Osun Defender - November 1st 2014, Edition by OsunDefender

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2014 Weeks before the August 9th gubernatorial elections which was won by the pragmatic Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the APC, it was obvious we were up against forces other than the people of Osun state which naturally should be the determinant of

how the elections will swing. The All progressives Congress (APC) still smarting from its shocking defeat in the previous Ekiti elections had literarily sworn it will lose Osun over its dead body. The murderous villain fielded by the Peoples Democratic

VOL. 9. NO.131

Front Page Comment The War Called The Osun Elections-By Segun Tomori Party (PDP), outrightly unpopular with barely a few dozens of people trailing him at campaigns however worethe confidence of a Governor-In-waiting. He they

didn’t care a hoot about the people’s wish, all that matters was the full compliment of the paraphernalia of State activated by an

imperial President though utterly clueless, but desperate to add Osun to his conquest in furtherance of his stillborn second term bid. So lo and behold, the die was cast!I have not been emotionally attached to any elections in Nigeria as I was with the Osun elections,

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maybe June 12, 1993 Presidential elections presumed to have being won by my President, M.K.O Abiola could be an exception. It wasn’t because I had affinity with anyone in Ogbeni’s government or because I enjoyed any form of patronage but because Continue on pg5

Osun Tribunal Cautions Against Falsehood - See Story On Page 2

•Determines Omisore’s Fate On Aregbesola’s Objection Monday Osun Govt To Partner World Bank On - Pg 2 Education – Dep Gov

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s lawyers. (L-R) State of Osun Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Wale Afolabi; Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN); Chief Kola Awodehin (SAN) and Chief F.O. Fagboungbe (SAN) at the Election Petition Tribunal over the August 9, 2014 governorship election between the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the PDP candidate in Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore, at High Court, Osogbo, last Thursday.

Osun SSG, Others Bag Award Of - Pg 3 Excellence 3-yr-old Girl Needs N1.6m Help For Heart Surgery - Pg 4

Stop Promoting Anarchy, Osun APC Warns PDP

- See Story On Page 3

News

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Osun Tribunal Cautions Against Falsehood •Determines Omisore’s Fate On Aregbesola’s Objection Monday By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

HE State of Osun Election Petition Tribunal has fixed Monday for ruling on the request by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore, that the tribunal should not determine the competence of their petition at the prehearing stage. This was just as the election materials and had counsel of the duo, Dr Alex it struck out on the basis Izinyon (SAN), withdrew an that the issue would be application seeking sorted out administratively. This happened at the extension of time for the ongoing inspection of the commencement of the pre-

trial hearing of the petition filed by Omisore and his party against the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the All Progressive Congress (APC) before the newly-constituted Justice Elizabeth Ikpejime-led tribunal on Thursday The petitioners’ counsel had asked the tribunal to defer the preliminary objection, which is challenging the competence of the petition till hearing

stage, arguing that the application of the respondents should be heard along with the petition. This, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the first respondent counsel, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), described as against Paragraph 53(5) of the first schedule of Electoral Act, saying the application filed on behalf of his clients are based on the competence of

•Wife of the State of Osun Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, practising hand washing at 2014 global handwashing day. With her are, State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Adetoun Adegboyega (right); State Commissioner for Environment, Professor Olubukola Oyawoye (2nd right); Mr Kunle Ige (3rd right) and others during the hand washing day in Osogbo recently.

Nigerians Yearning For True Change, APC Represents Hope - Tambuwal

PEAKER of the Federal House of Representatives, by the grace of God, come Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday stated 2015, shall deliver this that Nigerians are yearning for true change and his country from the evil that it new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), represents has been plunged into by a the only hope for this change and a promise of a brighter certain cabal. Nigeria. “I hereby dedicate myself Tambuwal, who governance to which I to the task of building and growing our great party and announced his defection to subscribe and helping our party achieve its APC from the Peoples wholeheartedly embrace. I Democratic Party (PDP) on have embraced the APC vision of lifting Nigeria to a Tuesday, said this during platform as a veritable glorious height and restoring the Extra-ordinary National instrument for genuine hope to the citizens of our Convention of the nation’s change and enduring great country. In this regard, I hereby call on other major opposition party, national development. Nigerians to join this which held at the Old Parade “We must constantly movement to deliver on the Ground, Abuja. remind ourselves that He thanked Nigerians for Nigerians are yearning for promise on a new Nigeria. “In the weeks ahead, we supporting him and assured true change and APC will engage party men and them that he would continue represents the hope for this women and Nigerians on the to work for the development change and a promise of a of the country, while also brighter Nigeria. This is a future direction of our nation explaining his reasons for party that we believe, that and means of rescuing it from the malaise of youth joining the party. “I embraced the APC platform for genuine change. I am truly proud to be part of the APC family. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill and HE Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, welcome that I have Otunba (Mrs) Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, has received from members of stated on Wednesday in Osogbo that the state this party and other Nigerians since the formal would continue to work with the World Bank to notification of my facilitate development of basic education in the membership of APC. From state. the depth of my heart, I say Laoye-Tomori stated government would thank you to all. this when Dr Tunde continue to partner with the “The programmes of APC are very attractive and Adekoya, a World Bank World Bank on its would bring about radical representative,, visited her intervention fund for basic changes in the way we do to discuss the bank’s and post-basic education business in Nigeria. APC assistance to the state on development projects. has been giving Nigerians The deputy governor, hope. The party has the basic education. She said the who doubles as the State progressive ideals of good

unemployment, insecurity, institutionalized corruption, poverty, social economy decline and infrastructural decay.” Also at the convention, National Chairman of APC, John Oyegun, introduced all the candidates, who had obtained the presidential nomination form. The surprise of the lot was Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, about whose presidential ambition, little had been heard of before the convention. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was absent, as he was out of the country, while Muhammadu Buhari, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Sam Nda-Isaiah all spoke to the crowd.

the petition. “It is a mandatory provision of the Electoral Act that issues bothered on competence should be heard after pleadings. It is a procedure we need to follow. “Because the objection we raised bothers on the competence of the matter, it is not a thing that can be heard along with the petition. It must be heard first.” The counsel cited the case of Okonkwo vs INEC, 2004, 1NWLR, Part 854, Page 242 at page 277, where, according to him, the Court of Appeal ruled that it is for the court to determine the competence of the matter. Also, APC (the second respondent) counsel, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) argued that the procedure is to hear the preliminary objections before going into the merit of the matter. He also cited the cases of Maitisidau Vs Shidari, reported in 2008, 16NWLR, part 1114, page 553 at page 572, paragraph C-D, as well as Kazeem Vs Kola, 2012, 1NWLR, part 1282, page 543 at page 557 among others. These cases, he argued, insisted that preliminary objections must be heard to determine the competence

APC Aspirant Donates 600 Helmets In Oriade By OUR REPORTER

O fewer than 600 people in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State on Wednesday benefited from the philanthropic gesture of Hon Abiola Falayajo as he gave out crash helmets and other safety items to residents of the council area. Falayajo who is an representation if he emerges Australia social and human as the member representing rights activist presented the the constituency in the safety items to the people state House of Assembly of the area in Ipetu Ijesa at a come next year, promising to programme where he enact bills that will favour declared his interest to the less privileged contest the state House of individuals in the area. Assembly election on the The Ipetujesa-born platform of the All politician who appealed to Progressives Congress leaders of the APC in the (APC). area to shun favourism in Presenting the materials the choice of the candidate to the beneficiaries, Falayajo to represent the area in the stressed the need for the state House of Assembly people of Oriade state promised to bring constituency to present a development to the area. formidable candidate to Also, the aspirant represent them at the state promised to empower the parliament. people of the area through He assured the people of various means, assuring the area of efficient that his emergence as a member of the state House of Assembly would bring about liberation for all the assimilation by pupils in youths of the area. schools. He promised to use the Earlier, Adekoya experience he had gathered expressed the commitment in Australia where he had of the World Bank to the lived for over a decade to development of basic bring about development to the area. education in Osun. of the beneficiaries “The World Bank will of Some Falayajo’s philanthropic continue to support basic gesture were commercial education in the state with motorcycle riders, members provision of fund to train of the APC in all the 12 wards teachers and provide of Oriade Local Government instructional materials in Area, officers of the Nigeria schools as it did in Ekiti Police, Man O’War officers and Lagos States,” and Boys Scout members among others. Adekoya said.

Osun Govt To Partner World Bank On Education – Dep Gov

Commissioner for Education, restated the state government’s commitment to improving the standard of basic education in the state. She stressed that the state government has concluded plans to introduce local language to teach students at basic education level, with a view to ensuring better understanding and

of the suit and jurisdiction of the court to hear it. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the third respondent counsel, Mr Ayotunde Ogunleye, aligned with the submission of the first and second respondents, arguing that jurisdiction is a foundational issue that must be determined before going into the merit of the case. Subsequently, the matter was adjourned till Monday, November 3, 2014 for ruling. Meanwhile, the tribunal also fixed the same date to hear the applications of the first and second respondents in another petition filed by Accord Party (AP) governorship candidate, Mr Niyi Owolade, against the same August 9, 2014 election. Earlier, the tribunal chairman has cautioned against spreading falsehood over the activities of the tribunal, condeming the rumour that was spread last week that the tribunal had given order for the recounting of the votes. Calling for cooperation of the parties in the matter, Justice Ikpejime also appealed to political parties to allow the tribunal do its job without any distraction.

News

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Ifelodun APC Leaders Adopt Akande, Aregbesola’s Aide For House Of Reps By ISMAEEL UTHMAN aspire for an elective post, Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal but he was reluctant Constituency. because of his loyalty and He described Baderinwa submissiveness to the party as an intelligent, capable and leaders. marketable person, who Adeyemo said could represent the federal Baderinwa’s ambition was constituency very well at the timely, considering the fact Federal House of that Ifelodun Local Representatives, while Government Council Area is calling on the APC members due to produce the next to give maximum support for candidate for the Ifelodun/ his ambition.

The Women Leader of the party in the ward, Mrs Esther Oyetunji, on behalf of women in the party, expressed her satisfaction on Baderinwa’s ambition, describing him as a philanthropist and reliable party stalwart. In his own comments, the Youth Leader of the ward, Mr Moshood Ayanwuyi, said it has become a compulsion for the youths

in the party to intensify their efforts on the call for the zoning of the House of Representatives ticket to Ifelodun Local Government Council Area. Ayanwuyi maintained that Baderinwa merited the ticket and thus, the party members in the ward would work assiduously to ensure that he was given the APC ticket to contest the National Assembly election.

HE Senior Special Assistant to the State of Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Information and Strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa, has received a thump-up to contest the 2015 Federal House of Representatives election under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Leaders and other the APC Ward 4 Chairman, members of the party in Mr Olatoke Adeyemo, said Ward 4, Ikirun, Ifelodun the party leaders and other Local Government Council members had for long been Area of the state, on expecting Baderinwa to Wednesday adopted Baderinwa as their sole candidate to represent the people of Ifelodun/Boripe/ Odo-Otin Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, come 2015. Declaring their endorsement for Baderinwa’s bid, the APC members maintained that Baderinwa deserved to be given the APC ticket for the Federal House of Representatives election, considering his loyalty, commitment and dedication to the party operations and activities. The APC members gave the adoption in a wellattended weekly ward meeting, held at the Methodist School, Ikirun on October 28, 2014. Baderinwa, also a Media Adviser to Chief Bisi Akande, had earlier at the meeting informed the party members of his ambition to contest the House of Representatives election under the APC for the •The Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (middle), assisted by his wife, while being presented an Award of Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Excellence by the National President, Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP), Professor David Malgwi, at Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, State of Federal Constituency. Osun, on Tuesday. The former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, solicited the support of the APC members in the ward for the the award was a call to challenge that the institure to help in restoring By KAZEEM MOHAMMED actualization of his bid, just service that would spur excellence that one brings the spirit of excellence in as he appreciated the vote ECRETARY to the State Government of Osun, him to continue to pursue to bear in public service is the area. of confidence passed on “There is need for Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, has been honoured excellence in the public what is important. him and his adoption by the technological development with a meritorious award of excellence for his service. “This award, along APC leaders. contribution to the growth of science and technology While noting that within others we have received, in our society, as it is He hinted the people that in Nigeria. the past four years, he has will go a long way in disheartening that we still part of his manifestoes was depend on foreign He was presented the Vice Chancellor of the been part of governance cementing our resolve to countries in our day-to-day to, among many other things; bring quality award on Tuesday by the university, Professor that shares this ideal of give our best in the service use of technological representation through Nigerian Institute of (Mrs) Olajumoke service and excellence, he to the people and pursuit materials and our industries effective lawmaking that will Physics (NIP) at its 37th Olayiwola; Chairman, Ido said the honour would of excellence, because are being manned by benefit Nigerians at large Annual Conference, held at Local Government of Oyo make him to rededicate this is a necessary foreigners. and his constituents Oduduwa University, State, Professor Adeniyi himself to the service of ingredient for success,” “I urged your institute to specifically, with a promise he added. the people. Olowofela among others. Ipetumodu, State of Osun. spearhead this course on that the electorate would Adeoti ,who regretted “This award is a good how to confront this Receiving the award Other awardees have value for their votes, if included the President, from the President of the gesture that I will always that Nigeria is lagging problem for us to meet our he emerged. Speaking at the meeting, Oduduwa University, Dr institute, Professor David live to remember. This is a behind in technological national needs,” he further

Osun SSG, Others Bag Award Of Excellence

Ramon Adedoyin; Acting

Malgwi, Alhaji Adeoti said

call to service and a

development, enjoined the

Stop Promoting Anarchy, Osun APC Warns PDP

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun State has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against creating anarchy through its propagation of lies. In a statement by its The APC said: “It is time law enforcement agents Director of Publicity, called the PDP to order Research and Strategy, and stop the party from Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, stoking negative passions the APC said: “The first that could lead to anarchy.” sitting of the newlyThe party’s comments constituted tribunal will followed the report take place tomorrow. “Only five local circulated through the media that the Election government council areass Petition Tribunal had have had their election ordered the recounting of documents inspected, and the votes of the August 9, no strange ballot paper has 2014 governorship been found. “The PDP in its petition election held in the state.

filed did not ask for a recount of the votes and it could not have ordered a recount. So that piece of information was a deliberate falsehood. No hearing has taken place; the judges have made no pronouncement whatsoever on recount of votes. “The PDP’s claim that its candidate, Iyiola Omisore, has more votes than APC’s Rauf Aregbesola exposes the party’s original plan, which failed to materialise. “It shows that the PDP has a pre-recorded result,

which could not pass through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) security of the votes. That is the result they now want to force through the Election Petition Tribunal. The APC therefore appealed to all media organisations following the Osun Election Petition Tribunal to carefully crosscheck and confirm the truth or otherwise of any story, statement or information they may receive from the PDP before publishing same. The ruling party in the

state also appealed to all its members not to worry when the PDP speaks because it is a party filled with liars.

noted. While presenting the award, Professor Malgwi, who described Adeoti as a reputable personalty and experienced administrator, said the award was another challenge for the awardees to give more service to the people.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Change Of Name

This is to confirm that OLAIYA BAMIDELE SERAH is the same person as OLAIYA O M O L A R A SERAH.That the authority of osun state polytechnic iree and public should address her as OLAIYA OMOLARA SERAH.The document with OLAIYA BAMIDELE SERAH still remain valid.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS O G I D A N O L U WA J U W O N TEMILADE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS A B I O L A O L U WA J U W O N TEMILADE. All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897, 08023191891.

News

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

2015 Elections: Former LASU President Declares For House Of Assembly By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

former Student Union President of the Lagos University, Comrade Gbenga Adedeji, has declared his intention to represent the people of Oriade Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun in the State House of Assembly. Adedeji, popularly called Gbenga-Justice, who is aspiring under the All Progressives Congress (APC), promised to commit 50 per cent of his monthly salary to promote sports, education through debate competitions in primary and secondary schools. The aspirant, who hailed from at Ward 2, Erin-Ijesa of the council area, said he would also ensure that part of the 50 per cent from his salary was committed to e m p o w e r m e n t programmes, support for the aged, scholarships and capacity building /training for his constituents. Declaring his intention on Wednesday at ErinIjesa, Adedeji promised to initiate passage of people’s friendly legislation, policies and programmes that would further promote and consolidate Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led administration’s six-point integral action plan, if given the democratic mandate to serve. According to the activist, his aspiration was necessitated by the dire need to advance humanity by creating an enabling environment for general development at grassroots level via enactment of peoples’ friendly legislations. Adedeji, a Senior Special Assistant to Aregbesola on Mobilisation, commended the incumbent leadership and members of the State of Osun House of Assembly for their support for prompt passage of people-oriented bills, which has eased government’s execution

of projects. He said: “The legislature in the State of Osun, under the leadership of Honourable Najeem

Salam, has so far shown true virtue of the parliament in a sound and participatory democracy through its enactment, approval and promotion of peoples-friendly legislation. “That is undoubtedly instrumental to the speedy and obvious dividends of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-

led administration’s sixpoint integral action plan. “Today, it is truism that the State of Osun has since November, 2010, been witnessing unprecedented development in all facets of our lives, due to the emergence of a visionary, dynamic and creative Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji

further: “This position will undoubtedly enhance, as well as consolidate on the peace, progress and prosperity currently evolving in the State of Osun and act as a catalyst for the promotion of democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria and Africa.”

•Representative of wife of the governor, wife of State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy affairs, Mrs Naimot Alimi, presenting gifts to mother of the first baby of Hijira 1436, Mrs Rodiyat Mumeen; with them, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Temitope Ilori (left) and others at ANWO primary Health Centre Ilobu Irepodun Local Governmemt Council Area of the State of Osun recently.

Power Supply: Consumers Groan Under Arbitrary Bills And Outages By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

HE drop in the level of electricity consumption being experienced in some areas of Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun is indeed a thing to worry about. Complaints reaching were also complaining of OSUN DEFENDER abnormal electricity bills indicated that within the they get from the Ibadan space of one month, Electricity Distribution electricity supply to the Company (IBEDC) at the affected areas had dropped end of the month. sharply and the situation The major complaints of has become worse than the consumers was that the when load-shedding was readings on the bills did not experienced. correspond with the level of Apart from the drop in electricity they enjoy power supply, consumers monthly.

A community leader in one of the affected communities, Mr. Isaac Adekunle, maintained that the first time that they had this kind of challenge was during the onset of the rainy season but that as at the time, it was just the power supply that was erratic but the bill at the end of the month was still manageable, as everybody could afford to pay it from the little they earned, but since the last quarter of this year, not only had the erratic nature of the

Bizarre! Omisore Asks For Exclusive Inspection Of Election Documents •Prays APC Lawyers, INEC Officials Should inspection team of both (APC and PDP) PDP’s claim that its Not Attend Inspection parties were able to push the candidate was leading by inspection of electoral 100,000 votes going by a

Aregbesola through hardearned legal battles. “However, it is in the bid to consolidate on this exemplary governance that I desire to represent you as honourable member of the State of Osun House of Assembly in the forthcoming 2015 general elections.” The activist stated

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the August 9,2014 governorship election held in the State of Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore, through his lawyers at the Election Petition Tribunal, has filed a motion dated 27th day of October, 2014 at the Registry of the tribunal, asking the court to grant an order of inspection to allow his lawyers to complete the inspection exercise without the presence of the 1st and 2nd respondents- APC. He also asked the court served the motion paper to grant an order against has seven days to react to INEC to throw its office the motion. Meanwhile, reports of open between 8.00am and 6.00pm daily, while the the ongoing inspection of inspection of the election election materials, as at the close of business on materials lasts. The respondent, APC, October 29, 2014 at INEC which has already been office, revealed that the

materials and scan ballot papers up to Ward 10, Unit 11 of Ilesa West Local Government Council Area. Ward 10 has 13 units and the local government has 11 wards in all. It is however expected that the inspection will progress to the 7th Local Government soonest. So far, findings during the inspection exercise, according to impeccable sources, have attested to the choice of the Osun people as expressed on the 9th August, 2014 through the ballot. This is contrary to the

purported “recounting exercise”.

power supply surfaced again, but this time it was being accompanied by crazy bills. Areas mostly affected by this problem included the whole of Ogo-Oluwa, some parts of Dada Estate, Asubiaro, Jaleyemi and Alekuwodo of Osogbo. According to him, all efforts to reach the IBEDC office amounted to nothing, as they were being referred from one office to the other or atimes telling them that that marketer in-charge of their sector had gone out on assignment. Some consumers confessed that because of the arbitrary bills IBEDC gives at the end of the month, they were forced atimes to tamper with the effective performance of their metres. “If we tamper with our metres in order for the consumption bills that we get at the end of the month to be reduced, whose fault

is it? “In any case, it is IBEDC that taught us to be a little bit wiser and I do not see it as a crime because there are other demands on us and we cannot use all the whole money just to settle only electricity bills.” It was further gathered that sometimes, the IBEDC marketers tamper with the metres in their care, with a view to forcing the consumers to order for the pre-paid metres, which they would supply at their own gain. “When you get to their office, they will tell you your metre is faulty and they will advise you to hurry and buy the pre-paid metre, as the old one could not be repaired again due to either fault or old age. However, a call at the IBEDC offices at OgoOluwa and Station Road of the state capital respectively did not yield any information as at the time of going to press.

3-yr-old Girl Needs N1.6m Help For Heart Surgery

ARENTS of a threeyear-old girl, Adeoye Oluwatoyin, have cried for financial help to treat their daughter, who is suffering from Tetralogy of Fallot, a major congenital heart disease. To treat the disease, Oluwatoyin has been booked down to undergo the definitive open heart suggery at Biket Medical Centre, Osogbo, State of

Osun, at a cost of N1.6 million. Tests have confirmed that the disease has been affecting the growth and development of the young girl and it can only be treated through the surgical treatment. On this basis, the parents of the young Oluwatoyin appealed to public-spirited Nigerians or non-Nigerians to help

financially, as no amount is small to safe the young girl from her ordeal. Any financial assistance could be offered through this bank account: Account Name: ADEOYE OLUWATOYIN; Acct Number: 4131142407; Bank: Mainstreet Bank Plc. For further enquiries, contact Mr OLA ADEYEFA, on 08033135364 or xtraprod2010@gmail.com

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

The War Called The Osun Elections-By Segun Tomori

HERE is only one word to describe the p l a n n e d collaboration between the government of the State of Osun and the German State of Saxony Anhalt to boost the state’s agriculture: heartwarming. Undoubtedly, it is an attestation to the fact that the painstaking work undertaken by the Rauf Aregbesola-led administration to attract not just investment, but expertise in critical areas of the state’s developmental needs, is finally bearing fruits. Viewed within the context of its declared commitment to improve agricultural practices and to boost food security, it is an important signal that the administration’s avowed mission to banish poverty from the state is well on course. Of course, it goes without saying that the state needs all the help it can get at this time to be able to optimise its potentials be it in agriculture, solid minerals

or even in tourism. As an i d e a s - d r i v e n administration, the present administration in the state has never left anyone in doubt about the important role of international agencies and development partners in the state’s development matrix. We have seen the governor make several shuttles to meet with development partners as part of strategies to catalyse the many well-conceived initiatives to transform the state economy in record time. A good example is the governor’s wellpublicised visit to the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. Indeed, there are presently ongoing discussions between the state government and the elite institution on possible areas of cooperation to boost the state agriculture. Another notable example is the visit by the governor to the German State of Saxony Anhalt in May this year. Both developments find meaning in the context of

the governor’s singular commitment to attracting the best of technology to the hitherto moribund sector and to further his goal of optimising the state’s potentials. The visit of the seven-man German expert team to the state is no doubt, an icing on his cake. It deserves to be recognised as the fruit of hard work and persistence for which the state government, most especially the governor, deserves commendation. No doubt, the visit by the team could not have come at a better time than now when the state government is making frantic efforts to reposition the agricultural sector. To start with, there is a lot that our young farmers can benefit from the experts in modern farm techniques and management skills and ultimately in the area of the much needed transfer of technology. The state cannot wait to see the gains of the collaboration in the emergence of new generation of farmers in Osun –individuals who see farming both as a calling

and as a business. At the macro level, we expect the collaboration to assist in bridging the knowledge gaps in the state’s agro-business. The collaboration is no doubt, a critical step in the state’s quest to overhaul of the agriculture value chain as a strategy to guarantee sustainability. Finally, just as the point has been repeatedly made that a major bane of the nation’s development quest is the virtual absence of technical capacity by agencies of government charged with implementing wellmeaning policies, we expect the benefits of the collaboration to extend to the area of capacity building for officials charged with policy implementation. In other words, the support, discipline and commitment by officials are no less critical if the noble intentions behind the collaboration will ever come to fruition.

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OSUN DEFENDER LAW

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Are Deductions From State Allocation Legal? All Progressives Congress (APC) governors have demanded a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan over the cash crisis, which they said is crippling their states, many of which cannot pay salaries. The dwindling allocation to states is said to be, in part, due to certain deductions by the Federal Government. Are the deductions legal? What options are open to the states? JOSEPH JIBUEZE asks. describing it as illegal, and saying it S Nigeria broke? No, says the Federal Government. But to some governors,something is wrong. Allocations are reducing, and they are unable to meet their states’ needs. Many have resorted to borrowing to pay salaries and fund capital projects. Many states are in debt. It is for this reason that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors met in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, last week and resolved to have an emergency meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan over the crippling cash crisis. At the meeting were Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe); Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo). The governors were worried that allocation from the Federal purse keeps reducing, even as the central government says the country is not broke. Many states, they said, may not be able to pay their workers. Okorocha said the dwindling allocation from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has hampered states’ capacity to pay salaries. “This has become a very serious concern to us as governors and we felt that issues that affect the lives of our people must never be politicised. We refuse to accept that this nation is broke. I thank God that the Federal Government is not broke, that if the nation is not broke, what is due to states as revenue should be paid to the states. “This idea of cutting down what should go to states does not in any way promote democracy and democratic dividends and so we as progressive governors do call on the Federal Government to look into the issue of dwindling resources or convince us as to why the states should not get what is due to them. “We do not know why our colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not talking of this matter. If they are not talking, it is either they are not affected or somehow they are getting something from the back door, which we do not know. “But if that is not the reason, I think the Presidency or the Federal Government should act quickly on the present ugly situation which this terrible condition of dwindling revenue has caused us by making sure that the states get what is due to them at least to pay the basic salaries of the workers.” I

Deductions to fund the police The APC governors’ complaint is not new. In October last year, they threatened to employ all constitutional means to compel the Federal Government to pay exactly what was due the states. The immediate past Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, had said: “We continue to insist that we condemn the illegal and unconstitutional deductions.” States were said to have lost 40 per cent of their normal earnings from the FAAC. They argued that based on budgetary benchmarks, oil never sold for anything lower than $115 per barrel, and therefore, there was no basis for the incomplete allocations. In March, Lagos State challenged at the Supreme Court the Federal Government’s power to deduct one per cent from the revenue due to all federating units from the Federation Account for the purpose of funding police reforms.

•MUKHTAR Lagos said the defendant had been deducting the one percent since October 2013, describing it as unconstitutional and illegal. The state asked the Supreme Court “to declare that it is unlawful for the defendant to deduct at source one percent or any other fraction or per cent of the revenue due to Lagos State and its local government councils from the Federation Account under the Allocation Revenue Act for the purpose of funding police reforms or for any other purpose.” Lagos also sought a declaration that it “is unlawful for the National Economic Council or any other agency of the federation to authorise, by resolution, decision or consensus, the charge or deduction at source by any authority or person of any part of revenue due to Lagos State Government and its local government councils under the Allocation Revenue Act for the purpose of funding police reforms.” The state prayed for an order compelling the defendant “to immediately reverse the unlawful deduction of one percent…and to credit the amounts so far deducted to Lagos State Government with interest at the current Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) minimum rediscount rate.” Governor Babatunde Fashola contended that, as a result of the deduction, insufficient statutory allocation “has reduced the capacity of the state and its local governments to fund their programmes and projects. “The police as constituted is an organ of the Federal Government and the constitution does not prescribe a situation where one level of government will impose a financial obligation on another level of government. “The National Economic Council has no power under the constitution of Nigeria or under any act of the National Assembly to approve any deduction, appropriation or expenditure from the federation account or statutory allocations due to the states and local

governments,” he said. Fuel subsidy deductions The 36 states are challenging at the Supreme Court the Federal Government’s deductions of funds for fuel subsidy and related expenses from crude oil proceeds before making payment into the Federation Account. They are unconvinced about the government’s transparency in its handling of proceeds from crude oil sales and urged the apex court to stop the practice. The states, in a suit filed by their Attorneys-General, described as “unwholesome and unconstitutional” the practice of deducting “fuel subsidy funds and other expenditure from oil proceeds before it is paid into the Federation Account.” They contended that the practice, carried out through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is a means through which the states and local governments are shortchanged. The states claimed that the practice has occasioned inaccuracies in the computation of oil revenue remitted to the Federation Account by the government and its agencies and urged the court to abolish the practice. Sovereign Wealth Fund The Excess Crude Account (ECA) was replaced with the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to manage Nigeria’s excess earnings from crude oil. In other words, the fund would hold the differential in oil revenues above annual benchmark price. The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority was set up in May 2011 to manage the SWF in the form of Future Generations Fund, Nigeria Infrastructure Fund and Stabilisation Fund. Implementation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund began with an initial fund of $1 billion. President Jonathan assented to the bill setting up the fund on May 27, 2012. Governors have opposed the Fund,

would deny them the opportunity to have enough money to develop their states. A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is a state-owned investment fund investing in real and financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, precious metals, or in alternative investments, such as private equity or hedge funds. Sovereign wealth funds invest globally. Most SWFs are funded by revenues from commodity exports or from foreign-exchange reserves held by the Central Bank. Analysts say SWFs are typically created when governments have budgetary surpluses and have little or no international debt. It is not always possible or desirable to hold this excess liquidity as money or to channel it into immediate consumption. High volatility of resource prices, unpredictability of extraction, and exhaustibility of resources are some of the reasons for creation of SWFs. It may also be economic, or strategic, such as war chests for uncertain times. The states are challenging the legality of the Excess Crude Account and the decision to transfer $1bn from the account to the SWF. They sought an order declaring the SWF illegal and unconstitutional. When the case came up on September 24, the Supreme Court said it was not ready for hearing. It adjourned till January 26 next year. Presiding judge Justice Mahmud Mohammed said the case was not ripe for hearing because vital documents were not in the file. “In order to hear the case, it is necessary for counsels to go to the registry and make sure that all necessary processes were in the file,” Mahmud said. The government had challenged the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to hear the suit, arguing that the matter was not between states and the federation, but a dispute between the states and the government, which it said ought to have been filed before a Federal High Court. The states also prayed the court to order that all sums standing to the credit of the Excess Crude Account be paid into court or be secured as the court may deem fit, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. The states sought an order compelling the Federal Government to pay into the Federation Account N5.51 trillion being the balance of the money that accrued to the central purse between 2004 and 2007 from crude oil sales, petroleum profits tax and oil royalties. The government, however, accused the states of mischief because they allegedly took part in the deliberation of the National Economic Council where the decision to transfer the $1bn from the Excess Crude Account to the SWF was taken. But the states insisted that they had shared only the legitimate funds deposited in the Federation Account and not from the funds illegally deposited in the Excess Crude Account. ‘Nigeria not broke’ Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, while giving account of her ministry’s stewardship in the last nine months, insisted that all the economic fundamentals remain strong. “The country is like a household. There Continued on page 7

OSUN DEFENDER LAW

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Are Deductions From State Allocation Legal? Continued from page 6

may be periods that your income may shrink because of some unforeseen circumstances and you just adjust. “If you were indulging in very expensive food you may tell your children that its time we just manage garri and if you have a spouse that is not working, you tell her please you must go and start a trade. “You would not jump out and begin to tell people that your condition is worst and you are dying because you know that it’s a temporary condition. That is the same with a country. “We are facing a temporary challenge because of the fluctuation in both price and quantity of oil produced. Yet we are meeting our obligations. We have not got to where we can’t pay our salaries nor are we failing to meet our obligations to our creditors. “Our foreign reserve is robust at $39.48 billion as at October 16 and it can finance nine months of import. We are gradually rebuilding our excess crude account, which is at $4.11 billion at the moment and we are working to increase the account. “Our Sovereign Wealth Fund today holds investment of $1.55 billion… This is as a result of confidence in our economy, which is today the third destination of foreign direct investment in Africa as a result of the recent rebasing of our economy.” Are the governors’ claims valid? The 2006 United Nations Human Development Index puts Nigeria at 159 of 177 countries, with 70.8 per cent of the population living on less than one dollar a day and 92.4 per cent on less than two dollars a day. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of the poor is rising. In 2004, 55 per cent of the people were living in abject poverty. By 2010, this had risen to 61 per cent. Corruption has been identified as the country’s major source of poverty. A former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, once said more than $380 billion has either been stolen or wasted by leaders since 1960. Nigeria is regularly ranked as one of the most corrupt by graft watchdog, Transparency International. A former Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, reckoned that $400 billion of Nigeria’s oil revenue has been stolen or misspent since independence. It is reported that oil is being stolen at a record rate. Some analysts say it is still unclear how much oil Nigeria actually produces. If there were a reliable figure, perhaps the truly horrifying scope of corruption would be exposed. To observers, if corruption and wastages are tackled, there will be enough resources to truly transform the country and its citizens. This year’s budget is based on a projected $79 per barrel of crude oil. The country has been selling above $100. This, observers say, tends to validate the states’ claim that there is a problem. The constitution vests too much power in the Federal Government, giving it wide and imperial powers over other tiers of government. It has been noted that the exclusive Legislative list takes initiatives away from the states, resulting in their dependence on the Federal Government on several issues. There have, therefore, been calls for a reduction or devolution of these powers. Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Mr Monday Onyekachi Ubani described the governors’ move as “a wise step and a thoughtful process to getting proper information on what is going on in the management of our economy”. He added: “It is clearly frightening as most states that are heavily reliant on federal allocation are on the verge of collapse due to their inability to meet basic economic needs like payment of

•JONATHAN

salaries to their workers. Their demand is legitimate and calls for urgent redress to avoid catastrophic backlash on the entire country. “If it is true that the Federal Government is making certain deductions from the federation account which is unknown or not disclosed to the other tiers of government, then such deductions are unconstitutional, unlawful and legally redressible. “The budget of 2014 was based on a certain bench mark as pertains to the sale of our crude oil. How come we are in deep economic quagmire so soon due to crash in oil price when for a very long time we have experienced boom in crude oil sales in the international market? “The reason is not far-fetched. We have as a nation mismanaged our economy based on greed, corruption and outright theft of our resources. “Despite bold face denial by the Finance Minister that we are not broke, the truth of the matter is that Nigeria’s economy presently is not healthy, and when you take into account that election is next year, then be rest assured that more dangerous health issues on the economy will crop up as we match towards 2015. “In all these we pray that what we know from facts available should not happen as its consequence is better imagined than experienced,” Ubani said. According to the rights activist, it is illegitimate for the Federal Government to make unauthorised deductions from money due the states’ and must be challenged in court. “If its true and the Federal Government does not show remorse and repentance, I will advise the state governments especially, those states that cannot meet their financial obligations to file a straight action before the Supreme Court of Nigeria to halt the illegality and to demand the immediate refunds of such illegal deductions into the federation account for a common sharing. “They should seek the instruments of law to nip the illegality in the bud. It is the only way out. Another method may be (used advisedly) seeking political

•FASHOLA

solution. “The National Assembly that should carry out their oversight function is failing heavily in this regard. How come they are there and the executive is basking and carrying out illegality with impunity as alleged, and they have not spoken or done anything about it? They have certainly failed the citizens. “The Federal Government is advised to stop those deductions that are only known to them as that violates the express provision of the Constitution. They can only spend their own money after the sharing. “It is unconstitutional for them to dip their hands into the Federation Account and begin to spend the money that is not meant for them alone. It is not only unconstitutional, it violates the spirit of federalism which we preach that we are practising! That is a short- term solution. “A long term solution is the entrenchment of fiscal federalism that will enable each state to produce and control their resources while paying certain percentage to the federal government for common good. “Until we start to practise true federalism, encourage competitive economic spirit and diversify our economic pursuit as a nation we will continue to suffer what is happening presently and that is the truth!” Ubani said. Executive Director, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) Chino Obiagwu urged states to be more creative in the management of available resources. “The deductions are based on the sliding national income and huge debt portfolio of states. The truth is that some state governors in the last two tenures have been fiscally reckless. Most of the states have borrowed more money from local and foreign creditors than their states can re-pay in 20 years. “Rather than save for the future, the governors are creating liabilities for their people. Rivers State for example has a debt portfolio of nearly $1 billon. So also Lagos, Imo, Benue etc. “Recently, Benue State divested it’s

investment in a major industrial stock and Rivers wants to dissipate its long-held reserve. These are reckless financial management. The truth is that no business can run for long in borrowed funds without creating its own wealth. Governance is a business. “Most of these people that found themselves in government have never run any business successfully and so they don’t understand wealth building. The state governors are not creating wealth at all. They are not empowering their people. All they do is get money monthly and throw around or build elephant projects and wait for the next round of sharing. “Unfortunately the state Houses of Assembly that are supposed to be checking on the executive are just mere rubber stamp legislature. The civil society on the other hand has paid most attention to to federal government but there are a lot of rot taking place at state levels,” he said. Obiagwu said LEDAP sued 15 state governors to account for the millions of dollars they borrowed from the capital market. “None of them has provided any answer. So, since Federal Government is the guarantor of these credits, it’s natural that it will make deductions from state allocations. “Another reason for deducting is the dwindling national income. We all know the price of oil is going down and the US has started massive oil production and has not been importing oil. So that affected the crude oil market. “We will continue to see slides in national income for a long time to come. So any governor who still sits back and waits for the national cake should think twice. It’s time our state governments started building capacity of their people to create wealth so they can justify the public vote,” Obiagwu said. •Culled from THE NATION

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

2014 Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Between The Governor Of The State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola And The PDP Governorship Candidate In The State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, At The High Court, Osogbo, Last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Kemi Pinhero (SAN) and Dr Muiz Banire.

•A cross section of lawyers inside the court.

•State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere (middle); Diran Odeyemi (right) and other people within the court premises.

•Securitymen, journalists and political party members at the court premises after the sitting.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

•Politician leaders and lawyers at the court premises.

•Securitymen and pressmen after the tribunal’s sitting.

•PDP lawyer, Chief Alex Iziyon (SAN), answering questions from journalists at the court premises.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Enough Is Enough, APC Won, Lets Stop Fooling Ourselves PDP family, I am sick of TO mythese lies and I strongly suggest that it stops. We are quickly becoming an embarrassment to our governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore. As I posted, immediately after the result was announced, our candidate performed extra-ordinarily and whether we appreciate it or not, he has set the State of Osun on different political pedestal. We have shown the world that our democracy is becoming mature and never should any politician take us for granted. I am privileged to know Omisore and worked in my little way for him, not only on social media but on the ground. I expended some of my hard-earned resources on his electioneering and even risked my life. I wanted him to defeat Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and APC at all costs. Not many of the Facebook PDP liars can make such claim. They took his money, enriched themselves during the electioneering campaign, lost their units and wards, yet they are now crying foul. Aregbesola and his campaign team know that Omisore is indeed a man. I doubt if any incumbent had worked harder than Aregbesola and his team. I am very close to a section of APC leadership and I know the preparation that was put into the campaign. Before I continue, I want to state that I still prefer Omisore to Aregbesola and if I have my way, I will install Omisore by all means. But this is democracy, where we have to respect majority decision and abide by it. More than 100,000 voters prefer Aregbesola to Omisore. SIMPLE! Let us move on and please support the government. Aregbesola won the election. I am not here to defend rigging and minor crimes on election day, but for heaven’ sake, how could anyone have rigged election the August 9, 2014 governorship election held in the state. In the PDP, we have continuously proven ourselves to have intellectual deficiency (with due respect to few). We started by comparing 2003 with 2014, believing that the workers were angry and thus believed that Aregbesola was gone. Sheer foolishness!!! I saw it coming and argued it everywhere, but no one listened to me. Babalawos, pastors and alfas all predicted victory for Omisore. What a scientific projection in 2014! We again believed because it happened in Ekiti, it must happen in Osun. Yet, I cautioned, but I was tagged a pessimist and an APC apologist. I complained about our problems in Osogbo and Olorunda local Government Council Areas and few leaders indeed admitted, but nothing was done. We were busy relying on federal support and how much money we could bribe voters and electoral personnel with. It never worked. After election, we started

•AREGBESOLA

By BUKOLA OJEWALE

comparing Aregbesola’s court case with that of Omisore, an errant nonsense and stupidity of the century. I have the privilege to read Aregbesola’s final written address to the Court of Appeal judges. WOW, even my son in Basic 2 didn’t question why elections were cancelled in those 10 local government council areas. We rigged senselessly and carelessly. Because we did that, we assumed APC members would be as stupid as we were. Though, it is the bitter truth, but Osun PDP is no match for Osun APC intellectually. Most of us are illiterates and significant percentage are morons. With the number of lawyers in Aregbesola’s cabinet, I mean eminent ones, if they rigged at all, PDP would never be able to prove anything. While I am not here to defend APC on rigging, it is not uncommon for political parties to rig, the world over. In the recently-concluded referendum in Scotland, there were few irregularities, can you imagined that! I voted on August 9, 2014 and monitored elections in units and wards in my village. I was on phone with friends in other wards across the state. No single agent from my sample complained of any atrocities by APC. Till date, I never heard of any casualties in APC’s attempt to rig. With our level of preparedness and determination, I don’t know how APC could have rigged without violence. If

•OMISORE

they had successfully done that, we are not equipped to trace it. Our weekly lies or denial cannot change facts and election tribunal and our judicial system rely on facts and evidence. To digress a little, I have no doubt that some corruption might be going on in our judicial system and if you care to know, where there is a lacuna in law, a Judge can have his way. But to a large extent, there is reasonable justice in our system. Please, if you have never read any Supreme Court judgment, don’t argue with me. First, go and read few and point at anyone where you think they should have judged otherwise based on evidence before the court. When we failed to prepare for our case, we then blame the judges. Before you roll out next series of lies, please present facts and not anecdotes. I am really surprised that some people even peddle these lies and unfortunately it is difficult to profile these peddlers. My highlyeducated mother also believed that a recounted result was posted at INEC and sent me to confirm. Of course, I knew there was nothing like that but I dare not refused my mother. But to a large extent, illiteracy and joblessness accounted for the spread of these lies. When the appellate court ruled on jurisdiction and technicalities sometime ago, my PDP family members were warming

up for fresh elections. They jubilated over nothing and on mere imagination. Instead for us to first get a copy of the judgement, analyse it and make official interpretation, we allow our illiterate leadership to take control, confuse our innocent, ignorant members and embarrass helpless members like me. We need not build our hope on lies. I believe in miracle and if that is what we count on, please let make it clear and I have no problem with that. I am educated and please stop propagating lies and spread rumours. Please don’t ask me to believe you when you don’t have your facts. If you are not ready to disclose your facts to me, don’t expect me to just believe you. I pray that God gives Aregbesola the wisdom to govern us well in the next four years and that God gives him discerning spirit on the grievances of about 300,000 PDP voters, so that we shall all bid him farewell in 2018. I am looking forward to his inauguration in November and successful completion of our roads and extension of stomach infrastructure to all of us (not only school children and adults). Long live our governor. I remain a loyal PDP member but I can no longer stand our too many lies. •Ojewale, a PDP card-carrying member in Osun wrote this in from Osogbo.

HEALTH

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Update On Osun Tribunal Tribunal Frowns At Spreading Of Falsehood By LAWAL IBRAHIM

The Electoral Act is strict as to time to file petition. The issue in question is analogus to the issue of competence HE Osun Election Tribunal began its hearing today we have raised. He cited the case of Maitsidau V. with a pre-hearing session. The tribunal was chaired Shidari& ors (2008) 16NWLR pt 114 pg 553 @572 by his Lordship Elizabeth N.Kpejomi with Hon. paragraph C-D . Justice Vincent Ofesi and A.I Kutigi. Kazeem V. KOLA (2012) 1NWLR part 1282 pg The session started with an opening remark by the 543@556. tribunal chair, Hon. Justice Nkpejomi who asked for the Ajayi V. NOMIYE (2012) 7NWLR pt 1300 pg 593 at cooperation of all parties towards ensuring smooth 617. adjudication of the matter before them. She particularly Ogunleye Esq, Counsel to INEC alligned himself with warned the media to ensure accurate reportage of events at the submissions of the two learned silk. He posited by the tribunal. submitting that paragraphs 12 (5) and 53 (5) are The tribunal frowned at the lies being peddled around distinguishable. According to him, parag. 12 (5) that the tribunal had given an order for recount when in envisages a competent petition that is already before the actual fact no such order was granted. He warned that court and there is a challenge to its hearing. While Sect. henceforth, the tribunal will not take kindly to any attempt 53 (5) deals with when a petition’s competence is at spreading outright falsehood against the tribunal. challenged. Which shows you can’t put something on While responding on behalf of other counsel in the nothing. He also submit that going by paragraph 18 (3,4) matter, Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN appreciated the courage 1st schedule to the Electoral Act, the only jurisdiction the of the tribunal in pointing out the reckless dissemination of court has in the circumstance is to look at the petition falsehood by some segment of the press and assured the with a view ti striking it out or validate it. See Enpwezor tribunal that they would cooperate fully with the tribunal to v. INEC (2009) 8NWLR pt 1143 pg 223@227 par. H-K. ensure that justice is done without fear or favour. DR. Alex Iziyon while replying on points of law Dr. Alex Iziyon who led four SAN and 14 other lawyers Osunbor v. Oshiomole & ors (2007) LRECN pg 79. on behalf of the petitioners (Omisore and PDP) informed Enukeme v. ONUMASI ORS (2014) LPELR pg 23540 the court that there were four pending applications before and aubmit that motion can be heard together with the the court. 1 from the petitioner; 2 from 1st and 2nd main petition. Respondent and 1 from the 3rd Respondent. He informed The rulling on whether the pending motion should be the court that issues have been joined on the 2 Respondents heard together with the main petition is adjourned to 3rd motions. He posited that the two motions which issues Nov. 2014. were joined bother on the issue of jurisdiction and competence of the petition which can be taken together INEC INSPECTION UPDATE AS AT WEDNESDAY with the main petition. (29/10/2014) He is of the opinion that they had already wasted 2months out of 6months slated for the petition and it is in As at the close of business at INEC Office today, 29/10/ the interest of justice for the other applications to be heard 2014, the inspection team of both parties (APC and PDP) together with the petition. He also withdrew the only were able to push the inspection of electoral materials application by the petitioner seeking to exclude the 1st and and scan ballot papers up to ward 10, unit 11 of Ilesa2nd Respondent from further inspection of polling West Local Government. Ward 10 has 13 units and the documents at INEC office having realised that the local government has 11 wards in all. The implication is application is dead on arrival. that we have two more units and a whole ward to be Chief Akin Olujinmi while responding to the application through with Ilesa East Local Government hopefully by of the Learned Counsel for the petitioner Dr. Alex Iziyon tomorrow. We may likely move to the 7th Local SAN referred to Paragraph 53 (5) of 1st Schedule of Government which has not been determined. The Electoral Act 2010 as amended which provides that an inspection revealed as usual the choice of the people as objection challenging the regularity of the petition shall be expressed on the 9th August, 2014. heard and determined after close of pleadings. Pleadings Despite the bogus claim by the PDP that they are have closed, the objection challenges the competence of leading by a hundred thousand votes, the reality had dawn the petition and so cannot be taken along with the petition. on them about the futility of their efforts at spreading The court on its own referred Chief Olujinmi to outright falsehood on the purported “recounting exercise”. paragraph 12 (5) of the amended Act but Chief Olujinmi The petitioner (PDP) has filed a motion dated 27th day insisted that Section 53 (5) is specific on jurisdiction of October, 2014 at the Registry of the Election Petition while 12 (5) is general. According to the learned Silk, the Tribunal asking the court to grant an order of inspection essence of the motion is that if the petition is not properly to allow them to complete the inspection exercise without filed, there will be nothing for the court to look at. While the presence of the 1st and 2nd Respondents (APC). the other motion relates to pre-trial, failure to apply within They are also asking the court to grant an order against time. In his word, “there is no authority that pre-hearing INEC to throw its office open between 8am-and 6pm motions should be taken together with the main everyday including Saturday and Sunday to enable the petition”.He cited Okonkwo v. INEC (2004) 1NWLR pt petitioners conduct inspection of the Electoral materials . 854 pg.242 at 247. The Respondent (APC) is already in possession of the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN who appears for the 2nd motion paper and has 7 days from yesterday to react to Respondent asked a pertinent question to wit: if a petition the motion. We shall keep you posted as the events unfold. is filed out of time will this tribunal proceed to hear it?

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

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How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV’s to: jobs@aim-consultants.com Application Deadline 11th November, 2014 —————————————————————————————————————— Jobs in Lagos for Marketers in a Health Equipment Manufacturing Company(UFP Global) UFP Global is one of the leading health equipment manufacturing company, requires the services of the vacant position of: Job Title: Senior Marketers Location: Lagos Qualifications / Experience: B.Sc or HND in Marketing or any other social sciences. A minimum of 2 years experience Job Title: Marketers Location: Lagos Qualification: Fresh graduates, OND or any other sales related qualifications. Remuneration Salary is very attractive and meets industrial standard. How to Apply Interested candidates should their CV’s and application to: ufpmentor@gmail.com | uniquefamilypride@gmail.com Application Deadline 10th November, 2014 —————————————————————————————————————— Oil and Gas Company Jobs for Sales Executives in Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt A reputable oil and Gas firm is looking for goal-driven individuals resident in Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt as Sales Executives. Job Title: Sales Executive Locations: Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt Slot: 5 Qualification/Requirement B.Sc (Hons) - minimum second class upper division - in any of the Social Sciences. Age: Not more than 30 years old. Experience: At least two (2) years post graduation. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV’s to: vacancyoct2014@gmail.com Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Application Deadline 11th November, 2014. ———————————————————————————————————— Abuja Graduate School recruitment for Part-Time Lecturers Incorporated in April, 2008; Abuja Graduate School (AGS) is a bourgeoning Business and Management School. It is also a Research and Consulting institution engaged in helping businesses and organisations transform potentials into high performance in continually changing and dynamic environments. AGS is designed to provide executive education, aiding private and public sector organisations realise their manpower training and productivity needs. The School, by offering international class, quality and modern executive education, research and consultancy; aims to enrich the knowledge and capacity of its clients and guide them transform their visions and goals into endless possibilities in the world of industry, commerce and public service. AGS strives to become a world-class business and management school and aims to produce champions and leaders who are poised to take their immediate organisations and country at large to greater heights. Abuja Graduate School is recruiting to fill the position of: Job Title: Part-Time Lecturer Location: Abuja Job Description Abuja Graduate School (AGS) urgently requires professional and committed PART-TIME LECTURERS to diligently deliver the following academic programmes: Enterprise Software & Business Infrastructure Project Management in IT Research in IT and Strategic information System Analysis. Requirements Candidates should hold a postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualifications in ICT related fields with minimum of 2 – 3 years post qualification experience Remuneration Remuneration rate is competitive. Method of Application Interested candidates should send a detailed CV, stating which particular subject/subjects they can teach to: info@abujagraduateschool.net by 8th November, 2014

Or visit our premises at: Abuja Graduate School No. 1 Ikeja Street, Off Oyo Street, Area 2, Garki, Abuja, Tel: +234 (0)803 135 0929 or 0805 884 4361 Application Deadline 8th November, 2014 ——————————————————————————————— Fountain University recruitment into Academic and Non-Academic Staff Vacancies Fountain University, Osogbo invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following vacant positions in the University. ACADEMIC STAFF 1.) Professor 2.) Associate Professor / Reader 3.) Senior Lecturer A.) College of Natural and Applied Sciences {CONAS} i.) Department of Mathematical & Computer Science Computer Science ii.) Department of Chemical Science Chemistry Biochemistry iii.) Department of Physics, Electronics & Earth Sciences Engineering Physics Material Physics & Electronics Physics iv.) Department of Biological Science Microbiology B.) College of Management and Social Sciences {COMAS} i.) Department of Economics & Financial Studies Accounting Banking and Finance Business Administration Economics ii.) Department of Psychology & Sociology Sociology Criminology iii.) Department of Political Science & Industrial Relations Political Sciences Pubic Administrator Qualifications and Experience Required for the Various Positions Computer literacy is required for all positions while relevant Professional qualification (like ICAN, ACCA for Accounting Programme) would be an added advantage for various vacant positions. i.) Professor/ Associate Professor (FUASS 07): Candidate must possess P.hD from recognized institutions, with minimum of 9/10 years teaching experience. Candidates must have a strong record of publications in relevant and reputable national and international academic journals and other publishing outlets. In addition, candidates must also possess some measure of experience in administration of academic Units and University Governance. ii.) Senior Lecturer (FUASS 05): Candidates must possess the above qualification and must have had at least 6 years University full-time teaching and research experience with ability to initiate and supervise research projects. Administrative experience will be an advantage. Successful applicants must be able to give academic and professional leadership in the chosen discipline. NON ACADEMIC A. Registry i.) Senior Assistant/Registrar (FUNTISS 11) Applicants must possess a good honours degree from any Humanities or Social Science discipline or other relevant discipline from recognized University and must be a qualified Member of a recognized relevant professional body(ies) with at least 9 years of University administrative experience. In addition, applicants must be computer literate and have ability to use computer software and ability to handle administrative relevant issues. ii.) Administrative Officer (FUNTISS 07): Applicants must possess a good Honours Degree from any Humanities or Social Science discipline or other relevant discipline from a recognized University. In addition, applicants must be Computer literate and have ability to use computer software and ability to handles administrative related issues. B. Library i.) Principal Liberian (FUASS 05) Applicants must possess a good honours Degree plus a Master's in Library Science from a recognized University. In addition, applicants must have at least 9 (Nine) years of post qualification cognate experience and a good record of publications in reputable journals; must be Computer literate and have a good understanding of Information and Communication Technology as applicable to Library services. Salary and Other Conditions of Service Salary, conditions of services and Pension Packages are as obtained in Federal University System generally. Application Closing Date 17th November, 2014 How To Apply All applicants for various vacant positions are required to submit a set of their credentials and fifteen (15) copies of their online printed application giving the following in the order listed below: Full Name: Post Desired and Department: Date of Birth: Place of Birth and State of Origin: Sex: Nationality: Permanent Home Address: Currant Postal Address: Cell Phone Number: E mail Address: Marital Status: Number of Children with Names and Ages: Institution Attended (with dates): Pure Academic Qualification (with dates): Professional Qualification (with dates) Scholarship and Prizes at University Secondary or Technical Level only starting with the latest Training Programme Attended (period of Training and College describe courses taken starting with the latest Honours, Distinction and Membership of Learned Professional Societies (starting with the latest) Working Experience (General and Specific Experiences starting with the latest) Research Interests or Commissioned Projects. Completed starting with latest) In progress (list) List of Publication with Details of title Publishers or journals dates and pages where applicable) Major Conferences and Workshop attended with paper read (starting with the latest) Information and Fellowship Master's Project include the following (starting with the latest) Title of Thesis Name of Student Date/Year of Commencement Completed/Ongoing (Anticipated date of Completion) Sole/Collaborative Supervisor Details of Administrative Experiences Teaching Experience Service to the community (with status and Date) Present Employment, Status, Salary and Employer Extra Curricular Activities Names and Addresses of three Referees (two of whom must be professionals or authorities in relevant fields) it is the duty of the candidate to inform the referees to forward their confidential report to the Registrar All applications for the various vacant positions are to be forwarded to: The Registrar, Fountain University, Osogobo, P.M.B. 4491, Osogobo, Osun State. Note: Only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Fashion & Lifestyle With ENIOLA AGBAJE and SHOLA OKPOMU

Healthy Living Major Causes Of Bad Breath

AD breath, morning breath, breath odour or Halitosis are all terms used to describe a noticeably unpleasant odour exhaled on the breath. Halitosis is not a problem that should be ignored, as it can cause concerns in our interpersonal relationships. We are well aware of how the consumption of some certain foods such as garlic and onions can affect our breath. This occurs because these foods are absorbed into our blood stream, where they are transferred to our lungs and exhaled. Fortunately, bad breath caused by the foods we eat is only temporary. Generally, bad breath comes from food particles that are stuck in our mouths. These food particles become a breeding ground for the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Some other causes include improper cleaning of dentures and poor oral health, periodontal disease, as well as smoking and tobacco products. Xerostomia (dryness of the mouth) can also cause Halitosis. When our mouth is dry, saliva production decreases. Saliva is the mouth’s natural mouthwash, as it contains properties that

reduces bacteria in the mouth. Alcohol consumption can also lead to the dryness of the mouth. How to get rid of bad breath * Brush and rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal. * When brushing, also brush your tongue, as the tongue is covered with tiny hairs that can trap bacteria. * Regular checkup with your dentist. * Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless lozenges to increase the flow of saliva. * Drink lots of water. * Avoid breath mints and mouthwashes that contain alcohol. They actually make bad breath worse, as they temporarily cover the smell and tend to dry the mouth, creating a more favourable environment for bacteria. * Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption, which can dry the mouth. * QUIT SMOKING!!!!!! * Baking soda can help maintain good oral health and fighting bad breath. * Mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water can be used as a mouthwash. It kills many bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Reflection Conflicting Interest Between Humans And Objects

“

SOMETIMES, we look for gold when all we need is a hand to hold”. Those were the words of a dear friend of mine. It puzzles my mind realising how much emphasis has been placed on ownership of properties, than maintaining healthy relationship with people around us. I discovered that we have removed a lot of things from their rightful positions. Humans and material things competing for the same position. Originally, people are to be loved and things are to be used, but now, it’s directly opposite. In efforts to look better and live better, we purchase new cars, new furniture, new clothes, latest gadgets and trending things. We renew our belongings almost on daily basis. Thanks to advertisements and online shops, they make it look effortless. “Buy bigger, live better, 99 percent discount off, buy now pay later.” Most of us even get addicted to piling up irrelevant things, but if we are asked to stay in touch or connected to friends and or family, it becomes a tug of war. Hold on a second, does having possessions reflect our self worth? If we can’t afford to buy the latest and greatest things, does it make us less of who we are? It’s understandable that everybody thrives for recognition and ownership of certain things help in the accomplishment of this goal, but does it have to be at the detriment of people around us? We can love our cars, shoes, houses, jobs, clothes and gadgets and still balance our relationships with those that should matter. Some of us already burn bridges, batter our association with other people because of material things. We substitute humans’ position to that of inanimate objects. We often conclude that since no one is irreplaceable, loving things is better. With the failing nature of man, we find a way to justify our decision for earthly possession. If there is a fire outbreak and we

can only save one thing, friend, family or our overpriced possession, a number of us would pick the latter part. It has actually gotten worse to the extent that the society is no longer interested in how many friends an individual have or how many faces has a person put smile on, but concerned with how much riches has been accumulated by an individual. Often times, we retain certain people in our lives to yield results. Like a livestock or farm animals reared to produce profits. Sometimes we keep people around us only because of their benefits, service they can render and things we want to get from them. To us, it’s all about getting something out of everything, even humans. If they are not a means to an end (getting more possession) , then they are considered useless. We turn our relationships and friendships to an investment that has to bring in profits. Yes, it is good when our fellow humans are forthcoming. It is exceptionally satisfying, when the people around us are supportive and they help in realisation of our goals and accomplishment. But humans are not dividends or some business ventures to gain profits from. Their presence in our lives are beyond gains and profits. They are to offer things longlasting than riches and accumulated properties and wealth. Henry David Thoreaux once said: “What’s the use of a fine house, if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on? It’s sad that people are so fixated on material things that they fail to stop and take a second to notice what it is we really need. what it is that really makes us as human tick? It’s not fame, it’s not money or wealth, its togetherness. Unity and love for one another. You can build the mightiest of house but it can never be called a home, if you don’t have a family or something akin to a family living in it. You can buy acres and acres of lands with real estate in it and name yourself king,

but it can never be called a kingdom, if you don’t have people to live in it and give you their loyalty as your subjects. Nothing in life makes any sense, if there is no one to share it with . There’s a difference between being rich and being wealthy. You’re just rich, if you acquire all the money in the world for personal consumption and that alone. You are wealthy if your riches touch lives and helps others. So why not decide today to love one another and help one another with material things, instead of helping yourelf to acquire more by using people . Even, in all of the different religious books, Bible, Quran and whatever else, love for one another is the ultimate thing to strive for, not wealth or riches. We as humans were naturally designed to be social creatures. There’s a saying that “no man is an island”, and this is because in life, whether we choose to admit it or not, we were all helped in one way or the other to become who we are right now in life. Issac Newton said: “For every action , there’s an equal and opposite reaction”. A chain of events have occurred to bring you to the point you are in right now in the universe. It all started from our birth and interaction with others. Through home training and school discipline , our brain gather information from people around us. Along the way, information gradually shapes and makes us into the person we are today. Getting to where we are today wouldn’t have happened, if we grew up in isolation . Directly or indirectly, people contributed into what we are today, not material things. So it’s obvious and apparent that we as humans need each other primarily. Wealth and material acquisition are only but secondary. They are merely for comfort and aid. You are never truly wealthy if you lack love and support from others.

Fashion

Purses, Bags & Occasions

Lifestyle

Entertainers And Political Palava

We have all heard about the recent gists going round town that some of our very own entertainers have decided to delve into politics. Well, shocking and hilarious as this may sound, the gist has been confirmed true! LOL!!!!!!!! Now considering the fact that the American actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, contested to be governor of Califonia in the United States of America, the likes of actress Kate Henshaw , actor Kenneth Okonkwo, Desmond Elliot, Bob Manuel Udokwu and probably Yemi

Solade, can be pardoned for making such a huge step towards what I consider “quick sand” but the likes of musicians Mr Abolore Akande (9ice), Tony Tetuila (seriously, where did this guy come from???) and even Julius “the genius” Agwu ????? No! No!! No!!! Why would these guys just wake up and decide to pursue a political career? Na waaah oh! I guess we will have to sit back, relax and watch how this whole new political brouhaha plays out in the entertainment industry.

HEN you are talking about a lady and her wardrobe, one of the few items that can be mentioned must include her purse. Purses and bags are one of women’s most valuable possessions. Most women can actually dress up for an occasion without wearing makeup but never will you see any woman without her purse or bag. The love affair runs that deep between women and their purses. Its simply an amazing feeling knowing that you have an accessory that can carry almost anything you want it to! Some ladies feel very safe with their purses or bags on. The trust they put into that piece of leather or whatever material it is made of is utterly phenomenal. For cocktail/evening outings, small clutches, which comes in

various shapes and sizes, are preferable and more suitable. It adds class, edge and style to a lady’s appearance. Clutch purses are also suitable for weddings and

birthday parties. Bags are appropriate for casual outings, hanging out with friends, offices and most importantly, for nursing mothers.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Round-Table Chat Osun Defender Round-Table chat is a platform for all aspirants in the State of Osun to espouse their programmes for the electorate. It is a forum where activities aspirants intend to embark upon are brought bare to the people. It exposes the real person of the aspirant, his values and his plans for his constituency. This forum is open to serving public officials as well as those who intend to contest. For any additional information on the above issue, any of these numbers should be contacted: 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897 and 08062207954. – Management INTERVIEW

Fayose: A Wrong Choice For Ekiti - Hon. Owoeye He is a gentleman to the core. He picks quarrel with nobody, even under the provocative Peoples Democratic Party’s regime. A fantastic human spirit and humour merchant. To him, the key to being a David in the State House of Assembly is the ability to be able to differentiate yourself as attested to in this interview with the State of Osun Leader of the House of Assembly, Honourable constituency? Timothy Owoeye by TUNDE ESAN of OSUN DEFENDER. Excerpts: yourOWOEYE: Unseating me will be an

OSDF: Why are you into politics? OWOEYE: I am into politics to better my immediate environment. I considered the plight of my people which I considered not up to the required standard before I joined. I did not join to improve my own standard of living or to enrich my pockets. I am going for a fresh term to improve on the good job I have done in the past two terms, which are visible for all to see. Moreso, there is no law prohibiting legislators from contesting again and again, as long as such legislators have the wherewithal and the blessings of their people in their constituencies. If someone has done well, it is the people he represents that will clamour for his return, with the belief that he would perform better. Also, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the governor of the state, zeal for development in the state came to me as a challenge to improve the social and economic wellbeing of my people in general. OSDF: How has the combination of being a lawmaker and a family man been working well with you? OWOEYE: Everything has been going on well with me family-wise and as a member of the State House of Assembly. My family and my work cannot be divorced from each other. At least, I share 10 out of the 24 hours a day with my family, while the remaining 14 hours are for my work and the people of my constituency. OSDF: Do you foresee APC winning at the federal level come 2015? OWOEYE: The All Progressives Congress

(APC) is the only solution to the country’s multi-faceted and hydra-headed problems. Going to 16 years now, I think the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been saddled with the responsibility of taking this country to the Promised Land, but what we got instead are epileptic power supply, corruption at the highest level, killing of our refineries, as well as a battered foreign relations among others. I travelled to the United States a couple of months ago, where to my disbelief, I was subjected to a high level of inhuman treatment at the point of entry. I was drilled and questioned on various societal ills, which have befallen our great country. Imagine! They asked me whether I was a terrorist or drug addict. I was thoroughly searched from head to toe while trying to find incriminating things on me. I think the stage is set for an APC-led government at the centre to correct all these anomalies. OSDF: How did you become the House Leader considering your age and experience? OWOEYE: The age of Methuselah has nothing to do with the wisdom of Solomon. I was once the Minority Leader under the administration of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. I gained a lot of experiences before I became what I am today. The experiences I gained under Oyinlola’s PDP-controlled legislators really worked for my emergence as the current House Leader. I once told myself, if I could survive under that unfriendly atmosphere and shunned the N18 million bribe offered me to cross to the PDP, then, I

•OWOEYE can do better for my party. I thank God for making me to overcome the monetary temptation. I also express my profound gratitude to the good people of Ilesa, especially in the Ilesa-East Local Government Local Government Council Area for their moral support. They are my backbones. OSDF: How are you going to cope with the numerous aspirants eyeing your post in

herculean task. First of all, do they have the experience, because experience counts in politics? Where are they going to start from? I have being tested and trusted. Our party is a disciplined party. They can’t just entrust anyone, who can betray them in the future into any sensitive post. You must pass through the school of experience and trustworthiness before you can aspire to be somebody in the party. I am a lit candle which the party has put on the table, and not underneath. OSDF: There is a law banning whoever has been impeached not to contest for public office for 10 years, yet Ayodele Fayose went ahead to contest in the last Ekiti State governorship election. What is your reaction to this? OWOEYE: PDP is a reckless party. They don’t have respect for the rule of law. They have mounted the back of a lion and I am awaiting how they will disembark. The law stipulates a 10-year ban on any impeached governor, yet, they fielded him. I believe the law will take its course on this. We are waiting, we are watching the film as it unfolds. Moreover, there is no basis for comparison between Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose. Comparing them is like comparing life and death. Fayose has no wherewithal, the wisdom and mental ability to govern Ekiti State. His government will not succeed at all. He is a wrong choice for Ekiti people. How can his like rule over a state regarded as the citadel of education in Nigeria? Let us wait and see what unfolds as he governs.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, November 1, 2014

Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Inauguration The People’s Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, would be inaugurated on Thursday November 27, 2014 for his second term. There is no denying the fact that Ogbeni Aregbesola has warmed himself into the hearts of the people of the State of Osun with his massive developmental projects. His impact has been felt in all the nooks and crannies in the state while he has touched every aspect of our lives in the State of the Virtuous. What else could we do as individuals or corporate bodies on this auspicious occasion if not to identify with him by congratulating him. Your popular soar away grassroots tabloid, OSUN DEFENDER Newspaper, is doing a supplement to congratulate the workaholic governor of our time in commemoration of the inauguration. Individuals, corporate bodies, institutions, and well-wishers can avail themselves with our low advert rate below: ADVERT RATE Full Page Colour Full Page Black & White Half Page Colour Half Page Black & White Quarter Page Colour Quarter Page Black & White

N150,000 N120,000 N80,000 N70,000 N50,000 N40,000

Any of these phone lines can be contacted: 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897 and 08023191891.

- Management

NEWS FEATURE

Societal Ills Among Campus Students

HE height of happiness that replaces the nervousness as one goes online or notice board and sees his name appear on the admission list is immeasurable. When one departs from one’s home into a new environment, there is a mixed feeling of loneliness and enthusiasm of what the future holds. Then follows the parental advice on the good, the bad and the ugly, and campus life in general. On arrival into school, one meets various people with different lifestyles, behaviours, languages, cultural backgrounds and orientations. As the days go by, you tend to make new friends who might influence you or you influence them. However, for the unfortunate ones, who tow along the wrong path; skipping lectures, keeping late nights, cohabiting (girls sleeping over at their guy’s place,etc), cultism, sorting, prostitution, just to mention but a few, becomes a lifestyle. Some boys go to the extent of borrowing clothes and accessories to look good in order to impress a particular girl. Girls on their own part, turn into commercial sex workers, just in a bid to belong to the ‘Aristo’ class. I remember vividly a story told during my first year about a girl, whose birthday was on the 10th of February. On that day, her mother decided to give her a surprise package by visiting her

By FAITH EHIREMEN

unannounced. On her arrival into the school, the mother drove to her daughter’s hostel, which was inside the campus. On getting into the room, she met her daughter’s absence and she immediately dialed her daughter and inquired of her whereabout. Trying to play a fast one, she told her mother that she was downstairs washing. At about 9.00pm, her mother dialed again and this time, she told her mother that she was in her room reading, unaware of the fact that her mother was her room. Around 11.00pm, she gained entrance to her hostel, which normally closes by 9.00pm through the window with the skimpy clothes she was putting on and like tales by moonlight, she beheld her poor mother, sitting in disappointment waiting for her daughter. What do you think the mother will do to her? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps, more worrisome is the manner in which these students dress, half naked if not total naked. Thus the issue of sagging is a normal practice and more glaring among the youths. Sagging, which is a fashion of wearing shorts/skirts, which hang down, so that the top is significantly below the waist, sometimes revealing much of the underwear, was adopted from the

United State’s prisons. Belts were prohibited in prisons to prevent inmates from using them in committing suicide or murder. The style was later popularized by hip-hop artists such as Ice-T and 2-Short, which supposedly enhanced their tough guy cachet. Notwithstanding, many youths go ahead to practice sagging, even with the awareness of its origin and meaning. Many students on campus have their different views about sagging. According to Christian Udembah, a third year student of the Department of Computer Science, UNN, ‘sagging, with its origin from the prison, is a sign of slavery, because prisoners are seen as slaves. He further stated that sagging portrays irresponsibility, both physically and spiritually. It is indiscipline and does not speak well of their family background”. There is a saying that you should dress the way you are to be addressed. Innocent Emmanuel, a 200-level student of Mass Communication, UNN, opined that “sagging is not a good practice, especially in this part of the world, primarily because it does not portray responsibility. Moreso, it is a borrowed culture from the West. Therefore, sagging is not good, because it is contrary to African culture. In a bid to attain development, Nigerians with their “foreign idea

syndrome”, copy both what is good and bad from the whites. However, sagging is a practice frowned upon by Africans because it is not part of our culture. It relegates our culture to the background and given its origin, sagging is debasing and childish as even little children sag these days. In the Holy Book, Christ cautions us that our body is the abode of the Most High, but some females, while sagging, expose their buttocks, especially when seated, thereby leading people into temptation. It is quite funny that some guys go the market to buy a pair of trousers for N2000 or there about and come back to pull down the trousers just to show a boxers of N250 all in the name of fashion. Although this practice is frowned at, youths still sag. According to Chika, a second year student of the Department of Political Science; “sagging is seen as “swag” or style and there is no crime on sagging”. He jokingly added that it is the size and weight of the wallet that pulls down the trousers. How true? He goes further to say that there is a difference in the way Americans and Nigerians sag. Americans pull theirs way below the buttocks. Stop that explanation. What difference does that make? The fact remains that sagging is a wrong practice and should be rejected by all concerned.

www.osundefender.org

THE 5TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2014

AUDACIOUS EXPLOIT

ALL it wicked lies or absolute falsehood and you will not be far from right. The build-up to the August 9th gubernatorial election in the State of Osun was fraught with a lot of propaganda and evil machinations. The federal might was brought to bear on the hapless citizens of the state. Hooded security officials were brought to the state to do the bidding of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by installing an unpopular candidate. Not only were soldiers, who ought to be drafted to Sambisa forest, deployed to the State of Osun, policemen, members of the Department of the State Security, Nigeria Security and Defence Corps personnel and anti-bomb squad were mobilized to Osun because an election was to take place. To their utmost surprise, however, the people were determined and resolute that they would stand by the truth and ensured that justice prevailed. They voted and ensured that their votes counted. Among the lies told against Governor Rauf Aregbesola before the election was that he planned to turn Osun into an Islamic State. He was also accused of planning secession. How ridiculous and ludicrous this assertion can be knowing full well that the state is in the heart of the country and such cannot be done alone. Some people have turned blatant lies into an art and feel that politics cannot be practiced without lying to the people. Some politicians just sit down and cook up stories and begin to spread it around. In the case of Osun, some politicians and their followers were so gullible to believe that Governor Rauf Aregbesola was of unsound mind and could not undertake the task of governance in the State of the Virtuous. It was because of these negative tendencies that in the 60s, some people were of the view that politics was not meant for good people or men of God. However, if we continue to hold that position, it means we would have relegated our basic duties to riffraffs and nonentities, who would lead us astray. The last election in the State of

with MURTALA AGBOOLA TEL: 0806-119-7897 E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com

Blatant Lies In The Name Of Politics

â&#x20AC;˘AREGBESOLA

Osun brought out the desperadoes in some of the opposition political parties. The candidate of the major opposition party was cocksure sure that he had the governorship title to pick on the election day. Cabinet in-waiting had been formed, people to be dismissed from civil service have been pencilled down, men and women to replace current office holders in agencies and organizations have been drawn up. A seeming aura of a governor had enveloped the major opposition candidate before the election. He had during his electioneering campaigns alluded to the fact that some traditional rulers would be destooled. Things were done with impunity. He chose not to campaign on any solid

issue except the fact that he will undo all that the sitting governor had done. He also told the people at his campaigns that the supporters of the government party do not know the value of the ballot papers, so it should be retrieved from them. The supposing overwhelming support of the federal might was the basis for that audacious posturing realizing that, resources in terms of money and security personnel would be at his beck and call. Strong supporters of the All Progressives Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Congress (APC) were either arrested by phantom security personnel wearing masks on the eve of election day or were chased out of town. In all their calculations, they

forgot to factor-in providence or the will and determination of the people to take their fate in their hands. Propaganda, which is false information emphasizing just one part of a situation, is allowed in politics and even in international politics, albeit not outright falsehood. What transpired in Osun before and during election was outright ignominy. There were subtle attempts by the opposition party in the state to change election results. Some even attributed the delay in the pronouncement of the winner of the election to a shenanigan sort of. Some analysts have concluded that the resort to the Election Petition Tribunal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a ploy to keep their supporters together, else, they would abandon ship. First, it was the misinformation or misinterpretation of the Appeal Court verdict in Akure that refused the prayer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as it affected the 2011 general elections, that sent is some ignoramus into wild jubilation. The opposition party went to town that the court had nullified all the election conducted by INEC in the state in 2011, when the substantive Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, held sway, which is absolute falsehood. The latest of the malicious lies is that the Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) ordered inspection team of ballot papers has recounted the votes in the disputed 17 local government council areas and that the report shows that Iyiola Omisore has more valid votes than Aregbesola. In reality, only ballot papers in five local government council areas have been inspected as at Thursday, October 30 th. Unfortunately the African Independent Television (AIT) fell for it and fed its teeming viewers with the false information. This, the television station has retracted the news item and apologized for being misled. Desperado and malicious lies cannot win election. It requires solid preparation with good manifesto.

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.