Osun Defender - May 17th, 2014 Edition by OsunDefender

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SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014 Who will advise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take it easy in its desperation to coast home victory in the coming governorship elections in Ekiti and the state of Osun, even as it’s glaring that all the factors on ground are in favour of the

VOL. 9. NO.059

Front Page Comment PDP’s Desperation Over Ekiti, Osun unwarranted incumbent governors of these two states? This is the fundamental question that arises in view of PDP’s

desperation to win the coming elections at all cost against the wishes of the electorate.

Though the compass points to the house of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the direction to which the pendulum of electoral victory is most likely to swing in the much Continue on pg5

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

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IGE

Osun, Ekiti: Non-use Of VCR ‘ll Aid Electoral Malpractices - IPAC - See Story On Page 2

•SCARF President and the wife of the Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (right), presenting a cheque of N250,000 to Miss Olawale Zainab (2nd right), the winner of Osun Spelling Bee competition; while with them is the winner’s brother, Mr Taofeek Yekini and her teacher, Mrs Ogundipe Olabimpe, during the the presentation of the cheque in Osogbo recently.

Osun 2014: Opinion Poll Favours Aregbesola

- See Story On Page 3

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Osun, Ekiti: Non-use Of VCR ‘ll Aid Electoral Malpractices - IPAC By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), State of Osun, has stated that the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to use the Voter’s Card Reader (VCR) for the Osun and Ekiti states governorship elections would aid election malpractices and undermines the will of the people. IPAC in a position letter Ambassador Rufus Akeju, submitted to the Resident on Wednesday in Osogbo, Electoral Commissioner said that INEC would be (REC) in the state, committing regrettable error

if it does not use the VCR for the Osun and Ekiti elections. According to IPAC in the letter signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Prince Adesoji Masilo and Idowu Omidiji respectively, and, INEC’s decision not to use the voter’s card reader, after it had earlier said it would use it for the Osun and Ekiti states governorship elections, was pragmatically

undemocratic, hypocritical and suspicious. The political group said: “We do not know why the INEC said it would no longer use the card reader for Osun and Ekiti, but we know that any reason that stimulated that decision is pragmatically undemocratic and hypocritical. We see the decision not to use the card reader machine as a

grievous over-estimation of its capacity. “We cannot allow INEC to fail in Osun and Ekiti elections, and INEC should also try to assist itself on the need to prevent the recurrence of the hideous experience in the Anambra election. If we are to analyze the INEC’s decision, it will simply directly or indirectly aid rigging and election

•Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, wife of the governor, State of Osun (2nd left) sympathising with a rape victim, Bilikisu Muraina. With them her are Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Chief of Staff, State of Osun (left), Abibat Muraina, mother of the victim (right) during a visit to the victim at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, recently.

Osun Ekiti Elections: Civil Society Demands Deployment Of VCR •Gives INEC Seven Days’ Ultimatum By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

HE Osun State Civil Society Coalition (OCSC), comprising 19 Non-Governmental Organisations in the State of Osun on Wednesday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reverse its decision not to deploy Voter’s Card Readers (VCR) for Osun and Ekiti Gubernatorial Election. The coalition rejected deployment of technology INEC’s excuses not to cannot be divorced from deploy VCR and threatened conduct of credible to embark on mass protest, elections devoid of rigging if the commission failed to or manipulation, which reverse its decision within compels the coalition to seven days and expose them lend its voice to the to the international increasing demand for INEC community. to test-run the deployment Addressing a press of voter’s card readers in conference in Osogbo, the the country with the State Capital, Chairman of forthcoming governorship the coalition, Comrade elections. Abiodun Agboola, said the He said: “Having group will not fold its arms regurgitated on the recent and allow INEC to mess elections conducted by the Osun and Ekiti INEC and their flaws, and governorship elections the often-repeated but considering the previous never implemented experiences in Anambra, promises to remedy the Delta and Ondo states. situation, we are forced to Agboola said if INEC join all well-meaning intends to conduct free, fair Nigerians in the task of and credible elections in exercising more vigilance, Ekiti and Osun, the voter’s as the governorship card reader must be elections in both Ekiti and deployed. Osun States draw nearer.” VCR is one of the best “We have observed that modern technologies to INEC appears to keep verify and detect fake voter’s revolving like barber’s card procured by INEC. chair without positive According to him, heavy vibrations pointing to its and appropriate readiness and willingness

to conduct transparent, free and fair elections in the country.” “The effect of this is that members of the electorate are getting worse-off for each mistake on the part of the umpire at any given election. It is, therefore, our duty to give this matter of deployment of Voters Card Readers in all elections to be conducted in the country

henceforth a life of its own, if elections in the country are to be seen as a worthwhile exercise and not a hollow ritual conducted to squander resources.” The coalition wondered why INEC is keeping the device after its procurement since last year and expressed fear on the ability of the commission to conduct transparent

election in 2015 if they failed to provide the VCR to only two states with less than 6,000 poling units. “We want peaceful, violence-free and transparent elections in Ekiti and Osun States and INEC must not precipitate conditions that would make the realization of these objectives impossible,” Agboola said

Students Look Forward To Resumption After Strike By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO ITH the latest information that the campuses of all the state-owned tertiary institutions in Osun, comprising Osun State Colleges of Education in Ilesa and Ila-Orangun, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke would be resuming on Monday 19, 2014, students of the institution have started to react to the news. Reacting to the Administration (Part Time) information, Abiodun student of the same school, Adeniyi, an ND 1 student of also lamented that the strike Science Laboratory had further shifted her Technology, OSPOLY, Iree graduation date and she stated that the news was was at a loss at when she indeed one to rejoice at would be rounding up because staying at home academic activities at the was beginning to take its toll institution. on him. Another Land Survey He noted that the student of OSCOTECH, Esaindustrial action had made Oke, Fanimokun Opeyemi, him totally redundant was of the opinion that the because he felt like a strike afforded him the discarded item in the market. opportunity of fully having On his own Kehinde time to manage his business. Fijabi, an HND 2 Business He said that the strike

was not the best but that during the period the school was under lock and key, he had time to make money that would be spent on pursuing his academic work, since he was the one paying his way through school. Other students interviewed expressed joy at the calling off of the industrial action, but were quick to add that there was still need for those in charge of education administration in the country to grant the wishes of ASUP as was done to ASUU. By doing this, they maintained, education would be harmonised and further developments would be achieved educationally in the country.

manipulations in the Osun and Ekiti governorship elections. “Since the card reader is to checkmate electoral malpractices, we see no reason why INEC that introduced the system would make a U-Turn and decided not to use it in the critical elections preceding the general elections. “We believe in INEC and we believe that the electoral body means well for the growth and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. “But its decision not to use card reader in the coming elections in the two states has automatically negated that intension of INEC and will also compromise its integrity beyond redemption.” IPAC however, urged INEC to rescind its decision and use the VCR for the Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections, adding that the commission should summon courage, even in the face of threats and pressure, to use the VCR to affirm its commitment to free, fair and credible polls in the two states. The political group added that INEC should endeavour to test run the VCR in the two states ahead of the 2015 general elections, as doing so would show its level of sincerity and preparedness to conduct credible elections for the country. “It is important for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti are free, fair and credible for the sake of peace, justice and progress of our land, as well as entrenching the tenets of the democratic process which emphasizes one man, one vote, one woman, one vote. The INEC’s decision not to use the voter ’s card reader machine for the elections in the two states is a threat to the transparency and credibility of the election process, which must be reversed. If we may ask: Whose interest does INEC intend to serve by the non-use of card reader for the elections? Is it safe to assume that this is a diabolical ploy to sabotage the electoral will of the people by creating room for rigging? INEC should please answer the questions. “We implore INEC to conduct the Osun and Ekiti gubernatorial elections with the card reader in order to enhance the election process, as doing otherwise by INEC is tantamount to undermining a free, fair and credible election which is unacceptable. “The gubernatorial elections in the two states are too crucial to the health and well-being of our democracy to be toyed with or some persons made scapegoats through acts of commission of omission for error, which the non-use of card reader portends,” IPAC submitted.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Osun 2014: Opinion Poll Favours Aregbesola By SHINA ABUBAKAR

F public opinion metamorphosis into election outcome, recent poll showed that if the gubernatorial poll is conducted this month, the incumbent governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola would ride to victory comfortably. According to a public opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Nigeria Election Studies (CNES) office located in Ibadan, Oyo State cpital, the general view of the public is to allow the incumbent governor complete the various projects embarked upon by his administration. Some of the criteria used as element of measurement include appeal to the public,

ideological perspective in governance, party preference, project execution, project impact, social security and innovation in governance. Other factors included in the research conducted in the three senatorial districts were personality of contestants, and public confidence. On party preference, 70 per cent of the population opined that the All Progressives Congress

(APC) is a better alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, considering the antecedents of the PDP in the state, especially in the promotion of peace among the citizenry, while 20 per cent of the population preferred the PDP, because it is the ruling party at the federal level of government. Eight per cent of the poll favours the Labour Party (LP) because of the person of the contestant in the party, while two per cent of the population were undecided. Similarly, on administration’s appeal to the members of the public,

the incumbent administration has the most appeal to the public because of its simplicity in governance, scoring 85 percent of the poll, while the former PDP administration had 15 per

cent with five per cent undecided. Sixty-five per cent of the population have confidence in the present administration, especially with regards to its ability to complete the projects it

Education Is Back To Life In Osun - Oranmiyan President By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

HE Chairman, Oranmiyan Group Worldwide, Prince Felix Awofisayo has affirmed that the efforts of Governor Rauf Aregbesola on education have brought the system fully back to life. He said that with the implementing its policies, way and manner which the it is hoped that the administration is administration would surpass the feat of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Awofisayo spoke in Osogbo on Tuesday at the State of Osun Schools’ Literary Debate Final, with the topic, “Are Leaders Born or Made”, organised by the Omoluabi Support Group (OSG) and Oranmiyan Worldwide in collaboration with the State Ministry of Education. In his address delivered by Prince Yemi Adegoke, he said, the achievements of the administration on education sector have set a pace for others to follow in the country and African continent in general. “To recognise that the achievements of this government are setting pace for others, the National Commission on Basic Education has •(L-R) Coordinator, Independent Masses Forum (IMF), Comrade Wole Folaranmi; Organizing Secretary, Justice adopted our School New Foundation (JNF), Comrade Mutiu Ibraheem; Co-ordinator, Poverty Eradication Forum (PEF), Comrade Peju Feeding Programme and Adigun; Coordinator, Peoples Welfare League (PWL), Comrade Biodun Agboola; Financial Secretary, Osun Civil the United Kingdom too is Societies Coalition (OCSC), Comrade Adewole Adewale and the Co-ordinator, Centre for Constitutional Governance considering its adoption. (CCG), Comrade Ibrahim Olayinka at a press conference on the position of INEC to jettison the use of voter’s cards “Our school reader for Osun and Ekiti governorship elections organized by OCSC in Osogbo last Wednesday.Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI restructuring programme is being considered by many states of the federation, our school enrolment has increased, travelling, rather than enjoined to purchase the performance of our school By MURTALA AGBOOLA HE Ataoja Police Community Relations boarding vehicles by the constitution, which makes children is improving and them bonafide members enemies of progress have Committee (PCRC), Ataoja Estate, roadside. been put to shame,” he While advising the of the committee.

Police, PCRC Kick Against Jungle Justice

Osogbo, has warned members of the public in the State of Osun to refrain from killing fellow human beings on suspicion of being kidnappers. The association gave into trouble. the warning on He cited instances, Wednesday at the where some people monthly meeting of the suspected to be PCRC held at Ataoja kidnappers were lynched Divisional Police Station in Osogbo recently. in Osogbo, the state In his own, the DPO capital. emphasized the fact that The meeting, which the State Commissioner was well-attended by of Police, Mr Ibrahim members, included the Mainshanu, frowned and Police District Crime condemned such acts and Officer (DCO), who vowed to deal with any represented the Divisional culprits seriously. Police Officer (DPO), He also referred to ASP Usman Ibrahim. instances, where suspects The PCRC Chairman, were killed on mere Chief Gbadebo Adeyemo, suspicion, saying that reiterated that members nobody is empowered to should warn their people take laws into his hands. never to take the laws into Members were then their hands, while warning advised to warn their that engaging in jungle people to use recognized justice might lead them motor-parks when

people of the state to be security-conscious both at home and in their working place, especially on Sundays during church service periods, he stressed that it has been discovered that robbers and thieves make use of church service periods to commit their nefarious activities. He also warned car owners to stop picking unknown people, who pretend to be familiar, because by so doing, they fall prey of either snatching of their cars or being duped. The police chief also tasked landlords and landladies to have detailed information about their prospective tenants. Members were later

embarked upon, 35 per cent of the population could not decide on where to place their confidence, whether on the previous administration on the PDP, ahead of the governorship election.

stressed. Awofisayo then noted that for Aregbesola’s purposeful and peoplecentred leadership, the hope of children has been rekindled and impart it on teachers that hardwork does not go in vain. Speaking for the OSG, Honourable Ipoola Omisore, member of Lagos State House of Assembly, said the debate was designed to make young people find inspiration towards believing that nothing is impossible for them to achieve. He said that the debate would not only educate the public on the Aregbesola’s monumental philoshophy on education, it would also enlighten the students and other stakeholders on the various political and religious intrigues introduced by some mischevious people to the administration’s policies on education, which has proven to be more resultoriented. The lawmaker then appealed to the people of the state to continue to support Aregbesola’s “uncommon zeal to develop the state through functional transformation agenda”. Meanwhile, Ayodele Habibulahi from Osogbo High School, Osogbo, emerged the winner of the debate, while Jacob Mary from Apara Memorial High School, Kajola emerged the first runner up, just as Adewumi Adewale from St. David High School, IleIfe emerged the second runner up.

Motorcyclist Bags 3-month Over Reckless Driving By OLAYINKAADEDIJIAND MUTIYAT GANIYU commercial motorcyclist, Abdulahi Sheriff, 22, has been sentenced to three months’ jail term for reckless driving by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court. According to the charge that was dangerous to the sheet, the suspect was public and without regard alleged of hitting one for traffic flow on the road. The charge sheet stated Kayode Kolawole, causing injuries on the victim against further that the suspect Section 18 of Road Traffic committed the offences on February 23, 2014 at about Act. He was also alleged of 12 noon at Biket Area along riding on the public Ikirun road of Osogbo, the highway without a driver’s State of Osun capital. He however pleaded licence, an offence that is punishable under section guilty to the three-count 7(1) of the Road Traffic Act. charges against him and It alleged further that the was therefore declared suspect rode a Bajaj guilty by Magistrate motorcycle with registration Olusola Aluko. The defence counsel, number SGB 370 QB on a public highway, in a manner Mrs Nnenna Ngwu urged

the court to temper justice with mercy, saying the convict had shown remorse and that he was likely to turn from such act if given another chance. However, police prosecutor, Inspector Isiaka Ajadi told the court to discountenance with the plea of the counsel, saying the convict should be dealt with as appropriate, to serve as deterrent to other motorcyclists, who are fond of driving recklessly on the highway. Aluko, in his judgement, said that though the convict appeared remorseful, but he would be punished to ensure sanity on the highways. He, therefore, sentenced him to three month imprisonment with an option of N3,000 fine.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Osun Assembly Tasks Education Handlers On Improved Efforts By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

HE State of Osun House of Assembly has charged the handlers of education system to intensify efforts in ensuring the continous smooth running of education in the state. Chairman, House Permanent Secretary and Committee on Education, Tutors-General in the Science and Technology, three Education Districts Honourable Folorunsho (Central, East and West) of Bamisayemi gave the the state. charge in Osogbo on Explaining that the Tuesday during the meeting was to do committee’s meeting with assessment of the first and the offices of the second term performance

of students, he commended the TutorsGeneral for the improved performance of the students. He advised the ministry and the Tutors-General to take cognisance of staff and students’ welfare, just as he enjoined them not to hesitate to ask for necessary interventions of the state parliament whenever the need arises. “So far, we are satisfied

with the performance of the teachers, principals, the tutor-generals and the State Ministry of Education. “While we are commending them, there is need for them to improve on some of the lapses that have been identified, so that we have optimum performance from the students. “They should hesitate to partner with this

Assembly to ensure that all is well in our schools. Wherever we need to, we will give back up and assist to ensure the proper running of the schools. “The essence is to see that the interest of the teachers, students are properly taken care of and to ensure that schools are running properly the way they should,” he said. The lawmaker then charged students to also

demonstrate seriousness in their studies, so that the investment on education by the government would not be in vain. In his response, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Lawrence Oyeniran, assured that the ministry would continue to sustain the standard of education in the state.

Police Arraign Fake Lecturer By SHINA ABUBAKAR

•The Executive Secretary of Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area, Honourable Tope Adejumo (middle) dancing with the decampees from PDP into APC last Wednesday in Oyan, State of Osun. Photo: JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM.

Beware Of Electoral Fraudsters in Osun – Adekilekun By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

character, will not want free and fear election and they have already started the process of rigging by purchasing voters’ cards from unsuspecting members of the public.” “Up till date, their gubernatorial candidate has not rolled out any serious progrmme that can attract the people of

N All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ede North Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, Pharmacist Muslihu Adekilekun, has urged the people of the state to be vigilant and watch out for electoral fraudsters, who are making efforts to frustrate the coming governorship election in the state. He accused the PDP with their opposition Peoples antecedents and Democratic Party (PDP) of making efforts to rig the August 9, governorship election with machinery of the government at the centre. Adekilekun stated this VER since the news of the plan by some in Ede recently while addressing some party elements within the State of Osun chapter of faithful in Ede Federal the Peoples Democratic Party to impersonate Constituency on the need security agencies and cause mayhem in the state to guard their voters’ broke out, the intention has begun to attract wide cards jealously and report condemnation from residents of Osogbo and its any suspected voter’s environs. card dealer to the security In an interview with this peace and tranquility being agents. He said the character medium, a cross section of enjoyed by the people of of the opposition PDP is people were of the opinion Osun are in for something to compromise any that thinking to that level different because we are election saying; “they will already betrays a defeatist more enlightened now than never wish for a free and attitude and that the PDP ever before. “We have been deceived couldn’t even wait till fear election. Adekilekun cited the election day before for too long and now that we have decided to wake recent incident in Ikirun, conceding defeat. To them, the opposition up from our slumber, they headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government had exhausted all in its are attempting to force Council Area, where a arsenal and when left with themselves down our PDP member was said to no other option, they throats.” For Iyabo Olatunbosun, have been arrested with decided to threaten the hundreds of voters’ cards peace and calm that Osun she wondered what people that concocted and wanted is currently enjoying. in his custody. According to Mr. Wale to execute that plan had in He said: “By God’s a businessman at mind. grace, Aregbesola has Amusan, “Is it that they want to the Ajegunle Auto Spare won the August 9 Parts Market, “anybody use it to cause havoc and governorship election and who wants to disturb the later place the blame on

the state, except importing thugs whenever they have their political rallies to provoke violence.” “Their fraudulent tendencies must not be strange to you. That was what they did in 2003, 2007 and but they failed in 2011. Our own responsibility is to be

vigilant and sensitize our people not to allow them,” Adekilekun said. He also called on the police to investigate the alleged purchase of voters’ cards by a PDP member in Ikinrun and urged the people of the federal constituency to resist provocation from the opposition.

Condemnation Trails PDP’s Plans To Destabilise Osun

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

government? Osun people would resist their every move vehemently because the current peace cannot be negotiated and we are not ready to trade the peace we are enjoying now with confusion and anarchy, because that’s what they did in 2007 immediately after the elections, when they brought soldiers from Ede to terrorise innocent Nigerians.” In a related

development, information has it that the duo of Musiliu Obanikoro; Minister of State, Defence and Jelili Adesiyan; Minister of Police Affairs, were appointed to make sure that the June 21 and August 9, 2014 gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun are won by the PDP under any circumstances and this medium reliably gathered that all resources have been released towards that plan.

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not to offer any to our reporters. In the event that any journalist from our establishment demands such, kindly incident the report at osundefender@yahoo.com or 08033927286 and 08033880205.

OLICE authority in the State of Osun last Wednesday arraigned one Kehinde Olusegun for posing as a lecturer at the National Open University of Nigeria, Osogbo Study centre. The charge sheet read in the court alleged that the suspect attempted to defraud by falsely presenting himself a lecturer of the institution contrary to Section 48 of the state criminal law 2003. He was also alleged of publishing defamatory matters against the study centre, saying it was churning out low quality graduates, an offence that is contrary to Section 375 of the state penal code. The suspect was also said to have conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace by distributing flyers, handbills and pasting posters to disorganise NOUN, Osogbo Study Centre, against Section 249 (d) of the state law. According to the charge sheet, the suspect committed the said offences on January 21, 2014 in the state capital. However, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge preferred against him. Defence counsel, Mr Peter Ibiyemi, pleaded with the court to grant the suspect bail in the most liberal terms, saying he would not jump bail if admitted. He disclosed that the suspect would produce credible surety to guarantee his readiness to face trial and prove his innocence. Police prosecutor, Inspector John Idoko, did not oppose the bail application, saying the court has discretion to exercise bail as it pleases. The presiding magistrate, Mr Lasisi Muhammed, admitted the suspect to bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in same sum, before adjourning the matter till July 3, 2014 for mention.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

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PDP’s Desperation Over Ekiti, Osun Continued from pg1 awaited elections - due to the impressive performances of the incumbent governors of these two states, the PDP in its desperate nature is hell bent on winning the coming elections at all cost; an ambition that has been described by political analysts as a pipe dream. But if the party is lucky to get good adviser/s, is it ready to take to wise counsel? Another important question again. The answer to this second question is not farfetched really. Going by the party’s antecedent it cannot listen to good advice as it has always been behaving like the proverbial hunter’s dog destined to go astray and for that never can he listen to his master’s whistle. Based on reality on ground it will be easier for the camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for the PDP to win the coming governorship elections in these two states. This is a statement of fact which the party itself is

aware of. And it’s for this very fact that the party is unnecessarily desperate. But clearly no amount of desperation can help the PDP’s cause and it’s high time it gets this sunk into its head. For one, like we stated above the chief helmsmen in these two states have endeared themselves to the electorate through provision of responsible and credible leadership. The people are satisfied with the level of unprecedented transformations going on in the states and they are not in the least ready to give their votes to any other party even apart from the PDP except the party in power as they know that to do that will be tantamount to wasting their votes. Secondly having ruled in these two states with little or nothing to show for it the PDP as a party has lost its credibility completely and in Yoruba land fake and fraudulent politicians can only succeed in deceiving the

people for just once. To believe that you can fool or deceive our people twice is to live in fool’s paradise. This is why the journey of desperation the PDP currently embarks on cannot yield any positive result. PDP must also be warned against engaging in its usual trades of unleashing violence and rigging as the party cannot find it easy this time as it used to. People know that when the party is boasting of taking over power in a particular state of the federation it’s not saying so with the aim of winning election through the democratic praxis of one man-one vote but through violence and rigging just as we witnessed in 2007 especially in the South-West here where the party’s ‘do or die’ election philosophy was highly practised. This time around the PDP should know that it isn’t going to be business as usual as the consequence of rigging in these two states will be dire indeed. So the party better warns itself against rigging and its members against perpetrating violence. It (PDP) should not forget that the era of Professor Maurice

Iwu whom it found a willing tool in carrying out its rigging plan in 2007 is gone. So also the party should bear it in mind that Olusegun Obasanjo, the proponent of ‘do or die’ election is no more in power. And more importantly, much as the incumbent President may wish that his party wins these elections, he will not be willing to associate with any act capable of adding salt to injury for him as rigged election will further tarnish the already battered image of his administration. In the light of the above, it will be better for the PDP to follow the path of honour by being a gallant loser in the coming elections rather than engaging in acts that will bring more opprobrium to the party’s doorstep and destroy the future of the party the more. The coming elections must be free of fraud and violence. That’s the only condition for peace in these two states. Half a word, they say, is enough for the wise.

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

6 This is certainly not the best of times for President Goodluck Jonathan. The President has indeed come under pressure both locally and internationally. All steps he has taken seem to be faulty. Even with the best of intention, his actions have been viewed with suspicion. The issue of the abduction of the school girls writing their West African Examinations Councils (WAEC) in Chibok, Borno State over four weeks ago has helped to compound issues for the Nigeria’s helmsman. The delay in responding to the abduction has been condemned all over the world. His initial refusal to solicit international assistance to rescue these innocent but unfortunate schoolgirls has also not been welcomed locally and internationally. While his aides may attribute his delay to act or solicit for international assistance as strategic planning, people now see it as his albatross. Before the issue of the abduction, the Peoples Democratic Party-led (PDP) government he is heading has come under the heavyweight of his inability to steer the economy in the right direction. This is not helped by allegation of his body language not ready to fight graft. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, had alleged recently that the body language of President does not show he is prepared to fight corruption. Before then, there had been allegation against the former Minister of Aviation; Ms Stella Oduah, who was alleged to have bought 2 BMW cars above her constitutional limit as a minister. There were demands for either her resignation or dismissal. Until after much pressure, she was relieved of her job. Currently another powerful lady in the cabinet of President Jonathan, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, has come under public scrutiny. She was alleged to have used her position as the Minister of Petroleum Resources to cause the public behemoth, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to hire aircrafts costing over N10 billion at public expense. While the minister was alleged to have gone to court to restrain the House of Representatives Committee on Public Finance from investigating her, the judge concerned has stated clearly that he never gave such an order. The President was to commit another Far Paux in his Presidential media chat recently when he subtly absolved the Minister of Petroleum Resources, while chastising the lower House. According to the President, while he is getting the necessary and the desired co-

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa or the North-Central States of Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, people are being massacred on daily basis. The President seems overwhelmed by the situation. with Conflict is part of any society, but the paramount thing is that MURTALA AGBOOLA government must be capable of TEL: 0806-119-7897 tackling the situation. The E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com essence of any government is to protect life and provide security. Can the Jonathan government claim to have performed this basic function? Is the fear of Boko Haram not the beginning of wisdom in Nigeria? If I were President Jonathan, I would simply refuse to contest next year’s election. I know and understand that it is not a simple task. First and foremost, the first Lady and the immediate family members would kick against it. Secondly, his Ijaw tribe would also not find it funny. To them, he is holding the position in trust for not only the Ijaws but the minority ethnic group in Southern Nigeria. Above all, the praise singers and the sycophants are always there to tell the President what he would like to hear. Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac, but if one’s tenure is creating more problems than it is solving, then the best option is for one to opt out. I appreciate the fact that we are too sectional and emotional in this country, but one should be objective and analytical on any issue. As Jonathan, I would prefer to honourably step aside in 2015, if that would bring insurgency to an end. I know that Nigerians are not used to resigning, but if I were •JONATHAN him, I would consider it as a sacrifice on my part for the the world including the world operation from the Senate, the powers? It is certainly not so. The country. Drastic problem House of Representatives has requires drastic solution. Hence, always been confrontational. The Patience Jonathan theory was we need a new approach. It takes faulted with the appearance of House, according to the somebody to bell the cat, will some girls on internet recently; President is not helping his Jonathan bell the cat? some of whom have been administration. We have been used to doing Those who are at the receiving identified as students of Chibok things a particular way and we get by their parents. end of the President are people the same result. The situation we The President in his media chat like the suspended Central Bank find ourselves now is different. stressed the fact that he had Governor, Lamido Sanusi The focus of the world is now on Lamido, who alleged that NNPC enormous powers which he can Nigeria. The world expects us to deploy. He even stated that no had not remitted all the money ensure these girls are rescued and President has relieved the Chief due to the government. The beyond that, we should be seen to of Army Staff, Chief of Naval recently-retired President of be serious with governance. Staff and Chief of Air Force in Appeal Court, Justice Isa Salami How can we go about it? We one fell swoop. If one may ask, was also “dealt” with because he can only expect things to be done how has that power helped to did not do what the ruling party differently. It is in view of this solve the problem at hand? expected of him. that we expect leaders, who are The President is human after The First Lady, Mrs Patience equal to the task should be put all. Nobody expects him to get Jonathan made matters worse in forward. everything right, but in his an attempt to help her husband. Jonathan has tried his best but She introduced the comic aspect innermost recess, can he say that what is on ground is sufficient and worsened it by saying that no his best is good enough for the enough to tell us that it is not country. Has the country ever schoolgirl was really abducted. good enough. Stepping aside does degenerated to the level we are As a champion of the women not mean that he has not tried or now? gender in public appointment, it is done out of cowardice, but It is a clear fact that never has one would have thought that she rather to show his strength. If he the country lost innocent souls would be touched by such as a steps aside, he would have done sensitive and pathetic nature like like we are experiencing now. what no Nigerian has done The civil war was the only time the the schoolgirls. The whole before, hence his name would be world is in solidarity with Nigeria Nigeria lost so many people. written in gold. Virtually on daily basis, we lose on rescuing these girls. Does people. Whether in the Norththat mean that Nigeria is fooling

AUDACIOUS EXPLOIT

If I Were President Jonathan

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Hoteliers Association Of Nigeria, State Of Osun Chapter, Paid A Courtesy Visit To The State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, In His Office At Abere, Last Wednesday.

•(L-R) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; President, Hoteliers Association of Nigeria, Osun Chapter, Chief Ayoola Fadipe and State Secretary of the Association, Dr Olaleye Oladapo, during the visit.

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•Governor Aregbesola (3rd left); Chief Fadipe (3rd right); Public Relations Officer of the association, Chief Olajide Olatunji (right); Managing Director, Bisafol Airport Hotel, Mr Bisi Afolabi (2nd left); Managing Director, Hotel Bafoo Limited, Mr Oyewole David (left) and other prominent hotel owners in the state in a group photograph during the visit.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Newly-completed Road Project Along Iwo Road, Dada Estate Area, Osogbo, Under The Administration Of The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, As Captured By Our Cameraman, JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM, Last Tuesday.

•A newly-asphalted stretch of road at Rosebud area of Osogbo.

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•Another asphalted road at Adams Street in Osogbo.

•A just-completed road at Mercyland area of Osogbo.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Comparison Between The Ongoing NUD Middle School, Sango Area in Ikire And The Old Structure Of The School As Captured By JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM, Recently.

•The ongoing construction of NUD Middle School, Ikire, under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun.

•The old structure of a block of classrooms of the school under the previous administration.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Received Report On Discipline In State Public Schools In His Office At Abere Last Tuesday.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) receiving the Report of the Special Committee on Discipline in Osun Public Schools from Chairperson of the Committee, Alhaja Mulikat Bello (left), during the submission of the committee’s report to the governor in his office, Abere, State of Osun, last Tuesday.

•Governor Aregbesola (centre); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori (3rd left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (2nd left); Chairperson, Special Committee on Discipline in Osun Public Schools, Alhaja Bello (3rd right); Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Education, Mr Lawrence Oyeniran (left); members of the committee, Chief Idowu Awopetu (2nd right); Chairman, Osun Christian Association of Nigeria (OSCAN), Evangelist Elisha Ogundiya (right) and other dignitaries in a group photograph, during the submission of the committee’s report to the governor in his office at Abere, State of Osun, last Tuesday.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Mathematics Of Politics In The State Of Osun N politics, opinion polls play important I roles in determining where the pendulum will swing after the election. This was why in the United Kingdom, in 2010, the election results between Gordon Brown of Labour Party, David Cameron of Conservative Party and Nick Clegg of Liberal Democratic Party came out to be what had been predicted by the media and opinion pollsters. In fact, the prediction of The Guardian newspaper was so close that one may want to believe that the predictors had prior knowledge of the results. Twitter and YouGov opinions were also to the point, but Twitter election predictors were more accurate. But forecasting election results, in a just society where everybody is working and none is grandstanding, should not be a puzzle as prediction is scientific. Election results have been predicted accurately, using numerous tools, in so many democracies, especially in the United States of America, Australia, Germany, Ghana and France that one should not doubt its efficacy. Mathematics is a veritable tool of electioneering and predicting election results. Opinion polls are based on social research, which is a subset of Mathematics. Posters are shared based on calculation and number of voters in an area or the number of followers. After opinions have been collected, the data are subjected to series of tests and analysis to validate them. This is to produce faultless results that can stand test of time. Since politics is a game of number, an exercise which depends on the number of people at the different sides of the divide and in which the side with the greatest number of people wins, like a “tug of war”, irrespective of their qualities (size, weight, height, educational qualification, social status, marital status etc), it cannot be difficult to say that the most popular candidate will win an election, in a fair and free contest. Putting Mathematics to test in the coming August 9, 2014 election in the State of Osun, one will deduce that the contest is between two major “giants”. Yes, two giants. Only a giant can win an election from prison and it was unprecedented, and only a giant can confront a “General” in a war and defeat the General. Senator Iyiola Omisore, ‘won’ his senatorial election in 2003 from the prison. He has been in government, state and federal, since 1999. Though he has nothing to show for his unmerited long stay in government in the State of Osun, even when he was Chairman of Appropriation Committee in the Senate, it must be said, that he is a giant. The other contestants are midgets that no one in the state is giving any chance of springing surprises! Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola fought “tooth and nail” for three and a half years to rescue his stolen mandate from BrigadierGeneral Olagunsoye Oyinlola and with his feat as a commissioner in Lagos State, he is fit to be called a giant. Politics does not only depend on Mathematics as highlighted above, it is a “bad game” like “Weakest Link”, a UK television programme, where contestants try to “eliminate” the weakest link in the contest, so that only stronger contestants can remain in the competition and win. In some cases, the “strongest link” is eliminated because he or she is a threat to the weaker links. Politics can

•AREGBESOLA By OLUFEMI OYEDELE

also be compared to the game of chess, where the ‘King’ is the target and the followers of the principal must form, as formidable as possible, shield around their principal and go straight for the jugular of the opponents. About the Mathematics of the next election in Osun, the opinions of great politicians from within and afar point to the direction that Ogbeni Aregbesola has done enough job to secure his second term in office. The ageless Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu, who is an authority in leadership and organization and who was the Secretary-General, Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) based in Accra, Ghana, commended Ogbeni Aregbesola and gave him a pass-mark for his efforts in developing Osun. In the same way, the erudite and highly cerebral Professor Pat Utomi has commended Ogbeni for his efforts. Times without number, the immediate past Executive Governor of the State of Osun, Prince Oyinlola, who ruled the sate for seven-and-ahalf years under the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has said that opponents of Ogbeni in the August 9, 2014 election should tell him (Olagunsoye Oyinlola) what they think they will be able to do better than Ogbeni, when they assume office. Prince Oyinlola said only a “spendthrift” will go against Ogbeni in the coming gubernatorial election.

The Vice President of Nigeria, Architect Namadi Sambo, advised his August visitors, one of them was the PDP gubernatorial aspirant in the State of Osun, and spoke in parable, that it will be “a war” to rescue power from Ogbeni Aregbesola. This is because of the numerous achievements that Ogbeni has recorded in his first term in office. All visitors to the State of Osun give praises to this innovative governor that has proved that with innovation and determination, good governance is possible. When comparing Aregbesola’s administration with the immediate-past administration of which the PDP candidate was a prominent party, we must not forget the reign of terror and their high-handedness. A serving Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, was assassinated in his house after being threatened some weeks before. Chief Joseph Abiodun Komolafe died as a result of the blows he received from the then Ilesa-East Local Government Council Chairman, Ibukun Fadipe. In April 2011, five members of a church in Ile-Ife, including the relatives of an aspirant, were killed during night vigil, a day to the election. Aregbesola came in and started working to turn the fortune of the state around. He has engaged 40,000 OYES (Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme) cadets. These cadets are not less than 18 years old, the minimum voting age, and will all vote for their benefactor. All the parents of public

school children, who are being fed with nourished foods have vowed to vote for Ogbeni, so that O’MEAL scheme can continue. This group will contribute about 300,000 votes when you calculate the number of pupils in the school, divided by three (assuming average of three children will come from a parent) and multiplied by two (mother and father who are of voting age). The market women and men, who have vowed to work for Aregbesola, are not less than 100,000. The farmers who have received assistance and financial support from this government are over 10,000. All the organized and nonorganised sectors are all for Ogbeni. The State Boys have not had it so good as they are having in this government. They are always in support of Ogbeni and will all vote for him. The artisans like tailors, shoemakers, bricklayers, plumbers, welders and auto-mechanics came out at one time or the other to pledge their support for the incumbent. The primary and secondary school teachers also said they will support Aregbesola because of his transformation of the education sector. Apart from the masses mentioned above, the royal fathers and party chieftains also play important roles in the determination of election results in Nigeria. Who can say of a single royal father in the whole of Osun that will not support Aregbesola? None can be seen. The Ooni of Ife is a great monarch, who history will never forget for supporting Awolowo and the progressives. A detribalized Oba, who knows all Yorubas originated from IleIfe and who loves hardwork and says it must be appreciated. And talking about the chieftains that can influence their followers, we have General Alani Akinrinade in Ife Zone. In Ikire Zone, we have Chief Peter Babalola (aka Peter Action) and others who will deliver that zone. In Osogbo, Ilesa, Ede and Iwo, the support that Ogbeni is enjoying has not dwindled. The Secretary to the Government of the State of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, is a beloved son of Iwo. The Asiwaju of Iwo, Barrister Gbadegesin Adedeji, a onetime Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice under the PDP and who represented the state at the National Conference, is also from Iwo. The deputy governor, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, is from Osogbo. With what happened to the Asiwaju of Ede and former governor in the state, Senator Tunji Adeleke, Ede people will not votes for the PDP in the coming election. Ilesa is another city with strong vote and we all know that Ogbeni is an “Osomalo”. Oba Adekunle Aromolaran was full of praises at the last Iwude Ijesa and enjoined all Ijesa people to vote for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola because of his developmental strides. Prince Oyinlola will deliver Okuku zone. Looking around in the state, one will see nowhere where votes can come for the opposition. In the final analysis of how and where the main opposition can get its negligible votes, one should not forget that politics is a game for everybody; both morally upright, sociopaths and psychotic patients. One should then remember that should all the aspirants’ wives and all the women that have, at least, a child for the aspirants vote for their man, one of them would not get less than ten votes.

FOR THE RECORDS

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Being text of a World Press Conference addressed by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, in Lagos on May 11th 2014 on Boko Haram and Nigeria’s security situation.

Nigeria On Auto Pilot, Let’s Rally To Save Her! Continued from last edition

Offer Of Assistance By Foreign Countries E welcome and commend the offer W of assistance by Britain, Canada, China, France, US, ECOWAS and the UN, among others to help find our girls. We welcome the British and American experts who have already arrived on our shores to assist us to find our girls and return them safely to their parents. This confirms our stated belief that the war against terrorism is a global battle that needs all hands to be on deck. It confirms our earlier call on the government to take its case to ECOWAS and the African Union so that the entire Sahel Region, which has become the playground for terrorists, can become a focus of subregional and regional attention. We thank all the friendly nations and global organizations that have expressed solidarity with our dear country in her hour of need, and urge those that have offered assistance to ensure it extends beyond finding our girls to dealing a crushing blow to the terrorists and defeating them once and for all. But we submit that ultimately, the security and safety of our citizens are the primary responsibility of the Nigerian Government, led by President Jonathan, and the government must not abdicate this responsibility simply because some nations and organizations have offered to assist Our Stand and Recommendations Fellow Nigerians, these are times that try the souls of men. Our nation faces a most severe and unfair test. The decisions and actions taken in the next few weeks and months may well determine whether we emerge from the pit into which violent terrorism has pushed us or shall we sink deeper still into lawlessness and disorder. The challenge we face is much bigger than the pursuit of office or individual ambition. Even without the Boko Haram crisis, the nation ran itself as if on auto-pilot. The Jonathan Administration did little and depended on the ingenuity of the Nigerian people to fend for themselves and cover up governmental shortcoming. However, a crisis has come which no amount of private ingenuity can resolve. Only government can answer this call. The time has come for strategy and action. The time has come but government has been found sorely wanting. Just as they have left the girls in the forest and at the mercy of armed terrorists without mercy, this government has left the nation in the cold. We must acknowledge that the nation has been brought low. We now suffer more violence and destruction than many places that are formally at war. For too many, Nigeria has become not a place to live but a place to die. We must change this evil equation. At moments like these, Nigeria needs a leadership that is bold, coherent, sincere and focused. Unfortunately, that is not the case right now for our dear nation. Given what is at stake, people of goodwill must speak up to offer suggestions on how Nigeria can pull itself from her present security quagmire. As a party, the APC has watched with great trepidation the deteriorating state of our country and its security institutions. We have consistently offered suggestions on how to resolve this crisis. We have said only a non-partisan approach can help resolve the huge crisis we face, even though the Jonathan Administration has pointedly ignored this. But we remain undaunted.

•AKANDE Today, we call on President Jonathan to earn his epaulet as the Commander-inChief and stop passing the buck. We remind him that as the Chief Security Officer of the nation, he cannot and must not pass the buck. We remind him that having imposed a state of emergency on Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, he has assumed full responsibility for the security of those states, and that it is disingenuous of him to point accusing fingers at the Governors of those states, who cannot even move around their states freely without clearance. Because we in the APC remain resolute that Nigeria can overcome this evil group, if only we all come together to fight the common enemy, we hereby advocate a multifaceted strategy, the outlines of which we now place before the Nigerian people for discussion and comment: The government’s response against Boko Haram has reached a strategic stalemate – a situation of parity in impacts. This strategic stalemate is to Boko Haram’s advantage for it wins as long as it exists and continues to disrupt and terrorize. Government policy needs to reform in a few important ways viz: 1. Develop and/or Publish a CounterTerrorism Strategy:Presently there is poor coordination between and integration of military means and political and economic objectives. There is currently no publicly known counter-terrorism strategy guiding the response to BH, and the impact of this can be seen in at least three ways: first is the chaos and confusion surrounding the government’s intention to explore a

negotiated settlement by dialoguing with BH. One minute the government favours and seeks to dialogue and grant amnesty to BH, the next minute government rules it out. There are mixed signals from the government. Second is the lack of use and coordination of military, political and economic means, yet successful counterinsurgency requires close coordination of military, political and economic means and objectives. 2. Build a new Intelligence Gathering Infrastructure – In 2012, Nigeria announced plans for a new intelligence fusion centre to coordinate, improve and integrate intelligence gathering and sharing across agencies. We need to obtain more timely and actionable intelligence from local sources in the areas affected by Boko Haram. We would also establish an office of the Special AntiTerrorism Coordinator. 3. Improved Intelligence: The solution to preventing, limiting and responding better to BH attacks does not lie in deploying more troops but in improving intelligence and increasing force enablers. The fight against BH will be enhanced if government focuses on these two elements. 4. Improve Contingency Planning: Most major militaries around the world have plans for the major challenges they are likely to face. We need to begin to create plans and conduct training exercises that reflect the challenges we will face. In this manner. Our security apparatus will be better prepared if and

when a situation arises. 5. Pursue and Align military with political (negotiated) solutions: Boko Haram is unlikely to be defeated militarily. Most insurgencies are ended through some form of negotiation. Government must develop a strategy along the lines of the policy followed by President Yar’Adua (over the MEND insurgency in the Niger Delta) at least to the extent that we use employment and other rehabilitative incentives to separate the rank and file from Boko Haram’s leadership. 6. De-radicalization Strategy: The Northern region is in urgent need of a counter-radicalization program to prevent many more young people (illiterate and unemployed) from being radicalized. Such strategies would require initiatives to counter violent extremist ideology and create positive incentives against radicalization (beyond the current focus on punitive measures – arrest, detention and killing), give voice and representation to young people in the region, etc. 7. Regionalize (ECOWAS and AU) Response: The government to solicit the operational involvement and assistance of ECOWAS and AU, including deploying multinational security operations across the Sahel to track and hunt down Boko Haram operational chain. It is clear that Boko Haram is no longer a ‘Nigeria-only’ problem, but now a regional security menace that requires regional responses. 8. Effective information management and strategic communication: The government needs to reform the way information is released and managed on Boko Haram. This goes beyond official information management and government agencies to include working with print, electronic and online media organizations, and local (grassroots) information channels. 9. Economic Development Plan for Northern Nigeria: The proposed recovery fund for the North East is grossly inadequate window dressing. A real and massive effort is needed. Clearly more financial resources are needed. Economic revival goes beyond providing substantial funds – it has to be guided by clear objectives, roles of public and private sectors and civil society groups, and must include social (education, health, religion, culture and traditional institutions), environmental, and political aspects, in addition to economic issues. 10. Involve civilian peace building organizations (military and police cannot build peace): Uniformed personnel are never peace builders. The government needs to urgently involve local and international peace building organizations, including NGOs, CSOs, etc. to design peace building initiatives for the NE. Conclusion Our nation stands on the rim of crisis. A stupendous national disaster beckons. But this current leadership can help avert disaster if they wake up to what true governance is. The time for excuses and half-measures is long past. The well being of the nation hangs in the balance. If we do not act decisively, the demands of the moment will find us wanting and history will issue a terrible verdict against us. We seek to protect this nation and her children. We seek to establish a legacy that shows the feats to which this nation can aspire when it stands united and strong against the threat of evil. We seek to make Nigeria a land where no one will ever have to demand that our girls be returned because in a better, more secure Nigeria they never will be taken! Thank you and God bless this nation! Concluded

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

The ‘Ogbeni’ I Know Testimony Of A 34-year-old Encounter man ‘Ogbeni’ is someone to watch. For whatever reason, he chose to be addressed and called ‘Ogbeni’ Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola. A choice he made right at the inception of his administration in 2010. Though a personal decision, it was a rare one to find in this part of the world. From all intents and purposes, I considered it the height of humility and selflessness in public office; a clear departure from the unwholesome penchant most Nigerians have for power and the paraphenalia that goes with political offices. Ogbeni’ is a man of history. From many indications, history has made an impregnable impact on him, while the governor is presently writing more unparallel history about himself in the State of Osun. By sheer providence, I came in contact with Ogbeni Aregbesola some thirty-four years ago (or there about) at The Polytechnic, Ibadan as co-students, precisely in 1980. I still can recall some of my experiences with this man called Ogbeni. He struck me as an unwavering human right activist, a democrat, very passionate and visionary leader. One particular incident offers itself for mention. In 1980, there was the issue of students’ bursary and the Oyo State government, of the late Uncle Bola Ige. It was the policy of the old Oyo State government to give N500 (which was then a huge sum of money) to every state student in tertiary schools as bursary. However, The Polytechnic students later received a rude shock from the governor when he offered to pay each of us an amount less than the one earlier announced. As if that was not enough, the governor was also quoted by the mass media, in a reaction to intense agitation from the polytechnic students, as saying that the polytechnic students were asking for equal payment of N500 bursary, per student, ‘as if they are undergraduates.’ This infuriated the students. Thus, both the state government and The Polytechnic students were set on war path. At this time, our Ogbeni of today was the Honourable Speaker, Students’ Union Parliament, with Bimbola Daniyan (now, an Engineer and Chairman, Tourism Board, State of Osun), as T

•AREGBESOLA By AKIN AJIBADE

President. Neither the state government nor the students were ready to yield grounds. To an average Polyte, the issue was more than a mere bursary, but a big dent on our academic pursuit and must therefore be fought to the very end and with every resources available. The stage was set. For the first time, (to my own knowledge, at least), the raw patriotism and shrew dynamism in Ogbeni came to the fore in alliance with the SUG President, of course! In a very democratic manner, a motion for students’ congress was passed by the House, led by Ogbeni. In a jiffy also, the congress decided to embark on a nonviolent demonstration against the discriminatory policy of the state government. The target of the protest was the Governor’s Office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

governor too. The ingenuity and maturity of our leaders and the entire students populace won his heart. There and then, the governor received our protest letter with a soothing promise to accede to our request. Thus, the running battle of certificate / bursary discrimination between polytechnic and university students ended on a happy note, once and for all. It was a battle of wits by our leaders, all through with no casualty suffered by the entire students’ body – neither maiming, death nor rustication of a single student! The leopard in Ogbeni Aregbesola hardly changes its skin. His records in other places he had served, many years after we had parted from school are living testimonies. Over three years ago, I had the grace of giving some divine message to three top civil servants in the state, who had earlier expressed outright disillusionment about Ogbeni administration, which was few months old then. The message was that their time of prosperity had come and ‘that none of their fears was real. One major fear common to many civil servants then was that Ogbeni was a down-to-earth, cultist and a religious extremist, who had come to power purposely to make life difficult for the civil servants, in particular. I told them in a plain language then to await the manifestation of the prophecies, sooner than later. That Ogbeni’s was the best leader they could ever had. As I write, all the three civil servants are at the peak of their career at their different ministries, while many objective minds all over the state can count the numerous benefits the visionary leadership of Ogbeni has provided so far. To God be the glory! Today, I still hear the gentle echo of the same prophetic message. More than ever before, God is involved with our Ogbeni and He has not finished with him. Only believe. Take me for my word. Time will tell!

Obviously, the security agencies were fully aware of all our plans. Hence, they came out fully against us, spreading out their dragnets to ensure the demonstration plan was frustrated at all cost, right from the onset. Our leadership was up to the task, very much undaunting! Ogbeni, the able Speaker and other leaders were at their best, working out strategies and counter-strategies that finally saw a sea of the Polytecnic students right at the door of Uncle Ige. How we managed to get to the state secretariat became a mystery to all! The whole arrangement was simply fantastic. All security apparatus were beaten hands down! Phew! No encounter with any •Ajibade is a servant of God security official for that matter! a public affairs There was neither a single incident and of throwing stones, tear-gas commentator. canister or shooting of guns at any student! It was a pleasant surprise for the

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

Lest Osun/Ekiti Elections Become Pady-Pady Arrangement

recent piece was titled: Attention: INEC, Card Reader, and Osun/ Ekiti Elections. The piece draws public notice to some hot development that are just unfolding within the last two weeks. It is of vital importance that Nigerians take conscious account of its seriousness, especially as it relates to the coming elections in Ekiti and Osun. This is an excerpt from the article: On Friday 30 April 2014, INEC; through its Acting Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Igbani, disclosed its determination to use Card Reader for the coming elections in Osun and Ekiti states. Barely 24 hours later, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ‘changed the song’ through Kayode Idowu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of INEC that the body did not say it would deploy card readers for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections. Since news on this drama broke, a lot of questions have been raised by Nigerians. Questions such as: WHAT IS THE ESENCE OF THE RECENTLY DISTRIBUTED PERMANENT VOTER’S CARD (PVC) IN OSUN AND EKITI, IF CARD READER WOULD NOT BE USED, CONSIDERING THE ELECTRONIC SECURITY FEATURES OF THE CARD? HOW DOES INEC INTEND TO A U T H E N T I C A T E PERSONAL FEATURE OF A VOTER AS CONTAINED IN THE PVC, ESPECIALLY THE FINGER PRINTS EMBEDDED IN THE CHIP OF THE PVC? The questions above are important, and most important are the convincing answers INEC must provide; such that would vindicate the election umpire. However, this piece takes a look at some postulates leading to public suspicion of ‘smelling pranks’ around the decision of INEC to have rescinded its earlier plan to deploy Card Reader in the coming Ekiti/Osun elections. Postulate 1 Should INEC actually refuse to deploy Card Reader for the Ekiti/Osun elections, the only way it would attempt to accredit a voter on election day is to cross-check typed details on such card with records contained in the soft and hard copies of documents in its data bank. This has been the way accreditation of voters were carried out in previous elections by INEC. This manner of accreditation has not won considerable credibility for the body; not as much as it would, should card reader be deployed. Basically, details on a voter’s card include photograph, name, age, home address/ward, including finger print etc. Every detail on a voter’s card can be verified, when an INEC official barely looks at details on the card and compares them with INEC’s record at his disposal. The only detail that cannot be verified by mere eye-cross-checking is the finger print on the voter’s card. And that is where the Card Reader comes as great essence for the credibility of the coming elections in Ekiti and Osun. INEC should tell Nigerians how it would verify the authenticity and genuineness of ownership of the finger prints on all recently-distributed PVC in the two states.

•Professor JEGA By RASHEED MABAYOJE

Postulate 2 It is only the election umpire, INEC that is supposed to have access to voters registration document nationwide. Through computer documentation, INEC keeps detailed record of all registered voters in the country in its data bank. Such bank would be kept in a physical storage facility designated at predetermined spots across the country. Another possible means of storing such huge data of Nigerian electorate is the use of the cyberspace, i.e a notational environment in which communication over computer networks occur. These two means of documentation face some challenges; the major of which is hacking. It is a way by which unauthorised interest thrives within an electronic property. A hacker is an individual, who exploits weaknesses in a computer system or computer network. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, such as profit, protest, or a challenge. Postulate 3 In the context of the foregoing, INEC runs the risk of having its voters registration data bank exploited through some of its insiders, who might have been compromised, who are paid to do some ‘dirty jobs’. Such person, or persons, for some pecuniary reasons, could help alter details of registered voters’ lists. Though, this might be a little tedious, but it is quite possible. However, the most very possibly easy means of altering INEC’s data bank of registered voters within a very short period of time is through hacking. A

hacker can gain access into INEC’s bank from anywhere in the world. A hacker can change details of INEC’s document, even while riding in a car, on an ‘Okada’, ‘Korope’ or while sitting in a toilet. Yes, it is that easy. All he needs is just some figures within zero and nine (0-9), or other alphabet key to gain access. And that is the point we are trying to make here. Once such hacker gains access, he can manipulate every detail; name, age, sex, addresses, and pictures, including the finger prints. It becomes very easy for him, in as much as he is able to get the registration number on such voter’s card. For example, once he gets a voter registration number, e.g. 0000 belonging to Mr. XYZ, then hacks into INEC’s data bank, he can easily change every detail of that card with that registration number. He can thence produce a new; same PVC. This is known as cyber cloning. By this postulate, a possible development of event may however arise on election day. Once a voter’s card is cloned, two people will appear on election day for accreditation in the same ward, before the same set of INEC officials. The questions at this point are: how would INEC identify a genuine card and carrier? Would the body verify the special electronic security features in the PVC through mere visual checks and verification? For the purpose of the forgoing, it is in the best interest of good development of democracy in Nigeria that Nigerian electorate keep the registration numbers on their PVC with the same consciousness and alertness they do of their ATM cards. The electorate should know that the only reason why banks

would always sound the warnings that customers should protect the PIN numbers of their ATM card is to forestall cyber cloning of their cards. A financial cyber hacker only needs such PIN to replicate any ATM and withdraw every kobo before the original account owner would spell ‘mo gbe’, I am finished! Consequently, voters in Osun and Ekiti, and the entire Nigerian electorate need to know that, of all details on their voters’ cards, two features are most important; the registration number of their voters’ cards and their finger prints as contained in the chip of the card. A current scenario is unfolding in Osun, where attempts are being made to get registration numbers on electorate’s voters’ cards under fictitious guise. Some forms were recently stumbled upon, emanating from the Osun PDP. Under the guise of empowerment, unsuspecting electorate in the state are being asked to give details of their PVC, especially the card registration number. (See scanned copy of the form) The registration number of an electorate’s voter’s card is the key through which other details on the card. could be accessed. Once anybody gets the registration number, it becomes easy to clone the card. It should be noted that two individuals could have quite similar facial appearances, hence photograph on a card might not really authenticate ownership. Two people can also bear the same names, i.e. first, middle and last name. However the only feature that cannot be cloned is the finger print. It has very high accuracy and one of the most developed biometrics. It cannot be cloned because no two individual have the same finger lines. And of all biometric features, finger prints and eye retina are the major features that cannot be verified through visual assessment. As INEC has rescinded the plan to deploy card reader for the Ekiti/Osun elections, it is most imperative at this point in time that Professor Atahiru Jega tells Nigerians how INEC plans to verify the authenticity or otherwise of finger prints- the most accurate and highly developed biometric feature on the Permanent Voters’ Cards it recently distributed in Osun and Ekiti. Finally, by the conclusion of the coming elections in June and August 2014, it would have gone down in history that the first deployment of Permanent Voters’ Cards for the conduct of any election in Nigeria started in Ekiti and Osun. Paraphrased, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC would be test-running the PVC in Ekiti and Osun during the coming elections. Hence, it is most logical; just as it is a matter of statutory duty that the body ensures the deployment of every other necessary logistics for the verification of the permanent cards, which has special electronic security features; and the accreditation of voters at polling units. The deployment of Card Reader for the Ekiti/Osun elections- going by the assertion of INEC’s Director of Public Affairs, Nick Dezang- “will authenticate, by up to 100 percent, the genuineness and ownership of these permanent voter cards,” The use of Card Reader in the elections and subsequent ones in the country remains the only means to make the coming exercises in Ekiti and Osun most credible. Otherwise the elections become what late Fela Anikulapo Kuti calls a ‘pady-pady arrangement’. •Mabayoje wrote in from Osogbo.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 17, 2014

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Inaugurated Commission Of Inquiry On Disturbance Of Public Peace at Government House, Osogbo, State Of Osun, Last Thursday.

•(L-R) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Adewale Afolabi and newly-sworn-in Chairman, Commission of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public Peace, Honourable Justice Adekunle Adeigbe, during the inauguration of the commission.

•Governor Aregbesola (2nd right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd left); representative, State of Osun Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Adebisi Ogunlade (left); Justice Adeigbe (right) and other dignitaries in a group photograph, during the inauguration.

•Governor Aregbesola (3rd right); Laoye-Tomori (3rd left); Justice Adeigbe (2nd right); Secretary of the Commission, Mr Bisi Babalola (right); members of the commission, retired deputy Commissioner of Police, Bose Dawodu (2nd right) and Barrister Ismail Ajibade (left), during the inauguration of the commission at Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Thursday.

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SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

AST Tuesday will ever remain evergreen in my memory, taking into cognizance the totality of what providence had made me to witness in the State of Osun. It was the day I shed tears of joy for being part of historymaking in the education sector in the State of the Virtuous. It could be pretty difficult to e-mail: kolaolabisi@yahoo.com :08033927286 give a vivid account of what actually happened. All I can say is that whoever had missed the occasion might have a herculean difficulty in filling the gap. It was simply amazing, thrilling and scintillating. It was the day the seed being sewn by the indefatigable governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in the field of education at both primary and secondary levels, showed a sign of effective germination. The occasion was the final of interschool debate competition among the secondary school pupils in the state while the venue was Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, beside state Government Secretariat, Abere, Osun. The competition put together by Osun Support Group (OSG), Oranmiyan Worldwide, Office of Wife of Osun Governor in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, was reminiscent of usual happenings in both primary and secondary schools in the 70’s and 80’s. Before I am crucified by critics, I am not saying the same was not the situation before the period mentioned above but I am not eminently qualified to be categorical on what I have not witnessed. Six contestants drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state made the final list of the competition. With what I witnessed at the venue of the event, it •Winner of the debate, Ayodele Habeeblahi (right), receiving a certificate from the would be an understatement to observe governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during the final stage, State of Osun that the umpires did an unbiased Public Schools Debate. Topic: ‘Are Leaders Born Or Made?’ organised by Omoluabi assignment. If not that it was necessary Support Group (OSG)/Oranmiyan Worldwide in collaboration with State Ministry Of that one of the contestants must emerge Education At Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Abere, State a number one winner, one would have of • Osun, last Tuesday. suggested that all the six contestants would have been made number one be divorced from the fall-out of the those hankering to govern the state by winners. The pupils were simply populist policy of Aregbesola’s crook or hook means today are not even marvelous. The dexterity and depth of administration in the education sector capable of flooring these products of their preparedness for the competition through schools reclassification Aregbesola’s Schools of Rewas beyond the imagination of parents programme which the main opposition classification programme. and well-wishers who all left their party in the state has condemned over If one engages in a venture and he mouths ajar with the brilliant showing time. With the prevailing situation, I rakes in profit in quantum, his joy will of the pupils. have learnt to conclude that any policy be limitless. That was the situation with Members of the audience comprising that does not face stiff opposition may Ogbeni Aregbesola that day. He was top political functionaries from both not be said to be people-oriented. visibly happy; he was in his best form, Osun and Lagos states, teachers, civil Afterall, the late sage, Chief Obafemi acknowledging the feat exhibited by servants, pupils were stunned with the Awolowo, was said to have had it rough these pupil-debaters. In his response superlative performance of the private with the opposition when he was at the event, he said he could hardly secondary school pupils in the debate introducing free education in the then believe what he witnessed, adding that competition. They were applauding the Western Region. There was nothing irrespective of what anybody could say, brilliant outing of the pupils by intuitively the reactionary opposition group did not all the six contestants were winners. clapping, gesticulating, hailing aloud, do to set the people against him but all He said those who know him are aware shifting their sitting positions and to no avail. The same thing is now that he’s hardly impressed but he was unwittingly getting up to recognize the being witnessed which the opposition not only impressed, but was dazzled by Osun talent. Words may not be enough is doing against Aregbesola which can the performance of the pupil-debaters. to capture what transpired at the event. neither stand nor fly. The question is, The impressed governor said what he The long and short of it is that, by my if so much success can be noted, was thinking while the debaters were own assessment, it will not be out of observed and recorded in the field of in action was if he was capable of doing tune to conclude that the debate education through the introduction of what the pupils were doing when he was competition was one of the best events schools reclassification programme of their age. There was also a I had ever witnessed at the venue in within four years of Aregbesola’s governorship declaration that the recent time. administration, what then will the result debaters who were good ambassadors The brilliant outing of the be in the next one or two decades? It of the state could compete favourably accomplished pupil-debaters could not will be simply marvelous. Some of with any of their counterparts in any

Omo Osun With

Kola Olabisi

Osun Six Pupil-debaters: Worthy Dividends Of Schools' Reclassification

part of the world. Ogbeni who was full of appreciation for the organizers of the event said it would go a long way in stimulating healthy competition among the pupils in the state with an appeal to the contestants who had dropped at the zonal level to take heart and imbue themselves with the spirit of Olympic sportsmanship. The governor disclosed that the sole financier of the event, the Osun Support Group, has been in support of his governorship aspiration and sustainability of his administration without asking for anything in return for some time past. He acknowledged the financial contributions of the group to his successful inauguration as Osun governor on November 26, 2010. In his own response, the state legislature represented by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye, said as a sign of honour and appreciation of the wonderful outing of the six contestants, a date would be fixed for them to come and replicate their good delivery in the state House of Assembly. The governor’s wife, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola and the state deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, were also not less full with joy and happiness through their disposition throughout the event. Now that the event is over and the winners have emerged, one thing that is germane in aid of the programme will be its continuity. It will not be too much for the government to aid its function every year with its extension to primary schools. Why the whole thing was unique was that the exemplary brilliant pupil debaters are products of public schools drawn from remote parts of the state. This is enough healthy threat to operators of private public schools in the state. No one can be blamed for sending his children or wards to any school; no government has legal enforcement authority to dictate the type of school a parent can send his child to. All I know is that every sane man wants the best for his children within the limit of his resources. One task I want to give to the State of Osun Government is to help the organizers publicise the final debate session because no one hides a lit candle under the table in order not to tamper with the desired illumination. The glory of the event, to a large extent, goes to the state. In view of this, there should be a replay of the debate on some of the publicly and privately-owned television stations like Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC); Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Channels; AIT etc. It is through the proliferation of these means of publicizing the achievements of these pupils that the outside world will have a full knowledge of the feat being performed in the State of Osun. It will also go a long way in permanently sealing the lips of non-constructive critics of the Osun government in the area of education policy.

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:

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