Osun Defender - May 3rd, 2014 edition by OsunDefender

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SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014

Iyi Omisore is to be pitied and certainly not envied. His quixotic run for the governorship in the state of Osun looks more and more bizarre by the day.

VOL. 9. NO.053

Front Page Comment

the Ogbeni governor is never goingto be easy.

achievements speak for itself. Furthermore, accolades in recognizance of this continue to come in from home and abroad.

Aregbesola’s vast

Continue on pg5

Omisore’ Malevolent achiever and Politics (1) performer such as To show magnanimity it is not entirely all of his making though. Defeating a proven

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

N50

IGE

Osun Disburses N600m Loan To 18, 000 Women •As Aregbesola Pledges More Welfare Packages - See Story On Page 2

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left), acknowledging cheers from the members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), during the Joint NLC/TUC 2014 May Day celebration in Osogbo, State of Osun, last Thursday.

May Day: Aregbesola Canvasses More Dedication To Service

- See Story On Page 2

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

Osun Disburses N600m Loan To 18, 000 Women •As Aregbesola Pledges More Welfare Packages I By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

T was with fanfare and joy that women in the State of Osun trooped to Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, venue of empowerment programme of the State of Osun where 18,000 of them received N40,000 totaling N600million last Wednesday. The programme had in attendance the First Ladies of Osun, Oyo and Lagos states, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, Florence Ajimobi and Abimbola Fashola respectively. At the official launch and presentation of cheques to women beneficiaries, the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, reiterated his administration’s commitment to eradicating poverty in the state. Aregbesola observed that people’s welfare must be central in the programmes of any serious government.

He affirmed that it is in recognition of this that his government collaborated with Grooming MicroFinance, Lagos so as to fast track attainment of poverty alleviation goal as enshrined in his government’s six-point agenda. He stated that his government would not detract from its programmes that give quality life to the people. The governor averred that if women in the state are economically active but financially handicapped, there is no way they would

be able to contribute to the economic growth of the state, adding that this is why his government came to their aid through the loans. He said: “As government, we have realised that development is incomplete without consideration to the human aspect. “Ours is a combination of both infrastructural and human development and today’s ceremony is an attestation to this fact. “We are committed to making our Omoluabi State a subject of envy among the comity of states and a place worthy of living for all and sundry. “We have extended government presence across 30 local governments and the Area Office of the state and

completed a lot of capital projects, some of which are currently being commissioned and which are there for everyone to see.” He said his government has achieved great feat in the area of poverty alleviation, which, according to him, is second to none. Aregbesola noted that his government’s collaboration with various financial organisations has brought smile to faces of every house in the state. He promised that his government would continue to support all laudable intervention programmes, so that government’s commitment towards poverty alleviation will be

fully realised in not too distant future. In his opening remark, the Executive Director of Grooming Loans Scheme, Mr. Adesoji Tayo, pointed out that the Grooming Centre is a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) founded seven years ago to address the near absence of financial services for the large population of economically active poor people. He said the assistance would afford such women to engage in small trading and micro productive activities in many parts of the country. “I will also like to state that the programme is not a social welfare or government hand-out, and not a political settlement,” he told the gathering. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and

Community Affairs, Hon. Kunle Ige, said through the empowerment programme, 18,000 women were beneficiaries of the first disbursement. “Through this loan, economically active poor people, who are vulnerable and engage in small scale commercial activities are supported and empowered through the programme. “Available data have shown that majority of our women, especially at the rural communities, are economically active but are constrained financially. “This is why the current administration has committed so much to poverty alleviation interventions to reduce this ugly trend and make life more meaningful to her citizenry, especially the women,” Ige said.

Osun Threatens To Shut Down MTN Over N399m Debt By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO HE State Government of Osun has said it would be forced to confiscate the base stations of MTN Nigeria, mobile telecommunications’ operator in the state, following its refusal to pay the right of way permit fees to the state government to the tune of N399.4 million The base stations had on Osogbo, said the state April 7 been seized by the government would be officials of the state Internal forced to shut the services Revenue Service (IRS), but of the company in the state were released two days after following the failure of the following the intervention organisation to pay the of Mr. Emmanuel Seton, one outstanding right of way of the top management permit fees. members of the The revenue service boss telecommunications outfit. lamented that the Mr. Dayo Oyebanji, organisation had reneged acting Chairman and CEO of on its promise to pay the the state IRS, in a standing permit fees on or before order statement released in April 8. Oyebanji drew the attention of the management of MTN to the assessment bill with reference number HW01/ MT/09/66 dated February 19, 2014, and the notice from construction, agricultural IRS dated March 26, in transformation, qualitative education and improved respect of the outstanding welfear of the workers among payment of right of way permit on the optic fibre others. Adesiyan appealed to the operation in the state. The letter read: “Please be workers to bear with the informed that the issue of government on the delay of salary, saying the delay is a non-payment constituted one of the reasons why we national phenomenon. His counterpart in Trade detrained five of your mast Union Congress, (TUC) base stations in our state on Francis Adetunji, April 7, which were released commended the governor for on April 9, based on the sustainable peace and mutual understanding with progress, saying Osun is the Mr. Samuel Seton during most peaceful state in our meeting on April 8 that Nigeria. the payment should be Foremost former labour effected on or before April leader, Comrade Hasan Sunmonu, urged the labour 15. “We therefore, wish to leaders not to compromise express our disappointment the interest of the workers, adding there is reward for on the failure of your honesty and dedication to organisation to fulfil your civic responsibility in service. He said, Governor respect of this payment Aregbesola has performed despite several notices. excellently, adding that the “In this regard, we are people of the state with the therefore, left with no other good work done by the option than to confiscate governor already know who your base stations in our they are voting for on state, provided we do not August 9 2014. receive payment,” it read.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle), presenting a cheque to one of the beneficiaries with them is Mr Kunle Ige at the official launching of Osun/Grooming Assisted Women Empowerment programme and distribution of 600 million naira loan to beneficiaries at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

May Day: Aregbesola Canvasses More Dedication To Service

•Calls For Intensified Efforts To Rescue Abducted Borno School Children How is it possible to retrench workers •Says ‘Ex-Osun HoS Is Ungrateful’ unprofessional. when we just employed over By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

HE governor of the State of Osun on Thursday called on security agencies in Nigeria and African Continent to collaborate and intensify efforts to rescue the abducted secondary school children in Borno State to shame the deadly sect, Boko Haram. The governor said the enhance the welfare of the action of the sect was callous workers. According to him: “It is and inhuman by kidnapping children that are supposed to difficult to quantify the be jealously guided by every contribution of human development in public stakeholder. Aregbesola, while service, and no worker that adding to the addressing workers during is this year’s May Day rally development of Osun will be held at Technical College, left unrewarded; and to the Osogbo, State of Osun, said: best of our administration “There is no justification for ability, we shall continue to the inhuman act of the sect pay workers’ salary by seizing the innocent promptly”. He explained that before children; I join the people to call on our security agents the fall in federal allocation, in Nigeria and their African his administration had the counterparts to intensify record of paying salary on nd their rescue mission to free 22 of every month, saying the reduction is over 40 per the children”. The governor urged cent which is responsible for workers to be more dedicated the delay in the salary since to honest service and July 2013. Aregbesola said despite promised to continue to

the hindrance, the government has been paying workers salary regularly and called for the workers’ understanding whenever there is delay, saying “delay is not denied and government has no interest in delaying workers’ salary”. He added that the introduction of the new Electrical Identity Smart Card is to address the financial challenges for workers to have access to their salary at any period of the month. Aregbesola also dismissed the speculation of the former Head of Service, Elder Segun Akinwusi, that the government is planning to retrench workers and cut the salary. The governor described Akinwusi as “an ungrateful human being who rewards good intention with lies and bad intention. “His allegations are mischievous and wicked, treasonous and

12, 000 people? Are we going to sack those we just employed or those that are working? His allegation is senseless.” He said, all advice to remove Akinwusi was ignored to demonstrate his good intention towards other human beings and preserve the independence of the civil service, adding that; “he is paying me back with lies and mischief. He can play his politics but he must leave the loyal workers to do their work and leave them out of mischief”. State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alhaji Saka Adesian, said the mood of the Nigeria Labour is mournful as a result of the abducted school children, saying it was pathetic that up till date, no clue on how to rescue the school children. He commended the governor for mass road

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

Ex-HOS Is Ignorant, Mischievous Over Alleged 300bn Debt – Aregbesola •Reassures Osun Workers Of Job Security, Welfare

OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described as tissue of lies, the allegation by the former Head of Service, Elder Segun Akinwusi, that the state government is indebted to the tune of N300 billion and that government is intending to retrench workers in the state. A statement by the Bureau his administration, to turn of Communications and around and become an agent of Strategy, Office of the wicked and naked lies. Governor, quoted Governor Akinwusi was the Head of Aregbesola as describing as Service inherited by the dishonourable for the former Aregbesola administration, who HOS whom, he retained was retained as against usual despite heavy pressure on him practice of new administrations to remove him at the onset of retaining such officials.

The statement quoted the governor as speaking during the launch of State of Osun Civil Servants’ Smart Identity Card and Biometric Automation tagged: ‘I am Alive.’ The governor said there was nothing wrong with the former HOS’s ambition to vie for governorship seat, noting however, that decorum and sincerity must be considered while seeking the electorate’s support.

Aregbesola, while debunking the lies, said with all the policies initiated by his administration to uplift the standard of living of civil servants in the state, there is no doubt that his government is one of the most compassionate and workersfriendly. He disclosed that despite drastic reduction in the allocation accruing to the state from the federation account, his government has kept the entire

•(L-R) Secretary Omoluabi Support Group (OSG), Barrister Kayode Tinubu; Femi Taiwo, OSG member and Honourable Akinola Olasunkanmi at a press conference on State of Osun School’s literary debate final (Towards the “One Day With Ogbeni) in Osogbo, last Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI work force in the state and paid their salaries as and when due. The governor described the rumoured impending retrenchment as mere figment of the imaginations of Akinwusi and his ilk, affirming that government is not even contemplating sacking any worker. “Our administration is the most passionate and workersfriendly in the country. All we have done and are still doing is to better the condition of workers. “Despite the dwindling allocation by almost 40 per cent since January 2013, this government still kept its entire work force. “So, I don’t know where you workers got the news that I will retrench some of you. This is just mere lies being told by our adversaries so that you can hate us. “I am saying it categorically clear that this government has no intention to retrench workers. Rather, this government is committed to welfare and progress of all of you. “I will only implore you not to listen to those who are pressurising you to hate us because they can’t do better than what we are doing,” Aregbesola said. The governor described the activities of Akinwusi as laughable and dishonest in fabricating lies of such proportion not only about a performing administration, but also to cause confusion in the

May Day: Osun NLC, TUC Task Employers On Workers’ Welfare Permanent Secretary, By KAZEEM MOHAMMED Human Resources and OVERNMENT and Private employers have been Capacity Building, Mr. urged to give their workers adequate opportunity Festus Oladeji, said to access quality health care delivery as well as government would good working environment to make them productive. continue to improve on Chairmen of the state Mr. Sunday Owoeye, welfare of workers in the by the Nigeria Labour Congress represented (NLC), Alhaji Saka Adesiyan and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Oladele Adetunji, stated this By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI during a physical fitness O mark the 57 Birthday of the Governor, State of walk organised for workers Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, a non-Governmental as part of activities marking Organisation, Omoluabi Support Group and this year Workers’ Day. The duo noted that Oranmiyan Worldwide have organized Secondary School availability of good health Debate on Leadership and Good Governance. The groups are expected to senatorial level, while the care delivery and physical exercise would make the host no fewer than 5,000 winners in each senatorial including district will also compete to workers healthy, thereby participants, pick the literary champion” teachers, pupils, parents enhancing their public of office holders andand Tinubu explained that the the productivity at their places governor at the grand finale debate is among other efforts of work. expected to hold on Tuesday of the groups to support the They maintained that May 13, 2014 at the Centre for present administration policy only healthy workers can Black Culture and International on education to secure a brighter future for the younger live to work on daily basis. Understanding. On his part, the NLC The two groups at a press ones. “This programme is aimed boss, Alhaji Adesiyan urged conference in Osogbo on at making young people find Wednesday addressed by workers to take their health inspiration towards believing as important, stressing that Barrister Kayode Tinubu and that nothing is impossible for only a healthy workers Comrade Dele Ogunsakin said them to achieve. We must know the debate competition is could be productive. one of the many to produce State High that responsibilities of any “Productivity can only expected School literary champion. government is discovering early come from healthy body and The champion, according to that is why every worker, the groups, will spend a day childhood talent and mentoring irrespective of working with the governor on May 25 such talent appropriately”. Responding to questions on place should take their as a mark of honour to serve as why the debate was not health seriously”. motivation for the school extended to the higher The TUC Chairman, Mr. children in academics and institutions as a result of the Adetunji, also advised intellectual engagement. complexity of the topic, a leader Tinubu said: “All High of Oranmiyan Group, Dr workers to always engage in physical exercise to keep Schools in the State of Osun Yemi Adegoke, said secondary themselves fit and healthy. kicked started the debate at the schools were consciously Addressing the workers local government level and chosen to extend the rudiment subsequent winners will engage at the state secretariat, one another in a fierce but of leadership and good Abere, the Head of Service, interesting debate at the governance.

state. He said that the government is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the yearnings of workers and the entire people of the state

are met. Some workers who participated in the exercise expressed their satisfaction in engaging in the exercise as it has made them fit for the day’s work.

state. On the alleged N300 billion debt profile of Osun, the governor lamented that those who ought to know and educate others are now the ones demonstrating crass ignorance about the affairs of the state. He argued that a state with such amount of debt would need to pay N3 billion monthly being 10 per cent to service such debt, saying Osun does not even collect up to this amount from federal allocation every month any more. The governor said, Akinwusi, whom he resisted all entreaties to remove as the HOS when he came to power, was just being mischievous spreading such falsehood. “I am disappointed. This is somebody that reached the highest pedestal of his career and he is now behaving like an illiterate. Does he know the import of what he says? “If a state owes N300 billion, ten per cent of that amount is N3 billion, which is to be paid monthly to service the debt. If Osun is paying N3billion as debt servicing every month, where does Akinwusi think we will get the money to do all the massive capital projects we are doing? “Where does he think we will get the money to pay workers’ salaries? With all the pressure mounted on me to remove him as HOS when I assumed office, out of compassion and my friendly posture, I retained him to complete his years in the service before he retired. “It is therefore, absurd and an act of insincerity and dishonesty for Akinwusi to be spreading such unsubstantiated news about, that Osun burrowed N300 billion. “This is far from the truth. We will leave him to his conscience if he has one. But then, calculated lies like his cannot and will not detract us from the good work we are doing in the state,” Aregbesola said

Aregbesola @ 57: OSG, Oranmiyan Organize School Debate On Leadership

Adegoke said: “Secondary

school is a basic education in Nigeria and with current educational philosophy of Aregbesola, a student that will be produced from such system must be a complete new man that will be independent and intellectually sound to solve a problem in the society.” Leadership and good governance are basic knowledge

that a secondary school student must have to be patriotic and imbibe high sense of responsibility to the society and we are not disappointed so far in all the local government that we have visited where the debates are ongoing. They are performing excellently and we have no doubt in their ability to do

justice to the topic. On the new education policy in the state, the group threw weight behind the state governor, saying the reformation through reclassification is the best alternative to rescue the wrecked educational sector, imposed by the previous administration.

Osun Speaker Lauds Aregbesola, Workers Over Industrial Harmony By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

PEAKER, State House of Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the leadership of workers’ unions in the state for allowing industrial harmony to prevail. In his May Day message, of the cordiality existing issued by his Press between the government Secretary, Goke Butika, on and the workers. Thursday, the speaker said While felicitating with Osun is lucky to have the workers, the Speaker dedicated workforce with disclosed that the state understanding of attendant parliament has set a challenges. machinery in motion to Salaam explained that the resolving the issues of the 13th month salary incentive, polytechnics and colleges upward review of car loan of education teachers, for qualified workers, and noting that the matter other enablement provided would be resolved in by the government have earnest. made a loud pronouncement He added: “The State of

Osun is lucky to have right people in government and the leadership of the workers’ unions. “While the state parliament will continue to legislate for the welfare of workers and the entire people of the state, we are optimistic that the state workforce would continue to put its best to the service for the development of the state”, he said. The speaker then urged all the stakeholders to proceed on the existing winwin trend to realise the developmental aim and objective of the administration.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

RATTAWU Lauds Aregbesola’s Achievements By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) has applauded the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his commendable performance in the past three and half years. RATTAWU, during a courtesy visit to the governor, said despite the meagre resources accruable to the state from the federation account, findings by members during the tour of the state showed that Aregbesola is performing wonderfully in the state, According to the President of the organisation, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the performance on ground in Osun was a clear testimony that Aregbesola is one of the best performing governors in Nigeria. Bamgbose averred that for the governor to perform hugely

in all sectors despite scarce resources testified to the fact that there is a financial wizard at the helms of affairs of government. “Despite the fact that what is coming to Osun from Federal allocation is a peanut, we can see huge performance by Governor Aregbesola. This can only mean that there is a wizard directing the affairs of government. ”With what we have seen so far in the state, we can conclude that if Aregbesola is not the best he is certainly among the best governors in the

country. “The governor is a man who knows what he is doing; plain at heart and one with clear vision,” Bamgbose said. He noted that with the establishment of RLGAdulawo Phone Company in Ilesha, Aregbesola’s government is not only concerned about the present generation, but also taking care of generations to come According to the RATTAWU boss, what the government has also done in the health, road and education sectors changed the face of the state in all ramifications. Bamgbose continued: “What you have done for education in Osun is wonderful. You have lifted the state to its highest pedestal. “We are monitoring you. We

are monitoring your performance. We are monitoring the transformation of Osogbo to a modern day capital and the state in general. “We hope and pray that the people of Osun will support you and make sure you don’t leave the seat of government in a hurry so that you can complete this transformation you’ve embarked upon.” In his response, the governor commended RATTAWU for its cooperation with the government, describing the organisation as the most glamorous union. Aregbesola noted that all that his government is doing in terms of policies and programmes have been centred around the people. According to him, people’s

•(R-L) Hon. Lawrence Ayeni; Mr. Yusuf Sakiru, Executive Chairman, Ayobo-Ipaja Local Government Council Area, Lagos; Pastor Olu Alagbe, Chairman, Omoluabi Support Group (OSG) and Hon. Bisi Yusuf, Vice-Chairman, OSG, during the press conference on State of Osun Schools’ literary debate final (Towards the “One Day With Ogbeni) in Osogbo, last Wednesday.

aspiration, wishes and yearning must form the bedrock of government’s policies, arguing that any programme that is devoid of this is not a good policy. “In whatever government is doing, people must come first. Whatever policy government wants to introduce must

Osun NLC Pickets Electricity Company By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

HE commercial activities at the Business Unit of Ibadan Electricity District Company, Osogbo was grounded to halt on Monday by the labour union. The workers are protesting Adesiyan, said the directive was the casual staff policy of the new from the national leadership of electricity company after the NLC to protest the degrading acquisition of the defunct Power manner the new owner of Holding Company of Nigeria electricity company is treating (PHCN). its staff members. Affiliates and members of the He said the trick was targeted Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at exploiting the workers with and Trade Union Congress cheap labour without a job (TUC) in their hundreds security which, according to him, stormed the Osogbo business was against the principle of fear unit, Station Road, Osogbo and labour. picketed the office for almost “We are here today to make a two hours. Before the arrival of the statement to the Federal protesters, the gate of the Government of Nigeria and those business unit was under lock and who acquired the PHCN that key with the presence of military workers must not continue to be the victim of privatization, the personnel. Around 11.am when the new electricity company are protesters arrived, they were exploiting Nigeria workers. “We are here to warn them, it unable to gain access, but after serious pressure, the is a day of action declared by the management of the business unit national leadership of the NLC, was forced to open the gate and the picketing is across the country today, and if they refuse all the staff were chased way. Addressing the workers, NLC to listen, a show down is state Chairman, Comrade Saka coming”.

Kidnapping: Jungle Justice Lands 12 In Prison

Aregbesola Launches Smart Identity Card N For Osun Workers By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has stated that with the launch of the new Osun Civil Servant Smart Identity card, the issue of ghost workers is now completely eradicated. He said the introduction component of that overall of the identity card is to effort”. ensure that nobody takes He said the smart cards what does not belong to him which will bring about or her and to ensure a better benefits to all and sundry, life for the Osun workers and including civil servants and pensioners. the government would be Ogbeni Aregbesola given to all workers across stated this on Tuesday in all Ministries, Departments Osogbo during the official and Agencies, including launch of the state of Smart local government council Identity card and Biometric workers. Automation, tagged: “I AM According to the ALIVE” held at the state governor: “The smart ID Secretariat in Abere. card is electronically He said that the personalised, with biometric bureaucracy of features, to each of its users. administration which was It will add immense values supposed to be impersonal, to the functioning of rational and efficient workers and will equally overtime became engulfed improve the capacity and with various problems due cost of administration by to human errors and as a government. result of the present day era. “It will help to eliminate “When we came on many sources of financial board, we decided that the waste and leakage ICT road was a sensible employed to deprive path for us to follow in order government of needed to be able to tackle many of funds. It helps create an the recalcitrant problems of accurate and reliable maladministration that we database for payroll met on ground. We have not administration and salaries’ been disappointed. Indeed, payment. we have largely been “For the workers, the vindicated. benefits are similarly “We have since numerous. It effectively intensified our effort to make removes the possibility of ICT an inherent part of our defrauding any workers of public administrative the payments due to them. system and the introduction Through this smart card of this new smart electronic system, the workers get identity card is another their monies paid directly to

their accounts instead of through any intermediary points. “Leave bonuses, for example, are now tied to each worker’s birthday and paid to their accounts automatically on that day,” he stated. “For the pensioners, it removes the stress of going through multiple verifications to get their payment and also blocks the means for cheating them out of their money. “By clearly identifying the living from the dead, this system ensures that ghost will no longer mingle with our workers or have access to our payroll in Osun. It keeps them where they belong – in the grave. It stops the dead from coming to steal money from the living. It makes certain that only retirees who are ‘ALIVE’ receive payment. This affirms the sense in this project’s title: ‘I AM ALIVE’”, he stressed. He stated that before the end of May, every civil servant and pensioner would have got his or her own smart card while announcing that every citizen of the state will also get a similar card that will contain all their data. In an address, the state Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, described the project as one of the

laudable achievements of the present administration. He stated that through the launching of the smart cards, the governor has been able to achieve what no government including the private sector has been able to achieve. “This has never happened anywhere in this country whether through any government or even the private sector, this is unprecedented”, the commissioner stated. Also speaking, Group Managing Director, Chams Group PLC, who is in charge of the smart cards, Sir Demola Aladeokomo, thanked the governor for giving the company the opportunity to be a part of history in the state. Earlier in a welcome address, the Project Manager, Mr Bambo Bashorun, declared that the introduction of the smart card is aimed at making things better for the civil servants in the state. “There is need to have accurate database for every civil servant, there is need to have a proper means of identification that will dignify the civil servant”, he stressed. In attendance at the programme were top civil servants, politicians, members of the state executive council, as well as popular Nollywood actors and actresses.

therefore take into cognisance the needs of the people. “Any policy that does not envisage the needs and yearnings of the people will only be self-serving. “This is why our government’s policies and programmes are peoplecentred,” Aregbesola said.

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

O fewer than twelve persons were on Wednesday ordered to be remanded in prison custody by an Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly participating in the unlawful killing of three suspected kidnappers in Osogbo. The accused persons, burning him to death on April according to the charge sheet, 26, at Dugbe Police Station area, burnt the three suspected Osogbo. kidnappers alive at different According to the charge locations in Osogbo. sheet, Yahaya and other suspects According to the charge sheet at large, also killed one Seun read in court, the suspects and Gbenga, who was suspected to others at large conspired to be a kidnapper by beating and commit the crime between April setting fire on him alive. 24 and 26, 2014 in Osogbo. The actions of the accused The accused persons are: persons were contrary to Section Lawal Ismaila (22), Andrew 316 and punishable under Simeon (27), Surajudeen Section 391(1) of the Criminal Sulaiman (35), Taye Taiwo (20), Abolaji Mathew (30) and Code, Cap 34 Vol.11, Laws of Osun 2003. Kamorudeen Seidu (25). However, the pleas of the Other are: Ogundele accused persons were not taken Oluwatosin (40), Olasunkanmi Hammed (20), Sule Yahaya (23), because of the capital nature of Akande Ibukun (22), Ajibola their offence. Chief Magistrate Lasisi Samuel (21) and Olanrewaju Muhammad, who presided over Olawale (21). According to the charge the case, ordered that the accused sheet, Ismaila, Simeon, Sulaiman, persons be remanded in prison Taiwo, Mathew and Seidu on custody. Muhammed directed the April 25 conspired to kill one Segun Adewale (an alleged police prosecutor, Promise a Deputy kidnapper) by beating and Akanwa, Superintendent of Police, to burning him to death alive. The charge sheet alleged forward the case file to the of Public Oluwatoyin, Hammed, Ibukun, Directorate Samuel and Olawale of Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, conspiracy and killing of Aliu Osogbo, for legal advice. The case was adjourned to Mohammed (another alleged kidnapper) by also beating and June 11 for mention.

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Omisore’ Malevolent Politics (1) Continued from pg1

why Iyi Omisore is so disorientated. He cannot say that Aregbesola has not performed. That would be ridiculous for the empirical evidence abounds. It is there for all to see. As clear as daylight. In addition, Omisore lacks the diligence, the intellectual preparation as well as the seriousness of intent to put together an alternative programme. His recent perfunctory attempt to submit a “manifesto” to the press was not surprisingly simply laughed out of court. With the people of the state of Osun indifferent to his governorship ambition, Omisore is now in a quandary. With a performing governor in place and no inspiring alternative programme in place. What does he do next?

There are no prizes for guessing what he will do next. Omisore will simply slip back into what for him comes natural. What comes natural for the discredited former Senator is obvious. This is the politics of blood and thunder. The politics of malevolence and of violence.

Omisore’s right hand man and enforcer is now in charge of the policing system. This has not happened by accident. It is all part of a grand scheme. The scheme is centeredon the militarization of politics. This is the use of intimidation and fear to cower and coerce the populace. It translates into if you can’t win their hearts get nasty with them. We are already seeing this in place elsewhere. For example, the minister of state for Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro has also been malevolently throwing his weight around. They are all throwing their weight around. They are all the same. Peas

from the same pod. They do not throw their weight around to develop their people. Far from it. The idea is to brow beat the people into submission. Instead of producing a developmental agenda, they want to destroy. Fortunately, it is not going to work this time around. In the course of the Aregebesola administration, the state of Osun has witnessed profound and irreversible changes. The people have witnessed the difference between reactionary interlopers and a progressive alternative perspective. On his part, Aregbesola has to use the words of St. Francis of Assisi brought harmony where there was once discord. The end of discord has resulted in profound development strides. Schools have been refurbished. Roads have been constructed. Jobs have been created. A bright future beckons for the people with hope renewed.

All of this must be frustrating for the governorship wannabe Iyiola Omisore. Nevertheless, his frustration should not lead him to rekindle the politics of malevolence. For no amount of control of the security forces on Omisore’s part is going to threaten the populace. The profound gains that have been made in the past three years across all sectors will be resolutely defended. The people are aware that there is no alternative. They do not want to go back to a dismal and unedifying past. They will do everything to protect the gains made in the interest of their children as well as generations yet unborn. The sooner Iyi Omisore and his sidekicks realize this, the better. In the state of Osun, the people have drunk from the well of liberty and progress. They are therefore resolute as they say NO! to Omisore’s malevolent politics!

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

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

Osun’s ‘Road’ To Economic Recovery The government of the state of Osun says it is building multi channel roads, which it believes will stimulate economic prosperity. Seun Akioye looks at how the road projects have affected the common T was not a political rally. Not yet. It was a Joe. different kind of rally, one that the supporters

called ‘the peoples’ rally. At about 3:00pm on April 15, 2014, Governor Rauf Aregbesola rode into the city of Ilesa in an open roof white Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a convoy of about six vehicles. He was dressed in a white lace that fitted his modest frame and a blue cap, sat proudly on his head; a dark sunshade protected his eyes from the blinding rays of the sun. Immediately, a crowd gathered and as the convoy progressed into the heart of the city, thousands of enthusiastic supporters joined in forcing it to move at a snail’s pace. The governor waved at the people, sometimes gave the victory sign and danced to the impromptu music of the Okada riders and other supporters, who ran alongside his motorcade. He bonded with the people who felt they could honestly lay claim to him as one of their own. In the last one year, Aregbesola’s administration has built 29.71 kilometres of roads round Ilesa. The new roads are on 15 streets. It is like a ring road connecting different sections of the city, so that if one began from one end, one could end up at the same spot going round the city. That was what Aregbesola did when he rode into town to open the roads. He spent over one hour inspecting all 15 roads and ended up at the Ibala Road Community Primary School, venue of the ceremony, where several thousands of people were already waiting. Time was 4:30pm. Aregbesola said his overriding ambition is to regain Osun’s place as the economic hub of the Southwest, outside of Lagos and because the state is bordered by five states of the Southwest and the North central, it serves as a veritable alternative to Lagos in trade and investments. So, the governor thought of linking the state with the railway and constructing standardised access roads into the state. The road construction too would serve as internal economic stimulus for the state. So, almost four years into this plan, how has the state managed to achieve its objectives? “We just want the roads fixed” Government agencies said that the construction of 15 roads in Ilesa was unprecedented in the history of the state. Instructively, many of the residents shared this sentiment. At the ceremony to mark the commissioning of the roads, about 15 traditional rulers, both within the state and outside, graced the occasion. Speaking for the royal fathers, the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Arom-olaran said, the administration of Governor Aregbesola has made the biggest developmental impacts in the state. He mentioned the constructed roads as being unprecedented and threw in a clincher. “I can even say it was during your administration that I gave birth to twins,” he told the governor. But, it wasn’t only the royal fathers that appreciated the benefits of the new roads in Ilesa, the people do too. Mary Oyeleye, a resident of Omo-Olupe Street, Bonnke area, just opened a new business where she sells food items. About a year ago, this had been impossible to accomplish and the reasons are not far-fetched. “We have really suffered in this Olupe Street. Before the road was constructed, this whole area was flood and muds especially the Bonnke area. There was a river there and only Okada could pass through this area, when you get to Bonnke, then you have to roll up your dress and wade through the mud and river. There were houses that have been submerged in the river too. This place was a nightmare,” she said. The bad condition of the road also had its negative economic impact. Being a major link road to several towns including Ijebu-Ijesa, Osogbo and Akure, the road had been completely deserted by all commercial interests, shops closed down and residents began to move out of the area. About a year ago, work began on the road and when the construction was completed the area took on a new image. Apart from the standard construction, Omo-Olupe Street has opened for business. “We built these stores last December because the road is now passable. Also, all the commercial buses are now using this road, so it makes it busy. We are grateful to the governor for doing this; he has totally changed our lives,” Oyeleye said. Omo-Olupe is not the only street opened for

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), commissioning the completed 21 roads in Osogbo. With him; his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd left); Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (left) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), RATCON Construction Company, Mr Elias Zaad (2nd right), during the occasion when the governor commissioned the completed roads in Osogbo few days ago. business, the whole of Ilesa is. From one street to the other, residents spoke of years of decay and neglect but which has been reversed by the construction or rehabilitation of the roads. OmiEran road for instance, according to some of the engineers from Ratcon Construction company – the company responsible for the construction of the roads – was a terrible specimen of a township road. At the ceremony to commission the roads, the residents discussed the impacts of the new developments in the city. They were not the only ones to marvel in wonder, the governor did too. “As we drove round the roads today with the people, I was just wondering about what God can do. I was thinking to myself that to have 29 kilometers of roads round Ilesa, this is the first time in the history of this state. I was just thanking God,” the governor said. His eyes dilating with excitement and his voice rising in a singsong. The crowd caught the bug of his excitement and somebody raised a song loosely translated to thanking God for a new era. The excitement about the new roads, however, transcends Ilesa, in Osogbo, where several township and inter-city road constructions have been done and still ongoing, the physical outlook of the city has changed, probably forever. In Osogbo, the philosophy behind the road constructions remains the same; that is, opening up economic opportunities for many of the residents of the state, from the bottom up approach. Mercy land area, a large residential and business settlement in Osogbo, with thousands of residents now wears a new look. It is one of the several Osogbo township roads constructed over four months ago, which linked several neighbourhoods. In Mercy land area, which conveniently sits on a small hill, there are about 10 newly constructed roads, linking one street with another up and down the hill. Kayode Oyediran has operated his tie and dye business from Omonike crescent for five years now but according to him it was only this year that any meaningful improvement has occurred in the area. “Because the whole of Mercy land area was in a terrible shape, you find that people cannot move as freely as they want. The consequence of that is business concerns were affected. It was only those who had Okada that could work here,” he said. But things have changed for his business. Because of the newly constructed roads in the neighbourhood he could easily move his raw materials into site and also his finished goods out of his business premises. “I think on the issues of road construction, I will give the governor a pass mark. This is not the only road he has done, if you go across Osogbo, there are so many inner roads like this that have been done. Osogbo has really changed,” Oyediran enthused. The residents of Oke-Arugbo’s 12 zones neighbourhood also believe their newly constructed roads will facilitate business development in the area and boost real estate. According to Chief Titus Osobu, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atakumosa West, in Ilesa, but who owns a house in Oke-Arugbo zone 2, the development in the area has been unprecedented. “I came here about 20-years ago but this type of development has been unprecedented. There were times we had given up, but today, we thank Governor Aregbesola for doing this road for us.

“We never expected our road will be fixed in 10 years, this governor has really tried and we really appreciate him for that. Tell him we are grateful recipients of all that he is doing,” Titilayo Adetoun, a resident of zone 3, who followed the profession of tailoring said. Though the construction of roads in OkeArugbo still has about four zones to be completed, the revolution was already catching on in all the zones. “Zone 8, where I live is yet to be constructed, but we can drive on good roads up to this point. We are certain the government must complete all the remaining roads to have a complete development,” Mrs. Adebola Adeseye said. Outside the township roads in Osogbo, there are major inter–city construction being undertaken by the Aregbesola administration. One of the major road constructions embarked upon is the famous Oba Adesoji Aderemi bypass. The story behind this massive 17.5 kilometer road within Osogbo metropolis is as interesting as the construction itself. According to government officials, the aim of the road is to complete the Ring road round Osogbo. Sabitu Amuda, an engineer and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works is the man in charge of the various road constructions. The Oba Adesoji bypass is one of the projects that give him some of the most pleasure and when he talks about it, it shows. “It’s a roundabout that connects Iwo road and the West by-pass. It ended there before, but we now want to complete the loop, we want to finish the ring. It starts from Iwo road roundabout and goes the whole of 17.5 kilometers to link back to the roundabout at Ikirun road, so that you have a complete Ring road round Osogbo,” he said. Going through the length of the on-going construction is instructive about the determination of the government to bring massive development to that part of the city. A Turkish construction company, Slava-Yeditepe had the task of boring through rocks and wading through rivers to construct the new bypass. From Iwo roundabout to Channel 0, work according to government is about 40 per cent completed. When The Nation visited the site, workers were seen engaged in the road work. Between channels 0-4, new bridges were springing up over railways and dual carriage ways took the place of deep forests. At Abere junction, a flyover would pass over it to link the road with Oke-Ijetu/Ilesa garage. According to Edwin, one of the site engineers, the flyover will have four loops and ramps to divert traffic. When completed, it will be the first flyover in Osogbo. The engineer also said the road being constructed is of the highest standards using 30cm stone base. Another source inside Slava-Yeditepe also said the roads are being constructed to last 40 years. Even though, many houses were demolished in many neighbour-hoods, the people continue to look ahead to the economic prosperity it will bring. They don’t have to wait for long as the road has been throwing up business and developmental opportunities. “I give this road two years and you will see a business district here, you just need to picture the road the whole stretch and you can imagine the endless possibilities for business development,” Edwin said. Alhaji Moruf Adenekan, who lives around Testing Ground area, corroborated this view: “Everywhere on this road people are buying up

land. I know the land is appreciating now; people are buying up to build shopping malls and other things. If you have the money, it is a good business deal to buy land here even for resale later on.” The economic benefits are not lost on Oladele Akindele, who owns a business on Oke-Ijetu too. “Well, there are many houses that were demolished, I don’t know if they had been compensated because mine was not demolished, but this road will bring development to this area, that is for sure,” he said. Another road generating interesting permutation is the Oshogbo-Ikirun road, which began from the old garage and terminated at IlaOdo /Kwara state border. It is being handled by a wholly indigenous construction company, Sammya Constructions. The former single carriage way has been made into a dual carriage way, completed with drainage one meter deep and wide. Construction too is almost at 40 percent completion. Businesses that were disrupted before have reopened. One of them is Best Oyin Aluminium Company. “During the construction, we had to cope with a lot of things, but now we are very happy because business here has improved,” says Yessuf Dada, one of the workers. But the progress did not come easy. From the old garage to Aiyetoro, many buildings had to give way. Despite this, however, Moruf Adeyemi, a traffic warden says his job has been made easier with the new road. One of the greatest beneficiaries, Elder Olalere Isaiah, a steel worker at the Kobo area said: “We have not seen this kind of governor before in Osun, this area was the home of flood, when it rained, we experienced massive flood. But with the drainage, this place is dry and our business has improved.” Engineers at Sammya said, there were various impediments which necessitated an extension of the time needed to finish the job. “We had to deal with the telecommunications and power cables. We have written to them to move them and even electricity poles have to be moved, all these take time, that is why we have to request for a little extension to finish,” a source said. The Gbogan/Akoda/Ede expressway is another massive inter-city road network being constructed by the government. According to Amuda, the thinking behind this road is to facilitate the movement of goods into the state. “We want a situation where coming from Lagos, you can continue with the same dual carriage way into Osogbo. We already have mapped out how this will benefit commercial activities, that is why we are into all these road constructions,” he said. But the people begged for more. Olaleye from Omo-Olupe Street, Ilesa said the residents still need a speed breaker on the road to prevent future accidents. Dada also wants a speed breaker on the Ikirun road while Isaiah wants the government to complete the inner roads around the Kobo area. At the Ikirun Thursday market, sellers mingled with buyers even as they watched the tractors move into town and a part of the market disappeared to pave the way for the new road. “It’s our market but the government is trying to bring improvement to the state so we are happy even if a part of the market is going,” a representative of the market leader told The Nation. Culled from The Nation

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Official Launching Of Osun/Grooming Assisted Women Empowerment Programme And Distribution Of 600 Million Naira Loan To 18,000 Beneficiaries At Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State Of Osun, Last Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) Wife of Osun Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola; Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Rural development and Community Affairs, Mr Kunle Ige; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam and other dignitaries on the occasion.

•A cross section of Aregbesola’s admirers during the official launching of Osun/Grooming Assisted Women Empowerment Programme and Distribution of N600Million Micro Credit to 18,000 women beneficiaries, held at Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun, on Tuesday.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, March 29, 2014

Faces At The Second UNIOSUN Convocation At The Campus Main Auditorium Photo: JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle), the deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) and the Guest Lecturer, Governor Rotimi Amaechi (right) on the occasion.

•A cross section of the State of Osun Executive Council members present at the event.

•Pro-Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Gabriel Adesiyan and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adekunle Bashiru, at the programme.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, March 29, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Faces At The Second UNIOSUN Convocation At The Campus Main Auditorium Photo: JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola delivering his address to the audience on the occasion.

•A cross section of students at the event.

•Governor Rotimi Amaechi answering questions from newsmen on the occasion.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Celebrated 2014 May Day At Government Technical College, Osogbo, State Of Osun, Last Thursday.

•(L-R) Governor Rauf Aregbesola; State Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Francis Adetunji; State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Saka Adesiyan and State Chairman, Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Comrade Bayo Adejumo, during the programme.

•Governor Aregbesola (right) and his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd right), acknowledging cheers from the workers in the state, during the Joint NLC/TUC 2014 May Day celebration in Osogbo, State of Osun, last Thursday.

Senior Staff Association of University, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes And Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAL) on the match past, while Governor Aregbesola takes a salute during the workers’ day celebration at Government Technical College, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Thursday.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

Unearthening The Many Atrocities Of Mr. Segun Akinwusi THE position of Head of Service (HOS) is certainly an exalted position in pub lic service (either at Federal or state level), a position that personifies diligence, maturity and resourcefulness. So to start acknowledging the person of Mr. Segun Akinwusi, the erstwhile Head of Service of the State of Osun, should not be seen as flattery or sheer indulgence. His virtue for rising to that pinnacle in his public service career indeed deserves accolade. That Mr. Segun Akinwusi who served under the Oyinlola-led PDP administration in the state, was also given the opportunity under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola however, should rather be seen as a demonstration of “unparalleled maturity in the political landscape” of Ogbeni Aregbesola and not to be interpreted that Mr. Akinwusi’s manner of administration is atypical. It beats one’s imagination that unbridled utterances, particularly about public service and governance can be linked to somebody of Mr. Akinwusi status. The usual hues and cries about the state of Osun finances, always credited to Mr. Akinwusi in defiant pursuance of his political agenda in the state is worrisome and needs to be addressed for the purpose of enlightening the good citizens of the state. The usual claim of Akinwusi that the•Faces of frustrated pensioners in Osun under Akinwusi’s administration. state has borrowed about N350billion since November 2010 is not different from the opposition party’s usual false alarm, and in a way indicates who Mr. Akinwusi’s principal is. To start with, how would the “great administrator” absolve himself from the decision to borrow such colossal amount, afterall, he was a principal officer, and certainly, an executive member of the state during the referenced period. Though it could be recalled that Mr. Akinwusi at a particular time in 2012 made fruitless efforts to defend his numerous roles in the N18.3billion loan that Prince Oyinlola-led PDP administration irresponsibly took from a commercial bank at the wee hour of the administration. The White Paper report of the panel of enquiry is being awaited and the moral burden is still hanging on his neck. It should also be noted that by virtue of his office, Akinwusi was a member of the state’s Funds Allocation Committee (FAC). This is a committee that appropriates the state’s revenue on monthly basis. Even if his lame excuse for not being part of the decision that led to the irresponsible loan is tenable, he is yet to absolve himself as a member of the state’s FAC that took the decision on the utilisation of the loan, a short term loan that was sourced for long term and poorly•Debris of pensioners’ files under Akinwusi as the Head of •Whose pensioner’s record is this? prioritised social projects. The ex-HOS am Service in Osun. sure, in his characteristic manner of “going By WALE BOLORUNDURO away” with classified documents of government may still be keeping the state’s FAC files for blackmail and other mischievous purposes. as their pot of gold, of course, at the detriment Someone needs to remind Mr. Akinwusi that of the poor retirees and pensioners? Does it really matter?. While the pension reform law under the public service codes, such documents are classified documents of the govern- of 2004, promulgated by the Federal Government was replicated in the state in ment and should remain so. The state will 2008, it was not implemented in Osun until definitely seek legal redress, if such gover2010. This failure caused a lot of nance codes are broken. Perhaps, a quick peep into Mr. Akinwusi’s administrative bottlenecks and severe financial scorecards while in office will help us know challenges on the current administration as no financial provision for same was made by the the type of administrator he was. For instance, while other neighbouring states in the immediate past administration. It is interesting to note that while Mr. country embrace modern day working tools and skills as may be credited to their Heads of Akinwusi failed to administer the pension Service sense of responsibility, Mr. Akinwusi scheme properly, he gave mandate to the could not deny that he was a member of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) that state’s executive council that could not train were his cronies and friends to handle the its civil servants for almost a decade that the monthly deductions (in the name of contribustate was under their hostage. It is appalling tory pension funding) from the employees that Osun civil servants were still happy usingmonthly salary. Unfortunately, the monthly typewriters and other archaic office tools in deductions were never remitted to the Retiree this modern day until Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Savings Accounts (RSA) of the contributors or came in. His agitation and vehement objection the Central Bank of Nigeria, that is supposed to be lock-box of redemption fund. Rather, the to the current administration’s decision to send some school principals and doctors for funds were warehoused in commercial banks training abroad further confirmed his love and for his selfish interest. Thus building up huge Federal government), amounting to N4 billion. administrator’s score card while in office as passion for his subjects (the civil servants thatpension liabilities for the government and In his crafty way of deception for selfish the Head of Service of State of Osun, and, of denying the workers returns on their pension he headed). motives, Mr. Akinwusi was at a time advising course, should be enough to assess how good savings. It is on record that an average of over Mr. Akinwusi, no doubt, had a chummy the current administration not to pay the Elder Akinwusi was as an administrator and N6 billion pension fund of the state’s employrelationship with the state’s labour union accumulated pension liability on the 142 per Head of Service per excellence that he thinks leadership. This, he however, used for clan- ees was cleverly been sat upon by Akinwusi cent pension increase to the innocent pensionhe is. destine purpose and a weapon of holding his during his time with the support of his ers. Members of the Unity Party of Nigeria master hostage. Mr. Akinwusi never used such bankers crony. The accumulated interest on The governor, however due to his charac(UPN) must be very lucky to have Mr. the huge pension funds certainly forms part of to promote relativity salary structure that teristic passion and love for the good citizens Akinwusi as one of their pillars and hope!. Akinwusi’s kitty on which he relies for his would have kept Osun civil servants at par of the state, has paid up to N1billion from the What should be expected from a party being political ambition. He will definitely waste the 142 per cent pension increase arrears inherited with their counterparts across the country. led by an administrator “per excellence” like funds and contribute to rent economy. Let the Despite the fact that the relativity law or from Akinwusi’s administration. Mr. Akinwusi is obvious. scheme was from his PDP-led administration people of Osun go and collect their monies It is more pathetic to discover that the at the centre, it was Ogbeni Aregbesola that from Akinwusi. “great administrator” could not even maintain •Bolorunduro, PhD, is the Honourable In the same manner, the redemption porcame to implement the scheme in Osun. This a digitised data base of the state’s pensioners Commissioner for Finance, State of Osun. is in addition to the much-celebrated minimum tion that was meant to be transferred to the and their accumulated benefits. The archive Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was never wage law that the current administration and manner of record keeping of the state’s transferred until the current administration implemented in the state. pensioners, as recently discovered in a recent How would the pensioners and retirees feel stepped in. It is on record that the past exercise conducted to create a verifiable to know that Mr. Akinwusi and his “kitchen administration under which Akinwusi served database for the state pensioners was indeed cabinet” held on to the state’s pension funds as the Head of Service accumulated huge terrible. pension liabilities, one of which was 142 per The above revelations, members of public cent increase in pension (as initiated by the should note, are just snapshots into the great

12 always been bothered by I have the paradox of Nigeria. This country is very rich, albeit, some say, potentially, but a vast majority of the people live in penury. This country is so blessed with both human and material resources, yet, majority find solace either in working outside the country or even do menial jobs outside the shores. In fairness to those who choose to take that course, materially, they may be well off, but the negative effect of being treated as outcast override whatever they gain materially. The hardliners who prefer to go out at all cost, The Andrews, believe that besides the monetary benefits, things are well organized and take proper shape in Europe or the United States of America (USA) which they migrate to. For the younger generation, Andrew was a cast in an advert jingle being dissuaded from travelling abroad at all cost. The advert done during the regime of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was meant to encourage young Nigerians to stay and find their level in the economy. As a young graduate in the mid80’s, I was also hell bent on travelling at all cost, believing that Europe or the U.S held better prospects for me than what was available here. In the course of my pursuit to travel, I met a man who, by our discussion, I got to know is widely travelled. He enquired from me what specifically was I going to do there that I think would fetch me the money to make me live a comfortable live. He sat me down and gave me a lecture that most young people have a wrong notion about life over there. That Nigeria is well blessed with abundant mineral resources, some of which are yet to be tapped. Besides, our land is arable and that all year agricultural activities can take place. This simple means that with proper farming, maize, tomato, pepper can be consumed every time of the year. In addition, do I know that in some of these countries our people migrate to, the weather is so harsh that at certain times of the year, they keep in doors most of the time? Their land is not as rich as ours, which means they import food from other countries. Tried as the man did, I was not completely convinced but after discussing with other people who had travelled, I got to know that the man was being sincere. Things were properly done and well organized over there. The citizens obey traffic regulations and do other obligations expected of them. Our top shots while there, obey all regulations because the law is no respecter of any person. When they come back home, they become

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, May 3, 2014

where he eliminated three previous military Heads of State. Whether that would solve the problem or not is a mere conjecture. The National Conference was convoked recently by President with Goodluck Jonathan. Feelers from MURTALA AGBOOLA the conference which is yet to end its assignment is not TEL: 0806-119-7897 E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com favourable enough. Rigid positions are being taken. On resource control, while a section of the country believes that the derivation principle should be whittled down seriously, others think the principle is helpful. Even if the principle would not be increased, it should be maintained and a gradual phase off method adopted. The argument that the investment in the petroleum sector is from our commonwealth and so we should all benefit from it is sound, but should we because of that, refrain from developing other resources? Can we depend on the petroleum resources till eternity? This is the time to think of judicious utilization of resources from petroleum sector wisely so that we can have something to fall back on. In the Second Republic, our national revenue was sourced from agriculture. Today, it is oil, tomorrow, what would it be? Our over-reliance of petroleum has become more of a problem than a blessing. If there is no oil, will the country grind to a halt? Certainly NOT. It is my view that each of the six geo-political zones should, with the assistance of the Federal Government, identify the untapped natural resources in the area which the Federal Government should invest in to tap. It is high time we depended less on oil and focus on other •President GOODLUCK JONATHAN high employment generating areas like agriculture and and other telecommunication different people entirely. construction. Petroleum is The little resources they earn is gadgets. capital-intensive industry from Why is it that we have refused put to judicious and proper use which high revenue can be such that even the jobless feel the to develop? The irony is even generated but less employment that, before the advent of essence of government. The gap opportunities compared to petroleum, our resources were between the haves and the havenots is not so wide. The flaunting better managed in the interest of agriculture. I have my doubt and reservation the people. With quantum leap in of excess wealth in the midst of about the success of the national our national revenue, came the poverty-stricken fellow conference but I keep it close to problem of graft, countrymen does not happen. my chest. Foundations are established by mismanagement and crime. It is instructive that we act fast What can we do to save rich or wealthy individuals who to ensure that we are not left ourselves? Some people have have excess to help the lessbehind. Nigeria is a beacon of advocated revolution. Others have privileged. In majority of cases hope not only to Africa but the talked about national conference. here, we have primitive black race. God has endowed us Revolution may not be totally accumulation of capital where with abundant and avalanche of ruled out because even the person people, through dubious or who initiated the first revolution resources but good and fraudulent means, corner what responsive leadership we lack. in the former Russia, Vladimir ought to be the benefit of all. In The 2015 general elections are Lenin, said, revolution may not terms of population, size, fast approaching, what do we do take place in his life time. To resources, Britain is not up to a to right the past wrongs? We quarter – the size of Nigeria, yet some Nigerians, our situation is so acute that only revolution can should vote for responsible when we “check out” we end up leadership and stop bemoaning solve it. Much as they may be there. Britain colonized Nigeria our fate. right, if we are not careful, we but the same colonial powers end up in the hands of a tiny few subjugated Indians during the who are power mongers. People expansionist tendencies of easily refer to what Flt Lt Jerry Europe. India today is the home of computer sets, its accessories John Rawlings did in Ghana

AUDACIOUS EXPLOIT

Black Gold As Our Albatross

IN RETROSPECT

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, March 29, 2014

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

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

PDP Under Illusion To Take Over Osun — Aregbesola Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday, in Osogbo, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was living under illusion over its ambition to take over the state in the August 9 governorship election. He said the party, which held sway for seven and a half years before his administration came on board, failed to address socio-economic and educational sector challenges in the state, thus aggravating the woes of the citizenry. Speaking at a two-day economic summit for stakeholders in the state, tagged “Crux of economic developmental master plan,” Aregbesola argued that “charlatans cannot hide under any figure to masquerade their worth and value,” stressing that the PDP must be day-dreaming to win or record any victory in the forthcoming poll.

However, while defending the drop in the state’s rating from 14th position to 23rd in the latest West African School Senior Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Aregbesola maintained that the development was the aftermath of sheer neglect and abandonment suffered by the educational sector under the PDP government, saying that “any student in the state who fails in subsequent examination must examine him or herself.”

PDP Under Illusion To Take Over Osun —Aregbesola

According to him, “they are there for seven and a half years and failed woefully. Even the best among them was driven out or removed. A single man declared that he is richer than the state and to him, that is the passport to the seat of power. It is an insult. Where did he get the money?” In a swift reaction, the publicity secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr Bola Ajao, in a text message to the Nigerian Tribune, affirmed that “if Aregbesola does not know, he must be told in practical terms that his time is up in Osun. It is the turn of Senator Iyiola Omisore to come to the much-needed rescue.”

Speaking at a two-day economic summit for stakeholders in the state, tagged “Crux of economic developmental master plan,” Aregbesola argued that “charlatans cannot hide under any figure to masquerade their worth and value,” stressing that the PDP must be day-dreaming to win or record any victory in the forthcoming poll.

Omisore

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday, in Osogbo, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was living under illusion over its ambition to take over the state in the August 9 governorship election. He said the party, which held sway for seven and a half years before his administration came on board, failed to address socio-economic and educational sector challenges in the state, thus aggravating the woes of the citizenry.

“Osun voting public are very enlightened and sophisticated. No amount of rabble-rousing braggadocio can save Aregbesola from the imminent defeat awaiting him at the poll. You cannot stop a moving train. Omisore as governor of Osun State is a God’s own project whose time is now,” he further stated. However, while defending the drop in the state’s rating from 14th position to 23rd in the latest West African School Senior Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Aregbesola maintained that the development was the aftermath of sheer neglect and abandonment suffered by the educational sector under the PDP government, saying that “any student in the state who fails in subsequent examination must examine him or herself.”

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, March 29, 2014

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The All Progressives Congress has said it is stupefied by the comments credited to PDP National Women Leader, Kema Chikwe, in which she expressed doubts about the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno State, saying by the comments, Mrs Chikwe has simply crossed the line and plumbed the depths of absurdity and insensitivity.

Abducted School Girls: ‘Your Comment Is Absurd & Insensitive’ – APC Tells Chikwe

In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party expressed concern that such an insensitive statement could be made by a woman, a mother, a grandmother and a top official of the ruling PDP over an issue that is undoubtedly the worst tragedy and biggest embarrassment to Nigeria. It said the comments raised even more concern because of the position in the ruling party of Mrs. Chikwe, wondering if her irresponsible statement represented the closet opinion of the ruling party or the unstated stand of the presidency – in which case it will explain the FG’s dawdling approach to the rescue of the girls. ”It has been said that politics should not be brought into issues of national security. But how can anyone keep quiet in the face of this glaring assault on the sensitivity of a whole nation by a supposed leader of the ruling party? Who indeed is attempting to politicise a national tragedy, undoubtedly the worst in the history of our nation, if not the PDP?

Lai

”Does this explain why the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has not deemed it fit to make a national broadcast to assure a dumbstruck nation that he is indeed in charge, to give hope to the shell-shocked parents of the girls and to inspire the military, three weeks after this unprecedented national tragedy? Is this why the President and Commander-in-Chief has yet to visit Chibok? ”If security concerns are responsible for the President’s failure to visit Chibok, how is it possible for Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno State to have visited the school, even in defiance of intelligence reports?

If the military cannot make Chibok safe for its Commanderin-Chief to visit, who in that town is safe? We submit that no part of this country should be out of bounds to the President and Commander-in-Chief. No where in I which our military men and women are deployed should be out of bounds to our President and Commander-in-Chief,” it said. t wondered whether the hapless parents who have, despite the risks to their own lives, taken to the Sambisa Forest in search of their children could have gone there on a picnic, if anyone would still be raising doubts that their children were indeed abducted. ”A fringe group first mooted this idea of the abduction not being real and was ignored. But now that it has been raised to the level of a party’s stand, it is time for all Nigerians to speak out and condemn this absurdity. Is Chikwe saying that the military that has been working round the clock to rescue the girls is only play acting? Is she also saying that the President who called an expanded National Security Council meeting on the issue is only horsing around? Enough of this absurdity. ”We urged our patriotic soldiers and indeed all concerned to ensure that these innocent girls are returned home safely to their parents. We commend all the groups that have staged public protests to force the authorities to act faster on this issue for their efforts. We say all hands must be on deck to end this national nightmare as soon as possible,” it said. Women wept over the abduction of the girls

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