Osun Defender - May 20th, 2014 Edition by OsunDefender

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TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014

VOL. 9. NO.060

Front Page Comment

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial 'wannabe' in the state of Osun, Iyiola Omisore Mr. to coast home 'Money miss road', victory in the coming August guberare unrelenting in natorial election in their desperation the state as it's now

Already there are threats of violence from this far from being democratic party on obvious that they are members of the bent on using every ruling party, crook means to APC as they achieve their much (PDP) are Continue on pg4 desired victory.

Reject Jeun S'iku! Protect your votes

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

N50

IGE

2014: Identify Your Landmark Achievements â&#x20AC;˘Osun APC Challenges Omisore

- See Story On Page 2

â&#x20AC;˘(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during the two-day conference of foremost traditional rulers in the State of Osun on the overall development of the state, at Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Abere, State of Osun, last Friday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Ooni, Orangun, 76 Osun Foremost Obas Rally Support For Aregbesola

- See Story On Page 2

News

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

2014: Identify Your Landmark Achievements •Osun APC Challenges Omisore

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has challenged the PDP’s flagbearer, Iyiola Omisore to identify what landmark achievements he has recorded in his over two decades of active participation in the politics of the State of Osun in particular, which qualifies him to challenge Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in order to replace the governor in November 2014, while the party would want him to start from his home-base in Ile-Ife.

According to the party, Omisore should first tell the people of Osun what spectacular thing he has done for Ile-Ife which he plans to replicate across the state that surpasses what Aregbesola has done in Ile-Ife in just 42 months as governor.

“For instance, before Aregbesola became governor, most roads were impassable in Ile-Ife. It took the governor less than two years to amongst others, make the following roads motorable: Lokore Okesoda, Mbabi-Mbayo, Lafogido, Agbedegbede, Igboya - Fajuyi, and Mokuro roads. “Besides, Baptist Elementary School was a

dilapidated, sorry sight until Aregbesola made it a spectacle to behold, which amongst others drew a comment from His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade that ‘Aregbesola has performed beyond expectation... I see this’. There is also a magnificent Middle School. “This is just a tip of the iceberg of what Ogbeni Aregbesola

has done and continues to do in Ile-Ife alone, not to talk of the whole state,’ the APC stressed.” The party therefore, asked Omisore to tell the people of Osun what verifiable thing he has done or influenced to be done in Ile-Ife that surpasses what Aregbesola has done between 2010 and 2014 in the hometown of Omisore, that should make Ile-Ife vote for him to take over Aregbesola’s job. “If Omisore can point to one such project in his ward, he may qualify to run as a councillor, but unfortunately, there is nothing in his ward to qualify him to run as a councillor, as he lost that ward in 2011. “So why does Omisore think he can challenge Ogbeni Aregbesola as governor in the State of Osun?”, the APC asked.

Special Allocation Of Land To Displaced Traders By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

T •A cross section of traditional rulers during the commissioning of South-Western zonal office of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Osogbo recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Ooni, Orangun, 76 Osun Foremost Obas Rally Support For Aregbesola By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

OREMOST traditional rulers in the State of Osun on Thursday described the governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the best governor in the history of the state and resolved to support his vision to place Osun on a global map. The 78 foremost traditional today, he is one of the most rulers led by Oni of Ife, Oba successful African leaders. You Okunade Sijuwade, who are succeeding already and by converged at the Centre for God’s grace, you will be one of Black Culture and International the most successful leaders in Understanding, Osogbo, the the world.” The foremost traditional state capital, for a two-day conference on “Osun Overall ruler also cautioned politicians Development,” said Aregbesola in the South-West to refrain is doing its uttermost for the from comments that may cause disharmony, saying this is the state. The Ooni of Ife, in his period to harness strength and remarks, said traditional rulers unity to develop the region as in the state are comfortable the leading light of the country. The Orangun of Ila, Oba with the level of development in the state and assured the Abdul Wahaab Oyedotun, said governor of their total support despite the political neutral stance of the traditional rulers, to develop the state. Oba Okunade said: “We are as a result of their sacred stools, impressed with the it would be “ungodly not to performance of the governor acknowledge the excellent and no doubt, Aregbesola is performance of the governor.” Orangun said: “If we fail to doing his uttermost to develop the state. His ideas and say it, our subjects, the teeming innovations are complete masses of the state already departure from the old trend know that Aregbsola is the best and he must not fail. We are governor in the history of the going to support him not to fail, state. A sincere traditional ruler even if it requires committing will support any governor that our personal resources to is performing. Aregbesola is performing and by the grace of support his dreams.” He also advised the governor God, he will continue.” Responding, Governor to continue respecting and preserving traditional Aregbesola said the grace of the institutions, as it was done by traditional rulers is from God the late sage, Chief Obafemi and if not for financial Awolowo and commended him constraints, there is no amount for organizing the conference, of money allocated to which, according to him, has traditional authorities that is further strengthened unity too much considering the load of work on the throne. among the traditional rulers. The governor commended The Ooni said: “Obafemi Awolowo that you are the massive turnout of the following his footsteps told me traditional rulers for the one day that if not for the conference despite the fact that support of the traditional it was convened lately, saying rulers, he would have failed, but if not for the conference, they may not understand the

esteemed level his administration has placed on them. Aregbesola commended the traditional rulers for sustainable steady peace in their domains and urged them to not to spare any effort in promoting communal peace, especially during election period. Aregbesola said: “Aside minor communal crisis over boundary disputes, Osun is the most peaceful state in Nigeria, and the traditional rulers, as the custodians of security, must also take the credit for the existing peace. The state has however, entered a critical period, which is election period and our royal fathers must discourage any form of violence. “In a civilized society, election must be a peaceful contest. For instance in America, despite being a world

power, they conduct violencefree election. In the United Kingdom, no one will beat another and even in Ghana, very close to us, is also peaceful, but in Nigeria, the desperate politicians, who want to rig, will not want peace and you must use your power to stop them and maintain peace in your domains. “As the custodians of the most sacred authority, you must see to it that peace reigns in your domains by regularly convening stakeholders’ meetings on security consciousness and vigilance,” the governor stressed. Aregbesola added that the focus of his administration is to place Osun on an irreversible development pace as done in Lagos and promised to reposition Ile-Ife as the source of the universe through urban renewal. The Alake of Egbaland, Oba

Adedotun Gbadebo, in his lecture, urged the Obas to return to the traditional basics of being the natural leaders of the people, by speaking the truth to the authorities and resist partisan political temptations. Lecturers at the event included the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba AdulRauf Adedeji, the Aragberi of Iragberi, Oba Folorunso Makanju among others. Dignitaries included the deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titilayo LaoyeTomori, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barister Kolapo Alimi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Bisi Odewumi, the State Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye among others.

HE State Government of Osun has reiterated its commitment to its urban renewal agenda of the nine major selected cities in the state as entrenched in its six-point integral action plan. The State Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, State of Osun, Architect Olumuyiwa Ige, stated this while distributing allocation papers of lands to the displaced MDS market men and women in Osogbo, the state capital. Ige, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Architect Wale Ojo, appreciated the traders for their endurance and perseverance, while appealing for their continuous support for the Ogbeni Aregbesola’s administration, noting that more meaningful programmes were still in stock, if voted for a second term. He added that every policy of the current administration was aimed at boosting the economy of the state and also to make life better for the people, stressing that government was not out to cause hardship for anybody. Ige then called for absolute co-operation of the people of the state.

ADC Presents Candidate For Osun Gov Election By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has presented Comrade Gbenga Ojo Gabriel as the party’s flagbearer to contest the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the State of Osun. The ADC held its party. According to Nwosu, the governorship primary election on Saturday at the Secretariat ideology of the party was to of the Nigeria Union of give a level play ground to all Journalists, Osun Council, its members, who might be Osogbo, where Gabriel interested in certain political even where there is a emerged as the unopposed offices, single contestant. candidate. Nwosu charged Gabriel not National Chairman of the to engage in campaign of party, Chief Ralphs Nwosu, calumny but present his who was represented by the manifestoes that would better National Secretary of the party, the lots of the people and Alhaji Saheed Baba-Abdullahi, convince them to cast their said the party decided to go for votes for him. primaries to choose its Chairman of the ADC in the flagbearer to strengthen the state, Alhaji Adelakin Ajao, said internal democracy of the the party would give all what

it officially and constitutionally takes to win the governorship election, adding that the ADC governorship candidate would definitely put smiles on the faces of the people of the state, if elected. Ajao urged members of the party to drum up support for the party’s candidate and ensure that he wins the gubernatorial election. In his remarks, Gabriel said he was contesting the governorship election in an attempt to deliver different forms of dividends of democracy and bring good governance nearer to the people. He said he would address unemployment and socioeconomic challenges facing the

state, if elected, adding that he would run a modest administration that would be characterized by prudence and probity. The governorship candidate maintained that he would not derail from the ideology and manifestoes of the party, which are centred on infrastructural and socio-economic development, employment opportunities, promotion of functional education, provision of water and adequate security of lives and properties. He stressed that his party would continue to promote the current peace in the state and ensure that the party members remained peaceful before, during and after the gubernatorial election.

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News

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Public Complaints Commission Warns Police Affairs Minister Against Causing Anarchy In Osun, South-West

strong warning has gone to the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Abdul-Jelili Adesiyan, to be cautious in ways and manners he conducts himself both in Abuja and his home state, Osun. The warning came on the heels of an alleged brigandage he orchestrated during the April 3 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries conducted at the Ideal Nest Hotel in Osogbo,

the State of Osun capital. The minister was alleged to have used policemen to harass, intimidate and prevent the first Executive Governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who

was contesting the governorship primaries with Senator Iyiola Omisore, who later emerged the candidate of the party. In a letter dated 11 April 2014 and signed by its National Commissioner, Professor Razaq Abubakre, the Public Complaints Commission, described the conduct of the minister at

the primaries as a recipe for anarchy. The Nigerian ombudsman stated that such action by the Police Affairs Minister was capable of sending wrong signals to all stakeholders in the state and one that may obstruct peace, fairplay and justice. The letter entitled:

‘Complaint on Arbitrariness and Abuse of Office’ read in part: “I wish to recall the disturbing incident of 3rd April 2014 at the Ideal Nest Hotel, Ilobu Road, Osogbo in which you were alleged to have used policemen to harass, intimidate and embarrass Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the first civilian governor of Osun State and the contestant to your own favoured candidate in your party for the gubernatorial ticket in your capacity as the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs. “It is obvious that this reported conduct is a recipe for anarchy if all ministers were to act in the same manner. As a citizen of the State of the Virtuous, your reported action, if correct, will send a wrong signal to all the believers in justice and fair play around the globe. “Thus, there is need to thread with caution to avert insinuations making the round that you are acting out a script in collaboration

with the Honourable Minister of the State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro to cause problems in the SouthWest.” Professor Abubakre added that the commission, as ombudsman, has a duty to draw attention of anybody, whose act may lead to injustice against any citizen of the state or country. He noted that the report the intimidation and embarrassment caused Senator Adeleke was one capable of engendering injustice and causing anarchy. The Public Complaints National Commissioner added that such an act from the minister is most worrisome, given the fact that election is around the corner in the state. It would be recalled that there were reports making the rounds that Adesiyan and Obanikoro have perfected plans to rig or disrupt the governorship election slated for August 9 in the state.

300 PDP Members Defect To APC In Odo-Otin •(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi, during the conference 185 endorsement of the governor for second term in office by Conference 185 at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

‘Osun Cocoa Industry Becomes Operational Soon’

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED need for the people to ensure programmes. the sustenance of the He stated that the peaceful co-existence in the programmes of the state, urging that the youths administration have should not allow themselves benefited the generality of to be used for security the people of the state and breach. deserve to be supported. Responding, the Timi of The monarch noted; “we Edeland, Oba Munirudeen are fully in support of the Adesola Lawal, drummed administration and with this support for Aregbesola to support, we are optimistic ensure success in his that more development will developmental policies and come to this state”.

OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has assured that the moribund Cocoa Product Industry (CPI) in Ede would soon become operational again. He spoke through his governor emphasised that he Senior Special Assistant on would continue to encourage Community Forum, investors through his Olatunbosun Oyintiloye on policies and programmes to Friday at a public boost the economy of the sensitisation programme in state. Ede on government policies He then re-emphasised the and programmes. According to him, the government had since last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a By SHINAABUBAKAR Chinese company for the resuscitation of the industry, N Assistant Professor from Murray State saying; “the resuscitation University, Bellarmine Ezumah, was on a process is now at the final fact-finding mission to the State of Osun stage”. He said: “The resucitation to study the award-winning computer device process of CPI is almost at tagged Opon-Imo. the final stage and what this While addressing the education sector is to means is that we are bringing the industry back to life fully. academics accompanied make Osun a role model “When it is back to life, it by a lecturer from the for other states in the will boost the economy of State University, country and Africa as a Ede, its environs and Osun UNIOSUN, Mr Olawale whole. in general and it would create and Miss Itunu According to him, the jobs for our youths. “The last administration Lawanson, the State state-of-the-art school for buildings, coupled with also promised to do the same Commissioner thing, a huge amount of Information and Strategy, employment and training money went into it, but there Mr Sunday Akere, said of teachers, as well as the was nothing to show for it,” the device is a product of computer learning device he said. real thinking of Governor and feeding programme, Aregbesola then noted were to prepare a solid that the ongoing resucitation Rauf Aregbesola. He disclosed that the foundation for the future of the industry was one of the promises made by concept behind the device of students like the free Aregbesola’s administration, is to make learning education policy of the which has now become a attractive and simple for late Chief Obafemi reality. the pupils and bring out Awolowo impacted on Calling for the continous the best in them. the lives of many leaders support of the people before, Akere added that the in the South Western part during and after the August 9 governorship election, the objective of Governor of the country.

By ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN

O fewer than 300 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyan/Asi-Asaba in Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun last Wednesday. On the occasion, the only way to contribute Honourable Rauf to the development of Oyan Salaudeen, the leader of the and Asi-Asaba is to join the decampees, stated that their progressive-minded party. decamping into the party Oyan and its environs is was voluntary and not now a one-party influenced by anyone. community,” he said. “Our coming into the APC Salaudeen thereafter, is voluntary and without stated that, what prompted any influence from any them into crossing over to angle. We did it just for the the APC were the purpose of supporting the superlative achievements of governor and the party of the governor of the state, the progressives Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. “We want progress in our In his address at the community and with all event, the Interim State what APC is doing in Osun, Chairman of the APC, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, welcomed the decampees into the APC, urging them be vigilant and try as sponsored her trip to the to much as possible to prevent state, with a view to the PDP in their disastrous learning more about the plan to gain power at all cost. device and improve on it The APC chief stated that to meet the challenges of they should endeavour to the 21st Century work hand-in-hand with other party members to technology. She added that she was ensure the re-election of most impressed with the Aregbesola in the August 9 local content applied in the governorship election in the digitalisation and the input state. The venue of the event of home teachers in the was turned into a carnival content. as the decampees and their According to her, the hosts were dancing, singing Murray State University and exchanging and UNIOSUN would pleasantries. Salaudeen who led the collaborate on a four-year longitudinal study of the decampees pledged on device, with a view to behalf of others that they making it a better tool and would do everything legally ensure the re-election of make other states benefit to Ogbeni Aregbesola in the from its numerous August 9 governorship advantages as a learning election. tool. Throughout the period of She urged the state the event, Oyan stood still government to extend its as several hundreds of the assistance to the residents trooped out to with the institutions as soon as the identify development. project commences.

US Varsity Don In Osun Over Opon-Imo

Aregbesola

for

the

Akere added that the government is not just improving on the education sector, but also using it to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state. He said the company building the device was on the verge of completing its factory in the state, where 100,000 of the device would be built engaging youths in the state as workers in the factory. Earlier in her address, Dr. Ezumah stated that her research work led her to stumble on the computer device on the internet and she was curious to know about the device, particularly because as it contains most of the issues she raised in her doctoral thesis. She said her institution

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Reject Jeun S'iku! Protect your votes Continued from pg1nt

threatening fire against APC members. Going by their antecedent violence and rigging are their stock-in-trade. And since there is no hope for them of winning the coming election through 'One man One vote' then their hope lies in repeating what they know how to do best. Another way through which the PDP is hoping to claim victory is by throwing money and other valuable gifts out to entice voters to sell their votes. In this regard the handwriting had for long appeared on the wall. With the distribution of kerosene to their members and some members of the public which started last year their

journey to entice voters with the aim of buying their votes started.

This stratagem rather than strategy, being viciously employed by the PDP in the state of Osun, is what we see as 'jeun s'iku' should citizens get swayed by it. 'Jeun s'iku' literally means 'eat and die' or 'eat the food that will lead you to your grave'. The money and other forms of gift which the PDP and Iyiola Omisore rely on to buy citizens' votes are nothing but 'Greek gift' and 'blood money' and collecting them to do their biding means doing so at one's peril. It simply means sending our state back to the pre-Aregbesola era; backwater of development. May God

forbid!

PDP.

But it's not enough to pray to God to forbid evil things. We the citizens must also not use our own hands to bring evil things on our heads. To collect PDP's blood money to sell our conscience in the coming election will be tantamount to 'jeun s'iku' the consequence of which will be dire for our state. Of course the citizens can collect the gift of money and other gifts the PDP is ready to offer them but they must not do so to do their bidding. The votes in the coming election are for Ogbeni Aregbesola who has raised the bar of good and responsible governance in the state and should never go to any other party let alone the

The PDP and Iyiola Omisore are free to go about to throw carrot to the people in their desperation to capture the conscience of voters but never should the voters allow their conscience to be captured by these unscrupulous elements who have nothing to offer our state. The PDP has been in power for close to eight years here without any positive thing to show for it. All it had to show for its eight years of misrule are purely negative; violence, hunger, unemployment, collapsed school system, bad roads and general under-development across the state.

Omisore, Cover Your Face In Shame

was surprised when I learnt that as one of the governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Iyiola Omisore who has emerged the candidate was planning to use the newly-constructed Nelson Mandela Freedom Square in Osogbo for the declaration of his ambition. When I heard it, I laughed and asked: “Does it mean that Omisore and even his party have no shame, or they have accepted that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is actually working?

It is this same Omisore and the PDP that were saying Aregbesola has not done anything. For seven and a half years that the PDP spent in power, they never thought of doing

anything in that area, but within two and a half years, Aregbesola has turned around the place to the extent that the PDP saw the square as something beneficial to them. I even learnt that

when Omisore visited the square, he was bragging that nobody could stop him from using the place for his campaign, because the parcel of land, on which the square is located belong to the

This scenario has clearly proven the PDP wrong and that indeed, Aregbesola is working and the fact that Omisore thought of using the newlyconstructed square, is a testimony to that fact. Omisore should cover his face in shame because the people of Osun can now see clearly that he has nothing to offer them. Even the deaf can see while the blind can hear that Aregbesola has turned around Osun for better and he deserves another term.

Federal Government. When I also heard this, I asked again, could anyone ever thought of holding such a big event in the area when the PDP • S A M U E L was there? The answer OLUWATOSIN, Odeis ‘No’. Omu, State of Osun.

And on the part of the party's candidate, 'Mr. Money miss road' himself, he too had nothing positive to show for representing the state at the highest legislative body of this country even as he held a juicy position in the Senate, being Chairman Appropriation Committee for four years. Rather than serving the people and made positive impact in their lives he was only there to serve his own pocket. So in what way are they - both the PDP and Omisore - going to effect any meaningful change in the life of the state as they are shouting around? We know that the virtuous and responsible citizens of our state who have enjoyed dividends of democracy in unprecedented term under the able and visionary leadership of Ogbeni Aregbesola will not waste their votes. We are sure they are not

going to sell their conscience. We believe fervently that their votes will be for Aregbesola as they are not ready to 'jeun s'iku'. However, it's one thing to vote, the next important task before them come election day after voting is for them to protect their votes. Our people must guard their votes jealously so that these visionless elements who rely on vote stealing like they did in 2007 and who have nothing to offer the state and its people don't succeed in their fraudulent and evil plans. For them not to succeed the ball is in the court of the people. Our responsibilities are clear; to vote and to protect our votes. These are what we must do to ensure the return of the Aregbesola-led progressive government that has done so well for our state.

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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

Finance OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

2014 Budget Of Growth, Enhancement And Development

High Expectations; Rekindled Hope (II) •Build-up To Approaching Polls The budget for the last calendar year in the first tenure of the Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola’s administration was recently passed by the State of Osun House of Assembly. This democratic procedure is sequel to the official presentation of the proposed appropriation bill to the House on the last day of Year 2013. Based on available facts, NIYI OLASINDE beams searchlight on the various aspects of the budget; especially those which are of great coherence with the anticipation, expectations, yearnings and aspirations of the people and which hold high promise for their improved standards of living and life abundant.

•Representative of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Bade Adesina (2nd left), answering questions from newsmen after the budget presentation. With him are, State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, (3rd right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Agric and Food Security, Mr Agunbiade Festus (left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism and Culture, Mr Oladipo Soyode (at the back 2nd left ) and other dignitaries.

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

High Expectations; Rekindled Hope (II)

•Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, during the budget presentation. Contiuned from page 5 (ii) provision of necessary and du-

HE last edition gave consideration T to the year 2013 and what the year had been, especially the fact that it ended well in fulfilling the yearnings and aspiration of the people of the State of Osun, most particularly in the area of budget performance and the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the teeming populace of the state. We did this so carefully and so conscientiously that we aligned it with the SixPoint Integral Action Plan of the Rauf Aregbesola administration and the entire goodies encapsulated in the Pact that he entered into with the people of the state way back 2005 or thereabouts as he unveiled his election campaign promises to the people. The edition ended at a convenient point where we drew reference to the highlighted of the nitty-gritty of budget 2014 budget, which had been the fundamental guiding star for earlier budgets and booster to their high performances. It is with these guiding stars that we intend to open this particular edition; starting with a recap of the Six-Point Integral Action Plan of the Aregbesola administration: “SIX-POINT INTEGRAL ACTION PLAN · Banish Poverty · Banish Hunger · Banish Unemployment (Create Work/Wealth) · Restore Healthy Living · Promote Functional Education · Enhance Communal Peace and Progress” “From the2014 Appropriation Bill of the State of Osun therefore, much provision are expected to reflect on the items of significance here mentioned and many more. Specific mention shall be made of provisions in subsequent editions as we continue the consideration of the bill. Still for a start, we need to emphasize that as in earlier years, the draft 2014 Budget which is tagged “Budget of Growth, Enhancement and Development” is anchored on the following policy thrusts: (i) a complete turnaround of agriculture such that it will be revolutionised, made attractive and profitable with a view to improving the welfare of the people and the economy of the State;

rable infrastructure like roads, electrification, ICT etc that will ensure development of the economy of the State; (iii) creation of job-friendly economic environment to ensure empowerment of youths, Women, cooperative movements, Artisans etc; (iv) development of public service that is result-oriented, efficient, effective and responsible with a view to making it one of the best in the federation; (v) provision of effective health care delivery for all with special attention to the needs of children and women; (vi) provision of effective waste management and beautification schemes to rid our communities of filth; (vii) development of diverse economic potentials of the state and reactivation of commercial activities; (viii) reactivation and speedy completion of abandoned water schemes; (ix) transformation of the education sector with a view to providing functional and qualitative education; (x) reforming the court system, upgrading of courts and introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism with a view to ensuring speedy access to justice by all individuals in the State.” We shall henceforth proceed to give consideration to the workings and performances of budgets of earlier years of this administration; doing this as carefully and honestly as is possible. The essence of conducting this analysis at this very juncture is ti appraise the extent of performance of the Rauf Revolution and compare it with the situation that obtained during the years which preceded its advent into the reins of power and governance in the State of Osun. We would have commenced the analysis from the performances of budgets since the return to democratic rule since 1999, but this is reserved till a later segment. The detailed analysis of the various components of the 2011 Budget shall now seize our attention. This shall be done visà-vis the revenue profile for 2010 and the implementation of mechanisms approved by the Government for the successful implementation of the approved budget.

•ADEGBOYE,

The total actual revenue of Government for 2010 was Sixty-Four Billion, Eight-Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Two-Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand, Three-Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira, Thirty-Seven kobo (N64, 849,292,356.37). The revenue projection for the 2011 was, therefore, higher than the 2010 actual revenue by a sum of Thirty-Eight Billion, Five Million, ThreeHundred and Forty-One Thousand, Three Naira, Sixty-Three kobo (N38,005,341,003.63) representing 58.59 per cent increase. This shows the incumbent administration’s awareness of the low Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) base of the state which accounts for undue dependence on allocations from the Federation Accounts. The new administration, given this trend of events appeared determined and ready to take the bulls by the horns so as to ensure enhanced Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) for the state. It became glaringly revealed, therefore that as a gigantic step toward achieving this feat, the State Government had approved the appointment of a Tax Consultant, by name, Messrs Infiniti Segment. Justifying this choice, it was argued that the tax consultant had proven track record of efficient performance in the area of Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR). Also, it was uncovered that as part of its strategy, the current administration was also determined to reposition the Internal Revenue Service of the State towards greater efficiency through the recruitment of qualified personnel and provision of all necessary logistics that will enhance its performance. Efforts would equally be made to reduce leakages in the tax collection and administration processes through the implementation of electronic revenue collection system. This, it was revealed had started to be addressed by the Infiniti Segment. As revealed by the analysis, the target of the State Government was to raise the monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection to at least N1 Billion before the end of the 2011 fiscal year. This feat has already been realized. To enhance and facilitate the achievement of the above-stated enviable and lofty feat, the following Internally-Gen-

erated Revenue (IGR) policies were approved by the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola early in the year. They are; (i) Agencies of Government are expected to double their efforts and be aggressive in their Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) efforts in the 2011 fiscal year so as to surpass their targets; (ii) All agencies should be proactive in revenue generation by ensuring that their current revenue base is widened (iii) All revenue collected should be paid into the General Revenue Accounts, using the appropriate Heads and SubHeads of revenue while the Treasury Receipts of such payments should accompany returns to the Office of the Accountant-General. It is illegal to keep Government revenue in private purse or unauthorized Departmental Account; (iv) Collection of revenues should not be left alone with the Field Officers, the appropriate Head of Departments must be personally involved in revenue mobilization, collection and rendition; (v) Returns of revenue collection must be made monthly by all Agencies of Government to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Budget and the Office of the AccountantGeneral, failure in that regard will attract sanction; (vi) The release of funds for the execution of programmes and projects would, in relevant cases, be tied to the revenue performance of Agencies of Government; (vii) All agencies of Government should involve internal strategies to ensure greater efficiency, probity and accountability in their revenue collection and rendition; (viii) Top career and political functionaries shall be specifically held liable for any lapse in revenue collection and rendition; (ix) All agencies of Government should give greater attention to Revenue Collection than to Expenditure since no expenditure dreams can be actualized without adequate revenue backing; Contiuned on page 11

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps Chief, Assistant Commandant-General, Zone ‘F’, Mr Oladayo Amujare, Paid A Courtesy Visit To The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At The Government House, Osogbo, Last Friday.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) presenting a gift to the Assistant Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Zone “F”, Oladayo Amujare, during his courtesy visit to the governor in the Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Friday.

•

•Governor Aregbesola (4th right); Amujare (4th left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (3rd right); State of Osun NSCDC Commandant, Engineer Gbolade Felix (3rd left); Deputy Commandant, Operations NSCDC, Issa Akanbi (2nd left); Deputy Commandant NSCDC, Basiru Abdulazeez (right); Assistant Commandant, Head of Training, Adebiyi Ishola (left) and Interim Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun Chapter, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi (2nd right), during the Assistant CommandantGeneral’s visit to the governor in the Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Friday.

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

PHOTOTALK

A Two-day Conference Of Foremost Traditional Rulers In The State Of Osun On The Overall Development Of The State, At Centre For Black Culture And International Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. Understanding Last Friday.

•(L-R) State of Osun Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye; State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi and Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

•(L-R) The Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the event.

•Some of the traditional rulers at the programme.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

A Two-day Conference Of Foremost Traditional Rulers In The State Of Osun On The Overall Development Of The State, At Centre For Black Culture And International Understanding Last Friday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•A cross section of traditional rulers at the event.

•A cross section of dignitaries during the programme.

•Another cross section of dignitaries at the event.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Hosted National Union Of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Executive Members At The State Government House, Osogbo, Recently.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), presenting a gift to the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), State of Osun chapter, Alhaji Isiaka Afolabi (middle). With them is the state deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, during a dinner organised for the NURTW members, at Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun recently.

•

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola ( 4th left); Alhaji Afolabi (4th right); Laoye-Tomori (3rd left); patron of the union, Oba Rasaki Aluko (2nd left); NURTW deputy chairman, Comrade Taiwo Shitu (left); Alhaji Abdulasisi Najimu (3rd right); 2nd Vice Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulaman (2nd righ), 1st Vice Chairman, Alhaji Lateef Akanji (right) in a group photograph during the dinner organised for the NURTW members, at Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun.

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

MAGAZINE

High Expectations; Rekindled Hope (II) Contiuned from page 6 (x) All agencies of Government

awarding contracts must ensure that all relevant, charges, levies and other expenses are staturtorily required to be borne by the constructors are not loaded in the cost of the project to be paid by Government. Taxes, levies and other charges should not be included in the cost of projects which should have been determined by necessary economic considerations. While Agencies of Government are expected to make budgetary provisions for 5 per cent VAT charges on the contracts fees as in the case for all goods and services consumed by the Government, withholding tax charges, development levy and legal fees are to be deducted from the fees payable to the contractors; (xi) Legal fees payable at the time of execution of a Contract Agreement or deductible at source at the stage of payment shall continue to be paid by all contractors/suppliers; (xii) The payment of Water Development levy is mandatory for all taxable adults in the state, whether in the public or private sector; (xiii) All contractors handling projects worth N100,000.00 and above shall continue to pay 5 per cent Development Levy to Government; (xiv) Tender fees shall continue to be paid to the client Agency in respect of all categories of contracts in accordance with the existing regulations; (xv) Government shall give incentives to Revenue Collectors who exceed the set targets in other to motivate them with greater performance while sanctions (e.g. withholding of running costs) will be introduced for non-performance. The appropriate incentives will however be determined at the material time; (xvi) All Revenue Collectors and Account Officers must be conversant with the provisions contained in Chapters 612 of the State of Osun Financial Regulations. This is necessary in order to ensure that they do not run foul of any regulation.

â&#x20AC;˘AREGBESOLA

From a careful review of the budget of the State of Osun for the year 2012, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine found out that the balanced budget for the year was sized at One-Hundred and Fourteen Billion, Four-Hundred and Eighty-Nine Million, Seven-Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Three-Hundred and Twenty-Four Naira (N114,489, 750,324.00). It was an already-settled case that the budget, an obvious legacy from the ousted Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration, was of an initial size of Eighty-Eight Billion, One-Hundred and Forty-Three Million, One-Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Six-Hundred Naira (N88, 143,131,600.00). However, the eventual size of the 2011 fiscal year budget, as approved by the defunct State of Osun House of Assembly, which was assented to by the new Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was One-Hundred and Two Billion, Eight-Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Six-Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand, Three-Hundred and Sixty Naira (N102,864,633,360.00). As reported, this figure was arrived at, following various adjustments carried out on the original document by the outgone legislative house of the state, which was proposed by the governor of the state, Ogbeni Aregbesola, upon his assumption of office on Saturday, November26, 2010. That proposed budget was sized at Eighty-Eight Billion, One-Hundred and Forty-Three Million, One-hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Six-Hundred Naira (N88,143,131,600.00), It had also been constantly affirmed that when these sizes of proposed and approved budgets with the 2010 Budget figure of the Oyinlola administration alone, especially, when the various programmers, projects and policies lined up with them by the incumbent administration are considered, it would come to full glare that the Biblical injunction that the little you have is enough, if not sufficient, to achieve what you intend, is golden. Much has been considered concerning the eventful, historic occasion of the

presentation of the proposed Appropriation Bills for the 2013 fiscal year and earlier years to the incumbent House of Assembly by the governor of the state before the passage of each outgoing year. In further portions of the presentation speech which we now find relevant and appropriate, more facts came to the fore on what transpired to produce the final document which was passed as the 2011 Appropriation Act. Also, the true and correct assessment of the performance of the economy of the state for year 2011 was conducted. In the review of the implementation of the 2011 Budget, it was placed on record how the governor recalled that the size of the 2011 Appropriation Bill passed by the House of Assembly was One-Hundred and Two Billion, Eight-Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Six-Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand, Three-Hundred and Sixty Naira (N102,864,633,360.00). According to him, the initial Total Recurrent Budget was Forty-Nine Billion, Seven-Hundred and Eighty-Three Million, Five-Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, One-Hundred and Ninety Naira (N49,783,569,190.00) or 48.40 per cent, while Capital Expenditure was Fifty-Three Billion, Eighty-One Million, Sixty-Four Thousand, One-Hundred and Seventy Naira (N53,081,064,170.00) or 51.60 per cent of the total budget. But the 2011 Budget was reviewed during the year to accommodate the additional provisions required to implement the New Minimum Wage and the implementation of the new salary structure fur medical doctors, health workers and the staff of the state tertiary institutions. With the approval of the State House of Assembly of the time, it was revalued; a reallocation of the budgetary provisions on certain heads and sub-heads was carried out. In all, the realignment brought the total Recurrent Expenditure to Fifty-Three Billion, TwoHundred Million, Three-Hundred and Forty Thousand, Seventy Naira (N53, 200,340,070.00) or 51.72 per cent, while the Capital Expenditure was Forty-Nine Billion, Six-Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Two-Hundred and Ninety-Three

â&#x20AC;˘LAOYE-TOMORI

Thousand, Two-Hundred and Ninety Naira (N49, 664,293,290.00) or 48.28 per cent. It was however pointed out by the governor that the reviews notwithstanding, the size of the initial budget approved by the State House of Assembly did not change. It was also placed under observation by the Governor that the draft 2012 budget which he was presenting at the occasion was the very first annual budget to be conceptualized and formulated by his administration. While taking his audience down the memory lane, Aregbesola recalled that the processes for the preparation of the 2011 budget had been concluded by the immediate past administration before he assumed office on November 27, 2010 after the validation of his electoral victory by the courageous judges of the Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State the earlier day; on the note of which Aregbesola was full of praises to the Almighty God for giving him the privilege to present the budget and to serve the good people of the state. If the philosophy, principles and policy thrust of the government of the day and those of its umbrella party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) are anything to go by, then a note of reminder deserves being sounded at this juncture on the high premium placed by the Rauf Aregbesola administration on the resuscitation of the old values of hardwork, moral discipline and integrity for which the Yoruba nation was reputed in the illustrious past. On the basis of this focus, it is in line with the pursuance of its lofty goals and ideals that the Government of the State of Osun considers it fit to first of all, lay a solid moral foundation upon which further development would be based. This focus, according to Governor Aregbesola himself, informed the idea of complete rebranding of the state as the State of Osun; with new sobriquet as the State of the Virtuous i.e. Ipinle Omoluabi; added to which brand-new logo (crest), flag, anthem and colours were introduced for the state for the purpose of identity and socio-cultural rebirth. This feat was recorded in February, 2011. Contiuned on page 12

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

MAGAZINE

High Expectations; Rekindled Hope (II)

•A cross section of members of the State House of Assembly during the budget presentation. Continued from page 11 In his operational definition, Ogbeni Aregbesola defined a budget as an estimation of income and expenditure for a fiscal period. Time and time again, Aregbesola spared no available opportunity to implore the people of the State of Osun to continue to uphold the virtues and cherished values of honesty, integrity and dignity of labour. Also, the emphasis of his government and the exertions of his governance are focused on the fact that the philosophical underpinnings of budgets are more important than figures. To Aregbesola and his team, their background and the trajectory of their coming to government; coupled with the roughening the people and the state went through in the hands of political buccaneers in the not-too-distant past; all have provided them with adequate preparation which has whetted their passion about service, redeeming lost grounds and ushering in progress, which, as it has proven so far are not misplaced priorities. All over again, readers need to be reminded of the bedrock principles which form the pillar-post of the incumbent administration in the State of Osun and all its efforts at good budget preparation and implementation. The emphasis of the governor had always been on the compliance and conformity of his budget presentation with the guidelines of the state’s Vision 20: 2020 First Implementation Medium Term Plan (2010-2013), which, according to him, had been comprehensively reviewed to accommodate and incorporate the Six-Point Integral Action Plan of his administration, as the main driver. The cardinals of the Six-Point Integral Action Plan, it would be recalled, include the following: (i) To Banish Poverty; (ii) To Banish Hunger; (iii) To Banish Unemployment (Create Work / Wealth); (iv) To Ensure Healthy Living; (v) To Promote Functional Education; and (vi) To Enhance Communal Peace and Progress. In the light of the foregoing, and in consonance with the tenets of these specifics, Governor Aregbesola confidently declared that the Budget 2012, his first

full document in office, was his team’s own budget; as it epitomizes their dreams and vision. Also, he brought out to the fore how gratifying it was to note that it was in compliance with the Five-Year Fiscal Strategy Paper of the State of Osun that the budget was prepared. In addition, he reflected that the draft budget 2012 had been fashioned towards the accelerated achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. We need at this very juncture to comment briefly on how well the budgets of the state had fared at implementation since the coming on board of the Aregbesola administration in the State of Osun. In his comments on the quarterly review on the implementation of the 2011 Budget prepared by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, it was brought to attention that the Total Revenue which accrued to government from all sources from January to September 2011 was Forty-Four Billion, Eight-Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Five-Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, NineHundred and Sixty-Nine Naira, Eighty Kobo (N44, 849,525,969.80). The Total Expenditure of government, inclusive of all recurrent and capital expenditure for the corresponding period was Thirty-One Billion, Six-Hundred and Fifty Million, Three-Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Four-Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira, Five Kobo (N31,650,319,429.05). Before we move to other segments of this edition, we need to emphasize how the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola had been guided by the principles of prudence and proper accountability in the disbursement and appropriation of funds. According to the governor, the government had been very prudent, not only in the management of the state’s financial resources; but also with regard to human and material resources. He further remarked that from the performance of the 2011 Budget as highlighted, it became obvious that the finances of government had been kept afloat. In view of the foregoing, rather than running into deficit, the State Government of Osun had been ending its years since 2011 on a credit note. THE nitty-gritty of the 2012 Budget of the State of Osun was indeed highly re-

vealing and relieving. In the budget presentation was found the promise and reassurance of a year that was set out to witness massive achievements in terms of execution of projects. Apart from the physical achievements recorded, the attention of the incumbent administration during the 2011 fiscal year had been focused on laying a solid moral foundation upon which developmental programmes would be based. The governor himself acknowledged this when he pointed out that the necessary socio-economic planning frameworks required had been put in place to pave way for the socio-economic reconstruction of the State of Osun in the 2012 fiscal year. As it turned out, the people’s trust on the good promises of the Aregbesola administration had not been misplaced. The experience during the just-concluded year 2013, as has been traced in the first part last week has shown that year to be truly eventful and full of laudable accomplishments. Last year showcased the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Aregbesola as one that really means business; one that is fully devoted to delivering dividends of democracy at the doorposts of the people of all socio-economic strata; one that is fully at work – and purposely too! It is not in doubt therefore that the current year 2014 wields still greater promise of a year of highly monumental achievements which shall outstrip those of last year in their sizes, enormity, reach and impact. In year 2012, Governor Aregbesola made it known categorically in his budget presentation that the budget had been carefully packaged for the effective utilization of his team’s vision as encapsulated in the Six-Point Integral Action Plan. The governor said it was necessary to note that skeptics had been confounded in that past one year by the strings of achievements recorded by his administration in the area of maintenance of law and order, agricultural revolution, empowerment programmes, changing the outlook of the state in terms of sound environmental planning and beautification, etcetera. He gave his promise and the promise was constant; giving full assurance to the good people of the state that with God on our side, the achievements of previous years were going to be a tip

of the iceberg, given the higher targets set to be attained for the incoming years. It is sure then that year 2013 shall not be an exemption in this regard. We shall devote the remaining segments of this edition to the various aspects of provisions in the 2013 Appropriation Act, how they have so far been fulfilled, and how we can effectively compare this to the achievements recorded in previous years; particularly, year 2012. Unveiling his budget for the year 2012, Governor Aregbesola declared his budget as being christened: “Budget of Service and Progress.” Spelling out the nitty-gritty which formed the specifics of the budget, Aregbesola laid down the following provisions as the cardinal objectives of the budget. It is from the viewpoint of these that OSUN DEFENDER Magazine finds it most convenient to approach the bedrock for the Budget 2013. They were laid down as follow: (i) Provision of enabling environment to ensure increase in food production and to encourage agro allied industries with substantial participation of the private sector; (ii) Reconstruction of social infrastructure, economic and the industrial base of the state; (iii) Creation of conducive economic environment that ensures job creation and empowerment of youths and women; (iv) Promotion of culture of excellence and conducive work environment in the state’s public service; (v) Development of opportunities for wealth creation through tourism and culture; (vi) Promotion of industrial peace and socio-political harmony that would lead to revitalization of commerce and restoration of wealth; (vii) Restoration of healthy living to the people of the State of Osun through the provision of affordable, effective and quality health care for all; (viii) Promotion of functional education by improving basic educational infrastructure and by enhancing capacity of teachers at all levels; Continued on page 13

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

High Expectations; Rekindled Hope (II) Continued from page 12 (ix) Promotion of clean environment and healthy living; and (x) Reformation of commerce by restoring standardization of weight and measure. On the basis of the foregoing, the governor went ahead to declare that the size of the draft 2012 Budget; Budget of Service and Progress, was OneHundred and Forty-Six Billion, Six-Hundred and Seventy-Four Million, Two-Hundred and EightyThree Thousand, One-Hundred and Forty Naira (N146,674,283,140.00). As already adduced to in earlier parts of this edition, this size of the Budget 2012 had been upwardly reviewed for reasons stated to accommodate more spending for various ministries and agencies of government. Much of the rationale for the upgrade in the size of the initial size of the draft budget before it passed through the approval of the Parliament had been bared in the last edition. For now, the aspect that seizes our attention is the one bordering on the details of the budget and the extent of its implementation at the close of year. Tuesday, January 22 2013 is indeed a red-letter day for the Government and the governed in the State of Osun; a state which is conspicuously located in the nucleus part of the South-Western geopolitical zone of the federation called Nigeria. On that very day, the Government of the day in the state under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola met up with the dictates of office placed upon its ample and auspicious shoulders by the promptings of statutory provisions and requirements laid down under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On that day, Governor Aregbesola took the bull by its horns when he, fully accompanied by his cabinet members, political associates, supporters, admirers and critics alike, adorned the hallowed chambers of the State of Osun House of Assembly to lay bare before the legislators and all present, formally, the full details of the 2013 Draft of Estimated Revenue and Expenditure, which shall govern the policy thrust and direction of the administration as well as determine the collective fate and destiny of the people in one full fiscal year. The event of the day was a follow-up to the earlier event of December 21, 2012, which involved the Governor’s forwarding his draft 2013 Estimate of Appropriation Bill to the hallowed chambers of legislators for consideration. Since that time, the draft budget had been in the custody of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for its perusal and surgical operation.

The governor in his opening remarks expressed his great delight over his presence at the hallowed chamber to present the 2013 Draft Budget to the people of the State of Osun through the distinguished House which comprised the representatives of the people. He noted that the 2013 Budget presentation under presentation was the second annual budget to be fully conceptualized and formulated by his administration within three years of its coming on board; as the 2010 Budget had already been concluded by the immediate past administration before his administration assumed office in November, 2010. Justifying the timing of public presentation of the draft budget at a time when the new financial/calendar year had started; Aregbesola quoted relevant portions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to prove that the timing was still in order. According to him, Section 121 (1) of the constitution states that: “The Governor shall cause to be prepared and lay before the House of Assembly at any time before the commencement of each financial year, estimates of the revenues and expenditures of the state for the next following financial year” On the basis of this provision, the governor expressed his deep-seated joy that his administration had complied without breach because long before the end of December 2012, the draft budget being publicly presented on date had been laid before the State of Osun House of Assembly. He then pointed out that the presence of the executive arm of government at the hallowed chambers of the House of Assembly on that date was in response to invitation of the Assembly to publicly present the budget, in line with the openness and transparency policy which marked the guiding principles of his administration. The helmsman of the State of Osun was full of appreciation to the Honourable Speaker, House leadership and the entire honourable members of the House for their support and cooperation since inauguration. According to the governor, it was with the continued cooperation of these sets of functionaries that the administration could meet the yearnings and aspiration of the people. The governor’s appreciation also went to the Judiciary: the Acting Chief Judge, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal and the honourable judges of the State Judiciary for their unalloyed cooperation and support for the administration of the day.

He reflected that it was only through the collaborative efforts of the three arms of government in the state that the State of Osun is being developed in line with the dreams and aspiration of the founding fathers of the state. The governor devoted some quality time to highlighting the onerous and delicate nature of the sensitive task involved in the preparation of budgets and financial estimates. According to him, crafting the budget is the most important work of government. Defining budget, the governor opined that: “It is what in summary encapsulates the whole business of government for the whole year. The content of the budget will determine the outcome of the lives of millions of the citizens, enterprises, institutions and agencies. It is a solemn affair that must therefore be approached with every sense of responsibility. It is not a perfunctory act or a rite of passage. It is a very, very serious business and that is why we have taken our time to carefully consider all the ramifications in shaping the destiny of the government and our people for the next one year.” Casting a retrospective glance at the antecedents of the State of Osun before the advent of the administration, Governor Aregbesola recalled how his administration met the state in a state of nearcollapse in 2010; owing to careless, negligent, unscrupulous and inadvertent leadership which held sway in the state for several years. He however gave thanks and appreciation to God Almighty for how hi administration had been empowered, within the first half of its first four year mandate-period, to vigorously and assiduously pursue the re-orientation of the people. He then reasoned that the 2013 Budget under presentation was to ensure the consolidation of the achievements which the administration had recorded in the various sector and sub-sectors of the economy of the state. This revelation confirmed the predictions of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine in our serial editions where we solemnly resolved to counsel the incumbent administration to devote the current year’s budget to consolidating its numerous achievements, completing on-going projects, as well as initiating new ones. Far from dwelling on figments of imagination, relevant excerpts of the governor’s speech which touch on these run as follow: “It is to be recalled that when we came on board in November 2010, we met the social as well as physical infrastructure almost in shambles, but to the glory of God, within the first half of our fouryear mandate, we have been able to vigorously pursue the re-orientation of our people, give them assurance and hope. The 2013 Budget being presented today is to ensure the consolidation of the achievements we have recorded in the various sectors and sub-sectors of the economy in the last two years. The budget will also ensure the continuity of the well-tested and well-intended policies and programmes of our Administration. The budget is equally targeted towards ensuring the completion of on-going projects and the starting of new ones that will bring about continued im provement in the socio-economic well being of the people of Osun. Our resolution in this regard is total and irreversible. Like the 2012 budget, the 2013 Budget is in line with the Six-Point Integral Action Plan of this administration. It is also in compliance with the Five-Year Fiscal Strategy Paper of the State. The 2013 Budget has also been packaged towards ensuring achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Osun by 2015. I want to assure Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly and the good people of the State that this administration will continue to ensure the formulation and implementation of policies, programmes, and projects that will guarantee freedom for all, life more abundant for our people.” We have always emphasized that the focus of the policy-thrust of the incumbent administration, as well as that of the ruling party in the State of Osun, is hinged on the Six-Point Integral Action Plan under reference in the above-quoted excerpts. For the benefit of doubts, the Six-Point Integral Action Plan which marks the hallmark of the incumbent administration is here again recaptured: (i)

To Banish Poverty;

(ii)

To Banish Hunger;

(iii) To Banish Unemployment (Create Work / Wealth); (iv)

To Ensure Healthy Living;

(v)

To Promote Functional Education; and

(vi) To Enhance Communal Peace and Progress.

Commission Of Inquiry On Disturbance Of Public Peace In The State Of Osun: Call For Submission Of Memoranda The Secretariat of the Standing Commission of Inquiry on the Disturbance of Public Peace in the State of Osun wishes to invite the general public to submit memoranda by way of AFFIDAVIT EVIDENCE whether the complainant is a victim or otherwise on any reports or complaints or allegations of acts and/or attempted acts of disturbance of public peace and/or acts and/or attempted acts of violence, terrorism, hooliganism, civil disturbance and other acts capable of disturbing public peace etc. for possible inquiry by the Commission. All memoranda shall be clearly typed and presented in the following format: 1. INTRODUCTION OF THE SUBJECT MATTER 2. STATEMENT OF FACTS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER 3. ISSUES FROM THE STATEMENT OF FACTS FOR DETERMINATION 4. ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION 5. RELIEFS/PRAYERS SOUGHT The name, address, telephone number(s) and signature(s) of the writer( s) should also be clearly indicated and submitted (between 8a.m-4p.m MONDAY TO FRIDA Y) in FIVE (5) HARD COPIES and TWO (2) ELECTRONIC COPIES (in pdf and MS Word formats) on or before Friday, 6th June, 2014, to the respective address below: The Secretary, The State of Osun Commission of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public Peace, c/o, Office of the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry of Justice, State Government of Osun Secretariat, Osogbo.

To be continued •This piece, first published in Tuesday January 28, 2014 edition, is repeated due to popular demand. - Editor

SIGNED: Mr. Bisi Babalola Secretary to the Commission.

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Osun: Before Making New Councils Public OLUSESI ISAAC writes that if the State of Osun House of Assembly had assumed that the Mojeed Alabi recommendations could be copied uncritically from the conventional model and had so passed the recommendations hook, line and sinker, then the whole stuff remains an exercise in monumental governmental and developmental futility. process. The superior argument is that development councils promote more balanced growth at the bare grassroots, paying more attention to the education and socialization of the peasants and rural masses, emphasize the concept of selfreliance, and de-emphasis the dependence of local government on external finance handouts.

capacity to optimize the acceptable purposes of the creation of development councils, especially positive obligations to stimulate democratic self government, actual participation of people in the general development and management of their own affairs, mandatory maintenance of law and order, and political participation and control for further political stability and strength in the state is a crucial element in the Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s bid to create more councils in the State of Osun.

In Osun, the thinking of Aregbesola is that the nation’s constitution should be reviewed to give the states actual power to create local government councils. True. The polity should be restructured to true federalism, and an equitable way of creating the councils should be fashioned out to avoid chaos, should all the states of the federation decide to embark on the exercise. Hear Aregbesola: “Let there be true federalism. In a true federalism, the third tier of government has nothing to do with the central government. It is under the fiscal umbrella of the states.”

However, if the Mojeed Alabi ad-hoc committee on council creation had taken a stereotype of the usual conceptualization as the paradigm for Osun, then the panel’s recommendations could be far away from strategizing for social justice, social equalization and social integration that eliminate probable disruptive cleavages at the grassroots. And if the State House of Assembly had assumed that the Alabi council creation recommendations could be copied uncritically from the conventional model and had so passed the recommendations hook, line and sinker, then the whole turf or stuff remains an exercise in monumental futility. And before making the new councils public, the state legislature could still go back to the drawing board to ensure that the state government maintains an effective state presence in the locality in order to be able to determine and control the pace and quality of the developments largely initiated or generated at the local/ community level. The need is to have development-oriented councils that could fill the gap between development councils’ plans and state development plans, with emphasis on self-help efforts and leadership potential. While acknowledging that it is part of democracy for states in the federation to create councils if they have the resources to run them, the issue rather should be how the new councils deliver services to the people and provide effective cooperation and execution of government programmes and services in their respective areas. In Osun, the existing local government councils today had been inoculated against corruption and other abuses of the system. Prior to the Aregbesola superintendence on the state, that is, in the People Democratic Party government in Osun, corruption at the council level was worst in proportion and the councils were ineffective in service delivery, due to much premium put on local autonomy and PDP’s institutional corruption. All the local government councils in the state under PDP failed for lack of funds, effective leadership and dedication to service. Today however, nearly into the fourth year of Aregbesola’s government, the councils are financially transparent, implement development projects, establish the state government effectiveness in their areas; and are effective, enhancing performance and such ethics and values of public service as integrity, accountability and team spirit. Under Aregbesola, the existing councils’ attitudes had been overhauled to their scope of authority, responsibilities and functions, and monitoring and measurement as well as appropriate sanctions for laxity. And then, it is good that Aregbesola could now venture into creating more councils to key into the vulcanized existing ones in the state, to

•DAVID MARK: Senate President

•NAJEEM SALAAM: Osun Speaker

“Hear Aregbesola: “Let there be true federalism. In a true federalism, the third tier of government has nothing to do with the central government. It is under the fiscal umbrella of the states.” Aregbesola’s bid to create a number of development councils in Osun is his capacity to generate change resulting in transformation to progress and enhanced quality of life through economic and non-economic elements; and he is prompted by a number of factors including exigencies of his desire to develop backward areas of the state and the need to solve or ameliorate some pressing urban or semi-urban problems, not waiting until further undesirable trends and problems emerge.” devolve state authority to more councils that will bring governance to more people and get more people involved in the developmental and policy making processes in the grassroots.

by the National Assembly. It is awkward, to be modest not in the best interest of the federal parliament to ratify the local councils whose terrain, traditions and cultures it is not familiar with.

The maxim lex cogit ad impossibiliathat the law cannot command the impossible has only made the option of development councils the less cumbersome alternative to the creation of local government councils in Nigeria. Development councils are closer to the grassroots than the local councils in the sense that the development councils once operated in Nigeria the community council system before the Maccido Dasuki Local Government System Harmonization exercise of the late 1980s.

The constitutional requirement of ratification of the new local councils by the federal government creates problems in the polity. It creates dual loyally for the local councils which have to be loyal to the federal and state governments, even more loyal to the centre because of revenue allocation from the center, that also removes the local councils from the grassroots.

Regrettably, by every index, sections 7 and 8 of the nation’s current constitution make the creation of new local councils by the states of the federation difficult, if not outright impossible. It is unhealthy when the new local councils should have to be ratified

The prevailing constitutional procedures amount to commanding the impossible that aborted efforts to get councils created by Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Lagos states ratified by the National Assembly. These states did not revert to the status quo, but had instead settled for development councils, at least by all means to solve the issue of “minorities” in the states and involve the people in the

“And if the State House of Assembly had assumed that the Alabi council creation recommendations could be copied uncritically from the conventional model and had so passed the recommendations hook, line and sinker, then the whole turf or stuff remains an exercise in monumental futility. And before making the new councils public, the state legislature could still go back to the drawing board to ensure that the state government maintains an effective state presence in the locality in order to be able to determine and control the pace and quality of the developments largely initiated or generated at the local/community level. The need is to have development-oriented councils that could fill the gap between development councils’ plans and state development plans, with emphasis on self-help efforts and leadership potential.”

Aregbesola’s bid to create a number of development councils in Osun is his capacity to generate change resulting in transformation to progress and enhanced quality of life through economic and noneconomic elements; and he is prompted by a number of factors including exigencies of his desire to develop backward areas of the state and the need to solve or ameliorate some pressing urban or semi-urban problems, not waiting until further undesirable trends and problems emerge. But the formal announcement of the new councils in the state appears suspended, for its electoral implications. The new councils will require the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) adjust their electoral boundaries, or re-delineate them for electoral purposes, but the time to do all that is already closed in, especially as the governorship election in the state is already at the door. Except if it is granted that the new development councils could be accommodated within the extant electoral boundaries in the state, then the announcement of, the new councils may come after the governorship election. It is however certain that Aregbesola will make development councils come to stay soonest in Osun to diffuse political power on an area basis, and to allow for community determination of political affairs and inculcate the noble ideals of impartiality, protection of “minority” rights and integrity, all of which are considered germane to the further evolution of liberal democracy in the state. The new development councils in the state will enhance the governance of the state, just as they become training grounds for politicians who may aspire to leadership and partnership positions at the state level, even at the federal level. Good enough. Osun is not bedeviled by such reasons as the uncertainty, and irregular release of funds to the councils. The anticipated capacity of the councils to effectively mobilize the masses for lead participation in the socio-economic and political development of the areas is the raison d’etre for the new development councils on the way.

OLUSESI is Assistant Director, Directorate of Publicity, Research & Strategy, All Progressives Congress (APC), State of Osun

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T is a common thing in Nigeria to refer to some people as Statesmen or Elder Statesmen; so much that we do not understand whether those coinages originate from people with correct understanding of the category of people to be so regarded. Some are so called for reason of longevity of age, when it is assumed that Octogenarians or Septuagenarians must have gathered enough experience; with a strong conviction that nobody within that age bracket with some modicum of popularity would not have contributed to national or territorial development.

By ADE OLUGBOTEMI

Nigeria In Need Of True Statesmen

Many of similar assumptions have somehow proved to lie within the realm of operational fallacy, because not only have those so regarded failed to showcase footprints of positive impacts, many of them have to their discredit exhumed loads of moral decadence that is not worthy of emulation. Many of them cannot even receive family accolades that wives and children of exemplary husbands and fathers give their own as proves of extraordinary legacy. Family, as a social structure, cannot even feel their positive contributions; but the short-cut syndrome that has dubbed our nation as backward is often explored to attain the status of statesmanship. A statesman is such a man, who is a leader in national or international affairs. The concept is also attributable to a political leader, who promotes the public good or who is recognized for probity, leadership, or the qualities necessary to administer a state. A Statesman shows direction to the people, and his leadership quality ranks him high to the extent that people look up to him as pivotal in producing the much needed impetus for survival. All these qualities must be found in anybody that intends to showcase self as such; not those who will be drumming for war when they obstinately intend to win elections or perpetrate themselves in office. Many of the leaders we have today may be said to be lacking most of these credentials. In fact, most of them are a bunch of opportunists, who through one inordinate means or the other get undue advantage for self-enrichment that suddenly catapulted them to stardom. The ill-gotten wealth is subsequently used for image laundering and philanthropic gestures to cover up past misdemeanours. They quickly build around themselves an empire for the

â&#x20AC;˘The Late Chief OBAFEMI AWOLOWO

unscrupulous that also float a Foundation that will paint their principals as models that are passionate about bettering the lots of the downtrodden. Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems had their roots in the wrong statuses being accorded the new crops of Statesmen that are just emerging in our national life. They cannot be seen to be charting a course for the future of our teeming youths, who are supposed to ensure the sustainability of Nigerian social structure. At best, we now have replacement system that ensures economic security for their respective offsprings. Other youths are left to the mercy of speculative economic prospect that only ensures that a negligible proportion of the struggling youths break even and break through. Educational pursuit is no longer a guarantee for socio-economic

those that are to take charge tomorrow now believe that cutting corners and short-changing others are normal tools to propel them to the top and appropriate opportunities in life. Honesty has totally evaporated from our momentum and the principle behind dignity of labour does not occupy the pride of place in our daily life any more. There are some cultural values peculiar to different ethnic groups in the country; for instance selected language of communication is applied for elders in Yorubaland, so that elders are seen to be accorded full respect by the younger ones. That laudable attribute is now considered obsolete and unfashionable. Foreign culture that puts everybody on the same pedestal irrespective of age grade is entirely alien to our culture, but that seems to be the thing in vogue in our society now. This is the fallout of the overbearing influence that foreign culture has foisted and nobody seems bothered about this.

The political class can be said to be most guilty because they use the economic power at their disposal to lure innocent girls to sleep with them; and they quickly turn around to claim innocence and overtly condemn the same girls that they have cunningly abused. Some of our Elder Statesmen still chase about girls who are equal in ages with their grand children, and the aberrations they are expected to labour against are nurtured and perpetrated by them. Self- indulgence has eroded a genuine concern that should be expressed against the rottenness that suddenly becomes the order in our emancipation in our country, as in the political circle; and we seem not to be case in liberal economies, where perturbed so long as our comfort zones generational succession plan is well- are relatively secured. mapped-out and definitive programmes The few ones that possess the right are put in place to ensure that little time attributes of true nationalists must arise is needed for crisis management due to now to re-orientate the incidental low prevalence. When youths are meaningfully engaged, the propensity to gladiators that now go about as commit crime will be very low. The statesmen but are lacking in purpose and social maladies that are now intent. Restoration of value systems of predominant amongst the upcoming respective nationalities must be pursued youths are traceable to what the with full vigour, while the youths are Statesmen of today failed to do when encouraged to imbibe dints of hard some of them were in control of our work and industry as enduring legacy. Our statesmen must be able to generate national life. ideas that will be translated in concrete Leaders are required to be decorous terms to strategic plans that are capable so as to command the respect of their of transforming our economy to one that followers; but what we see prevailing will sustain our teeming populace, and in our midst today is the multiplicity of move our youths especially, from being rascally behaviour. Our moral values aimless wanderers to a state of gainful have been consigned to the dunghill of employment to improve our per capita degenerated moral suasion. Majority of income.

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.