size. However, prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation does not result in more tumour destruction.

•When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation, the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

•Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

•An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

CANCER CELLS FEED ON: •Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar, it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitute like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. Are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it

white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg’s aminos or sea salt.

•Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk, cancer cells are being starved.

•Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken, rather than beef or pork.

Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

•A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment.

About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or3 times a day.

Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) •Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water or filtered to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water distilled water is acidic, avoid it •Meat protein is difficult to digest

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

and it requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic build up.

•Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat, it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body’s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

•Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Florssence, Essiac, anti-oxidant, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc) to enable the body’s own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.

Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis or programmed cell death, the body’s normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted or unneeded cells.

•Cancer is a disease of the mind, body and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

•Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

Note the following: •No plastic containers in micro.

•No water bottles in freezer.

•No plastic wrap in microwave.

•Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cell of our bodies. Do not freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as these release dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Programme Manager at Castle Hospital, explain further on this health hazard. He talked about how bad dioxins are to us. He condemned heating of food in microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat.. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxins into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating foods. You get the same results only without dioxin. Paper is not bad, but you do not know what is in the paper. It is just safer to use tempered glass, corning ware, etc. He reminded us that some of the fast food restaurants now moved from the foam containers to paper. He pointed out that plastic wrap, such as saran is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food.

Cover food with a paper towel instead.

More frequently than ever before, cancer can be cured. The probability of a complete cure and extended survival is continually improving because of knowledge and understanding of the biology of cancer.

As a result, new therapies that selectively kill cancer cells are steadily being developed. These therapies are not more effective but also safer. The management of pain also has been greatly improved over the years to the point that most pain of terminal ill cancer patients can be decreased.

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FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

Centenary Celebrations And The Slaughter Of Souls

O

N 26th February 2014, one Mr.

Adegoroye wrote “only an insane government will be celebrating centenary while the youths, women, children and citizens are being killed daily in cold blood. Rather than mourn the dead, we want to celebrate one hundred years of a failed state ruled by a failed and cursed generation. This country (Nigeria) needs more than just prayers if the government will be unable, for just twenty four hours, to protect the citizens. Who says we don’t have a war situation in Nigeria? Oh! Families of the pained and the dead should celebrate too?

Why not invite them all to Abuja to come and dance and entertain you? Shame has only one definition - shame!”.

These are deep and powerful words and the rage, frustration and despair that fuels them reflects the thinking of many. Mr. Joseph Tobi Daniel drove home the point when, on the same day, he used his twitter handle to ask; “what kind of leader focuses on a centenary celebration when the souls of slaughtered children are crying out for justice?”

Millions of Nigerians would like an answer to that question and they were utterly appauled as they watched our President glibly delivering his centenary broadcast speech on national television the night of 25th February 2014, where he extolled the so-called virtues of 100 years of our national existence. And as he spoke, more innocent people were being slaughtered. Yet, the concerns did not stop there.

My friend and brother, Mr. Azubike Ishiekwene, who is undoubtedly one of the most formidable and compelling columnists in our country today, spoke the mind of virtually every self-respecting and civilised Nigerian when, after watching the obscenity that was called the centenary ball on NTA on the night of 27th February 2014, he wrote: ‘’I can’t believe that President Goodluck Jonathan and co, are having a centenary ball, literally dancing on the graves of over 50 innocent children murdered by Boko Haram. I can’t believe it. I’m bereft”. Azu got it absolutely right. As a matter of fact , so shocked and disgusted was yours truly that the centenary ball actually went ahead barely three days after the mass murder of those innocent souls that I couldn’t even bear to watch it on television. We are in trouble in this country and our nation clearly needs deliverance.

The war against terror is raging and we appear to be losing it. Hundreds of people are being killed on a regular basis and it appears that no-one really ‘’gives a damn’’. The bowels of our compassion have run dry and we no longer shudder or shed a tears when we hear that hundreds of our citizens have been butchered in one go by Boko Haram. We are just not interested anymore and as long as it does not affect any member of our immediate family, the best we can do is to shake our heads and whisper ‘’what a pity’’. We feel no empathy with the victims and neither is there any sense of outrage. We simply feel numb for a few seconds and after that we couldn’t care less.

Yet, the truth is that the minute we become so dehumanised and so insensitive that we stop caring about those that are being slaughtered, then we may as well give up hope and conclude that life is no longer worth living. The minute we begin to regard those that are being butchered on a daily basis as nothing but distant numbers, we may as well stop regarding ourselves as human beings and instead we ought to describe ourselves as a colony of beasts or a nation of vampires.

The minute we stop caring about what is going on in the North and we no longer feel that it is necessary to honour the dead or to protect the living, we are no longer worthy of life. It is for this reason that I believe it is necessary to once again remind my compatriots about what is happening in some parts of Northern Nigeria today and to remind them again about the sheer havoc that Boko Haram is unleashing on our people. They are indeed an affliction for which there appears to be no cure. Please consider the following: On 1st March 2014, in the heart of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, Boko Haram suicide bombers detonated two massive bombs, slaughtering at least 53 innocent Nigerians, including women and children.

On 26th February 2014 in Madagali and Michika Local Government Council Areas of Adamawa State, three communities were attacked and 37 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram. They also attacked some banks and police stations and burnt them to the ground. There are eyewitness reports that allege that on sighting the large number of well-armed insurgents in their Hillux vans, our soldiers fled the scene and ran into the safety of the bush to hide.

On the night of the 24th February, 2014 at

•FANI-KAYODE

By FEMI FANI-KAYODE Federal Government College, Buni in Yadi, Yobe State, 59 innocent school children were slaughtered by Boko Haram in the middle of the night in their dormitories, as they slept.

On 23rd February, 2014 in Malari and Izge villages, Borno State, 12 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram and both villages were levelled. On 19th February, 2014, in the town of Bama, Borno State, 91 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram. Again on 19th February, 2014, Boko Haram attacked the Buratai, Borno State country home of the Commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta Area, Major General Tukur Buratai, and they killed one soldier.

On 17th February, 2014, in Galga village, Gombi Local Government Council Area, Adamawa State, 11 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram. On 16th February, 2014, again in Izge Village, Borno State, 90 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered

by Boko Haram. On 15th February, 2014, in Baga Village, Borno State 10 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram.

On 12th February 2014 in Borno State, 60 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram and 24 young girls were abducted and carted off without any trace.

On January 27th, 2014 ,in Adamawa and Borno States respectively, 70 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram in a series of attacks. On January 14th, 2014, in the heart of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, no less than 50 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered by Boko Haram in a suicide bomb attack. Not too long before then, Boko Haram attacked an army barracks in Borno State, killed 200 soldiers, carted off the wives and children of our military personnel and burnt the barracks to the ground. The soldiers were later buried in mass graves.

A few weeks prior to that, numerous schools were attacked and hundreds of our children were either shot to death, hacked to pieces or had their throats cut and blood drained. Consequently, many schools have been closed down in Borno and Yobe states respectively. A few weeks back, no less than 160 of our soldiers were killed by Boko Haram in one skirmish, simply because they ran out of bullets.

In June 2013 at Government College Secondry School, Damatru, Yobe State, eight young students and one teacher were slaughtered by Boko Haram. On July 6th, 2013, at the Government Secondry School, Mamudo, Yobe State, 41 young students and one teacher were slaughtered by Boko Haram.

On September 29th, 2013, at the College Of Agriculture, Gubja, Yobe State, 44 students and a number of teachers were slaughtered by Boko Haram. On the night of April 19th, 2013 till the early hours of April 20th at Baga town in Borno State, 228 people, including women

and children, were slaughtered by Boko Haram. On March 8th, 2010, in Dogo Nahawa, Plateau State, 500 villagers, including women and children, were slaughtered by affiliates and associates of Boko Haram. There were many other attacks on churches, markets, motor parks and schools in various parts of the north including Kano State, Niger State, Abuja, Kogi State and others between 2009 and 2014. In each of these attacks, many women and children were killed. The situation seems to have degenarated even further today with vast areas of the Nigerian state in the north-east literally being overwhelmed by the terrorists and insurgents, even though there is a state of emergency in place there. Worst still, it has been generally acknowledged that the Boko Haram fighters are better equipped and better supplied than our soldiers. The beleagured governor of Borno State himself, my friend and brother, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, sent out an S.O.S to Nigerians last week, when he told journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that “Nigeria is at war.” The Boko Haram insurgents are better equipped than the Nigerian military. We need more equipment and more troops’’.

President Goodluck Jonathan responded to the governor’s concerns during his Presidential Media chat on 24th Feb. 2014 by saying the following- “Boko Haram is not easy to fight.

If the governor of Borno feels the military are that useless against Boko Haram, I can pull out the military for one month and see what happens there and after I can send the military back to take charge. The governor should be sensitive in his choice of words. It’s unfortunate”.

Clearly we are in trouble. The governor of Borno State is asking for more help and more troops from the Federal Government because hundreds more of his people are being killed and abducted EVERY DAY by Boko Haram and this is the best response that our President can give to him? Are those being slaughtered and abducted not Nigerians?

Would this have been his response if those being killed on a daily basis were his own Ijaw people?

Finally, no less than 130 churches were burnt down in Borno State in 2013 alone and the Catholic Church alone lost 53 churches out of that figure. This genocidal pattern of behaviour and cycle of butchery by Boko Haram is systemic and has been recurrent and regular for the last three years. All in all, Nigeria has lost almost 8000 innocent civilians to Boko Haram in the last three years and that includes women and children. It does not however include the vast number of women that have been captured and kidnapped by them and that are now being used as sexslaves. President George W. Bush once said “I believe the most solemn duty of the American president is to protect the American people.” President Goodluck Jonathan has much to learn from this. . The truth is that we

as a people have lost all sense of compassion and decency when it comes to such matters and our feelings and consciences have become seared. To the majority of Nigerians, those precious souls and compatriots that have been killed by Boko Haram over the last three years are just a number- they are nothing but distant names, from a distant place, belonging to distant figures. There is simply no sense of national outrage from our people about this insidious rebellion and about these brutal killings and vicious attacks and neither is their any sense of urgency on the part of our government to bring them to an end.

Given the way we conduct ourselves, one would not have thought that Nigeria is currently enmeshed in the most brutal war against terror in its entire history. Yet, as we go on with our day to day business and act as if all is well, thousands are being killed in the North-Eastern part of our country by Boko Haram. There can be no greater evidence of man’s inhumanity to man when one considers our attitude. Such inhumanity and insensitivity to the plight of others has taken firm root in the Nigeria of today.

What a monuemental tragedy this is. When did we, as a people, degenerate to this abysmal level of lack of empathy and when did we stop becoming our brother’s keeper?

As millions of Nigerians ‘’celebrate’’ our one hundred years of national unity, I hope that they find it in their hearts to spare a thought and say a little prayer for those whose loved ones are not with them today simply because they have been murdered or kidnapped by Boko Haram. May God heal their wounds and have mercy on them even as we grieve with them. And may God forgive our President and the majority of the Nigerian people for simply ‘’not giving a damn’’ about their sad and unfortunate plight.

There is no question in my mind that Nigeria is presently being governed by vile and evil men. These are cowardly men that are being guided by satan, that have no fear of God and that are more interested in persecuting the innocent and attempting to intimidate the opposition than in providing good and accountable government, protecting the lives of our citizens or fighting the war against terror. We have become a nation of vampires that is being run by a vampire President, who feels no pain and who harbours no remorse when the blood of children is shed and when the lives of the innocent are cut short.

Permit me to end this contribution with two parting shots. The first is from the government of the United States of America who have said that ‘’ Boko Haram is the second most dangerous terrorist organisation globally’’. The report says ”apart from the Taliban in Afghanistan, Boko Haram in Nigeria recorded the highest number of terror attacks last year, whilst Boko Haram killed the second highest number of people’’. The statistical report called ‘START’ which was conducted by the University of Maryland for the American government on global terrorism in 2012 revealed that ’’while the Taliban killed 1,842 people in 525 terror attacks last year, and came tops on the infamous ranking, Boko Haram came second, killing 1,132 in 364 terror attacks. Both the Taliban and Boko Haram have killed more than Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Maoists in India, Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, rolled into one.”- United States Government, June 11, 2013. This is indeed food for thought. The second parting shot is a chilling and insightful contribution from Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, who is a man that has proved to be far more discerning and forthright than most when it comes to this matter. Barely 24 hours after 37 innocent people were butchered by the terrorists in his state, he asked the following pertinent questions. ‘’In Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, the soldiers withdrew from checkpoints hours to the attack. Who ordered the withdrawal? In Shuwa and Michika, soldiers withdrew and shortly after that, Boko Haram attacked. Who ordered the withdrawals? We also have the case of General Mohammed Shuwa (who was killed) in Maiduguri by the so-called Boko Haram. There is an army unit there but they didn’t respond during the attack. Who told them not to respond? The Airforce Base was raided in Maiduguri. There was a military base nearby. Who gave the base the order not to respond during the raid on the airforce base? Either, this thing is controlled by unknown fellows or an unknown Boko Haram strategic commander, who is in the defence system or are things being staged managed?’’ Needless to say these questions need to be answered. May God help us all.

13

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Programmer Job in a software and hardware company in Lagos W-Holistics Business Solutions - Our client, a leading software and hardware company providing hardware and mobile data gathering software to businesses across Africa is in urgent need of a competent programmer.

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14

IN RETROSPECT

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

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

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

-IYIOLA OMISORE. •Culled from Vanguard Newspaper.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, March 6, 2014

15

www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014

The attention of the Government of the State of Osun has been drawn to the discovery of an object suspected to be explosive device at the banking hall of one of the branches of a bank in Osogbo, the state capital.

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Reports available yet indicate that the object was found concealed in a polythene bag inside the banking hall.

that the masquerade is in the best position to convey the feelings and messages of the living to those who have transited to the world beyond.The Governor then expressed profound appreciation to Professor Wole Soyinka for his total ommitment to the success of

This led to the invitation of the Anti-bomb squad of the Osun Command of the Nigeria Police whose men evacuated the dangerous object from the banking hall.

While reminding the people of Osun and Nigerians in general of the various pro-active measures taken by government of the State of the Virtuous on security of lives and property generally, we are compelled to call on the security agencies to get to the root of this strange discovery in Osogbo and tell the whole world how this device found its way into a banking hall.

Considering the usually impregnable fortification of banks through their various screening machines which detect metals and other objects of lesser dangers, it is unthinkable how the device scaled through this fortress of the bank before it got into the banking hall where it was discovered.

To be specific, we suspect a deliberate foul play in the antics of those who desire to create a sense of insecurity in this state through their various machinations and manipulations. We are however assured of the readiness of the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation on the development in

Governor Aregbesola who said it is imperative for people to promote their culture promised that his administration will do all within its capacity to promote Arts and Culture despite the meagre resources of the state.Commenting on the significant of the masquerade, Ogbeni stated that it is believed

•AREGBESOLA

PRESERVE OUR RICH order to strengthen the assurances of our people and CULTURE, AREGBESOLA visitors that Osun remains a safe CHARGESTHE YORUBAS. haven for businesses and Unveils world's tallest pleasure. Those who have hitherto proclaimed imaginary drum in Osogbo religious rancour will stop at Governor Rauf nothing to simulate terrorism

Aregbesola of the state of Osun has urged the Yoruba race to intensify efforts in Since this administration came, the promotion of the rich culture God has blessed the Osun has remained peaceful race with. and inviting to more people The Governor gave the adever than before in her 21 year monition yesterday at an history. event put together by the government of the state and the board of the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding in honour of late Nelson Mandela held at the centre in Abeere.

the event. Speaking earlier the facilitator of the event and chairman of the board for Center for Black Culture and International Understanding, Professor Wole Soyinka had stressed the importance of culture to the overall development of human race.

Speaking on the motive for organising the event, Professor Wole Soyinka said the event tagged EGUNGUN MANDELA is a show appreciating the deceased leader and sending the deceased to deliver some message to the spiritual realm. The Nobel Laureate said Egungun is the bridge between the living and the dead, adding that such gestures are always extended to legends.

Highlights of the event were: cultural displays from various cultural groups spread across the state, the unveiling of world's tallest drum which measures 11 feet in height and 6 feet in circumference as well as the symbolic descending and ascending of Egungun Mandela.

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.