Osun Defender - May 31st 2014, Edition

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SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2014 Going by the frenetic pace of project delivery across the state, a casual observer would naturally wonder how a state that was only a few years ago consigned to the backwaters of development has become the toast of investors and development partners alike.

VOL. 9. NO.065

Front Page Comment

Omisore And Osun's Imaginary Debts but has become a The story of how a state which the hurriedly departing PDP administration left prostrate and bankrupt has within three years not only received the kiss of life,

pace-setter across the board as transformation has obviously remained a compelling one.

Clearly, the resounding verdict across the federation

is that the State of Osun currently ranks tall among the states where things are happening.

From the towns and cities now adorning new looks courtesy of the Aregbesola's urban renewal initiatives, Continue on pg5

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

N50

IGE

Osun PDP Begs For Membership Registration •Attempt To Woos CAN Fails

- See Story On Page 2

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right), presenting Osun crest to winner of the 2014 High School Debate Champion, Master Ayodele Abeeblahi (middle). With them are wife of the governor, Sherifat (right); the state Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd left) and Chairman, Omoluabi Support Group (OSG), Pastor Olu Alagbe during the reception dinner in honour of the 2014 High School Debate Champion, Master Ayodele organised by Omoluabi Support Group and Oramiyan Worldwide, at State of Osun Government House, recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Adeleke’s Defection: PDP BoT Member, Chairman Chased Out Of Ede

- See Story On Page 3

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

Osun PDP Begs For Membership Registration •Attempt To Woos CAN Fails

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State of Osun has begun to appeal to members of the public to register for membership of the party as it attempts to match the All Progressives Congress (APC) in popularity test in the state.

Investigations revealed some members of the party that the State Chairman of to his personal residence at the party, Alhaji Gani the GRA in Osogbo, the Olaoluwa, was billed to host state capital, to have first various youth groups, class information on the which were mobilised by benefit of registering with

the party.

It was gathered that the party boss was worried with the recent development in the rank and file of the party, as its number further decimated in the state, following the anticipated decamping of some notable members of the party, including Senator Isiaka Adeleke and Olaoluwa’s

By SHINA ABUBAKAR particularly the unemployed deputy.

At the meeting, it was that an identity card would gathered that Olaoluwa told be issued to everyone that the gathering that the registered with the party as registration was to gather members, which could them the list of members of the guarantee party across the country, employment.

Five copies of the charging them to plead with their friends to also register registration forms were given to whoever that with the party.

The PDP boss in the state volunteered to recruit further implored his guests members for the party with to persuade others, a promise of monetary

•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (5th left); his wife, Sherifat (6th left); Mr Kabiru Aregbesola (1st right); Qudir Aregbesola (5th right), Sakirat Aregbesola (4th left), Rauf Aregbesola (Junior) (left); Olateju Ishola (2nd left); Jumoke Oladeji (3rd left); Bode Oladeji (2nd right) and others, during the 57th birthday celebration of Governor Aregbesola, at Government House, Osogbo, recently.

It Will Be Impossible To Rig Osun Election- INEC

By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that the August 9 governorship election in the State of Osun would be difficult to rig by politicians, as the commission has put in place measures to prevent rigging.

The INEC Resident the votes of the people will Electoral Commissioner count.

(REC) in the state, Dr Parts of the measures, Rufus Akeju, stated this according to him, are while declaring open a strict monitoring of the two-day workshop election, proper organized by the Osun supervision, prompt State Council of the delivery of electoral Nigeria Union of materials and synergy Journalists (NUJ) in with the security agencies collaboration with a Non- and the media.

G o v e r n m e n t a l Akeju said: “Politicians Organization, Democracy can only try to rig the Vanguard, while explaining forthcoming election in that the forthcoming Osun State, but I am sure election in the state would they cannot succeed with be strictly monitored by their plan, going by our election observers from preparations for the poll. both within and outside the “INEC has now made country. rigging very difficult He explained that INEC during elections. The would guard against all ballot papers to be used forms of rigging during the for election cannot be election, adding that all used more than once and forms of malpractices that it can’t be used by another characterize elections in person or outside the the country would be designated polling units. strictly prevented by the We have taken measures commission. to ensure that elections Dr Akeju stressed that count in Nigeria.”

INEC has taken serious He assured all the measures with the support political parties that will of the national participate in the election headquarters to prevent of free, fair and credible rigging in the August 9 election come August 9, governorship election in stressing that he would the state and assured that protect the integrity of

INEC in the state during and after the poll.

The INEC boss also urged journalists and other media practitioners in the state to play active roles in the election and avoid being an appendage of any political party, and stressed the need for the media to be unbiased in their report during the election.

Earlier in his speech, the National Co-ordinator,

Democracy Vanguard, Mr Adeola Soetan, urged the electorate to troop out to cast their votes during the election and urged them to also monitor their votes.

He said the only power that the masses have is their vote, and thereby urged them to use the power well for the sustenance of democracy in the country.

Chairman of the Nigeria

Union of Journalists, Osun Council, Mr. Abiodun Olalere, said the workshop was part of the union’s efforts to improve the skills of the members in election coverage and assured the members of the public that the union will work hard to ensure crisis-free, fair and acceptable election in the state.

compensation.

It was also reported that the party is currently disturbed by the attitude of the state populace towards its gubernatorial candidate and therefore, feigning popularity in its bid to manipulate the August 9 governorship poll in the state.

Similarly, the party is working seriously towards inducing the zonal leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state with gifts towards preaching against the candidature of Governor Rauf Aregbesola among Christian electorate.

Checks showed that the leadership of the party has also tasked it zonal leaders to find a way of luring the CAN leaders in their respective zones in the state into making bad comment about the present administration in the state, with a view to inciting Christian voters against the governor.

It was however gathered that the mission failed woefully, as most of the CAN leaders contacted by the party turned down their request on the ground that religious leaders are not politicians and must be neutral in their messages.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that one of the zonal leaders of CAN told the PDP leaders at the gathering that it is better to live in peace, as the state is presently witnessing, than to be bribed with millions of naira, leading the state back to the state of insecurity, as witnessed in the past.

The medium also gathered that the party boss is putting a group together under the auspices of Olaoluwa Youth Vanguard through which he is planning to unleash terror on the people of Olorunda Local Government Council Area, which he vowed to deliver to his party come August 9 at all cost.

Police Sergeant Bags Death Sentence For Murder

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

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Police Sergeant and former orderly to the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Mr Adamu Baruwa, has been convicted for murder and sentenced to death by a State High Court, sitting in Ilesa.

Baruwa, who had been prosecuting the matter, standing trial since 2008 according to a statement on a count-charge of made available to OSUN murder, was sentenced to DEFENDER by the death by hanging on May Information Officer of the 27, 2014 by Justice ministry on Thursday.

The witnesses included Abdulrasazak Abdkareem Mr Amos Awoyelu, of the court.

The State Ministry of Akintola Awoyelu, elder Justice had accused and younger brothers Baruwa of killing one Mr respectively to the Kehinde Awoyelu with an deceased and a consultant AK-47 riffle inside the pathologist at Obafemi Owa’s palace in Ilesa on Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, August 20, 2008.

Prosecution counsel to Dr. Omoniyi Esan.

The Awoyelus had the state government, led

by Mr Moses Faremi testified during the trial of called five witnesses in the case that they

witnessed the killing of their deceased brother, saying that the convict shot him on the chest at the Owa’s palace.

According to the Awoyelus, they were at the palace to settle a crisis that ensued on the appointment of a chief in Kajola Community.

The OAU pathologist, in his postmortem reports, said the deceased was shot at a close range with a powerful gun.

Faremi, the prosecution counsel, in his submission before the court, said a prima facie case has been established against the accused person, adding that the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The police sergeant had entered a not-guilty plea to the case when the facts of the matter were tabled before the court.

Delivering his judgment on Tuesday, Justice Abdkareem said he accepted the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, saying that they were found credible and reliable.

Justice Abdkareem stated that extra-judicial killing in any form is a criminal act and must be condemned, warning that he who kills unjustly must be ready to face the wrath of the law.

The judge pronounced Baruwa guilty of the crime and subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

Why Osun People Must Re-elect Aregbesola - AD2D He said: “In his campaign for office in 2007, Aregbesola promised to banish poverty, banish hunger, banish unemployment, restore healthy living, promote functional education, and enhance communal peace and progress.

“Today, Aregbesola has employed about 7, 000 public servants, engage about 40, 000 youths through the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES), several more thousands engaged in farming and other trades, created work and wealth through the OYES, O REPAP, O BEAF, O FISH, O BOPS, OYESTECH, etc.

“Aregbesola has engendered microeconomic growth with

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

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HE Director-General, Osun Door-to-Door (OD2D) campaign group, Mr Segun Omoworare, has listed the continuation of good governance that cuts across every facet of life and stability of peace, as part of the reasons why the people should re-elect Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

According to Gbongan to Osogbo road, Omoworare, the people among few other projects should not only consider the that would transform the massive developmental state and make it more projects already executed economically viable after

by Aregbesola, they should completion.

Speaking with OSUN also consider the policies, programmes and projects DEFENDER on Tuesday at that would bring more the mega rally held at fortunes to the state in Government Technical College, Ilode, Ile-Ife, voting for Aregbesola.

Omoworare said Omoworare said remarkable projects like the Aregbesola has fulfilled all Osun Airports, Osogbo East the campaign promises he Bypass, Aje International made to the people of the Market, the modern state during the 2007 Elementary, Middle and g o v e r n o r s h i p High Schools, dualisation of electioneering campaign.

injection of N200 million through OYES monthly allowance, re-engineer moribund economy that has been weighed down by debt overhang, created and built multi billion naira markets to aid trading, give loan to farmers, traders and cooperative bodies to regenerate their businesses.”

Omoworare added that the present administration has energized local economy through empowerment of artisans, who are patronized by major contractors, re-work the existing and built new farm settlements, as well as aided farmers with implements and inputs, introduced new profitable ways of running poultry farming and finances it through

revolving loans.

“Enhanced fish and beef farming through provision for necessary strategies that increase production and make them available on table, provided free health services made available to all citizens, rehabilitated, renovated and stocked hospitals with necessary equipment and drugs.

“Aregbesola provide ambulance services on the highways to assist accident victims, he supports the aged with monthly stipends. He supported the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employee Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) with new vehicles through loans.”

The OD2D DirectorGeneral said Aregbesola’ achievements were too many to count, saying: “If you are to be counting Ogbeni’s achievements, you will spend days and nights. You know I did not even touch the education sector.

“In the education sector, Aregbesola regenerated and enhanced education in general. Education is absolutely free in primary and secondary schools, pupils were given free uniforms, grade 1-4 pupils eat free lunch, grade 10-12

pupils receive Opon Imo, an innovative e-learning device.

“School fees in higher institutions were reduced by 50 per cent, running grants and instructional materials are made available regularly to schools, hi-tech modern schools building are being built to replace dilapidated ones.”

Omoworare urged the people of the state to overwhelmingly re-elect Aregbesola for a second term in office in order to continue enjoying the dividends of democracy made available by the present administration.

The Director-General maintained that a governor that performed incredibly well in just a term should be given the chance to do more, stating that Osun would become an Eldorado if Aregbesola is re-elected for second term.

He claimed that none of the other governorship candidates for the August 9 governorship election has anything to offer, adding that majority of the contestants are failed politicians, who have no passion for the development of the state.

The practical door-todoor campaign was activated in Ile-Ife on Monday afternoon, as the group agents went from house-tohouse to canvass vote for Aregbesola.

Osun ‘ll Not Sack Its Workers - Laoye-Tomori

By SOLA JACOBS nd

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2 left) winner of the 2014 High School Debate Champion, Master Ayodele Abeeblahi (2nd right); National President, Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), Dr Willie Eselebor (right) and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Professor Isaac Alberts during the 2014 Capacity Building Training on Alternative Dispute Resolution Progress organized by SPSP in Osogbo recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Adeleke’s Defection: PDP BoT Member, Chairman Chased Out Of Ede

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

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member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun and Chairman of the party in the State of Osun, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, received one of the highest embarrassments of their lives on Tuesday when they attempted to visit Senator Isiaka Adeleke for a discussion to persuade him against dumping the party.

Oyedokun and Olaoluwa, The sources disclosed according to sources at the that Oyedokun and scene, were chased out of Olaoluwa were stopped at Ede alongside their the entrance gate to entourage by Adeleke’s Adeleke’s house and supporters, who were still ordered to turn back from embittered with the alleged there by the supporters, gory treatment meted out on who threatened to beat the Adeleke by Senator Iyiola hell out of them if they dared Omisore and Minister for to attempt going further.

Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili The Adeleke’s supporters Adesiyan. reportedly booed the PDP

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chieftains and their entourage, just as they chanted hatred political songs to demoralize the PDP chieftains.

After several unfruitful attempts to persuade the aggrieved Adeleke’s supporters, Oyedokun and Olaoluwa were forced to turn back and their mission was aborted.

“We saw them coming towards Adeleke’s house.

Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa and Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun were sitting in the same vehicle. A Lexus SUV with customized number plate followed them. The vehicles were like five in number.

“When they got to Asiwaju’s country home, they were stopped by his supporters, who had already gathered there.

Gani Olaoluwa and Oyedokun tried to talk to the people, but they did not even care who they were.

“Asiwaju’s people stopped them right from the gate. They did not allow them to go inside to see

Adeleke. All the vehicles retreated and left the place.

They could not even pass through the town again.

They faced Owode road straight,” said the sources.

According to the sources, the PDP’s chieftains’ visit to Adeleke came on the heel of the information that the first executive governor of the state would openly decamp to the ruling - All Progressives Congress (APC) today.

The PDP BoT member and chairman were reportedly sent by the governorship candidate of the party, Omisore to have a discussion with Adeleke and persuade him not to dump the party.

The medium however, gathered that all necessary preparations have been made by the APC and Adeleke for his open defection today.

The sources also confided in OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday that the state Vice Chairman of the PDP would also defect with Adeleke to the APC.

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OVERNMENT of the State of Osun has restated the determination of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesolaled administration in the state not to sack or retrench any hand in the state public sector due to paucity of fund being witnessed across the nation but would rather embark on training and retraining of all categories of workers in its service.

The state’s Deputy federation.

In his welcome address, Governor and Commissioner for the state’s Chairman of Education, Otunba (Mrs.) SUBEB, Prince Felix Grace Titilayo Laoye- Awofisayo, represented by Tomori, stated this while the Permanent Secretary of declaring open a Train-the- the board, Mr. Fatai commended Trainers Workshop with the Kolawole, theme: ‘Project Water efforts of the state Education for Teachers government in uplifting the (WET)’ organized for some standard of education in the selected public school state.

Mr. Kolawole also urged teachers in the state by the Osun State Universal Basic participants to make good of opportunities Education Board (SUBEB) use in conjunction with Nestle provided in the workshop to Nigeria Limited and their best advantage, saying the workshop will go a long Starbright Nigeria Limited.

Laoye-Tomori, who said way in making them better the state government has teachers in their respective and good placed teachers’ welfare schools to their among its first line charges, motivators said prompt payment of colleagues and students.

In his keynote address, workers’ salaries, including teachers, remains the Nestle’s Country Business hallmark of the present Manager, Mr. Adewale Ojo, administration in the state, said the significant role of adding that the state water in the life of man is government will not rest on second to none, which its oars in its effort to necessitated Nestlé to provide infrastructure and accord high priority to water treatment and preservation teaching aids in schools.

A p p l a u d i n g in Nigeria.

Ojo said steps had been contributions of teachers, who she described as taking to make safe water moulders of the future, the available to Nigerians state Deputy Governor said together with training of efforts of teachers have teachers on water treatment impacted positively on across the nation.

A considerable number of students in the state public schools which now rank teachers participated at the among the best in the workshop.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

APC Canvasses Support From CAN, Muslim Society, NURTW

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign committee in Ila Federal Constituency has urged religious leaders in the state to help sensitise followers on the need to eschew violence during the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The team led by its whose stock in trade is to chairman, Honourable create disharmony among Sunday Akere, charged the teeming populace in the Christian and Muslim state, saying the governor leaders in Ila Federal treats everyone equally.

Constituency to enlighten The commissioner residents in the area to vote enjoined both Muslims and in line with their conscience Christians in the area to and in the interest of continue to live in harmony development of the state. and resist attempt by any He disclosed that the politician to create crisis in rumour about governor’s whatsoever manner. preference for a religion over He also charged members others is spread by of the National Union of members of the opposition, Road Transport Workers

(NURTW) in the area to eschew violence and resist being used as political thugs by politicians, who are desperate to get to power.

Akere commended the groups for the support they extended to the present

administration, saying it would continue to serve them better when elected for a second term in office.

In their separate responses, leaders of CAN, Muslim Groups and transport unions disclosed that their groups did not

harbour hatred against anybody, saying it would do its duty as a religious body to ensure peaceful conduct of the poll in the state.

They also charged the administration not to relent in its bid to deliver dividends of democracy to all and

sundry across the state when its mandate is renewed by the people.

The NURTW boss called on government to complete the Ifedayo axis of IkirunIla-Ifedayo road to further ease movement of farm produce from the area.

Osun Pledges To Curb Out-of-school Children

By SOLA JACOBS

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OVERNMENT of the State of Osun has pledged its commitment to improve on the State School Feeding and Health Programme (O-Meals), declare zerotolerance to out-of-school children and ensure that sound quality education is given to children in schools throughout the state.

Represented by his however said every deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace untrained child will inflict Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, the terror on the society leading state governor, Mr. Rauf to increase in societal as being Adesoji Aregbesola, upheavals pledged his commitment in witnessed in the Boko his speech titled: ‘Uniting Haram menace presently On The State Of Our rocking the country.

Advising parents and Children’, read to participating school guardians to pay more children at this year ’s attention to the impartation Children’s Day Celebration of the spirit of love through held at the State Technical cohabitation in their Governor College, Osogbo, the state children, Aregbesola said it is capital.

Stating that his obligatory for children to administration has placed respect others and promote high priority on education spirit of togetherness in all as a mark of commitment to respect.

He thereafter urged safeguarding the future of the state, Governor parents to take proper care Aregbesola said his of their children, maintain government is resolute to their hygiene, give them giving the best to the clean and neat uniform and children, adding that see to their welfare at all nothing should be spared in front.

In her address, the state giving the children a worthy future as they deserve the Commissioner for Women best from all. and Children Welfare, Mrs. Condemning all acts of Mofolake Adetoun terrorism against Nigerian Adegboyega, said children children, Governor do not constitute anyone’s Aregbesola called for an property but belong to their immediate unconditional own future. release of the over 200 Describing the event not Chibok girls abducted by as a celebration but a way Boko Haram sect, saying the of calling on the Federal abduction was anti-children Government to bring back and must be condemned.

Governor Aregbesola, the abducted over 200 girls, Mrs. who described Nigerian Chibok children as the future of the Adegboyega said it is country, said quality disheartening that Nigerian attention should be children have become target devoted to educational and victims of domestic development of Nigerian violence including children, saying future of kidnapping in different parts any virile society cannot be of the country. divorced from forms of Appealing to treatment melted out to its stakeholders to contribute young ones. meaningfully to the According to the stoppage of heinous crimes governor, the over ten million Nigerian children of against children in Nigeria, Adegboyega school age that are out of Mrs. commended children in the school together with the over 153 million children of state for their resilience, between the age of 9 and 14, courage, diligence and who had been exposed to uncommon creativity, which forced/early marriage and remains a source of pride to other social vices should be all.

High point of the event protected by all stakeholders across the was match-past by pupils world. from public and private Governor Aregbesola schools across the state.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from the crowd during the 2014 flagoff Governorship campaign at Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

Democracy Day: NUJ Advocates Improved Security And Public Welfare

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

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The zone described as unfair, the disparity in the salary of media practitioners and other civil servants in the Federal Civil Service and stressed the need for government to promote the quality of lives of Nigerians.

The union. which lamented

HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone -B has admonished the Federal Government to give premium to security and the welfare of the people, which the body said is the constitutional primary purpose of government.

In a statement issued in p r e s e n t d e m o c r a t i c Akure by the NUJ National dispensation.

Vice President (B Zone), Dele Atunbi, to mark 2014 Democracy Day, the union said the security challenges facing the country should be tackled headlong to protect lives and HE Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has said the property of Nigerians. only significance that May 29 has in Nigeria’s The zone is of the opinion history is that it represents the faulty foundation that the security challenges upon which the country’s democratic governance stands. facing the country is a serious threat to the gains of The group, in a statement illegalities, some of which democracy in the last fifteen released to the media are undemocratic years. yesterday by its Publicity dividends, weak It therefore, advised the Secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, institutions, rising government to do everything said nobody should possible to secure the release therefore, expect the current unemployment and poverty, of the abducted students of the democratic governance to loss of political values and deepening Government Girls Secondary produce the desired good principle, corruption, and a bleak School, Chibok on the 14th governance. future for the nation. Apart April,2014.

The statement said May The zone posited that 29 signifies two events in from those benefitting from democratic institutions should Nigeria’s history – the 1962 government’s corrupt and nepotistic policies, can any be strengthened to advance the declaration of state of Nigerian really claim that cause of democracy. in Western May 29 is worth celebrating It asserted that priority emergency Nigeria and the as a country?” should be accorded to the total “As we all reflect on the overhaul of the decayed commencement of Nigeria’s infrastructural facilities across Fourth Republic in 1999. significance of May 29 in “These two events do not Nigeria’s history, it is the country.

NUJ said all the three tiers evoke prideful memories of important to note that the of government should address Nigeria and for its citizens. politics that engineered 1962 episode these two events were the high rate of unemployment The in the country by creating precipitated catastrophic spurred by hegemonic employment opportunities for chains of events that political tendencies seeking the teeming Nigerian youths eventually ended the First to impose its ideals on a Republic. Elected officials in democratic roaming the streets. society.

It also observed that a 1999 did not see the Therefore, we should not situation whereby the future Constitution they swore to expect that the foundation leaders are not gainfully uphold until after their of Nigeria’s democratic employed is not in the best inaugurations, leading to governance, which is based interest of the country. the prevention of proper on anti-democratic tenets, The zone however renewed foundation for will ever produce the desired its advocacy for the Constitutional Governance good governance.” implementation of Media and which has resulted in The group said attention Salary Structure for media the decay in governance must shift away from the practitioners in the country. and acute abuse of It argued that the media in powers,” the statement said. much touted search for “good leaders” to having a conjunction with other well“As a nation, we must meaning Nigerians fought for address our mind to the good structure that enables the country’s independence effects of these two good leadership, adding that if a building that is and the enthronement of the

the lingering crises in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education across the country, appealed to all the stakeholders in the sector to work together and find a lasting solution to the problem.

While felicitating with Nigerians on the fifteen years of an uninterrupted democratic rule, it advised the people to continue to pray for the good of the country.

May 29 Represents Nigeria’s AntiDemocratic Foundation, Says Afenifere

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under construction has a faulty foundation, changing the contractor will not solve the problem.

“Our quest for good governance must therefore move away from a perpetual search for a “good leader,” as if such is a silver bullet.

The solution to Nigeria’s political challenges is captured in a UN [June 2012] report titled, “Realising the Future we want for All”, when it states that ‘business as usual cannot be an option… It is critical to promote equitable change that ensures people’s ability to choose their value systems in peace, thereby allowing for full participation and empowerment…’”

“The implication of this is that the unity of Nigeria is negotiable and must be negotiated, informed by the wishes of the constituent ethnic nations and not according to the dictate of an imposed Constitution.

Afenifere Renewal Group thus enjoins all Nigerians to prevail on delegates at the ongoing National Confab to demand a new Constitution anchored on true federal structure, as this may be the last golden opportunity for a peaceable resolution of the country’s problems.

Failure to achieve this may be Nigeria’s death knell.”

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

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Omisore And Osun's Imaginary Debts Continued from pg1

to the physical transformation due to the massive road construction going on across the state;from the overhaul of the education sector to the emerging industrial landscape; the tourism sector currently being given a new lease, the integration of information technology into the learning and governance process and the on-going revolution in agriculture, the state has since emerged as a clear leader among its peers in the federation.

However, if the people are basking in the exultation that finally the people's money is working wonders for their benefit, or that a focused administration truly committed to their welfare is finally making government money to deliver full value for every naira spent, the crowd of revisionists from the PDP - are apparently far from impressed. Not that we expect

them to be - anyway. Not with the pace of development leaving the PDP breathless and confused.

However, to cook up some phantom figures on what is supposed to be the extent of the state's indebtedness obviously comes to us as a new low in the party's desperate search for relevance.

What to make of the utterly laughable and false claim by the PDP gubernatorial wannabe, Iyiola Omisore that the state owes N630 billion? Even if we excuse the PDP candidate's wellknown penchant to elevate lying to an art, the revelation that a man who seeks to take over the running of the state of Osun not only knows next to nothing about public finance ought to provide the citizens of our dear state with something to chew upon.

Good citizens of the state only need to recall the Omisore's egregious claims about awarding contracts for some state roads while serving as a senator when he was not the minister of works to appreciate his infinite capacity to trade in untruths!

Lest we forget, the other wellknown pathology suffered by the PDP candidate is hallucination.

It refers to a condition of assuming what is not there. The truth of course is there is no N630 billion debt anywhere. If it exists at all, it must be in his fecund imagination. Or could the PDP be referring to the N30 billion bond issued in two phases to finance critical infrastructure which are already being paid back by the state government?

The trouble with Omisore and his PDP is clearly their poor understanding of what governance is all about. Not for them the years of painstaking preparation, or the labour of love that public service entails; or more still, the appreciation of the financial reengineering needed to turn things around; not for his ilk, the iron discipline that has brought the state thus far.

As it is, citizens of Osun obviously have far better things to engage in than dwell on Omisore's fables.

OSUN DEFENDER Publisher

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Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Managing Editor

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Kola Olabisi (0803-392-7286)

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

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

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

HE beauty of democracy is youths, who are idle, to perpetrate their beginning to unfold. The best nefarious activities. ingredient of democracy is the The aged people draw a stipend from periodic election. It allows those in the government on monthly basis. It power to give account of stewardship might be considered as meager, but to and by so doing, telling the electorate the vulnerable who are the target, it is with why they should be considered for a something worthwhile. The MURTALA AGBOOLA second attempt. It also affords the government’s programme in agriculture TEL: 0806-119-7897 opponents a clear opportunity not only is also commendable. The youths are E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com to discountenance whatever the people being re-oriented to take active interest in government have to say, but give the in agriculture, which can employ a voters a credible alternative. greater number of people besides How time flies! It is almost four providing food self-sufficiency. years since Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola It is the idea of Aregbesola that we took the mantle of leadership of the 22can depend on ourselves in the Southyear old state in November 2010.

West zone for tomato, pepper, onions Before the Court of Appeal, Ibadan and other foodstuffs such that gave its judgment on November 26th, whenever the North cease supplying, 2007; many people with lesser faith we would not be adversely affected. have given up hope that Aregbesola Not only that, Osun, nay the other would retrieve his mandate. However states in the zone can fill the Lagos Lo and behold, the mandate was food market. restored and within the last forty three By the time Governor Aregbesola months, the unusual governor of the mounted the campaign rostrum on May State of Osun has shown that the forty27th 2014, at Technical College, Ilode in two months of “wilderness” (waiting Ile-Ife, he was armed with what he had for the mandate) was worthwhile. done since he assumed office. These Baba Kabiru, as he is fondly called, are facts. They were incontrovertible. has touched every aspect of our life. He They were there for all to see. If the started with the channelisation of major opposition party members are talking streams in the state capital and some about a hired crowd, are they also other towns. Flooding used to be negating the facts on the ground? annual occurrence in places like If our politics would have a meaning, RASCO near Oke-Fia and Gbonmi in it must start from now. Campaigns Osogbo. must be devoid of violence. Our In other major towns in the state, campaigns must be issues-based with flood control used to be hectic, facts and figures not relying on the especially during the raining season.

Federal Government to provide any Today, we are so used to having deep cover in any circumstances. The people sleep when it is raining that we hardly in this side of the country are highly believe we ever had flooding problem. enlightened and cannot be fooled. They On assumption of office, the state of know what they want and cannot be schools infrastructure was terrible. led astray. From what is on ground, it School buildings were in the state of is manifestly clear, the people know disrepair, ceilings were caving in, while who their rightful candidate is.

•AREGBESOLA the morale of teachers was very low.

Imagine another four years for This, no doubt affected the Ogbeni and the State of Osun would be Osun is by every standard one of the They forget that their involvement is performance of students in both like an oil-producing state taking leading lights. Even the adversaries of voluntary and that the OYES internal and external examinations. To derivation from the petro-dollar-oil the government do appreciate, that it programme is not a safe-haven for any provide a lasting legacy, he caused to revenue from the Federal Government. has been an unprecedented expansion person looking for a permanent job. It be assembled at the auditorium of the The campaign of calumny on and renewal of roads better christened is only a stop-gap or to provide a University of Osun State, (UNIOSUN) schools reclassification, rather than ONA BABA ONA. temporary relief for any person just Osogbo, in the early part of his slow Aregbesola down, had rather As if all these are not good enough, coming out of school. administration, eggheads from the emboldened him to do more. the engagement of 40,000 youths in the But if one may ask, what alternative Ivory Towers in the country. The Candidates should be able to sell their two streams of the Osun Youth did they (critics) provide? The recommendation and subsequent candidature through who they are, and Empowerment Scheme (OYES) is engagement of youths in such a approval by the government is what has what they can offer. Nigerians are highly laudable. Some uninformed and programme can best be appreciated become of the architectural masterpiece ready to listen to anybody who has mischievous critics have condemned against the background of insurgency in school complexes in the state. something meaningful to say. A level the employment of tertiary institution in the country. The unscrupulous There is a sense of pride and a high playground should be offered graduates to engage in medial jobs. elements in the society make use of the spirit among the teachers candidates by way of and the pupils. There is debates on their also the zeal to excel on programmes by the the part of students. For media. No serious once, pupils can now candidate should be RSENAL football club popularly known to key players because it stayed 128 days in the desire or attempt to made to stay out even A as the Gunners finally broke the jinx of number position. This was higher than any of it’s though it is not compete with their not rivals. compulsory. counterparts either in the winning a cup recently.

Le Prof, as Arsene Wenger is called, is not only The forum will In a pulsating match at the Wembly Standium private sector or in any experienced but places premium on grooming London, Arsenal came from a two goals down enable all candidates talents. He is methodical and conscientious. He is public school in any part scored less than ten minutes into the match to unmoved and unfaxed by other clubs purchasing with something good of the federation. beat Hull City 3-2. Before the match, supporters players with outrageous fees.

Mr Jose Mourinho, for the people to freely The pupils now have a of rival clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester the loquacious and cantarkerous Manager of express themselves. It conducive atmosphere to United had predicted that it would go the Chelsea Football Club may describe him as a would also afford the Birminghan way, when Arsenal lost in the final of “failure specialist” but followers of the roundstudy, while the candidates to respond the Carling Cup by two goals to one. leather game know that there is only one Le-Prof government also provided to issues arising from Now that the jinx is over, it is time for Arsenal in football inspite of not winning a diadem in the last a pair of uniform for each to start winning laurels. The team almost won the nine years. To my fellow Gunner fans, I say this is their discussion and pupil. In terms of road Premiership shield also this year but for injuries just the beginning. other issues that might infrastructure, the State T

AUDACIOUS EXPLOIT

As Governor Aregbesola Flags Off Campaign In IleIfe

And The Jinx Was Broken

crop up.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

PHOTOTALK

7

Overall Winner Of Public Schools Debate Spent A Day With The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Last Monday.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), welcoming the overall winner, State of Osun Public Schools Debate, Master Ayodele Habibllah (left), to the Government House, during his visit to the governor tagged: ‘One-Day With Ogbeni’, at the Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Monday.

•

•Governor Aregbesola (3rd right); his wife, Sherifat (2nd right); the overall winner, State of Osun Public Schools Debate, Master Habibllah (3rd left); Chairman, Omoluabi Support Group (OSG), Pastor Israel Alagbe (left); Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, Commerce and Industry, Honourable Bisi Yusuf (right) and Secretary, Omoluabi Support Group (OSG), Barrister Kayode Tinubu (2nd left), during Habibllah”s visit to the Governor, tagged: ‘One-Day With Ogbeni’, at the Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Monday.

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PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

Reception Dinner In Honour Of The 2014 High School Debate Champion, Master Ayodele Abeeblahi, Organised By Omoluabi Support Group And Oranmiyan Worldwide At State Of Osun Government House, Osogbo, Recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Winner of the 2014 High School Debate, Master Ayoodele Abeeblahi; Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, on the occasion.

•

•(L-R) Honourable Ajiboye Ademola; Honourable Akinloye Ajibola and Honourable Leke Ogunsola at the programme.

•A cross section of invited guests at the event.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

PHOTOTALK

9

Reception Dinner In Honour Of The 2014 High School Debate Champion, Master Ayodele Abeeblahi, Organised By Omoluabi Support Group And Oranmiyan Worldwide At State Of Osun Government House, Osogbo, Recently.

Photo: GBENGAADENIYI.

•A cross section of winners of the debate on the occasion.

•Parents of the winner, Mr and Mrs Ismail Ayodele at the event.

•(L-R) Senator Bayo Salami; President, Oranmiyan Worldwide, Prince Felix Awofisayo and Chairman, Omoluabi Support Group (OSG), Pastor Olu Alagbe, on the occasion.

•Chief of Staff to State of Osun Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (2nd left), presenting a certificate to the first runner up, Miss Mary Jacob (right). With them are, Barrister Kayode Tinubu (left) and Honourable Babatunde Ayeni (2nd right), at the event.

10

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

Only A Mad Person Can Say Aregbesola Hasn’t Performed - Osun Lawmaker Honourable Bello Osuolale, a retired Senior Police Officer and a lawyer represents Boripe/Boluwaduro State Constituency in the State Assembly of Osun.

In this interview with our reporter, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, the lawmaker traced his journey into politics, the activities in the state parliament and the performance of Governor Rauf Aregbesola among other issues. Excerpts:OSDF: As a retired Police Officer and a legal practitioner, why did you join politics?

OSUOLALE: In the first instance, I did not intend to join politics, but the attitude and commitment of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola propelled me to join.

Sometimes ago, when I was in Ilorin practising my legal profession, the Muslims in Iree invited me to come and chairman a fund-raising programme for FOMWAN Nursery and Primary School, which I accepted. As times went on, we started debating on who to call as the chief launcher and someone suggested Aregbesola, which I rejected on the ground that I was not a politician and I didn’t want to involve myself in it. After serious deliberations and considerations of his antecedents, we eventually agreed to invite him. When we contacted him, he told us that the security situation in the state then did not favour him to come to Iree, which was understandable because, then, Iree was purely a PDP town, considering the fact that the late S.M Afolabi hailed from the town. As a retired senior police officer, I assured him that nothing would happen because I was not a politician and he eventually agreed to come. Thank God he came and he was happily received by majority of our people and while he was returning, he asked me to come and see him, which I first declined. But eventually, due to his attitude and the way he approached issues, I decided to join his party and that was how I joined the defunct Action Congress. Due to the fact that I don’t joke with issues relating to my people in Iree, they embraced my decision and up till now, that love is still there. The implication of that is that in Iree now, PDP is finished, because a large number of them would join us any moment from now.

OSDF: Since your entry into politics, how have you been finding it?

OSUOLALE: Politics is very interesting because you would be exposed to different kinds of people and events. For instance, Ogbeni Aregbesola is a politician with a difference, because he embraces everybody, irrespective of religion or political party. An average politician would not want any good thing for his opponents, but in the case of Ogbeni, he would tell you that there should not be any quarrel and you should not revenge. For all they did to him before and during his election and what he went through to reclaim his stolen mandate, he still insisted that nobody should revenge and whoever did so would be dealt with by law.

In my view, his style of life has been brought into governance and we have been the positive result of his approach to the extent that even his opponents, especially from the PDP, are coming massively to join his party, APC. So, I have been finding it interesting and the party I belong to has been able to demonstrate that politics is all about service, which is my primary intention.

OSDF: Since you joined this parliament in 2011, how has the business of lawmaking been?

OSUOLALE: The business of lawmaking here has been very interesting, because in the present Assembly, we have lawyers, accountants, engineers, medical practitioners, surveyors, industrial consultants, political scientists and many

other professionals and we have those that have experience of lawmaking before some of us came in. This gives us the opportunity to debate on issues constructively to arrive at a just conclusion. The contributions of members have been so excellent and we thank God that we have a Speaker that is openminded and ready to welcome debates for the betterment of our people.

Apart from that, the governor makes things easy for us, because he never intervenes in anything we do here. When he brings a bill, he leaves it for us to decide and that is what has been assisting us. That is why I laugh when some mischief makers say this Assembly is a rubber stamp. We have had cause to summon the governor, his deputy and other high-ranking government officials, which they have yielded. If we are to be a rubber stamp, that would not have been possible.

For example, when he brought the local government creation bill, he said it openly that we can add or subtract the way we feel it should be done and that is what we are doing now. If we are a rubber-stamp, he would be the one to dictate to us on this issue.

OSDF: Which of the laws passed by this Assembly will you say interests you most?

OSUOLALE: There are two of them; the one on HIV/ AID and the one against Child Abuse. The stigmitisation against HIV victims is common, but with that law, everybody is cautioned against such thing. Also, the younger ones are the future of our state and we must protect them and that was why the law was made.

There are several other laws that we have made to better the lives of the people of this state.

OSDF: What is your assessment of Governor Aregbesola performance so far?

OSUOLALE: When you have a transparent and honest leader, you expect nothing other than good things. The first thing that baffles me is the engagement of 40,000 youths in two batches under OYES and this has gone a long way in reducing unemployment rate in the state. There is no government in Nigeria that has been able to meet that standard. Among the beneficiaries of this scheme were those being given permanent job in the civil service, while some are being empowered to stand on their own. This has drastically reduced unemployment rate in the state and it has gone a long way in guaranteeing security of lives and properties.

Another thing that baffles me is how the governor developed the idea of free rail service. Apart from the free rail service during festive periods, farmers have also been offered the service to transport their farm produce to Lagos, so that they can make more profit.

Before Aregbesola came, Osogbo was just like a glorified local government headquarters. It could not be called a state capital because of dilapidation of roads and rough situation of the city, but today, Osogbo has become something else. Osogbo now can be called a state capital due to the works that Aregbesola has done. He did not stop at Osogbo, even the remotest parts of the state are seeing the impact of his administration.

For example, there is a road in my

•OSUOLALE

constituency - Iyaji to Eripa, which nobody believed could be tarred, but Aregbesola has done it. There is no local government council area that you will not see such developmental programmes completed or going on.

Beside that, the School Feeding Programme, O’MEAL, is a programme that has been executed in a way that nobody has ever done to the extent that the United Kingdom Parliament had invited the governmor to come and teach them how he did it. The Ambulance Scheme is also there always and people can testify that these initiatives have been so effective and save many victims of accidents or attacks.

Do you also want to talk of the dredging of streams, which has prevented flooding across the state. Records have shown that Osun is no longer recording cholera, not because of anything, but because Aregbesola has shown serious concern to issues relating to environment.

Do you also want to talk of the efforts of the government on agriculture, health, education, security and many others, he has done well in these areas.

He is a committed man that works day and night for the development of the state and I always pity his wife, because I don’t think he has enough time for that woman.

We pray that God give him good health to complete what he has embarked on and reap from it.

OSDF: But the opposition are saying Aregbesola has not done anything?

OSUOLALE: It is only a mad man that would say Aregbesola has not performed.

It is either that person is insane or deaf and dumb. Those that are saying that were only politicising it. They are only saying he has not done anything, they didn’t mention just one thing he was supposed to do but has not done. They are saying he has not done anything, yet, they are not ashamed of going to the newly-constructed Freedom Park in Osogbo to campaign. Or do they want to say they didn’t know that Aregbesola did

it. Roads are being constructed in virtually all communities in the state, new model schools are being constructed everywhere.

So, whoever is saying Aregbesola has not done anything should shut his mouth forever, because people have seen what he has done and they can never be deceived again.

OSDF: What do you see in the August 9 governorship election in the state?

OSUOLALE: It is a job that God has concluded and I can say it that by the grace of God, Aregbesola will have 90 per cent of the votes. We know that some people are planning to rig, but we will not allow that to happen because everybody has seen what Aregbesola has done to develop the state.

There is no way any federal power can work in Osun and I know they would not even try it. Maybe it can work somewhere else, but in Osun, it cannot work. They know they have failed and we are on ground here. The federal power was there when we defeated them in all the elections we held in 2011.

OSDF: Do you have trust in the ability of the INEC to be fair in the election?

OSUOLALE: Even if INEC wants to take sides in favour of the PDP, it will not be possible, because they can only do that where they are popular. We are not going to allow anybody to rig the election. However, we expect INEC to buckle up and conduct a free and fair poll.

OSDF: Your message to the people of your constituency and Osun in general?

OSUOLALE: People of my constituency should not disappoint me and Aregbesola, who has done so well for us in our constituency. We should ensure that Aregbesola gets 95 per cent of the votes in that area. To the people of Osun in general, we have all seen what is happening and we must vote enmass for Ogbeni Aregbesola, so that the good work can continue.

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FOR THE RECORDS

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

Regional Autonomy…Or Nothing Being the position paper of Yoruba groups in the National Conference towards achieving regional autonomy Regional Autonomy means... a.

Control of natural resources within the region. b.

Developing and establishing appropriate governance structure for the Region, and c.

Devolved authority, responsibilities and span of control to manage and ensure the sustenance of the region.

Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife [Okwadike) - former Governor of old Anambra State and a delegate at the 20141N’ational Conference in an interview with Newswatch on 12 May 2014 [Retrieved 12 May 2014, mydailynewswatchng.com] said: “The only zone that is very strong because of their rationality is the SouthWest. Even if others do not embark on federating unit based on zones, the South-West is going to have their region intact economically; then, they will develop, progress, grow and every part of Nigeria would be envious of the region. It is the decision they are taking now. Some people don’t understand it. At least, they taught some of us, but it is the truth that I am saying now that the South-West will grow exponentially when regional government is adopted.”

Nigeria, as a nation, should therefore translate to ... a. A restructured country with Regional arrangements via the consolidation of the current unviable thirty six [36] states. The consolidation would be based on the congregation of nations and affiliate groups with common and historic affinities and who enjoy territorial contiguity borders. Any ethnic group or groups within a state wishing to align with any other state or to belong to a new Region shall be allowed to do so if confirmed in a plebiscite by the affected people, For instance, Yoruba people in Edo, Kogi and Kwara states. b. ‘The Regions exercising all powers not expressly ceded to the central government. As such, the federal constitution will contain only one legislative list - the Exclusive Legislative List - that shall detail the powers and responsibilities to be exercised by the central government. c. Each Region having its constitution, which will reflect its peculiarities, circumstances and preferences that shall not be inconsistent with the constitution of the Nigerian Federation. d. All tiers and structures of government below the Regional level prescribed in the Regional constitution, and should not be the concern of the Federal Government. The present state governments will be retained within the new Regional framework and local government councils would be accommodated with law enacted, in each Region, prescribing their structure, composition, roles and purposes, finance and administration.

SECTION A Our stance as Yoruba people This submission represents the culmination of efforts and ideas which have been canvassed in the Yoruba landscape since the agitation for a return to true federalism, led by those seeking a solution to the perennial crisis of governance in Nigeria. These positions were reinforced at the 2014 Yoruba Constitutional Conferences of February 12 and 20 respectively, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat of Oyo State Government, Ibadan. ‘The conference had in attendance Yoruba organisations and prominent sons and daughters of Yoruba extraction. The positions is also’ been detailed in the publication - Yoruba Agenda.

WHAT YORUBA PEOPLE WANT….. OUR IRREDUCIBLE MINIMUM The Yoruba democratic objective is to secure an abundant life and peaceful existence for all our people, and to reserve the liberty and rights of citizens of our region. These include: - the right to freely elect our representatives in an atmosphere of freedom and civility - the right 10 religious worship and practices - the righ t 10 reject any form of oppression, and - the right to legislate for the common good and wellbeing of our people and our nation.

The Yoruba aim is to be partners in the creation of a state where the citizens are recognized by the government and the government serves the interests of the citizens (Folorunsho, 2014).

For us Yoruba people, we demand Regional Autonomy for the South-West Region within a united Nigeria.

Yoruba people will effectively communicate to all other ethnic nationalities an understanding of the aims and objectives of the Yoruba people in the following contexts of: A YORUBA PEOPLE - Cultural/Language Homogeneity

•Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (retd)

A YORUBA REGION - States/Geographic Zone and A YORUBA NATION - A shared vision (Yoruba Agenda, 2012.

The YORUBA PEOPLE OF NIGERIA hereby make the following demands: a. Regionalism: a restructured Nigeria federation consisting of a Central Government and Regional governments of other ethnic nationalities - this could be based on the current six geopolitical zones. The SouthWest Region must include all Yoruba people outside the imposed artificial boundaries, in Edo, Delta, Kogi and Kwara states. b. A negotiated legislative Exclusive, Concurrent and Residual list c. A unicameral legislature at the center; details of the Regional legislature shall be clearly set out in the constitution of each Region d.

A parliamentary form of government at the centre e.

The right to self determination on and up to the right to secede f. A just and equitable taxation system that will treat the federating units with equality and better coordination at the federal level in order to eliminate the current rentier syndrome. g. Fiscal Federalism and Resource Control: a system whereby a substantial part of the proceeds accruable from every Region will be domiciled in the Region and an agreed percentage contributed to the center by the federating units for the responsibility of the Federal government. h.

Establishment of Regional Police i.

A new people’s constitution: the resolutions and conclusions .of the 2014 National Conference shall lead to an autochthonous Constitution, that is a home-grown and all inclusive draft that shall be submitted to the Nigerian electorate voting in a Referendum j.

Status of Lagos: Lagos will continue to be the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and the West African sub-Region, hence, there shall be an appropriate budgetary provision that is part of the First Line Charge in the Federation Account. Unity is a derivative, it is not a goal...it is an aberration to talk of unity in a federation ... we do not need unity to be in a federal arrangement ... all we need is an agreement between the federating units ... (Views expressed by Prof Ayoade and Prof Ariyo at a policy discussion at the Yoruba Academy, 9 April 2014) PREFACE & PURPOSE In the beginning, there was no Nigeria. There were ethnic nationalities and Kingdoms. Prior to the British conquest and invasion of the different ethnic nationalities that make up the present day Nigeria, these nations were independent nation states [Sagay, 2011]. Hence, there is a need to revisit what was agreed at the various constitutional conferences that led to the First Republic and Nigeria’s independence in 1960. Knowledge of this would re-awaken a better understanding of the

arrangements agreed to by ethnic nationalities that led to the emergence of Nigeria as a federated nation.

This forced marriage of diverse ethno-national groups has produced tension and difficult moments for the country, Nigeria. The next step in charting a course for the future is to safeguard the destiny of the Yoruba people, and reconstruct the Nigerian federation. This is the first intent of this publication, that is, a revisit and reinstating of the agenda of the Yoruba people ... what Yoruba people want.

While Yoruba people do not ask other ethnic nationalities to change their focus, we also expect others to refrain from imposing their own goals’ and values on Yoruba people [Yoruba Agenda, 201-2] - all ethnic nationalities can co- exist in Nigeria so long as there are mutual respect for each other’s positions, as everyone has a .right to decide to live within or outside of Nigeria.

A recent publication, titled “Key issues before the Northern delegates to the 2014 National Conference,” where the North claims to be ... the backbone and strength of Nigeria necessitated a strategic appraisal and response. This is the second intent of this publication it is the need to employ an evidenced-based methodology to address and correct an attempt by a section of Nigeria to distort history and repaint the existential context of Nigerians.

The Northern reasoning - in the publication - can be summed up as; Nigeria is two countries of Northern and Southern Nigeria, oil exploration in the Niger Delta was financed by Northern groundnut proceeds and the North feeds the rest of the South with daily supplies of cows ... therefore the North is equally entitled to Niger Delta oil proceeds as the Niger Deltans themselves (Sagay, 2014).

The North’s obsession with revenue sharing and the proceeds of oil, exposed a jaundiced vision of the developmental aspiration of a people. The publication also exposed some inherent contradictions in thoughts, for example a claim that ... Nigeria is de facto two countries of Northern and Southern Nigeria ... (Chap 7, Sec 1.1, p. 32). Hence, there is an acute need to demonstrate that Nigeria is NOT just North and South, the North, as defined and described in the publication, ceased to exist the day Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) created 12 Nigerian States in 1967 ... the North is NOT 80% of the Nigerian land mass, as claimed by this publication.

Assertions of this nature are clear indications that Nigeria is still searching for an answer to the National Question, which defines how Nigerians should live together as .a nation. At the heart of solving this therefore, is the adoption of a widely acceptable structure of government, to which everyone could identify with.

This is the third intent of this publication - explicating policy positions that defines and describes how Nigeria should be structured and governed.

Nigeria - Infonnation Data Table 1 is extracted from the publication - “Key issues before the Northern delegates to the 2014 National Conference.” The data stated are erroneous and ignores the legitimacy of other geo- political zones/arrangements.

Table 2 provides a detailed analysis of Nigeria information data [Yoruba Academy, May 2014].

Table 1: Nigeria Information Data Source: “Key issues before the Northern delegates to the 2014 National Conference.”

Table 2: Nigeria Information Data Analysis by: Yoruba Academy, May 2014 *Note: - The numbers of languages in Nigeria are 529, of these, 7 are extinct. Of the living languages, 21 are institutional, 76 are developing, 357 are vigorous, 26 are in _trouble, and 42 are dying. [Ethnologue, 2014] - A total of 43 languages are been shared by more than one Region Data Sources Aluko, Mobolaji E. 2011. Voters’ registration by state.

Created on 06 March 2011 web: Nigeria Village Square, INEC 2 Nigerian Population Commission, 2006.

Population, landmass, density); NPC Report, 1991 and Field Reports INEC. Retrieved 2014. LG, federal constituencies, senatorial districts: election candidates 2011. Ethnologue.com. 2014. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Seventeenth edition. Dallas, Texas: SIL International. Online version YORUBA...OUR CONTEXT AS A PEOPLE Yoruba people developed one of the most sophisticated and well-balanced political and governance systems in the world, from the 10th century on - a political system Continued on page 13

12

FOR THE RECORDS

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

Regional Autonomy…Or Nothing Continued from page 12

based on the sovereignty of the people, with strong dedication to the dignity of life, human freedom, and accountability in leadership and governance. This was confirmed in Report 1114 - the 1921 Annual Colonial Report on Nigeria by the British, when it states that= ... the Yoruba occupy the South-West corner of Nigeria and from an early date possessed an organized government’ [P.3].

During a brief period of our modern history, our modern leaders, authentic products of our history and culture, under the exceptional leadership of our topmost statesman of the time - Chief Obafemi Awolowo - served the Yoruba people with the very best government in the whole of Africa. Under their leadership, the Western Region became the pace-setter in virtually all aspects of modern development. As examples, the Region developed programmes that empowered Yoruba people to become some of the most productive in Africa. The Region became - First in Africa [Oodua Foundation, 2014]. As a people, the Yoruba were and are stilI absolutely set on accomplishing greater things. Our firm belief as a people is that we can still do it any time we set our hearts and hands to it [Oodua Foundation, 2014].

Our Obstacle is Nigeria...

The current Nigeria is not oriented towards development, progress or prosperity. Nigeria now tends towards the maximization of power by the federal establishment. As a result, authority and control in Nigeria have been accumulated in the confines of the Federal Government. Nigeria, a country of different nations, has reduced the governments of the states of the Nigerian Federation to the level of impotency and incapability. These have stunted the growth and development of the states and their citizens.

Yoruba people aspire for development and the well being of its people noting the potentials and attainment of the South West, despite the limiting environment called Nigeria.

The South-West of Nigeria is a Region with ...

A landmass of approximately 80,000 square kilometers and a current 2013 estimated population of 40 million people – more populous than: .20 countries in Europe – Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland; .41 countries in Africa – Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lassotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nambia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao· Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Swaziland, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe; .17 countries in the Americas - Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El-Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela; .13 countries in the Middle East - Bahrain, Brunei, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirate and Yemen; and 6 countries of Asia - Cambodia, North Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Taiwan [Yoruba Agenda, 2012].

Unique geography, competencies and resources and is positioned as the hub of development and growth of Nigeria into the 22nd Century The foremost urban civilization in Black Africa. Our first town, Ile-Ife, was built in the early 10th Century, during the European - Dark Age when most of Europe had no towns, with a level of urbanization more advanced than that of the countries of Europe in the same period (Oodua Foundation, 2014).

One of the fastest growing economic blocs in Nigeria and the world, with a combined GDP of $69.1Qillion, constituting 25.3% of the national GDP (2012 estimates) and a GDP per capita of $11,341 - a gross Regional output that grew the most in 2012 with an absolute nominal increase of 21.8% nominal growth - compared to 16.38% in the North West, 14.27% in North Central, 1,0.89% in the South East, 8.19% in the North East and -1.69% in the South-South, Over 60% of Nigeria’s industrial capacity and approximately 60% of the country’s banking assets plus 67% of its insurance assets ... Two of Nigeria’s most important deep seaports - Lagos Port Complex, Apapa & Tin Can Island - handling over 100 million tonnes of goods p.a, valued at an estimated $2b in 2012, alongside its profitable land borders that accounts for 60% of the trading and commercial activities in Nigeria The most performing non-oil sectors of the economy, which include telecommunications [32%], building and construction

•Lt.-Gen. ALANI AKINRINADE (retd.)

[12.5%], solid minerals [12.5%], hotel and restaurants [12.5%], real estate [10-4%] and business services [9.7%]. .. A financial services infrastructure that includes 22 national commercial banking institutions, 20 finance companies, 20 primary mortgage institutions, 2 merchant banks, 20 micro-finance banks and 5 development finance institutions, with extensive network of branches, and most significant operations in Nigeria.

These institutions command money assets to the tune of N6-4 billion [May 2013].

One of the fastest growing economies in the world, of comparative size to other national economies. For instance, Lagos State produces about 12% of Nigeria’s GDP, which is equivalent to almost $32billion [according to the 2013 estimates], making it Afica’s 13 th largest economy ahead of Tanzania Great tourism potentials due to the peculiarity of its history and distinct geography, and capabilities in ICT and other skilled professions The most conducive and safest part of the country for investors and visitors. Of the top 20 cities that McKinsey has identified as growth hot spots for companies targeting young, entry level consumers, Lagos and lbadan are included in the list, alongside other urban centres such as Dar Es Salaam, Ouagadougou, Kampala and Lusaka.

A competitive advantage that is leveraged on its strategic assets of a unique communality of language, customs and culture among its peoples; a demography consisting of an exceptionally youthful population; huge human and material resources including a large knowledgeable Diaspora; vast tracts of arable agricultural land, renewable water resources, and the presence of extensive mineral deposits, such as hydrocarbons, etc.

[Source: DAWN Commission, 2012].

The unfettered autonomy to develop the Yoruba Nation as a federating unit in Nigeria is the only factor that is missing in efforts to industrialise our Region. All the ingredients for socio-economic development are present in Yoruba land and the question of viability and sustainability does not arise [Yoruba Agenda, 2012] Therefore .. .for Yoruba people, it is REGIONAL AUTONOMY ... OR NOTHING! THE 2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE TO DATE ...

Revisiting the need for a national conversation ...

As a nation, we must talk.

The clam our for a national dialogue among Nigeria’s over 250 ethnic nationalities has been as old as the country itself. This became more popular after the first military coup in 1966. The imperative for a National Conference as a necessary discussion over Nigeria’s future has been firmly established and constantlyagitated for by many, especially we the Yoruba people. This national discussion is meant to be the laxative to corruption, ethnic chauvinism, conflict and perversion of the rule of law - all of which have stifled economic development, social harmony and the forging of a collective Nigerian identity.

Therefore, there is no doubt that there is need for consensus among the country’s distinct ethnic groups on critical national and governance issues such as the structure and form of government, revenue allocation, and political representation. Haven established an acute need to restructure Nigeria; a national conference cannot and should not be about what is least disruptive in our discourse of Nigeria’s future [Ariyo, 2014]. The question is whether the 2014 National Conference, with its prescribed modality, is capable of addressing Nigeria’s perennial existential problems.

This is why Yoruba people are revisiting the debate.

The 2014 National Conference must be a discourse aimed at inclusive nation-building. Yoruba people will not be part of a charade that will not create the needed national consensus on key issues in the country. The conference must be markedly different from previous ones. The 2014 National Conference must emerge with outcomes that

To be continued

Culled from THE PUNCH

13

OPINION

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Menace Of Unemployment In Nigeria: Any Way Out?

T

HE greatest challenge facing the country today is the problem of unemployment, which has rubbished the claim that Nigeria’s economy is among the fastest-growing in the world, because it has failed to translate into the development of standard of living of an average Nigerian on the streets.

Unemployed people, according to World Bank report, “are a member of an economically active population, who are without work but available for and seeking for work, including people who have lost their jobs and those who have voluntarily left work.”

Not too long ago, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted a recruitment exercise across the country. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerian youths attended the shabbily organized exercise, which led to painful deaths of about seventy people including pregnant women. This ugly development clearly revealed the growing rate of unemployment in the country. It is estimated that about 4.5million youths enter the labour market every year, which could only absorb a tiny fraction of them. The situation Nigeria faces today doubles that of other countries, which has caused implosion in those countries.

High unemployment rate is a menace that has serious implications for national productivity and growth, social

By JIMOH WAHEED

cohesion, political stability and national security.

The unemployment crisis, if not properly tackled, could be a ticking time-bomb that will soon explode.

There are many factors driving unemployment in the country today, which range from inadequate job opportunities, lack of skills and experience, mismatch between supply and demand of labour, and numerous barriers to youth entrepreneurship.

There is, however a way out of this menace as government, parents and the youths all have responsibilities to play in curbing the unemployment rate in the country.

One of the ways the issue of unemployment could be tackled is for the youths to design a template that will make them diversify into vocational and entrepreneurial skills. Youths should also identify and develop their unique selling points, which can make them overcome the challenge of unemployment.

People who are into vocational jobs should not be stigmatized as it has been observed that this is one of the reasons that discourage other people acquiring vocational skills.

The nation’s education sector must also be restructured to make it functional and meet the requirements of the labour

markets, as most graduates lack the skills and training to succeed in the ever-growing labour market.

The issue of corruption, which has eaten deep into our system, must also be addressed for the menace of unemployment to be adequately tackled. Billions of naira being stolen by our government officials can be used in so many ways to benefit the entire populace, through the creation of job opportunities for the youths and the provision of enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Fighting corruption should constitute an integral part of the functions of government in a country.

The Federal Government should also create a special purpose fund for young entrepreneurs, and train them on how to use the funds judiciously. For us to tackle the menace of rising youth unemployment, we must tackle the problem of lack of funding. If this is in place, it would be easier to give young entrepreneurs the startup capital for their business to survive.

Agriculture was the major source of revenue-generation for the country before independence.

The palm oil in the south and east, the cocoa production in the west and the north was famous in the production of groundnut. Apart from these major products, there are some others that could create job for the youths. Crude oil that

is supposed to be a blessing has become a curse for the country, because the agricultural sector is almost abandoned.

Government should make agriculture attractive to the younger generation, which can result in providing jobs for millions Nigerian youths, as well as swell-up government revenue.

Legacy of the Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, should be revived by investing massively in agriculture.

Federal and state governments should provide enabling environment for industries to spring up, while those moribund private industries should rejuvenate instead of government putting burden only on their necks, the paradigm should shift in this country for flourish future.

Provision of enabling environment would also encourage millions of graduates to forsake government jobs to the creation of their own wealth.

Most especially, government should reform National Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC) in order to serve as empowerment for the students.

If government can afford to pay N12 million to each delegate of the National Conference that will last for three months, there is no excuse for her not to empower millions of graduates from higher institutions, instead of waiting for unavailable jobs.

•Jimoh wrote in from University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

‘We, The People,’ The Power Of The Nigerian Voter

I

N Nigeria, our current system of government and governance is modeled after that of the United States of America. The preamble to the US Constitution starts with ‘We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America’ To ensure that the essence of this declaration in the constitution and government is not lost about ‘we the people’, elections are held every two years into congress and every four years for governorship and presidential elections, just as we do for those two posts in Nigeria. We seem to have taken onboard here in Nigeria a good portion of this presidential system but Nigeria and its citizens seem to be missing a critical component of which is the very essence of democracy, which we claim to practice!

That critical part is ‘We the people’ and the power held therein by the people through the electoral process.

With the second coming of democracy in 1999, we, the people in Nigeria have

By DOTUN BABAYEMI

stood by and allowed incompetent hands to get to – and in some instances stay in – power either by us ignoring our electoral responsibilities or allowing massive rigging in some instances.

We have severally chosen to ignore the lack-luster performance, of some of our elected representatives and in some instances, failed to hold these elected representatives accountable, through the ballot box. This must stop, as we the people, have the power to hold these officials accountable, by voting, but not only voting, also ensuring that our votes count. Vote and wait for your vote to be counted! We all know about our history in Nigeria, 100 people vote in a polling booth, yet announced results at that polling booth, shows that a single candidate had 110 votes cast for him or her! Wake up Nigerians, protect your votes! The discomfort of dedicating a single day to voting and protecting your vote, clearly outweighs the suffering for four (4) years under an incompetent government, in most instances without vision or leadership.

There is however good news in the horizon, over the last few years in Nigeria, it seems we are witnessing a new type of leadership in government,

that gives credence to that dictum of democracy being a government of the people, powered by the people and whose sole concern is for the progress of the people. Leaders are coming up that recognize they were elected for a purpose beyond themselves, who are after the development of their constituencies, not only for today but also for citizens yet unborn.

We are indeed fortunate that such men are women are emerging from within the people, and as citizens, we must therefore use our power, through our votes to support and return such leaders to office where possible, and ensure we encourage the rising of more of such leaders to the benefit of our future.

The first of such leaders that strikes one is the current Governor of Kano State, Mallam Rabiu Kwankwanso.

There are two key areas where he has stood out as a true servant leader. The first is in the area of transparency, No other government in the history of Nigeria, even Africa has ever published minutes of its executive body, for all and sundry to see in newspapers. All of Nigeria knows on a weekly basis what Kano State is planning to spend funds on, how projects are being run, project status updates and what the funds have been spent on.

The second area in Kano State that stands out is the focus on education in the next 10 to 15 years, This state would most likely have the highest numbers of doctors, pilots and engineers and other professionals, if we go by the number of scholarships being given to Kano State indigenes by Kwankwaso’s government. I would indeed, have applied to become an indigene of Kano, if I was not of the state of the virtuous (State of Osun,) where the leadership is taking unprecedented giant strides in socioeconomic development of it’s people, as testified to by one of the drivers of the creation of the state, the Oonirisa of Ife himself, who affirmed that the positive rate of development, since Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola became governor, three and a half years ago, is unprecedented and never witnessed under any other administration in the history of the state!

What is happening in the State of Osun and what are we the people going to do about it?

•Babayemi wrote in from Gbongan, Ayedaade Local Government Council Area, State of Osun.

15

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 31, 2014

More Pix On The Flag-off Of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign With A Mega Rally At Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI And SHOLA ADERINTO.

•(R-L) National Assembly member from the State of Osun, Senator Olusola Adeyeye , representing Osun Central; member, House of Representatives from Irewole, Ayedaade, Isokan Federal Constituency, Hon. Ayo Omidiran; wife of Osun governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his deputy, Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titi Laoye - Tomori; Deputy Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly , Hon. Adegboye Akintunde; Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, during the flag-off campaign for Aregbesola’s second term in office, at Technical College, Ile-Ife, last Tuesday.

•Mammoth crowd at Ile-Ife.

•Dancers at the event.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, April 24, 2014

15

www.osundefender.org

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SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2014

T

UESDAY, May 27, 2014 will ever remain evergreen in the memory of all and sundry in Ife Federal Constituency as a day that the highest ever number of people converged in Ile-Ife to catch a glimpse of their political idol, the incumbent governor of the e-mail: kolaolabisi@yahoo.com :08033927286 State of the Virtuous, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August 9 governorship election in the state. It was the day the whole ancient town of Ile-Ife became carnival-like as different groups of Aregbesola’s loyalists openly demonstrated their unalloyed support for the governor who has turned the fortune of the state for better within the past three and a half years of his administration.

Aregbesola’s numerous admirers and political functionaries were jostling for attention with a common objective of celebrating their political icon of the progressive extraction. As early as 6.00 am, participants in the epoch-making event who did not want to be held down by vehicular gridlock, were sighted trooping to the venue of the event at Government Technical College, along Ifewara Road, Ile-Ife. Others were dancing and singing round the town with ecstasy, visibly selling the ideals of the APC to non-political converts and those who might still be sitting on the fence of political consideration.

Some top political functionaries of the APC in the zone were observed, in the usual manner of politicians, trying to outdo one another in the act of phoney publicity-seeking. This is epitomized by the supporters of each of the politicians spotting the same uniforms, dancing and singing round the venue of the event with conspicuous display of banners of their •Governor Rauf Aregbesola (left), dancing with his supporters during the official flagof his re-election campaign for second term in office at Government Technical principals. The scene, to a large extent, off College, Ilode, Ile-Ife, State of Osun, last Tuesday. was entertainment offered free of charge. People were seen exchanging banters, pleasantries and sharing became a snail shell as it was forced to went straight to the venue of the megaexperience. It would not be an be moving slowly because his admirers rally which is about two kilometres overstatement to observe and proffer who were singing his praises were all away. It took him about 40 minutes to that never had such mass of people scrambling to have a glimpse of their make it to the venue as his admirers congregated for a common purpose in governor. From the gate of Obafemi just won’t let him go without giving them the history of the ancient town. Before Awolowo University (OAU) through an attention. When Aregbesola entered the arrival of the man of the moment to Idi-Omo, Lagere, Iremo to the Palace into the venue of the rally, the Ile-Ife, all the major roads in Ile-Ife were of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade atmosphere became electrified as congested with vehicles to the extent Sijuwade, the crowd that welcomed the everybody was jostling to sight him. An that vehicular and human movements governor was simply tumultuous. It ace musician, Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe almost became impossible. Ubiquitous was the day I could not envy security (KWAM 1), was on hand to add glamour commercial motorcycle riders who are officers as they were busy throughout, to the occasion while some members known to always know how to meander controlling both human and vehicular of the Nollywood were also not left out their way out of traffic gridlock were traffic as well as overseeing the security of provision of entertainment stuff to disappointed on that Tuesday as their of the man of the moment. add colour to the event. It was observed movement was also impeded. The pains Aregbesola’s supporters in Ile-Ife milled that security was beefed up at the event of the motorists and motorcyclists round him as ants do to sugar. They to forestall any untowards happening. however, became a blessing to some went where he went and did whatever Throughout the duration of the event, a petty traders hawking satchet water, he was doing. Before the security helicopter which was apparently on a assorted sweets, groundnut and other officers could control the influx of the surveillance mission was hovering round governor’s admirers who were hell-bent the venue. fast foods in the traffic.

That the mega-rally went on without If the situation was unbearable for the in following him to the palace, it was any hitches could be said to be due to a indeed an arduous task. motorists before the arrival of the combination of many factors. One of Having received the blessings of the governor to Ile-Ife, one could imagine which is the forthrightness of Ooni for his second term ambition, what the situation would be when Honourable Folorunsho BamisayemiAregbesola, in company of his deputy Ogbeni Aregbesola eventually arrived led Governor Aregbesola Re-election and some of the members of his cabinet, the town. The convoy of the governor

Omo Osun With

Kola Olabisi

Ile-Ife APC Mega Rally: Taking Political Battle To Omisore’s Door Step

Six-member Committee for Ife Federal Constituency put in place by the interim State of Osun Chairman of the APC, Elder Lowo Adebiyi. It is on record that because of the enormity of the assignment before the committee, it hit the ground running immediately after its inauguration. Knowing that it could not do it alone, the main committee was broken into many sub-committees one of which is the publicity committee where I co-functioned as chairman with Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, Osun APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy. It is worth mentioning that the publicity committee of the Ife Federal Constituency is unique in the sense that it is the only known committee with two chairmen in the history of the state. The objective of the committee was better for it as there was no friction of any type. The Ife committee being the first to host the Aregbesola re-election mega-rally, then became a template for other zones in the state.

It is worthwhile to recall that a gathered intelligence by the committee had shown that some disgruntled elements of the PDP extraction had perfected an arrangement to bungle the hosting of the mega-rally by Ife Federal Constituency chapter of the APC by killing some notable members of the party in the zone; a development which would have necessitated the postponement or outright cancellation of the rally. The committee which generated a petition from the intelligence sent same to security agencies both within and outside the state. The arrowhead of the nefarious plan which was said to have been held in a hotel belonging to a PDP chieftain at Arubidi area of Ile-Ife, was said to have backed out of the evil plan of shedding the blood of innocent persons, cautioning his militant foot soldiers that then that the plan had leaked, whoever was caught would be on his own.

It would also be recalled that the Bamisayemi-led committee held a press conference last Sunday where he told the world the plan of the opposition to kill some of the APC chieftains in IleIfe as injection of a spike to the balloon of the mega-rally. Based on the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the Ife Mega-rally, I am of the opinion that it should be a template for other zones and that the governor’s committee headed by Professor Sola Adeyeye should tap from the knowledge and experience of the Ife zone by co-opting some of the members into the committee.

It was remarkable that no single incident of violence at the mega-rally.

Governor Aregbesola was at his best in Ile-Ife. The totality of Ogbeni’s activities could be summed up to him carrying the political battle to the door step of Omisore at the source.

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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