Osun Defender - November 4th 2014, Edition by OsunDefender

www.osundefender.org TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 General election season dawns inexorably upon us. It’s in the air everywhere: the flood of posters and billboards; the endless chatter of radio and television jingles. The social media is as well abuzz with activities – every day we wake up to politicians and their

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VOL. 9. NO.132

Front Page Comment

Pushing Democracy Forward, One Step At A Time -By Tolu Ogunlesi campaign teams showing their faces on Twitter, and minions and “voltrons”circle the waters frantically, looking for whom to devour on behalf of their principals.

Regarding those principals, there are two camps: Those who are doing it because they stand a chance of triumphing, and those

doing it because it is the best way to position yourself for the crumbs that will drop after the dust has settled.

This second group are the ones who know that the best way to get considered for a commissionership post in

N50

Nigeria is to make loud noises about the governorship, get noticed, and then offer to drop your ambition in the spirit of sacrifice, and in exchange for some nottoo-bad compensation. (You just have to love this country – nothing is ever what it seems!) Continue on pg4

Osun Governorship Election:

Omisore Refunds Unspent N4bn Election Fund To Presidency - See Story On Page 2

•Arrests, Detained Aides For Stealing N205m Osun School Feeding Rated Best In Nigeria - Pg 2 AIT Report: Condemnation - Pg 9 Trails Release Of Misleading Information- Pg 3 •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); German Chief Executive Officer, Entrade Energiesystem, Mr. Julien Uhlig (2nd right); Chinese Chief Financial Officer, Entrade Energiesystem, Mr. James Kong (right); Chairman, Citiengineers Limited, Mr. Bello Olatunji (2nd left) and Co-ordinator, Entrade Energiesystem, Mrs. Olanike Adewole (left) during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Osogbo, last Thursday.

My Govt ‘ll Be Gender-free After Inauguration- Pg 2 - Aregbesola

Osun PDP Withdraws Case Against Osun REC, INEC

- See Story On Page 3

News

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Osun Governorship Election: Omisore Refunds Unspent N4bn Election Fund To Presidency •Arrests, Detained Aides For Stealing N205m By OUR REPORTER

HE defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the State of Osun during the August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was reported to have refunded N4 billion to the Presidency as the unspent fund meant for the election. The money, a reliable another of his staff, Panadol, source said, was refunded was arrested for stealing through a bank after N35 million. pressure from the It was learnt that the Presidency that the refund money was allegedly stolen should be effected as soon by Omisore’s staff in the as possible. course of moving the This was just as the money around for defeated PDP candidate had distribution prior to the allegedly arrested and election. detained some of his aides It would be recalled that for stealing N205 million of it was reported in one of the the election fund. previous editions of this While one of his Personal medium that Omisore had Assistants popularly called instructed some party Yako was arrested along leaders and members to with some of his drivers for refund the money they stealing N170 million, collected for mobilisation

during the election, accusing them of being instrumental to his failure at the election. A source privy to the information told this medium that since the result of the election was not favourable to Omisore, his personal staff and PDP leaders have not been finding things easy, as the PDP candidate insisted on full refund of the money collected. The source, under condition of anonymity, said: “Since after the election, Otunba has not been taking things easy for those who handled funds during the election at all. “He has discovered that many of our leaders banked on the Federal might to win

the election for us by all means and they didn’t bother to share the money given to them to buy votes. “Few weeks ago, when directives came from the presidency that he should return the left-over after the election, he was desperate

to get money anywhere and in the course of that, he had to move against his personal staff, who had also stolen to enrich themselves during the electioneering campaign and election. Infact, some of them were arrested and detained.

My Govt ‘ll Be Gender-free After Inauguration - Aregbesola By SOLA JACOBS

OMENS’ abiliity to respond appropriately to is sues at the nick of time has been described as outstanding and a necessary tool to participate in politics. The governor of the State known during a recent adof Osun, Ogbeni Rauf vocacy visit by the repreAregbesola, made this sentatives of United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWOMEN) and stakeholders of Women’s Governance Accountability Platform (WGAP) at the State Government House in Osogbo, the state capital. Aregbesola, while welcoming the entourage, appreciated them and also stated that he understands the reason for the visit, which was on emergence of women appointees at the parliament and other levels of government in 2015 general elections. He affirmed that his government is gender-friendly and faithful to the 35 per cent affirmative of women in politics, and that it would have gender-free cabinet after his November 27, 2014 inauguration. Aregbesola informed the delegates that women in politics should understand that political process is a •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s lawyers, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), answering questions from game in which one shows journalists within the court premises. With him is Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) (left) and other lawyers after the sitting active interest, with contest for recognition and distincof Osun 2014 Governorship election petition tribunal at High Court, Osogbo, last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. tion for one to get elected or rejected as the case may be. He averred that women passionate in bridging the expenditure. must not wait to be invited By KAZEEM MOHAMMED gap between the children of She stressed further that before participating in poliHE State of Osun Elementary School Feeding the poor and the rich nutritious menu used for the tics, as politics is not a game Programme (O-Meals) has been rated the best and through O-Meals and other school feeding programme of choice but competition. Speaking further, commost-organized in the country, which other states school facilities being has tremendously impacted provided, saying that the in the retentive and mending women on the abilneed to emulate. This was the submission of Osun as a role model, so state government regards enrolment capacity of the ity of their strength, he also the programme as an pupils, while urging the encouraged the women in of a 17- member Delta State as to succeed. politics to brace up to the Committee on Food and According to him: “Osun investment in the lives of the delegates to make the best challenge of representing future leaders, rather than use of the Osun experience. Nutrition who were in Osun

Osun School Feeding Rated Best In Nigeria

to understudy the Osun school feeding programme of the state. Speaking on behalf of other members, the Coordinator of the Committee, who is also the UNICEF Desk Officer in the Delta State Ministry of Finance, Mr. Akozor Nduka, disclosed that the aim of the Delta State Government is to introduce school feeding programme as an intervention to encourage pupils in crisis-prone communities of the state. Akozor said the best way to encourage attendance, enrolment and concentration in schools is by introducing schoolfeeding, at least, once daily. He emphasized the need for other states, including Delta, to understudy the school feeding programme

is the leading example among the states of the federation in carrying out the school feeding programme in the right way.” He stressed that arrangement would be made to ensure those in authority and policy makers in Delta State to come to Osun to see things for themselves, in a bid to facilitate quick implementation of the programme in their state. Earlier, the State Operation Officer for Osun School Feeding Programmes, Mrs. Olubunmi Ayoola, while briefing the delegates before the field inspection, hinted that the programme gulps N12.7 million daily. Ayoola maintained that the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is

Alagbada Charges Industrial Agencies In Osun To Brace Up

“As I am talking to you, N4 billion has been returned to the Presidency through a commercial bank,” he revealed. It would be recalled that the Presidency allegedly prosecuted the Osun election with a very huge amount of money for the PDP to take over the state by all means.

HE State of Osun Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Co operatives and Empowerment, Mr. Ismaila Jayeoba-Alagbada, has advised industrial agencies in the state to brace up by repositioning the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in order to boost the economy of the state. Alagbada gave this Challenges of advise during the Industrial Industrialisation in the State Business Clinic organised of Osun, and provide by the ministry recently. possible solutions to the The programme, which challenges. was the first official meeting, The commissioner also had the representatives of said the governor of the the Bank of Industry, state, Ogbeni Rauf Standard Organisation of Aregbesola, has Nigeria, Corporate Affairs established the Micro Credit Commission and other Agency to encourage industrial agencies in business enterprises to attendance to discuss the make Osun an industrialised Diagnosis of the state.

He later appealed to industrial agencies in the state to brace up because no state can develop w i t h o u t industrialisation. In the same vein, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr. Olalekan Yinusa, advised all industrial agencies present at the business clinic to be honest in producing their goods, so as to boost their businesses. Industrialists in the state then used the programme as an avenue to discuss the various challenges facing them and possible solutions.

other women aside from their duty of bearing, rearing, caring and earning for their families. The governor noted the performance of women by casting their votes for his reelection into office on August 9, 2014 and he recounted the experience of security threats of violence, brutalization, and oppression to scare potential electorate, which women defied to perform their civic duties. Aregbesola also commended the UNWOMEN and WGAP for their commitment to women in politics, and prayed that women have representation in future elections. He praised the women on their enormous responsiblity as care-givers and breadwinners and charged them on how much strength is needed to stand the rigours of electoral processes, which he said, could be overwhelming. Furthermore, he advised women to support each other, as well as strategize how to create time and source for funds to run for elective posts, just as he charged them to get more informed as they prepare to go through their political parties and the electorate for their appointments. Highlighting the support of his government to support women in the State of Osun in their trades, programmes, natural and social activities, he stated that his government is women-friendly as they are the largest beneficiaries of his policies. In response, the Director of Women’s Governance Accountability Platform, Dr. (Mrs.) Abiola AkiyodeAfolabi, appreciated the governor for being genderfriendly and for his special focus on women. She thanked the governor on behalf of UNWOMEN and WGAP for his attention as she relayed the interest of women to be elected into elective posts at all levels of government in and through the State of Osun in the forthcoming 2015 general elections. Highlight of the advocacy visit was the presentation of the Report/ Outcome Document: Women’s Governance Accountability Platform (WGAP) Project, Osun State, to Aregbesola by the delegates. The governor, having perused the document, advised that it should also be published in native language for the benefit of the citizenry, due to the quality of its contents.

News

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

AIT Report: Condemnation Trails Release Of Misleading Information By OUR REPORTER

EACTIONS have started to trail the recent propaganda fuelled by the camp of the defeated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election in the State of Osun. A rumour had emanated five local government last week that in the process council areas. of recounting votes, as The news had been ordered by the election described as false, wicked tribunal for the and a means of causing gubernatorial election in confusion and Osun, the PDP and its unnecessary hardship on candidate were leading in the people of the state, who

had put the election aside and were looking forward to another four years under the leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. They maintained that all the peace-loving people of the state wanted was a free and fair election, which they got on August 9, 2014 and since the announcement of the results, most people had taken it and moved on with their lives. Citing the current report,

which was reported by a popular frontline medium, as the handiwork of disgruntled politicians, they noted that since the petition was still before a tribunal and it had not pronounced judgment on it, such information carried to town was deliberate and intended to sooth the master. The medium, which carried the misleading information, was however, commended for owning up

to its error and apologising very early before the information could have had the desired negative effect. Reacting to the source of the misleading information, a party leader in Ogo-Oluwa area of Osogbo who craved anonymity, revealed that since it was reported that a particular political party and its candidate were supposedly favoured by the false information, it was clear the aim and intended action of the message, which was to create confusion. “From the results of the election released, it was clear that the APC and its flagbearer won the election convincingly and anybody who has any objection should go to the election petition tribunal and also have the patience to wait for the judgment of the same

tribunal.” “The way the news was spread, revealed the flawed nature of the information. It is generally unheard of that you will go to town with information that is not correct. “In this case, the information was not only incorrect, but it was also misleading and the people behind it should be sought out and punished because I can say the case is still the subject of litigation.” In the same vein, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state had been commended for its proactive stance and its ability to counter every plan of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from creating unnecessary tension and over-heating the political space in the state.

Osun PDP Withdraws Case Against Osun REC, INEC

•(L-R) Secretary, New Day Building Materials Suppliers and Quarry Owners Association, Mr Sanusi Alaka; Chief Bashorun Oyedele; the newly-inaugurated chairman of the association, Mr Waheed Owolabi; the state Chairman, Quarrable Association, Mr Soliu Odunayo; Mrs Omotayo Olaoye and Alhaji Mufutau Oladapo at the swearing-in ceremony of the new executive in Osogbo last Wednesday.

HE State of Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn a case seeking to nullify the 2011 State and National Assemblies elections. The case was restraining the State Electoral withdrawn through a Resident motion dated 15th of C o m m i s s i o n e r , October, 2014 signed by Ambassador Rufus Akeju, Kehinde Adesiyan Esq of from supervising the Kehinde Adesiyan &co conduct of the elections and the injunction was Chambers. The PDP, prior to 2011 granted. The Independent elections, approached the Electoral Federal High Court, National (INEC) Osogbo, for an injunction Commission subsequently appealed against the decision at the Court of Appeal, Akure. Few weeks ago, an move closer to the govern- allegedly PDP sponsored ment, so as to be able to meet news filled the media their needs. about a phantom judgment In attendance at the meet- from the Court of Appeal, ing were the Director, Live- Akure, where it was stock Services, Mr. Johnson claimed that all the state Ajayi, Director Agric Ser- and national assemblies’ vices, Mr Kola Ajisekola, members have been AFAN chieftain, Chief sacked. Adewoyin Adetoyese, the The All Progressives Coordinator, Osun Women Congress (APC) cleared Agro-processors under the air and educated the AFAN, Mrs. Olaosun Comfort, who was represented public that what happened by the Osun Women Agro- at the appellate court was processors Treasurer, Mrs. mere striking out of the Bola Babarinlo, Agric Offic- Notice of Appeal and that ers and members of Fulani/ the substantive case was still pending at the Federal Bororo herdsmen High Court.

Fulani/Bororo Herdsmen Charged To Embrace Peace By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

N a bid to attain one of the major points entrenched in its six-point integral action plan, which is: “Enhance ment of Communal Peace and Progress”, government of the State of Osun has called on the Fulani/Bororo herdsmen in the state to see themselves as part of the developmental process of the state. They were also charged to ensure that peace and tranquillity continue to exist between them and farmers in the state, by avoiding a situation where they use their cattle to graze on farmlands, which usually cause clashes between them and farmers across the state. Chairman of the Committee on Harmonious Relationship between Fulani/ Bororo Herdsmen and Farmers in the state, Honourable Mudashiru Toogun, stated this at a peace meeting held with the members of the Fulani/Bororo herdsmen at Olupona in Ayedire Local Government Council Area of the state. He said the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola decided to set up the committee with the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the leadership of Mr. Wale Adedoyin because it has come to the notice of the government that clashes do arise between the herdsmen and farmers in the state. Toogun, who pointed out that members of the committee also include the execu-

tives of the State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said if they want the state to continue to experience economic growth and peace, they should avoid a situation where cattle graze farmlands, which are supposed to contribute to the economic development of the state. The Assistant Chief of Staff to the Governor explained that the state government decided to arrange the meeting against all odds because the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola is a peace-loving government, while also stressing that progress cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos and rancour. Toogun, who reiterated government’s commitment to attending to the needs of every ethnic group in the state, charged the Fulani/ Bororo herdsmen to come forward with their demands, saying that government will try its best within its means to meet their demands. He also explained that a committee that will involve Fulani/Bororo herdsmen

residents in each local government council area in the state, which will see to the harmonious relationship between them and the farmers will be set up. While stressing that the current administration has not left out the Fulani/ Bororo herdsmen in the scheme of things, the committee chairman also explained that the major source of the thousands of cows being slaughtered through the O-MEALS programme comes from the Fulanis. In his response, Chairman, Seriki Fulani of Osun, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Sulaiman, lauded the governor for the innovation of the peace meeting, adding that the Fulanis are solidly behind his administration because of the various developmental projects of the government which do not exclude them. He assured the state government that the Fulani/ Bororo in the state will join hands with the administration in its onerous task of moving the state forward, by giving peace a chance between them and farmers in the state. Alhaji Sulaiman appealed to the state government to assist in checkmating the in flocks of infected cattle into the state. Earlier in the welcome address, the Coordinating Director in the Ministry of Ag-

riculture and Food Security, Dr. Bukola Aluko, explained that the meeting became important because of the need to create a harmonious relationship between the Fulani/Bororo herdsmen and the state government, so that growth and development can take place. It will be recalled that the governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, had before the gubernatorial election held a similar peace meeting with members of the Fulani community at the Government House, where he called on them to

Fraud: Court Remands Four In Prison By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

OUR suspected fraudsters have been ordered to be remanded in prison custody by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding a businessman to the tune of N11 million. Police prosecutor, The suspects were: Najeem Adeniyi (46) Taiwo Inspector Kayode Olatunji, Oguniran (40), Onifade told the court that the Nurudeen (350) and Ajayi accused persons conspired to commit the offence on Idowu (30). They allegedly defrauded June 13, at about 12pm, at an Osun businessman, Mr Oke-fia, Osogbo. Olatunji said the suspects Ali Akinola, of the sum. According to the charge failed to provide the parcel sheet made available to of land and also refused to OSUN DEFENDER on return the money collected Friday, the accused persons from their victims. The prosecutor obtained the sum on the maintained that the pretence of selling some suspects have committed parcels of land to him. offence contrary to and

punishable under Section 516 and 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, vol. 11 Laws of Osun, 2003. But the accused persons pleaded not guilty to a two count charge of conspiracy and fraud slammed against them. Defence counsel, Mrs Nnena Ugwu, applied for the bail of the accused persons in the most liberal term. The Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, turned down the bail application on the ground that he could not entertain oral application. Aluko ordered the defence counsel to file a formal bail application. He thereafter, adjourned the case till November 7, 2014 for mention.

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Pushing democracy forward, one step at a time -by Tolu Ogunlesi Continued from pg1 Elections will hold in 28 states; only in eight of these will incumbents be seeking re-election. The other 20 are coming to the end of their terms and will be seeking to anoint their successors, to the chagrin of other contestants. Several governors will be looking to become senators, and several senators, governors. Already about seven ministers have resigned, to aspire for the governorship in their various states. Not all of them will succeed. Those who don’t will be banking on the prospects of compensation when – or if – the Peoples Democratic Party retains control of the Federal Government. Some of them might return as ministers, others, ambassadors. All of the politicking – amplified by news headlines and newspaper columns and the internet – makes you ask yourself, in quieter moments, to what end? Are we doing politics for the sake of politics, solely for the bitter battles and the control of the mechanisms of patronage, or is all of this happening for a larger purpose: to better the lives of millions of ordinary Nigerians. Looking back at 15 years of democracy, is this where we should be? Should our generators still be this loud in their nightly crying? Should our First Lady or the governors still be rushing abroad for medical treatment? Travelling around the country it is easy to be disappointed by how little distance we have covered, in terms of development, in 15 years. There are culprits at every level. In the case of the Federal Government, its continuing

neglect of important inter-state roads is tragic. (I’ll leave the electricity discussion for another day).

and fair elections, aided by the presence of technology in the form of mobile phones and social media.

In the states, a good number of governors are, to say it the Nigerian way, “trying.” Standards of performance for the 2007/2011 set of governors appears to be somewhat higher than what we saw with their predecessors. But even then, we still have many governors for whom almost nothing good can be said. In Benue State, Governor Gabriel Suswam is confidently heading to the Senate on a rather dismal record: public primary schools in the state only recently reopened after eight months of strike, while there is a three-month backlog of civil servants’ salaries. But he seems assured his Senate seat is already waiting for him. There are others like him, confident even in their similarly mediocre performance.

Electoral victories are also no longer being taken for granted. I remember 1999, when the Alliance for Democracy, riding on the back of the Awolowo mystique, swept the South-West. The joke back then was that if the AD had fielded a goat or monkey, it would still have won. It seems like we have come a long way since those days.

The local governments are the worst. If they were scrapped today, the only difference would be in the relief to be enjoyed from citizens thankfully rid of their thugenforced revenue collections (radio and TV licences, car towing fees etc). Unfortunately, there is almost no partisan competition at local government level anywhere in the country. The party in power in the state automatically assumes control of the local government structure; opposition parties stand almost no chance of making a dent. Armed with their SIECs, our governors become mini-tyrants when it comes to local government matters, concerned only about political control, not service to the people. One of the next milestones of our slow democratic journey should be the enthronement of real democracy at the local government level. Sometimes, these things seem like wishful thinking, but I’m convinced that change is possible in our politics. It might be annoyingly slow, but things change. Already, we are getting used to the idea of having relatively free

Now, the electorate are becoming more sophisticated and discriminating, it would seem, and are more likely to give, in their decision-making, as much weight to individual candidates as to political party symbols. While there are still some states that are virtual one-party states, like Enugu and Ebonyi (where I spent the weekend), which are firmly in the grip of the PDP – in these states, the PDP governorship primaries will be the real election; the polling in February 2015 will be no more than a formality – elsewhere things are changing. Take the example of Rivers State, which, until last year was one of the biggest pieces of the PDP’s landslidedispensing electoral juggernaut. Months ago, while on a visit to Port Harcourt, I was told by one resident that “the All Progressives Congress had no chance in the state. Rivers has always been a PDP State, bla bla”. It was easy to believe back then. But recent events seem to be casting a strong doubt on that anti-APC confidence, and now no one is sure anymore. The turnout at the recent Governor Chibuike Amaechi mega rally was for me a big surprise. Amaechi of course took advantage of this to taunt the President, saying: “The President says we exist only on posters and billboards. So, we brought a large billboard for him. If the President is not watching (the rally), they will give him security report.”

by the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC? Here is the dilemma. The ruling party, PDP, has taken the bull by the horns by limiting their candidature for the office of President to one person alone: Dr. Jonathan, the current president, being “begged” and TAN-ned to run “after performing so well.”

In truth, reality lives in a landscape of ceasefire, crossfire and doubtful continuity. But will the APC grab this momentum for change with both hands? Unlike the PDP, the idea of a consensus candidate may not, after all, suffice for the APC, which now parades a tripod of titanic gladiators. The Three

Musketeers: Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired; and former civilian Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Meanwhile, there is a fourth columnist in the race, media mogul, Mr. Sam Ida-Isaiah of Leadership newspapers,

who is still relatively invisible despite picking up a whopping N27.5 million form with ease, unlike Buhari, who went for a bank bailout. Of late, in the APC, all the candidates are fielding justifications that would find them favour with the voters, especially, the 6,000 likely party delegates. But must

Regular upsets would be more than welcome. While I continue to stick to my arguments that the APC and PDP are in the strict sense not (yet) real political parties, and are to a large extent easily interchangeable on account of an absence of true ideological foundations, it is still important to realise that they – whatever you might want to call them – are the building blocks of our democracy. If one of them was to vanish, we would be stuck with a one-party state, and no democracy. Give me two imperfect parties over a perfect monopolising one any day. The fear of the loss of power is the beginning of political sensibleness, I believe. If a party realises that it can always be dumped by voters then it is more likely to seek to put its best foot forward. And in those conditions, a war for talent between our political camps – like the ones we see in the European football leagues – is likelier. That, as far as I see it, can only be a good thing for our burgeoning democracy. Going along with that argument, I think the most exciting electoral scenario of 2015 would be the APC losing Lagos, and the PDP losing Aso Rock. Wishful thinking – or solid possibility? Source: THEPUNCH

Scenarios like the one in Rivers are a welcome development

Ideas, Not Emotions, Rule The World S the march towards general elections in 2015 draws nearer home in Nigeria, the political drums of wits, wisdom and war are beating high tempo and fast assuming a cacophonic crescendo, finding willing dancers amongst all the stakeholders in country, today, tongues are wagging as to who should become the next President in the continent’s largest democracy. From the man on the streets, beer-parlours and taxi-cubicles, farmers tilling the soil and nomads grazing their livestock; up to the egg-heads in universities, public service, religious centres and political jobbers, the topic has been the same. Should the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party continue despite his perceived short-comings and laxities, or would Nigerians vote for the ‘Change’ being proclaimed

for me because I believe that electoral uncertainty should be one of the cornerstones of any democracy. There’s no point to democracy if one side is always guaranteed a win, regardless of its levels of performance, or of the quality of the credentials of its candidates. And for too long, sadly, that is how Nigerian politics has been. The PDP has taken for granted its ability to win the Presidency, as the APC has its ability to win Lagos State.

caution be in the winds? Currently, the limits of defamation, denigration and, not in the least, disaffection are being stretched elastic. Well, one may want to say that “all is fair in war as it is in love.” But let’s put sentiments apart and try to draw sense out of this whole political closet. Does ideal democratic practice rest on the plank of unopposed candidature or a consensus by a few over the greater majority? No, it doesn’t. Therefore, those arguing for no primaries in the APC are definitely not doing the ‘Party of Change’ a world of favour. After all, the beauty of democracy is in people’s participation, freedom of association and expression of interest. This also correlates with the tenets of people’s power of process and platform. •ALABA YUSUF, Jabi, Abuja.

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Giant Strides OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Aregbesola's Mid-Term Assessment Report:

Great Are Your Legacies! (IV) Still in the joyous mood of celebration, this piece of work is a promise kept to continue with the series of editions devoted to showcasing the landmark achievements of the Government Unusual in the State of Osun in all sectors of life. As has already been pointed out, the mid-term assessment report of the Rauf Aregbesola administration is necessary to weigh how far the administration has gone with delivering the good of democracy dividends to the doorsteps of the citizenry; and how bettered our society had been by its exertions. NIYI OLASINDE remains the anchor as the series continues.

•The newly-commissioned ultra-modern school building of St. Stephen’s ‘B’ Middle School, Modakeke, State of Osun.

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Great Are Your Legacies! (IV)

•Entrance of the newly-constructed L.A. Elementary School at Obada Area, Ede, State Of Osun, under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Contiuned from page 5

Continued from last week. HE last edition closed with the consideration of achievements made so far in the Agriculture and Rural Development; Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Food Security Sub-sector of the State of Osun in the last four years. Due partly to limitations imposed by space and time; and partly to the need to be concise and straight-to-the-point, the events and happenings in the sub-sector had to be summarized so that other subsectors could be considered. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine is taking this edition to pursue the task of showcasing events, happenings and astonishing strides made in other sectors and sub-sectors of the economy of the state within the stipulated time. · Education, Science And Technology THIS aspect of the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola deserves much of critical focus, since it proved all along that Education sub-sector is one of the principal specialties of the administration. To this end, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine has devoted much space and time to its detailed spotlight in series of our editions in the past years. It is not as if we are giving up of this effort; but we intend not to overbeat it. So, we shall make mention of some of the giant strides recorded in the sub-sector before expressing desires and expectations for the year 2014. As a sub-sector of the Social Services Sector of our economy, the importance of education to the socio-economic and industrial development of any nation cannot be overemphasized. It is against this background that the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola has remained resolute on the promotion of functional education in the state. The governor continually recounted how a timely discovery was made by his team that the educational infrastructures in our schools were in worrisome state upon their assumption of office in late 2010. In order to rightly and accurately assess the level of decay in our educational system, the Government of the State quickly held a two-day education summit with the theme: “Resolving the Education Crisis in Osun State: Bridging Analysis and Implementation Gaps” at the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in February 2011. The summit was to become one of the most prominent and decisive giant strides taken by the Aregbesola administration. To put the record straight, it came as the first ever in the annals of education summits in the state! By that singular action, the incumbent administration demonstrated its unwavering resolve to tackle head-on the spate of neglect and rot that had bedeviled the education industry in the state. Also by it, the Government Unusual took the bull by the horns to restructure and reconstruct amenities and infrastructure in the education sector of the state; in order to restore

quality and promote functional education at all levels in the state. Apart from the Free Education Programme at the Primary and Secondary levels, the Aregbesola administration in the state has made remarkable achievements in the educational sub-sector. An instance of this is the rebranding, repackaging and transformation brought to bear on the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme; an old programme of the Yar’Adua / Oyinlola years; which has been resuscitated and rechristened Osun Elementary School Free Feeding Programme (O’ Meal). With the reorganization and resuscitation of the programme, all the pupils in primaries one to three in public schools in the State of Osun are now covered under the free feeding programme which offers them wide assortments of highly nutritious meals during the school hours. Even meals that are not served in routine menu in conventional practice, like quality chocolate, milk, eggs and chicken are on the list of regular menu of the feeding programme. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine wishes to pause here and reflect briefly in passing the extent of international acceptance and recognition which the State of Osun; through the O’ Meal programme has garnered unto itself. On January 22, 2014, the Governor of the state and grand designer cum prime mover behind all the innovation packages currently ongoing in the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was in the European nation of the United Kingdom on the invitation of the higher legislative chambers of that Queen’s country, the House of Lords, to enlighten, brief and teach the parliamentarians on the nitty-gritty and workings of the O’ Meal programme, which has turned it into a bundle of wonders in the state. It is no longer news the vibrant and ground-shaking standing ovation the governor was accorded at the event. Through that feat, Ogbeni Aregbesola has done us proud as a people as the first ever governor in Nigeria; even in Black Africa to be so esteemed and honoured to be summoned to lend knowledge to the White World, usually looked upon for originating innovations in virtually all areas of human endeavour, education inclusive. This feat came to the shame, confounding and stupefaction of detractors who see nothing good in virtually all the good gestures of the Aregbesola administration, especially in the Education sub-sector. More wonders are still expected to unfold during the current year. In addition, the poor condition of infrastructure in public schools in the state is already being radically reversed. Towards this end, the first phase of the construction of New Model 100 Elementary Schools, 50 Middle and 20 High Schools is in top gear. The fiscal year 2012 witnessed massive reconstruction and rehabilitation of the dilapidated school buildings inherited

by the administration of the day from the inept administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. This, the governor noted, is in consonance with the team’s determination to raise the standard of education in our dear state. It is in a bid to arrest the spate of perennial acute shortage of teachers in our schools and concomitantly ensuring effective teaching and learning activities in schools that the incumbent administration has embarked on massive recruitment and selection processes for qualified, quality, competent and experienced teachers for engagement at our Primary and Secondary levels. This step, apart from being a necessity to compensate for the ravaging neglect of the past; became necessary to take adequate and abundant care of the exploding enrolment figures in schools, following the introduction of a true, functional and qualitative education at those levels. Specifically, various selection exercises have so far been conducted by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the State Post-Primary Teaching Service Establishment and Pensions Commission (TESEPC), involving various numbers of candidates successfully absorbed into the teaching service of the state. Following the large number of retirees in the state’s teaching service at the end of the 2012 fiscal year; arrangements were put in place in year 2013 to get a huge number of teachers employed in replacement for the retired ones. This plan saw the light of day as the year witnessed massive recruitment and selection of teachers at those levels of education. With proper inauguration of appropriate boards in particular, provision of required number and quality of teaching personnel has begun to receive greater attention in the past year. In this direction, greater attention is anticipated to come this year. In addition to these numbers of teachers engaged, selection has also been made for competent and qualified teachers among the volunteer cadets of the popular Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and those hitherto employed by the Parents-Teachers’ Association (PTA). According to plan, the process of recruitment of teachers, which had been on, and was billed for completion within the first quarter of 2012, is intended to be a continuous process. What this implies is that even during the New Year, another batch of massive recruitment and selection of teachers is expected to be carried out for existing and continuously-opening vacancies in the elementary and secondary rungs of the education ladder. Also in the area of education, the governor noted that it was in his administration’s bid to ameliorating the suffering of parents, guardians and students that reduction was effected in the exorbitant fees being Contiuned on page 11

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

MAGAZINE

Great Are Your Legacies! (IV)

•AREGBESOLA Contiuned from page 6

charged by the authorities of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN). A similar gesture was extended to all other tertiary institutions owned by the state. These include the Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree; the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke; the Osun State College of Education (OSCOED), Ilesa; and the Osun State College of Education (OSCOED) , Ila-Orangun. The Government of the State, the governor declared, had abrogated all forms of charges in our public schools. To achieve effectiveness in teaching and learning, the examination and running grants being released quarterly by the government to the public secondary schools in the state have been increased by over 300 per cent. It was promised that the Aregbesola administration shall continue to give the deserved attention to the welfare of teachers in 2012. This promise was redeemed all through the year, and this shall surely continue through the New Year, judging by the level of recognition being currently accorded to teachers and the teaching profession. It is placed on record how in the year 2012 teachers in the high echelon in the state were elevated to the exalted status of Permanent Secretary, with the designation of Tutors General. Facts on ground have also revealed that within the short period of the incumbent administration of Rauf Aregbesola in office, the State Library Board had received the full attention of government, particularly in the provision of conducive working environment; a situation which has positively impacted on its services to the reading public. The governor constantly promises that the State Library Board would continue to receive quality support from the State Government of Osun in 2012 and years ahead. Ogbeni Aregbesola also promises his administration’s resolve to revive the State Scholarship Board. This promise has been redeemed in the year 2012, and shall be consolidated in years ahead. Under the auspices of the scholarship board, assistance is given to deserving, outstanding but indigent (financially challenged) students of the state’s origin to obtain higher education at home and abroad. Since the governor has already rolled out the State of Osun Schools’ Calisthenics Programme, alongside the inauguration of Ewa Ipinle Osun, it is certain that he shall soon be forthcoming in the fulfillment of his promise to give revival to the old boys’ and girls’ associations and voluntary clubs in all primary and secondary schools for leadership training and team spirit building. Last year, it was in full realization of the vibrant role and the auspicious place of Education sub-sector of the

•LAOYE-TOMORI

Social Services Sector to the socio-economic life and political emancipation of the State of Osun and the liberation of the people that the incumbent administration accorded to it a total allocation of N13.7 Billion or 18.8 per cent of its total capital budget; though that initial budgetary provision later on got reviewed upwardly, following the consideration of the State of Osun House of Assembly. During the last one year, there have been tremendous achievements recorded for the Education sub-sector in the state. Apart from the State of Osun Schools Uniform Scheme (O’ Uniform) other strings of successes have followed. Chiefest of them all; which is among the fundamental firsts which the administration has recorded so far is the introduction of the computer-like devise into the teaching-learning programme at the Senior Secondary level of education in the state. The programme called Tablet of Knowledge (Opon Imo) has brought lots of improvements in to the learning processes at that stage as well eased the process of getting the state’s candidates for external examinations adequately prepared for success. Lots have already been written on the nittygritty of the Tablet of Knowledge (Opon Imo) our earlier editions. The launch however eventually saw the light of day in the month of May last year. Also during the month of May, precisely on Monday the 27th May 2013, the annual globally-held Children’s Day celebrations took a different turn in the State of Osun. This was as at the instance of the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola the first-ever O’odua World Children’s Day Celebration was organized and held. The event, a unifying force for all offspring of legendary Oduduwa in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, turned out to be a convergence of all children, adult and traditional (royal) fathers of Yoruba extraction spread across the globe. At the event of the day, representatives and contingents present included those from about ten states in the federation of Nigeria, those from the neighbouriing old Dahomey Kingdom (now Republic of Benin), and those from other parts of the universe, with the inclusion of the United States of America (USA), the Americas and the Caribbean. It was really a colourful and eventful programme. The states within the federation include the host state, the State of Osun. Others are Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States. We also had in attendance other states like Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states. Apart from an impressive turnout from almost all royal fathers from the host state at the event, royal fathers from other places outside the State of Osun include the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; the Aseyin of Iseyin; and the Eleruwa of Eruwa. Royal fathers from the Republic of Benin include the Olupopo of Popo;

Onisabe of Sabe and Oniketu of Ketu among others. Through the auspices presented by the programme, youths from those different states mentioned above and those from other parts were able to interact and cooperate with love and share commonalities. As it turned out, and as Governor Aregbesola himself pointed out at the programme, the event of May 27, held at the main bowl of the Osogbo Township Stadium (under construction at the time) marked the largest-ever held congregation of black nationalities anywhere in the world. The greatest achievement of the event was bringing together after a long period of conflict two prominent and frontline Yoruba royal fathers, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II. During the month of July, same year, the third in the series of quiz competitions annually held in commemoration of the birthday of the internationally reputed literary icon and Nobel Laureate in Literature, Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka was held, with the State Government of Osun taking the position of a leading light. Last year’s episode, marking the academic giant’s 79th birthday had the involvement of seventynine youths for the finals which were held in the Government House of the State of Osun in Osogbo, the state capital. The aim of the programme transcended merely celebrating the excellence radiated by Soyinka, but raising future stars among our youths; who would project our image in the future; even after we might have been long-gone! This feat has already been repeated this year at the occasion of the 80th birthday anniversary celebration of the academic giant. Time and again during the outgone years, we brought to the fore the numerous achievements of the incumbent administration in the state in the aspect of development of schools infrastructure in the state. This is talking in terms of the activities of the State of Osun Schools Infrastructure Development Project (O’ SCHOOLS). In September 2013, the first in the numerous ultra-modern schools building projects of the O’ SCHOOLS project was officially commissioned and delivered for use. The Salvation Army Middle School, Alekuwodo, Osogbo, the state capital is a 900-seater state-of-the-art complex, which put to rest the insinuations of detractors that all of the school building projects of the administration were destined to be abandoned in the midstream. The school is one out of the fourteen in its category that are being put in place by the Rauf Aregbesola administration in the State of Osun. The school building has since been put to use; while other school, building projects initiated by the administration are almost completed / at various Continued on page 10

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Osogbo City Stadium In The State Of Osun Rehabilitated Under The Administration Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola As Captured By Our Cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, Last Saturday.

•Entrance of the Stadium.

•Back view of the Stadium.

•Stadium field.

•Viewers sitting.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Some Of The Completed Roads And An Ongoing Road Project In The State Of Osun Under The Administration Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola As Captured By Our Cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, Last Saturday.

•A completed road in Ilobu.

•Another completed road in Erin-Osun.

•An ongoing road project at Stadium area, along Ikirun road, Osogbo.

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Great Are Your Legacies! (IV) Continued from page 7

stages of completion and almost ready for official commissioning / delivery. The year 2014 have started pretty well indeed! From the start of the year, the hope had been high that more and more in the line-up of public schools being erected in the state shall be officially commissioned and delivered. This hope has not been betrayed during the first quarter of the year. During the month of February, the first in the list of completed elementary schools in the state was officially commissioned and delivered for use. The Baptist Central Elementary School, Ilare, IleIfe, which official commissioning was held on Tuesday February 18 witnessed massive turnout of residents of Ile-Ife, members of the political class and the entire people of the State of Osun – all of who were full of joy and prayers for the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his team. The elementary school is one of the thirteen (13) units of its sort being put in place in the state. The governor and other members of the State Executive Council present at the occasion of official commissioning appeared in the uniform of elementary schools in the state; another initiative of the administration. In his address at the occasion, Governor Aregbesola said: “The ongoing monumental transformation of education in the State of Osun is unstoppable. Nobody can stop us. “Even if we have to step on toes, we shall continue to build a solid future for generations yet unborn. The school is not for Muslims, Christians or traditionalists but rather for the people of the State of Osun. The education of our children must be taken seriously and we must not play pranks with it under any guise to secure the future of our state and society at large” In renewing his affirmation for the turnaround of the education sub-sector of the state, Aregbesola stated that the vision of his administration was to build an educational system that would produce great men and women in the society. In addition to the afore-mentioned data of thirteen (13) elementary school and fourteen (14) middle school building projects, there are still twelve units of high school building projects ongoing in the state. The governor however promised the delivery and official commissioning of all the projects before the end of his administration’s tenure of office. In his graphical analysis conducted at the occasion, Governor Aregbesola made it known that his administration was spending on annual basis a whooping sum of N27.1 Billion on teachers’ salaries and pension, while the Opon Imo project had so far gulped N1.2 Billion. He put the capital expenditure so far on education at N31. 1 Billion. In her earlier speech at the occasion, the Deputy

Governor of the State of Osun, who doubles as the Commissioner for Education, Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori revealed that the school has tentfive (25) classrooms, with capacity to accommodate one-thousand (1,000) pupils with other modern facilities like two (2) staff common rooms, one (1) office each for the headmaster and assistant headmaster, and a dining room. Others are modern sports field, and other features that make the school able to compete favourably with private schools anywhere in the contemporary Nigeria. She further had the following to say: “The school symbolizes possibilities and that change is inevitable. Despite the fact that some people are mischievous about the project, the government is right on top of the situation and we shall continue to work towards better future for our children” LOTS have been achieved in the Education sub-sector of the State of Osun during the first tenure of the administration in office. As a matter of fact, it can be argued with all justification that the sub-sector has been one of the most versatile in the state. Events and programmes which took place in the sub-sector within this period have so far been under review. Series of editions have been devoted to consummate consideration of the prospects of the education subsector of the Social Services Sector of the state’s economy. In this connection the achievements of the incumbent administration in the sub-sector during the year and in its entire three year plus in the saddle of governance were relayed. These were brought back to memory so as to actually capture the mood of the people and to make out the expectations of the people from the final blueprints of the year 2014 Appropriation Act. Prior to the consideration of the Education sub-sector, we gave consideration to the Agricultural sub-sector. Judging from the line-up of achievements in the various spheres of life, it became a safe conclusion that the people expect nothing short of greater giant strides in the various sectors of the state’s economy in the current year. Now that the year is almost at its end, and as a fresh tenure of office is almost commencing for the Aregbesola administration, expectations are very higher that lofty grounds are going to be reached for the state in the subsector. t is in a bid to arrest the spate of perennial acute shortage of teachers in our schools and concomitantly ensuring effective teaching and learning activities in schools that the incumbent administration has embarked on massive recruitment and selection processes for qualified, quality, competent and experienced teachers for engagement at our Primary and Secondary levels. This step, apart from being a necessity to compensate for the ravaging neglect of the past; became necessary

•Another section of stalls within the Ayegbaju Market, Osogbo.

to take adequate and abundant care of the exploding enrolment figures in schools, following the introduction of a true, functional and qualitative education at those levels. Specifically, various selection exercises have so far been conducted by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the State Post-Primary Teaching Service Establishment and Pensions Commission (TESEPC), involving various numbers of candidates successfully absorbed into the teaching service of the state. Following the large number of retirees in the state’s teaching service at the end of the 2012 fiscal year; arrangements were put in place in year 2013 to get a huge number of teachers employed in replacement for the retired ones. This plan saw the light of day as the year witnessed massive recruitment and selection of teachers at those levels of education. With proper inauguration of appropriate boards in particular, provision of required number and quality of teaching personnel has begun to receive greater attention in the past year. In this direction, greater attention is anticipated to come this year. In addition to these numbers of teachers engaged, selection has also been made for competent and qualified teachers among the volunteer cadets of the popular Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and those hitherto employed by the Parents-Teachers’ Association (PTA). According to plan, the process of recruitment of teachers, which had been on, and was billed for completion within the first quarter of 2012, is intended to be a continuous process. What this implies is that even during the New Year, another batch of massive recruitment and selection of teachers is expected to be carried out for existing and continuously-opening vacancies in the elementary and secondary rungs of the education ladder. Also in the area of education, the governor noted that it was in his administration’s bid to ameliorating the suffering of parents, guardians and students that reduction was effected in the exorbitant fees being charged by the authorities of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN). A similar gesture was extended to all other tertiary institutions owned by the state. These include the Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree; the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke; the Osun State College of Education (OSCOED), Ilesa; and the Osun State College of Education (OSCOED) , Ila-Orangun. The Government of the State, the governor declared, had abrogated all forms of charges in our public schools. To achieve effectiveness in teaching and learning, the examination and running grants being released quarterly by the government to the public secondary schools in the state have been increased by over 300 per cent. It was promised that the Aregbesola administration shall Continued on page 11

Contiuned on page 13

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

MAGAZINE

Great Are Your Legacies! (IV)

•Building of AUD Middle School, Araromi, Iwo under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Continued from page 10

continue to give the deserved attention to the welfare of teachers in 2012. This promise was redeemed all through the year, and this shall surely continue through the New Year, judging by the level of recognition being currently accorded to teachers and the teaching profession. It is placed on record how in the year 2012 teachers in the high echelon in the state were elevated to the exalted status of Permanent Secretary, with the designation of Tutors General. Facts on ground have also revealed that within the short period of the incumbent administration of Rauf Aregbesola in office, the State Library Board had received the full attention of government, particularly in the provision of conducive working environment; a situation which has positively impacted on its services to the reading public. The governor constantly promises that the State Library Board would continue to receive quality support from the State Government of Osun in 2012 and years ahead. Ogbeni Aregbesola also promises his administration’s resolve to revive the State Scholarship Board. This promise has been redeemed in the year 2012, and shall be consolidated in years ahead. Under the auspices of the scholarship board, assistance is given to deserving, outstanding but indigent (financially challenged) students of the state’s origin to obtain higher education at home and abroad. Since the governor has already rolled out the State of Osun Schools’ Calisthenics Programme, alongside the inauguration of Ewa Ipinle Osun, it is certain that he shall soon be forthcoming in the fulfillment of his promise to give revival to the old boys’ and girls’ associations and voluntary clubs in all primary and secondary schools for leadership training and team spirit building. We have so far showcased the achievements of the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola in the State of Osun so far within the short space of its stay in office; as well as expectations from the budget for the current year 2014 in the agricultural and Education sub-sectors of our economy. Hope springs eternal that the entire year shall be full of achievements that are laudable and remarkable in these two subsectors. We shall now focus on more sectors and subsectors of the state’s economy. Apart from the Free Education Programme at the Primary and Secondary levels, the Aregbesola administration in the state has made remarkable achievements in the educational sub-sector. An instance of this is the rebranding, repackaging and transformation brought to bear on the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme; an old programme of the Yar’Adua / Oyinlola years; which has been resuscitated and rechristened Osun Elementary Schools Free Feeding and

Health Programme (O’Meal). With the reorganization and resuscitation of the programme, all the pupils in primaries one to three in public schools in the State of Osun are now covered under the free feeding programme which offers them wide assortments of highly nutritious meals during the school hours. Even meals that are not served in routine menu in conventional practice, like quality chocolate, milk, eggs and chicken are on the list of regular menu of the feeding programme. During the current year however, the coverage of the feeding programme has been extended to cover Primary Four; with the possibilities of getting the coverage further expanded at some non-distant future date. In addition, the poor condition of infrastructure in public schools in the state is already being radically reversed. Towards this end, the first phase of the construction of New Model 100 Elementary Schools, 50 Middle and 20 High Schools is in top gear. The justconcluded fiscal year 2012 witnessed massive reconstruction and rehabilitation of the dilapidated school buildings inherited by the administration of the day from the inept administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. This, the governor noted, is in consonance with the team’s determination to raise the standard of education in our dear state. Consequent to the first-ever Education Summit held for the State of Osun referred to above, there was conducted a wide-covering inspection of schools and their facilities throughout the state; as well as requisition given to all principals and head teachers to give the roll of dilapidated structures in their respective schools; so as to give government the cues to follow in its demolition cum reconstruction bids via the instrumentality of the State of Osun Schools Infrastructure Development Project Committee (O’SCHOOLS). The committee, an intervention initiative of the incumbent administration aimed at reducing and even totally eradicating the untold risks of life to which users of the infrastructure (teachers and pupils alike) had been hitherto exposed. According to the Chairman of the committee, Otunba Lai Oyeduntan, by the middle of the year, most of the newly reconstructed school buildings shall have been delivered, completed and ready for official commissioning. This feat has been achieved as at date. As at the time of tolltaking and commencement of the reconstruction work, nothing less than four thousand and fifty-five (4,055) dangerously dilapidated structures had been demolished throughout the entire public schools in the state, as they constitute terrible risks to the lives of their users. Responding to questions bordering on allegations of indiscriminate demolition of school building structures from the camp of die-hard opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); the Chairman made it known that there were only few cases of wholesale demolition of structures; which was carried out only in places where the schools were billed for immediate

reconstruction. In furtherance of his exposition, Oyeduntan revealed that there were only twenty-four (24) of such cases. According to Oyeduntan, one of the major motives which served as impetus for the massive reconstruction of schools in the state; apart from saving the lives of users from the horrendous fangs of dilapidated structures was to make our school structures, furniture and other infrastructure compliant with the standards and requirements of the Twentieth Century. This goal is also being currently achieved. Other achievements of the government of the day through the State of Osun Schools Infrastructure include the massive use of local contents – local contractors, local suppliers of materials, local patronage of suppliers through procurement of manufactured materials from their sellers within the state; as well as the productive engagement of craftsmen and artisans with a view to injecting enormous cash into the economy of the state for the betterment of all. According to him, as the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) has been injecting about N200 Million into the economy of the state on monthly basis; so the O’SCHOOLS is doing valiantly to wrestle the state and its residents from poverty, penury, sloth and woe. Concerning the restructuring process in the education structure of the state, the state is well on course to accomplishing the meaningful categorization of stages of schooling into Elementary, Middle and High schools. By the resumption of schooling activities for a fresh session 2013/2014 academic year next September, the new categorization and dichotomization would have formed proper shape. These are all a tip of the iceberg in the strings of successes recorded by the Aregbesola administration for the mid-term period under appraisal. It is in a bid to arrest the spate of perennial acute shortage of teachers in our schools and concomitantly ensuring effective teaching and learning activities in schools that the incumbent administration has embarked on massive recruitment and selection processes for qualified, quality, competent and experienced teachers for engagement at our Primary and Secondary levels. This step, apart from being a necessity to compensate for the ravaging neglect of the past; became necessary to take adequate and abundant care of the exploding enrolment figures in schools, following the introduction of a true, functional and qualitative education at those levels. Specifically, various selection exercises have so far been conducted by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the State Post-Primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), involving various numbers of candidates successfully absorbed into the teaching service of the state. Following the large number of retirees in the state’s teaching service at the Continued on page 12

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

MAGAZINE

Great Are Your Legacies! (IV) Continued from page 11

end of the 2012 fiscal year; arrangements have already been concluded during the first half of year 2013 to get a huge number of teachers employed in replacement for the retired ones. This new employment roll shall be made prominently manifest by the beginning of the next academic session in September 2013. In addition to these numbers of teachers engaged, selection has also been made for competent and qualified teachers among the volunteer cadets of the popular Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and those hitherto employed by the Parents-Teachers’ Association (PTA). According to Ogbeni Arregbesola, the process of recruitment of teachers, which was then on, and billed for completion within the first quarter of 2012, was intended to be a continuous process. Also in the area of education, the governor noted that it was in his administration’s bid to ameliorating the suffering of parents, guardians and students that reduction was effected in the exorbitant fees being charged by the authorities of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN). A similar gesture was extended to all other tertiary institutions owned by the state. These include the Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree; the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke; the Osun State College of Education (OSCOED), Ilesa; and the Osun State College of Education (OSCOED) , Ila-Orangun. The Government of the State, the governor declared, had abrogated all forms of charges in our public schools. To achieve effectiveness in teaching and learning, the examination and running grants being released quarterly by the government to the public secondary schools in the state have been increased by over 300 per cent. It was promised that the Aregbesola administration shall continue to give the deserved attention to the welfare of teachers in 2012. This promise was redeemed all through the year, and this shall surely continue through the New Year, judging by the level of recognition being currently accorded to teachers and the teaching profession. It is placed on record how in the year 2012 teachers in the high echelon in the state were elevated to the exalted status of Permanent Secretary, with the designation of Tutors-General. Facts on ground have also revealed that within the short period of the incumbent administration of Rauf Aregbesola in office, the State Library Board had received the full attention of government, particularly in the provision of conducive working environment; a situation which has positively impacted on its services to the reading public. The governor constantly promises that the State Library Board would continue to receive quality support from the State Government of Osun in 2012 and years ahead.

•A recently commisssioned road in Ilesa.

Ogbeni Aregbesola also promises his administration’s resolve to revive the State Scholarship Board. This promise has been redeemed in the year 2012, and shall be consolidated in years ahead. Under the auspices of the scholarship board, assistance is given to deserving, outstanding but indigent (financially challenged) students of the state’s origin to obtain higher education at home and abroad. Since the governor has already rolled out the State of Osun Schools’ Calisthenics Programme, alongside the inauguration of Ewa Ipinle Osun, it is certain that he shall soon be forthcoming in the fulfillment of his promise to give revival to the old boys’ and girls’ associations and voluntary clubs in all primary and secondary schools for leadership training and team spirit building. Last year, it was in full realization of the vibrant role and the auspicious place of Education sub-sector of the Social Services Sector to the socio-economic life and political emancipation of the State of Osun and the liberation of the people that the incumbent administration accorded to it a total allocation of N13.7 Billion or 18.8 per cent of its total capital budget; though that initial budgetary provision later on got reviewed upwardly, following the consideration of the State of Osun House of Assembly. This year alone, there have been tremendous achievements recorded for the Education sub-sector in the state. Apart from the State of Osun Schools Uniform Scheme (O’Uniform) other strings of successes have followed. Chiefest of them all; which is among the fundamental firsts which the administration has recorded so far is the introduction of the computer-like devise into the teaching-learning programme at the Senior Secondary level of education in the state. The programme called Tablet of Knowledge (Opon Imo) has brought lots of improvements in to the learning processes at that stage as well eased the process of getting the state’s candidates for external examinations adequately prepared for success. Lots have already been written on the nittygritty of the Tablet of Knowledge (Opon Imo) our earlier editions. The launch however eventually saw the light of day in the month of May this year. Also during the month of May, precisely on Monday the 27 th, the annual globally-held Children’s Day celebrations took a different turn in the State of Osun. This was as at the instance of the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola the first-ever O’odua World Children’s Day Celebration was organized and held. The event, a unifying force for all offspring of legendary Oduduwa in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, turned out to be a convergence of all children, adult and traditional (royal) fathers of Yoruba extraction spread across the globe. At the event of the day, representatives and

contingents present included those from about ten states in the federation of Nigeria, those from the neighbouriing old Dahomey Kingdom (now Republic of Benin), and those from other parts of the universe, with the inclusion of the United States of America (USA), the Americas and the Caribbean. It was really a colourful and eventful programme. The states within the federation include the host state, the State of Osun. Others are Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States. We also had in attendance other states like Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states. Apart from an impressive turnout from almost all royal fathers from the host state at the event, royal fathers from other places outside the State of Osun include the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; the Aseyin of Iseyin; and the Eleruwa of Eruwa. Royal fathers from the Republic of Benin include the Olupopo of Popo; Onisabe of Sabe and Oniketu of Ketu among others. Through the auspices presented by the programme, youths from those different states mentioned above and those from other parts were able to interact and cooperate with love and share commonalities. As it turned out, and as Governor Aregbesola himself pointed at the programme, the event of May 27, held at the main bowl of the Osogbo Township Stadium under construction marked the largest-ever held congregation of black nationalities anywhere in the world. The greatest achievement of the event was bringing together after a long period of conflict two prominent and frontline Yoruba royal fathers, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II. Recently, the third in the series of quiz competitions annually held in commemoration of the birthday of the internationally reputed literary icon and Nobel Laurel in Literature, Professor Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka was held, with the State Government of Osun taking the position of a leading light. This year’s episode, marking the academic giant’s 79th birthday had the involvement of seventy-nine youths for the finals which were held in the Government House of the State of Osun in Osogbo, the state capital. The aim of the programme transcends merely celebrating the excellence radiated by Soyinka, but raising future stars among our youths; who would project our image in the future; even after we might have been long-gone! We have so far showcased the achievements of the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola in the State of Osun within the space of the first four years of the administration in the agricultural and Education sub-sectors of our economy. With our next edition in the Magazine segment, more sectors and subsectors shall be explored. To be continued.

POLITICS

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

The change of baton in the All Progressives Congress (APC), State of Osun, carries with it the burden of positioning the party for greater advantage, writes OLUSESI ISAAC.

Burden Of Osun APC New Executive Council E

The PDP’s general operations, from obvious lack of leadership always generate enormous conflicts, caused by dissension about collective goals, the uneven distribution of authority among constituents, violation of the rules, unbalanced allocation of values, and dissension about method of change. The party, the PDP relishes the thought of violence, wide and wild violence in the matter of change, even at the least provocation.

NTER Prince Adegboyega Famodun;

Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, out. No one made a political virtue of tears. There was only smile, the smile of corporate achievements of the duo, as a team. No one carried a plastered smile. The glow of smile was not faint. Happiness on both sides was full. Not dimmed. No one had happiness snuffed out of him and no conspiracy to deny anyone of happiness. No one was depressed at the event of the change of baton, either.

But Famodun and his executive council, from assessment are a corps of wizards in the game of party politics and party administration, with a flair for removing institutional obstacles to popular participation of the party people in party affairs. The Osun APC new leadership knows, the party people are the defenders of internal democracy and internal justice; while everyone outside the party knows, democracy is best facilitated by good leadership, and best corrupted by the manipulation of popular wishes.

And nothing put a damper on our collective celebration of the event – the inauguration of Famodun, and the valedictory of Adebiyi. The former is the State of Osun new Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling political party in the state; and the latter, is the out gone party chairman whose tenure was neither cruelly abridged, nor made the party go through the mill of unedifying history or procession of shame, gloom, misery and failure. The event venue is Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, the state capital; and the event, a Saturday ago was the best of events. No one wimped out and no one wimpished, or winced. No one’s spirit was broken. A broken spirit, if any at all, is only the midwife of a new spirit. No contradictions exploded in anybody’s face; no sign of distaste, looming in the horizon. And no atmosphere of genial indifference at the event. The event was the inauguration of Famodun, the State exsecretary of the party, a historic advance on the last. And there was a hug here, a handshake there. There was a shout for joy that reverberated cross-culturally, from the huge crowd to the podium; and quick and fast, in reverse order, just as the State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola charged the new party leadership to nib in the bud, the lies and deception being paddled by the Osun opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by letting the publics know the truth. Addressing the crowd, Aregbesola captured the moods and colours of all in his charismatic, short address as he further charged the party new executives to embark on deliberate and conscious mobilization of the masses of Osun, their participation, socialization and education for the building of democracy. And Famodun where he stood in strict alert, taking the oath of office as APC new Chairman, is not unaware of the engagingly robust logic of the historic moment. His postulations have always been anchored on his personal values of honesty, sincerity, team spirit and roundtable talk. Hear the new first partyman in Osun:”We are prepared to listen to others and consult other leaders of our party. We will not be sectional. Rather, we will be sensitive to different and sometimes contrasting backgrounds and orientations of party members,” pledging that his administration will “ensure openness, fairness and level-playing ground as well as ensure that the welfarism and good governance of our dear governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola continue unabated, until the development becomes irreversible in our dear state”. Indeed, the new party chairman is one, totally adrift with idolization of indolence; he is workaholic. A graduate of North London Polytechnics in Purchase and Supply, Famodun is a light that has never been hidden under a bushel as he crosses from one familiar landmark to another and sets the pace by his high ethical restraints in the discharge of his responsibilities. In 1983, he was Assistant Senatorial Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN); elected Chairman, Boripe Local Government Council (1990-1993); State Chairman, Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN), (19941998); State Chairman, All Peoples Party (APP) (1998-1999); and State Chairman of Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) in 2006. In the different epochs, the new State Chairman of APC, reportedly served diligently and unobtrusively. He is reputed to be as wise as he’s selfless, and he’s as

The Osun APC, the party ideology, the party symbol and the party songs experienced and shared in common by party members, perform enormous integration functions; and the Famodun executive council as integration medium, will further simplify the party integration process, as the father simplifies the unification of the family. The council knows that the greater its unification power, the greater the visibility of the party, that also determines the conditions under which democracy in Osun will continue to be sustained and consolidated. That is why the difference between party survival or breakdown is a question of political engineering.

•FAMODUN jealous of his integrity as he’s passionate about his service to humanity and the welfare of those around him. I can sum him up as a Force for Utilitarian Good; and I can testify that his profound infectious commitment to the party is Best for the party. Famodun, with his State new executive council of APC is happy to the marrow; and Adebiyi, the out gone chairman is happier that he’s not succeeded by small minds and Lilliputians. Both Adebiyi, and Famodun, then as party State secretary are a story of achievements. “No executive of any political party in the history of the state has been able to meet their achievements,” the governor noted as he commended the out gone executives. The duo of Adebiyi and Famodun had the exceptional priviledge that delivered total landslide electoral victories, in the April 14, 2011 general elections and in the August 9, 2014 governorship election, to the party, APC. They both successfully supervised the transmutation of Action Congress Nigeria (ACN) to the magnificent APC, meaning that they both shouldered greater responsibility of unification and stability of the new and larger progressive APC. The transmutation as supervised by the Adebiyi-Famodun team safeguarded the Osun APC ’s time tested culture of cohesion, unity, discipline, solidarity and interest articulation from diving into sheer political immaturity and anarchy, insensate hostility and mutual suspicion, and unbridled antagonism and acts of incendiary. Adebiyi and Famodun, in unison gave the ACN, later APC in the state critically required administrative growth and development. The state executive council of the party, under their cooperative captainship, took policy steps that actually institutionalized APC as a party to beat also in terms of stability, welfare, membership arithmetic, party groups

multiplication and mobilization of diverse publics for the party. Indeed, Famodun and his new team that also makes the state working committee of the party are no small minds and Lilliputians that one finds in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party that has tragically lost interest in protecting the party from wastage. Like a malignant cancer, the metaphor of wastage has overtaken every facet of PDP. Wastage has become the dominant specimen, the all-embracing formula for the tragedy of the party. The PDP creeping cancer of wastage has wasted the party’s best and brightest politicians, to APC at all levels of government and politics in Nigeria. Which explains that Famodun has greater burden of leadership as he contends with the wastage of the PDP’s best and brightest politicians into Osun APC; the burden of regularly critical appraisal and synthesis of the decampees’ political values and political loyalties; the burden of tilting positively the political attitude and behaviour of the entire new men and women in the party; the burden of generating popular disposition in terms of loyalty, allegiance and willingness in the old and new party people to have concerns above parochial concerns; and the burden of effective management of conflicts in the daily interactions within the party. As though conflict management seems a lot easier in APC, than in PDP where a similar change of party executive council would naturally lead to flexing of muscles or exchanges meant to show raw power, arrogance of office and shameless exhibition of clowns such that the PDP becomes embattled by the devaluation of its moral authorities, staggering as usual from storms and stress, and trial and depression to constantly unresolved internal rift and hemorrhage.

Famodun should note that if he engineers slowly when tackling serious party issues, he might be accused of procrastination or deacceleration. Many would want to write him off as indecisive and accuse him of ineptitude in a government of Osun that is in a hurry for development. And if he is one who does not brook lethargy; dispatch is his word, then, paradoxically he might be hailed for decisiveness or be hated for indecent haste. It is for him and other people in the Osun APC State new executive council that the axiom, ‘make haste slowly’ is invented. But Famodun is a wasp in politics like John McEnro, the American Lawn Tennis star is a wizard in the lawn game. Famodun’s political values have taken root and his loyalty to the party is firm. He has personal attributes which are sterling; of royal birth, he is at home with the royalty as he’s even at ease with the lowly. And luckily for him, the governor ’s six-point integral action pact with Osun people are enchanting and on course. I celebrate the enduring influence of Famodun’s “alma mater” the KMC, Igbajo the crucible that moulded his personality and burnished his character of soul and mind. And his wife says, “he’s truly a cherished and trusted fellow, dogged and rugged, and selfless and humble, as well as diligent and honest.” While the ceremony and celebration, after inauguration was done in style; and everybody, gorgeously look, dressed that spelt happiness as they exchanged pleasantries, enlivened by tantalizing meals and entertaining music. It was a unique exhibition of Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo attires, and extravaganza of APC customized wears. The verdict? The Osun APC new Executive Council, with passion for humanity and welfare will build a united political family of larger electoral coast, sweeping home victories at all elections. The ultimate burden.

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

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

FEATURE

Nigeria’s Unitary Federalism: The Making Of World’s Most Influential President Nigeria's President R ECENTLY, Goodluck Jonathan, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Ruben Abati, threatened to sue an online website, RichestLifestyle.com and other publications that claimed that Mr President is the sixth richest African President, with a net worth of $100 million. According to Abati, how could President Jonathan have muscled up such strength of wealth; considering the fact that he has never done what the likes of Dangote, Otedola or Jimoh Ibrahim of this world know how to do best.

Others are Nigerian Mining Corporation; Nigeria Re-insurance; Nigerdock Nigeria PLC; Securities and Exchange Commission; National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria; Nigeria Re-insurance Corporation; Nigerian Telecommunication; National Automotive Council; Nigerian Tourism Development; National Communication Commission; National Agency for Food & Drug Administration & Control; Nigerian Customs Service; Federal Inland Revenue Service; and Central Bank of Nigeria. Any other agency may be included by the Minister of Finance through a local notice.

Between 1999 and now, Nigeria's president has been earning his income via emoluments accruing from the offices he occupied. That is going by the defence that Mr President's media aide, Dr Abati, presented.

Sections 230 and 238 of the Constitution respectively empower the President of the Federation (again in this context President Jonathan) to appoint both the Chief Justice of the Federation and the Chief Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal. And, of course, the Chief Justice of the Federation is the Chairman of the National Judicial Council. In addition to Section 21(a) and (b) of Part I of the Third Schedule of the Constitution that empowers the National Judicial Council to recommend the appointment and discipline of Chief Justice of the Federation and other Federal Judiciary officers, Section 21 (c) and (d) also empower the National Judicial Council to recommend the appointment and discipline of State Chief Judges and other state judiciary officers. One can see that the entire judiciary system trickles down from the Presidency.

This foregoing is not particularly about the claim or otherwise of the financial strengths of President Jonathan. It is about the office of the Nigerian President and the influence that anybody occupying the seat could wield. Emoluments are monies that an individual legitimately receives from working. So, if arguments of Mr President's aide carried the day, how would he push an explanation against the fact that President Jonathan operates most influences; comparing situations around his current office with that of his counterparts across modern democratic world. The Nigerian Constitution, as it is being interpreted and implemented today in the country, arrogates huge financial influences, among other ones, to the office that President Jonathan occupies. This is because several contradictions are observable in the Nigerian laws. Interpreters, implementers, as well as occupiers of public offices, according to the Constitution also feast from this unpalatable development. Critically, the Nigerian state is an oxymoron in the sense that it is a federation only to the extent that its political structure includes a Federal Government, state governments, and local government councils. The workings of the political system as set in the 1999 Constitution is essentially unitary, as practically every political and economic act takes its cue from the central government. This is quite contrary to the tenets of true federalism. Basically, the principle of federalism prescribes that the central or federal government should exclusively handle matters like foreign policy and entering into treaties with other states, defence of territorial integrity of the nation, issuance of currency and responsibilities for central banking, customs and immigration. Provision of social services, like education, running of hospitals and public health, marriage, divorce, small time crimes should be left to states and local governments. But that is not the case in Nigeria. The Federal Government dabbles into practically every aspect of the lives of the citizens that should easily be handled by either the states or local government councils. For instance, all courts are regarded as one unit in the case of divorce. That is why a divorce case can be instituted in any part of the country without regard to the residence of the parties to the divorce case. Too much power, resources and patronage is concentrated at the centre, to the detriment of the states and local governments, which now appear as mere appendage to the central government. Every month, the states, for themselves, and in proxy for the local government councils, go with a begging bowl to collect offering from the god named Federation Accounts Allocation Committee or FAAC. The entire Part I of Schedule Two of the Constitution has an almost inexhaustible list of 68 items on the Federal Exclusive

•JONATHAN By ADEBAYO MABAYOJE Legislative List: This list covers commerce, arms and defence, aviation, broadcasting, and an imprecise section on "any other incidental or supplementary to any matter mentioned elsewhere in this list." Section 80 of the Constitution demands that all revenues or other monies raised or received by the Federation shall be paid into one Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation; and no money shall be withdrawn from the Fund except it is authorized by an Appropriation Act of the (Federal) National Assembly. Section 81 empowers only the President of the Federation (in the context of the foregoing President Goodluck Jonathan) to cause to be prepared and sent before the National Assembly (NASS), the estimate of the yearly revenue and expenditure of the federation. Section 1 of Part II of Schedule Two, (which dwells on powers shared between the Federal and States Governments) still empowers the NASS to make provisions for the division of public revenue between the federation and the states; among the states of the federation; between the states and the local government councils; and among local governments in the states. As if the powers of the central government are not already too much, the current Nigerian Revenue Allocation formula is as follows: 52 per cent to the Federal Government; 26.72 to all state Governments; and 20.60 to all local government councils. This, of course, excludes the 13 per cent deducted and paid to oil-producing states. Even then, the Federal Government still runs two agencies, the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission, on behalf of the oil-producing states.

Section 21 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 lists some corporations, agencies, and government-owned companies, whose Chief Executive Officers report only to the President. In Fiscal Year 2014, whereas the entire three arms of government; Executive, Legislative and Judiciary (with their ministries, departments and agencies) spent a measly N4.6 trillion, whereas these 31 autonomous agencies, that have no need to apply for an authority to incur expenditure, spend a whopping N12 trillion! This is another way of saying that the NASS need not formally pass an Appropriation Act before these agencies can spend money. These agencies simply provide only an abridged version of their annual earnings and expenditure to the NASS, which simply glosses over same, and approve as is, whereas Section 56 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, titled: 'Budget Circular,' prescribes "the submission, in a prescribed form, of the revenue and expenditure estimates of ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and other executing agencies of Government...; and gives detailed guidelines and instructions on the preparation of the estimates and expenditure..." These agencies are: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Nigeria Deposit insurance Corporation; Bureau of Public Enterprise; National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure; Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund; Corporate Affairs Commission; National Clearing and Forwarding Agency; Nigerian Unity Line; Nigerian Airspace Management Agency; Nigerian Shippers Council; National Maritime Authority; Raw Material Research and Development Council; Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority; National Sugar Development Council; Nigerian Postal Service; Nigerian Ports Authority; and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

There is more to the powers and influences of President Jonathan to dispense patronage: Section 153 of the Constitution gives him powers to constitute the Independent National Economic Commission, National Population Commission, National Judicial Council, Federal Judicial Commission, National Defence Council, National Security Council, Nigeria Police Council, Police Service Commission, Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, Federal Civil Service Commission, Federal Character Commission, and the Code of Conduct Bureau. One vital aspect where the Nigerian federal system deviates from that of the United States of America is that no state is allowed to have its own Constitution. Whereas in the days of Nigeria's First Republic, each Region had its own Constitution. That is no longer the case. These days, Nigeria's federalism functions like a military chain of command, which is essentially command and control. There is hardly a clear separation of powers in the three arms; the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary, and of the three tiers; the Federal, States, and Local Government Councils. Most of the resources go to the Federal Government, with the Constitution guaranteeing its supremacy in practically every aspect of the people's life, including the monopoly of the use of state coercive powers, like the military, the police, and the secret services. It is upon such oxymoron in the Nigeria's federalism that President Jonathan and his ruling party, PDP, rode roughshod on Nigerians and particularly on Osun people during the last governorship election, when he deployed over 73,000 security agents alongside billions of Naira to Osun. It is upon this that monthly allocation to states has been continuously decreasing since last year. With that number, insurgency in the Nigerian North East would have gone with history. Hence, it indeed is a misnomer, and mis-judgment, to refer to Nigeria's 1999 Constitution as a federal constitution. In any case, it bears the imprimatur of a military government.

•Mabayoje sent in this piece from Lagos.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Aregbesola's Latest Application To Dismiss Omisore's Petition:

Technicality Or Sound Principle Of Law? I

T is no longer news that Otunba Iyiola Omisore headed for the Election Petition Tribunal in Osogbo to challenge the victory of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the justconcluded gubernatorial election held on the August 9, 2014 in the State of Osun. It is also very interesting that efforts of the PDP before, during and after the filing of the petition at the Tribunal Registry, have been of high level drama of absurdities. There have been ridiculous allegations by the PDP of APC’s deliberate effort at frustrating their quest to get justice at the tribunal. There have been ridiculous claims by the PDP and their hirelings to give impression that they were rigged out in the just-concluded election, despite the shenanigans and raw show of force displayed by the “Almighty Federal Government” by unleashing the most wicked terror on innocent citizens of our dear state for belonging to a party other than PDP through which they have been inflicting untold hardship on hapless Nigerians since 1999. They went to the extent of shouting at the rooftops about a purported evasion of service of their petition by Aregbesola, as if there was no provision for substituted service in law. They gave the impression to the general public that they were a serious party and in a hurry to diligently pursue a petition that would see their emergence as the next government in our dear state. The desperation of Omisore’s PDP is so much that they result to outright falsehood by concocting fake figures showing that they are well ahead of the legitimate winner of the election. Some of their members even boast on the social media that come November 27, 2014, Iyiola Omisore is going to be sworn-in as governor. It was so bad that the chair of the tribunal had to clear the air on the fabricated figures and warned of dire consequences for a repeat of such shameful act. With the speed at which Omisore’s PDP had gone about conducting their case on the pages of newspapers and social media, one would have thought that they would be diligent enough to pursue the petition with vigour at the tribunal. Despite the arrays of Senior Advocates of Nigeria paraded by the petitioners, a major damage has been done to the petition, which has rendered it null and void. The only good thing that can be done to such incurably bad petition is for the tribunal to give it a decent burial by dismissing it in its entirety. The Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) is the law guiding election-related matters, including election petitions. The First Schedule to the Electoral Act provides a guide for filing of and procedure to be followed in election petition. By virtue of Paragraph 16 (1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, the petitioners (Omisore and PDP) have 5 days within which to file any Reply to the Replies of the petitioners. The Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s reply was served on the petitioners on October 9, 2014, but they purportedly filed a reply with respect thereto on October 14, 2014 and served same on Aregbesola on October 15, 2014.

•AREGBESOLA By IBRAHIM LAWAL

In essence, Omisore and PDP ought to have filed their reply to Aregbesola’s defence on the October 13, 2014 and not October 14, as he purportedly did. This conclusion found solace in the decision of the Court of Appeal in Aroh v. Odedo (2011) LPELR9202 (CA) at pages 15-16 paragraphs EE. This mistake of the petitioners by their refusal to file the reply to the respondent’s reply within time has rendered the purported reply filed on the October 14, 2014 null and void. The legal effect is that the pleadings in this petitions are deemed closed on the date of service of the respondents’ replies on the petitioners. For all intent and purposes, the active date when the pleadings closed in this petition is therefore on October 9, 2014. The petitioners’ obligation to apply for the issuance of Pre-hearing Notice in Form TF007 lapsed on that day by the provision of Paragraph 18 (1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010. By the record of the tribunal and the Certified True Copy (CTC) of acknowledgement of service of all process in possession of the respondents, it is clear beyond any iota of doubt that the 7 days the petitioners are expected to apply for the issuance of Form TF007 started on 10/10/2014, when all the respondents served their respective replies on the petitioners. The time to do so ended on 16/10/2014. Consequently, the 7 days’ limit to apply for the issuance of Form TF007 has expired and same cannot be extended.

•OMISORE

The implication of the failure to apply for the issuance of the Pre-hearing Session Notice as in Form TF007 therefore renders the petition abandoned. This position of the law was established in Okereke v.Yar’Adua (2008) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1100) 95 where the Supreme Court, interpreting Paragraph 3(1) of the Practice Direction 2007 (which provision is in pari materia with paragraph 18 (1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010) held that petitioner’s failure to comply with such provision relating to issuance of pre-hearing session is fatal and the tribunal is empowered to treat the petition as abandoned. The court further held that a party, who has failed to issue a pre-hearing form would bear the consequence of dismissal of the petition. I have read on various media, the PDP’s claim that the application sought to be heard by Aregbesola and APC is mere technicality aimed at delaying the hearing of the petition. This claim is nothing but an idle talk, as the Supreme C o u r t in Okereke v. Yar’Adua emphasised the fundamental nature of the pre-hearing session and the need for its strict compliance. The court summarised the law thus: “Pre-trial sessions in the present dispensation are a condition precedent before a tribunal or court can proceed to entertain any election petition or matters relating thereto. The position of the law is trite that no matter how well-conducted, where a court lacks the competence and jurisdiction to entertain a matter, the proceedings conducted thereon are a

nullity.” To add salt to the injury already suffered by Omisore and the PDP through their lackadaisical attitude, the Court of Appeal in ACN V. NOMIYE (2011) LPELR-3590 (CA) Page 34 paras D-F, having considered the full import of Paragraph 18 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) held as follows: “The application for issuance of Prehearing notice (in whatever form) must be made within seven days after the filing and service of the petitioner’s reply on the respondent or seven days after the filing and service of the respondent’s reply as the case may be. Failure to comply within the time frame is fatal to the petition. Time cannot be extended and the tribunal has no option but to dismiss the petition. If with all the noise, the arrays of lawyers and all the lies employed by the PDP, they still fail to adhere strictly to time stipulated for filing processes in their own petition, it will be too late in the day to bring in “substantial justice” mantra to save a petition that is dead on arrival. If the tribunal accedes to Omisore’s request for the application to be heard with the main petition, it is just a postponement of the dooms day as the petition has suffered a self-inflicted fatal blow and no amount judicial surgery can save it from this terminal disease.

• Lawal is the SSA (Legal and Judicial Sector Reform) to the Governor, State of Osun.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014

HE theatrical escapade of our political gladiators in Nigeria has continued to plunge people in utter bewilderment because as one riddle is at the verge of being decoded, another one unfolds for attention; thus compounding the rigmarole of ever-volatile political terrain of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At least, we have seen that it is only here in Nigeria that the more you try to be keenly observant, the less you visualize telling stories about. I am not sure this is explicitly peculiar to Nigeria, but events over the years are indicative of the reality that Nigeria is a country to outwit in the art of muddled scenario.

By ADE OLUGBOTEMI

Speaker Tambuwal And His Clear Conviction

It is the wish of any politicians, or aspiring political office seekers to rise to pedestal of recognition in office. Everything is done for this purpose, and irrespective of what dirty antics are applied, beneficiaries believe that mere fence-mending effort will be enough to assuage frayed tempers. That is the reason behind the common saying in the political circle that “there is no permanent friend or foe in politics”. This is where the rottenness of politics domiciles, because an average typical politician is both a schemer and a chameleon. These attributes are applied in their reticent game to outwit one another, and the gains accrued are apportioned according to individual ingenuities, positive or negative. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mallam Aminu Tambuwal, has tasted both the juicy and not too palatable sides of politics. His ascendancy to the seat of number four citizen in the land was not without its challenges and stiff opposition from the powers- that-be in his own party. All topnotch stakeholders in the ruling-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were against his emergence as Speaker. It took mere goodwill across the rank and file (cutting across party line) of House members to ensure that PDP’s preferred choice in Jadesola Akande, a legislator representing Oyo State in the lower chamber was schemed out. The result of that internal democracy in the House of Representatives is there for the whole world to see today. We have suddenly discovered that it is possible for lawmakers to develop independent minds that will shield their consciences from the idiocy of executive overbearing. We see a departure from the inglorious era of stooge-parliament, when elected legislators only play the script passed across by the executive arm. Legislative process has almost turned an executive rubberstamp that is devoid of robust constitutional debate desirable for oversight scrutiny. Many moves of the executive arm have been faulted based on the resolve to depart from the inglorious era of legislative junketing,

•TAMBUWAL

whereby executive bills are given easy passage without thorough scrutiny. The natural tendency of humanity is to desire privilege and pleasure. The sure availability of honour, money, opportunities, and other paraphernalia of office at Tambuwal’s beck and call are enough to cause him to stay put with the ruling-Peoples Democratic Party. Because it is certain from the onset of Jonathan’s tenure that he would seek for re-election, it is also certain that Tambuwal will remain the Speaker upon his return to the lower chamber in the fast-approaching general elections. It is then just rational not to leave certainty for uncertainty. Tambuwal must then have seen what remains in obscurity for most of us. The motivator of Tambuwal’s unprecedented move may be unveiled so, so soon, when the dust settles on his decamping. The revelations that may likely come in torrents will no doubt help the teeming voting Nigerians decide on

which of the parties and candidates to vouchsafe their votes to at the polls early next year. Speaker Tambuwal may not have such motive as to open any can of worms yet, the attempt by PDP to vent a spleen will definitely force words out of his mouth. My consternation domiciles in the overall effect such exchange of banters will have both on the success of the much-envisaged elections and the socio-political structure of Nigeria. The sitting Speaker of the lower chambers may hold his peace and keep sealed lips, so long as PDP allow for natural course of justice. We must not be surprised if words are forced out the gentleman’s mouth through reprisal vilifications that PDP may bring to bear. The security details of Mr Speaker have been withdrawn, and people are already sending out warning signals that PDP may plan for the worse in terms of the content of their vindictiveness that may be charged against the innocent. Speaker Tambuwal has to be careful and be security-

conscious more than ever. This is definitely not the best of time to take anything for granted; especially the issue of his personal security and safety. The party to which he has decamped (APC) must also note that the time of seeking repose and smirking is not now, as the endangered cobra that comes out of its hiding with a smiley face is not a best companion for the hunter. Few days from now, Nigerians will have the opportunity to assess the maturity of the people in the lower chamber. They will see whether our legislators are really the executive stooges that most people call them, or they have come of age to really show objectivity that distinguishes most legislative arm of government in the developed world in Tambuwal’s case. We shall see whether or not fifteen years of a so-called stable polity has really translated to a body of lawmakers that cannot be tossed around by those who are even in the position to learn from their robust legislative experience. This period poses a litmus test, and it is yet to be seen if actually our legislators will not constitute a threat to the transition period that will climax in February elections. It may be that the decision of Tambuwal to settle for Sokoto State gubernatorial ticket will be an asset to his new party, after the wellorchestrated conjecture that the man was eying presidential seat. It is now very obvious that the nationwide consultation, which cut across party divides prior to the decamping was well thought out. Nigerians now patiently await the outcome of the melodrama that has already led to Tambuwal, a sitting Speaker being humiliated with the withdrawal of his security details by the overzealous Acting Inspector General of Police, who may probably be out to do a dirty job to impress his principal, and possibly convince him that he is qualified to be made a substantive Inspector General. This is the appropriate time for our legal instruments to again be put to test for the efficiency that ordinary Nigerians have often clamoured for. Our nationhood is likely to be threatened, depending on how PDP handle the matter of Tambuwal’s cross-over. A make or mar scenario may soon be unfolding and all those who are interested in Nigeria’s continued existence must really come up with suggestions and actions that will save the country from the time-bomb that is likely to set her on fire, if care is not taken. The ability to overcome the challenges that this issue of Mr Speaker’s defection will pose will surely make a greater Nigeria that all of us will pride ourselves in.

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