Osun Defender - September 11th 2014, Edition by OsunDefender

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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 Weeks before the August 9th gubernatorial elections which was won by the pragmatic Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the APC, it was obvious we were up against forces other than the people of Osun state which naturally should be the determinant of

PEOPLE FIRST

VOL. 9. NO.109

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imperial President Front Page Comment though utterly clueless, desperate to add The War Called The Osun but Osun to his conquest in furtherance of his stillElections; By Segun Tomori born second term bid. Peoples Democratic

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

Party (PDP), outrightly unpopular with barely a few dozens of people trailing him at campaigns however worethe confidence of a Governor-In-waiting.

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

maybe June 12, 1993 Presidential elections presumed to have being won by my President, M.K.O Abiola could be an exception. It wasn’t because I had So lo and behold, the die was cast!I have not affinity with anyone in Ogbeni’s government or been emotionally because I enjoyed any attached to any elecform of patronage but tions in Nigeria as I was because

with the Osun elections,

Continue on pg5

Governorship Election:

Drama At Osun INEC Over Inspection Of Election Materials •As PDP Supporters Attack Journalists

- See Story On Page 2

I Saw Hell On The Eve Of Osun - Pages 6&7 Poll - Isiaka Adeleke

Burning Of APC Member’s Car In Ibokun - Pg 4 Raises Dusts Aregbesola Commiserates With Osun People Over Chief Imam’s Death - Pg 4

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); member representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, Honourable Sunday Ifedayo Abegunde (3rd right), Deputy Chairman, Ondo State All Progressives Congress( APC), Mr. Ade Adetimehin (3rd left), All Progressives Congress Leader, Akure South, Honourable Gabriel Aderomilehin (2nd left), Chairman, Oranmiyan Sunshine Movement, Mr. Sunday Elijah (left), Comrade Tope Ohunmakin (2nd right), Hon. Saka Yusuf (right) and other members of Oranmiyan Sunshine Movement during a congratulatory visit to the governor on his victory in the August 9 governorship election held at state Government House, Osogbo, last Sunday.

Adejare Seeks Soft-landing, Begs Adeleke

- See Story On Page 3

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

Drama At Osun INEC Over Inspection Of Election Materials •As PDP Supporters Attack Journalists By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

There was a mild drama at the State of Osun headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disagreed over the mode of inspection of the election materials used for the August 9, 2014 governorship election. The state Election Petition Tribunal had granted an order for the APC and PDP to inspect the materials used for the poll. Serious arguments

however broke out when a counsel of the APC, Mr. Dauda Akinloye, disagreed with the INEC for allowing the PDP to make photocopies of Certified

True Copy (CTC) form without the consent of the other representatives. He argued that the INEC was supposed to make the photocopies for the PDP, an argument which the INEC representatives conceded to as appropriate. Subsequently, there was another argument when Akinloye also said the order obtained from the tribunal for the inspection should be

produced by the counsel to the PDP, with a view to ensuring that the order of the court was not misinterpreted. This also led to altercation between the two parties, as the counsel to the APC asked the counsel to the PDP to state the materials in Exhibit ‘A’ as stated by the order of the court. It took the intervention of

the INEC Head of Operations, Mr. Azees Olatunji and INEC counsel, Mr. Wuyep Ishaku, to save the situation from degenerating. Earlier, some PDP supporters, who had been mobilised in hundreds to the INEC office, had caused stirs, as they waylaid reporters of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), who came around to cover the inspection exercise. This forced the APC counsel to insist that members of the party would also be called upon to mobilise to the

commission’s office. It took the intervention of the Administrative Secretary of the commission, Mr Oladapo Oladipo, who also kicked against the mobilisation of PDP members to the commission’s office. Subsequently, the PDP members were directed to the leave to allow the inspection to continue. Despite the earlier drama, the inspection of the materials, slated for 10:00am, eventually commenced around 3:48pm with the inspection of ballot papers for Obokun Local Government Council Area.

NCP Calls For Dissolution Of Tribunal Members By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); Chief of Staff to State of Osun Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (2nd right); Professor Olu Aina, Team Leader, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) (left) and Head of Lagos State of Office of ICPC, Mr Binga Shintema, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Osogbo recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Ondo Indigenes Congratulate Aregebsola By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

promising not to betray the trust reposed on him by the people. Aregbesola therefore, enjoined the people of Ondo State to join the progressive party to move the sunshine state forward. In their separate remarks, the Coordinator of Oranmiyan Sunshine Movement, Honourable Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, and the State Chairman of the

movement, Mr Sunday Ojo, maintained that Aregbesola’s victory at the poll has impacted positively on the stand of the party in the Southwest since it lost in Ekiti State. They however, implored him not to relent in his efforts at making life more meaningful for the entire citizenry, while praying for a successful tenure in office.

month after the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the people are still celebrating the re-election of the governor in the August 9, 2014 governorship poll. The latest congratulatory time. visit to the governor was Aregbesola, who that of the Association of appreciated the movement Ondo State Indigenes led by Abegunde said, he residing in Osun under the planned to use the next four aegis of Oranmiyan years’ of his administration Sunshine Movement led by to set the pace for the next a member of the Federal 20 years development, House of Representatives from Ondo State, representing Akure North/ South, Honourable Sunday He then admonished all Ifedayo Abegunde. By KAZEEM MOHAMMED men of God irrespective of Congratulating Governor Aregbesola on his victory , PEAKER, State House of Assembly of Osun, religious affiliate to take a Abegunde expressed Honourable Najeem Salaam, has condoled with cue from the peaceful optimism that with his Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Muslim community conduct and disposition of victory, the morale of people in Yorubaland and the immediate family of the late Sheik Ajisafe to all men of in the APC would further be President-General, League of Imams and Alfas in the faith, saying that his strengthened and would approach to religious definitely have a positive South-West, Edo and Delta states, Sheik Mustapha Olayiwola Ajisafe. reflection on all other elections. In a statement signed by The lawmaker, who noted his Chief Press Secretary, HE President-General, League of Imams and Alfas that the giant strides of the Mr. Goke Butika, the in South-West, Edo and Delta states, Sheik Mustapha governor in the state has speaker on behalf of the Olayiwola Ajisafe, is dead. built a strong tie between him and the people and state parliament expressed The prominent cleric, Ilori. expressed confidence that sympathy to the direct and He later studied in Cairo, the APC would rule Ondo indirect dependants of the who, until his death, was the Chief Imam of Osogbo, died Kuwait and Iran. late Islamic leader. State in years to come. He was appointed as Responding, Aregbesola Noting that the cleric on Monday night at the age Àjanassi to the late Sheikh attributed his victory to the spent years of service in the of 85. The late Sheik Ajisafe, Ayobami Onilewura and love and support of the way of Allah according to people of the state and Islamic dictate, he added born in Agege, Lagos in before his appointment as reassured the people of the that his exit is a big loss to December 1929, was a cleric the deputy Imam to Sheikh state of his commitment all Muslim Ummahs both at emeritus, who started as a Jimoh Baba Pupa, the then towards developing the student of the late Sheik Chief Imam of Osogbo. state within the shortest home and abroad. Kamaldeen Al-adabiyy AlHe was later appointed

HE National Conscience Party (NCP) has joined the call for the dissolution of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal set up on the August 9, 2014 election in the State of Osun. The dissolution call came on call on the need for the judiciary the heel of the reported removal to be fair and transparent in the of the Chairman of the tribunal, dispensaation of justice on the Justice I.M. Bako by the matter. President of the Court of He said: “One could not rule Appeal, Justice Zainab out political influence in the Bulkachuwa. removal of the tribunal According to the NCP, the chairman. The removal might be panel was no longer credible and to pave way for sabotage and there might be possible compromise at the tribunal. It compromise since the chairman might the influence of some of the tribunal was removed in powerful people. To clear the a suspicious move based on a air, there is need to dissolve the petition filed by some unnamed present tribunal and people. reconstitute another one. Vice Chairman of the NCP, “We do not know the content South-West, Comrade Waheed of the petition against the Lawal, called for the dissolution tribunal chairman, but we know at a lecture organized to mark that once the head is bad, the the 5th anniversary of the rest of the body will not passing away of the founder of function well. The tribunal has the party, the late Chief Gani been discredited following the Fawehinmi, in Osogbo, on petition against its chairman. Monday. The entire membership of the Lawal urged judges, lawyers tribunal should be relieved of the and the judiciary at large to work.” honour Fawehinmi’s memory Lawal therefore, called on the by upholding justice and equity, Court of Appeal President to instead of bastardizing the protect the image and integrity system with partisan politics, of the judiciary by corruption and selfreconstituting another panel for centeredness. The NCP chieftain stated the tribunal, warning that the that there was need to constitute confidence that the people a fresh panel for the Osun reposed on the judiciary should election petition, premising his not be disappointed. “All eyes are on Osun election petition tribunal. We know what happened during Justice Thomas Naron-led harmony gave his tenure a tribunal on the April 14, 2007 much needed peace in the governorship election in Osun. South Western part of We know how some judges that sat on election cases Nigeria. The Speaker prays for the compromised and awarded reposed soul of the Islamic victory to the highest bidder. We leader that Allah will rest him do not want the reoccurrence of Naron-led tribunal in Osun. in Aljanah Firdous. “Our confidence in the Nigeria judiciary remains intact. But the judiciary, a very strong the President-General, arm of government, must steer League of Imams and Alfas clear of political interference. in Yorubaland, Edo and There are desperate politicians that are ready to bring the Delta. The late Imam was a judiciary down the drain like thorough-bred scholar, a they did before. The Judiciary seeker of knowledge, as his should guard its integrity. “The President of the Court versatility in reading any language fluently was a of Appeal should reconstitute plus, for he was comfortable another tribunal for Osun in reading English, French, election. That is how to ensure Latin, Hebrew and Yoruba fairplay and a level play ground for all the parties involved in languages. the case,” Lawal stated.

Osun Assembly Condoles Muslims Over Ajisafe’s Death

South-West, Edo, Delta Chief Imam Dies

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

Osun Lawmaker Cautions Against Intimidating Opposition On Elections By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

lawmaker in the State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Kamil Oyedele, has cautioned against using security operatives to harass members of opposition parties during election by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government, if democracy must continue. He stated this in Osogbo on spite of the intimidation and Monday while relaying his harassment, the will of God experience during the August 9 and of the people eventually governorship election in Osun, prevailed. saying that the way and manner He said: “The experience the security personnel were during the election was terrible, used to intimidate and harass as members of our party, APC, members of All Progressives including lawmakers were Congress (APC) during the subjected to harassment and election posed a serious danger intimidation without to the nascent democracy. committing any offence based The lawmaker, representing on order from above. Irepodun/Orolu State “In my local government Constituency added that in council area, on the eve of the

election, I was at a meeting within my town, Ifon, where I learnt that I was being trailed for arrest and that I should not sleep in my house, but I insisted. “At about 2.00am on August 9, I saw about 10 armed soldiers through my CCTV camera jumping the fence to come into my house and eventually entered the rooms in search of incriminating materials till 4:30am without finding anything. “Eventually, I was able to convince them when I told them about the illegality in what they were doing and the man that led them had to apologise that their action was based on an order from above.

“A PDP leader in the area, Mr Moses Adetoyese Ojo, led them to my house and he was the one pointing the houses of APC members to soldiers for harassment. In fact, four of our members were arrested on the queue on the election day without committing any offence,” he said. Wondering why the Federal Government would be using security agents to persecute members of APC, with a view to winning elections by all means, the lawmaker said such act spells doom for the nation’s democracy. Noting that the 2015 elections would determine if Nigeria would still remain as one entity, or be divided, he said that if the intimidation meted

•A newly-asphalted road at Ajia Estate, Ijebu-Ijesa, under the administration of Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI Aregbesola.

on the people of Osun is repeated in 2015, the story might not be palatable. He advised that the people should be left to decide who they want in power, noting that that is what must be allowed to come to play if the nation’s democracy must

Osun Governorship Election Was Like A Warfare - Omoworare By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

N what seemed to be recount of ordeal, Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun-East Senatorial District in the Senate, has expressed his disappointment in the Nigeria’s security agencies over the alleged compromise and clampdown on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the State of Osun. Omoworare, who described on the governorship election that the election as a warfare in was held in Osun is: How come which heavy armed security the over 40 people arrested by agents stormed the state not to the security agents belonged to protect the electorate but to one political party? intimidate them, lamented the How come that all the over unprofessional behaviour of the 40 arrested were APC chieftains, security agents. including Alhaji Lai Muhammed, The senator also decried the the National Publicity Secretary statement of the spokesperson of the party, the Attorney for the Department of State General of the State, Mr Wale Security, Mrs Maryln Orga, Afolabi, the Risa of Iloko-Ijesa, who said: “there were bomb Honourables Segun Olanibi, blasts each time the APC lost Honourable Fafowora, Wale election in Nigeria, and there Adedoyin, the State was no bomb blast whenever Commissioner for Agriculture, the APC wins election.” among other notable APC He stated: “APC is a members. I have not mentioned peaceful party; the party one PDP member, because they cannot sponsor insurgence. If were not arrested.” in Nigeria, anybody is to be Omowore stated: “What we accused of sponsoring went through in the election was insurgence, it is the former more like warfare; and it was a governor of Borno State, warfare not with the PDP alone, Senator Alimodu Sherif, who is but with the security agencies, in the Peoples Democratic especially the DSS. They made Party (PDP). it seem all was fair in the warfare; “APC is a peaceful party. and it was not supposed to be. The poser I have always raised Elections are not supposed to be warfare. “Elections, in democratic settings, are supposed to be devoid of intimidation, violence in Nigeria. Also at the event were the and harassment. It is only in Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria election that you will see TEXEM, Mr. Alim Abubakre, soldiers, policemen, SSS taking Pkay Richardson, a Ghanaian over everywhere and intimidate Professor at the Manchester people. That is not good for Nigeria’s democracy.” Business School. Questioning the security agents on the rationale behind the arrest of the APC chieftains, constituency were said to be Omoworare said: “If you asked mounting pressure on him not what Alhaji Lai Muhammed was to listen to overtures from the doing in Osun during the election PDP chieftain, considering the period, he is the National Publicity Secretary of our party. fact that Adejare and the PDP The APC had announced its were desperately after his life resolution to move the National in the build-up to the poll. Secretariat to Osun for the Also, a source close to the election. My brother; Musiliu Adeleke compound in the Obanikoro was at the Ideal Nest ancient town revealed that Hotel, Osogbo for over 10 days. APC members in the area were What was he doing there during of the view that the embattled the election? Why was he not PDP chieftain is never a factor arrested? “The Minister for Police in the politics of the area, considering the outcome of the Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, was flying around in police poll in his ward. To this group, the former helicopter before and during the Speaker is only trying to election period. That helicopter redeem his battered image, is being fueled with my tax and tax. We are not saying this using the goodwill of the your not because I am a leader in APC, senator among the teeming but because we must entrench populace of the town and democracy the way it is believing it would be an insult supposed to be. to give him an easy ride to claim “Free and fair election must glory for the success of the be inculcated into the lifestyle party in 2015. of our people. You can never win all elections; people have the right to choose who to govern them. Why must we make electioneering in Nigeria a matter of life and death! “APC leaders were arrested, my heartfelt condolences to his lawmakers were sent into the immediate family, the bush. Hon Bamisayemi was government and the entire attacked not only by DSS but people of the United by fake policemen in town. Do I have the capacity to clothe thugs Kingdom.” police uniform? Am I the The governor noted that his with Minister for Police Affairs or the untimely death was not only a Minister of State for Defence. loss to his immediate family “My and APC position is and the British High that election must be free and Commission in Nigeria, but fair. We must respect the rights also to the people of the United of the electorate to elect the kingdom as a whole. candidate of their choice”

Infrastructure, Job Creation Earn Aregbesola Another Award In UK By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has stated that it would amount to failure of unimaginable proportion, if his government had failed in his first term to demonstrate that good governance, even in the face of meagre resources, is possible. Aregbesola said he went into governance in Osun, fully conscious of the challenges of poor leadership the state had faced and fully determined to change the affairs and bring about unprecedented changes in the lives of the people. The governor spoke at the Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, recently after being presented with an award of recognition for his administration’s commitment to job creation and infrastructure provision. Represented at the event by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said: “If we were looking for a comfort zone, contesting for the seat of governorship of Osun would certainly not be an option. But we were quite conscious of the enormous challenges facing our people and we were poised to change that. “We knew there were no resources, even though the state sits on some vast opportunities, which remained untapped. Our people needed the right quality of leadership to galvanise them into action and make them see the opportunities. “It would have been a terrible disaster,if we had failed in our first four years to show the people that good governance is possible.” Vice Chairman, Business Council Africa, Mr. Clive Carpenter, who presented the award to Aregbesola’s representative on behalf of TEXEM, a UK-based consulting agency in partnership

with the University of Manchester Business School (MBS), said the award was to encourage other African leaders to make good governance their main goal. Carpenter, who admonished

other African leaders to focus on development, recalled his meeting with late President Umaru Yar’Adua, when the latter met the Queen of England, saying he is quite aware of the vast investment opportunities

Adejare Seeks Soft-landing, Begs Adeleke By SHINA ABUBAKAR

currently heel-bent on asking his party chieftains to account for money given to them ahead of the election, including Adejare himself. It was gathered that Omisore is seeking explanation from some chieftains of the party, especially those who lost their polling units and wards, despite the huge amount of money committed to the poll and requested that such failed chieftains return the money given to them. Checks showed that Omiosre was embittered with Adejare, who lost the two local government council areas in Ede despite his purported popularity, only to go begging Adeleke over an election he lost to him (Adeleke). Meanwhile, the supporters of the Senator in Edeland and other council areas in the federal

HE deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 9 governorship election in the State of Osun, Honourable Adejare Bello, has been searching for means to mend fences with his estranged leader, Senator Isiaka Adeleke of the All Progressives Congress (APC), after fighting dirty with him in the build-up to the poll. Adejare had in his bid to hopeful has so far not been become the deputy-governor of getting positive response, as the state on the assurance of Adeleke was said not to be the PDP-led Federal listening to the pleas from the Government made many former Speaker’s delegates, enemies for himself in Ede, particularly as the senator is where he and Senator Adeleke said to be more concerned with his 2015 ambition. hail from. OSUN DEFENDER However, as soon as the party was defeated at the poll, gathered that Adejare is keen the embattled former Speaker on ensuring that the Senator began moves to appease the forgives him, with a view to aggrieved prominent indigenes garnering support of the of the town, who were harassed populace, especially as PDP is and intimidated before and gradually becoming crisisridden over election booty, as during the poll. The former Speaker, who Senator Iyiola Omisore is was said to have benefitted from Adeleke’s political tutorship, had publicly abused the senator, calling him names as a result of Adeleke’s defection to the APC. However, with the reHE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, has commiserated with the British High Aregbesola of the APC, Adejare Commission in Nigeria over the demise of its Deputy quickly sent emissaries to close High Commissioner, Mr. Peter Leslie Carter. associates of the first executive The governor in a statement In Aregbesola’s condolence governor of the state, asking for by the Director, Bureau of his forgiveness for dragging his Communications and Strategy, message, he said the late envoy reputation into the mud, while office of the governor, Mr. was a distinguished diplomat urging the Asiwaju of Edeland Semiu Okanlawon, prayed for and a gentleman of very high standing. to forgive him. the repose of the soul of the He said: “I am saddened by Findings revealed that the envoy, who died recently in the death of Carter. I pray for defeated deputy governor Lagos. the repose of his soul. I extend

Aregbesola Commiserates With British High Commission Over Envoy’s Death

continue. Commending the people of the state for standing firm and speaking with one voice during the August 9 election, the lawmaker stressed that inspite of the intimidation and harassment, the will of God and of the people prevailed.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

Burning Of APC Member’s Car In Ibokun Raises Dusts By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

HE mysterious fire that razed a Golf 3 Station Wagon Car of one Alhaji Jimoh Owolabi, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilase, Obokun Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, has started raising dusts, as the fire outbreak was suspected to have been politically-motivated. This was just as the enforcement agents to Senior Special Assistant to investigate and unravel the the Governor on mystery that surrounded Community Forum, Mr the burning of the vehicle. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Owolabi hails from Ilase, called on the law but his vehicle was razed by

some suspected political agents, who traced him to Ibokun at about 11.00pm of Wednesday, September 4. Inspecting the burnt vehicle, Oyintiloye described the act as barbaric and uncivilised. He revealed that Owolabi was the APC agent in Ward 4 in Ilase town during the August 9 governorship election and he resisted all attempts to short-change

the party, which led to rift between him and other parties, especially the PDP. He further alleged that in the aftermath effect of the defeat of PDP in the election, thugs, acting on the instruction of a prominent PDP leader in Ilase, took to the streets and began to unleash terror on APC members. He noted that several APC members sustained

various degrees of injuries, as one Deji Akanmu from Iponda, was matcheted and made to suffer a deep cut on his head. According to him, one of the thugs, simply identified as Ope Adepoju, was on police surveillance as at the time of filing this report. He further alleged that the burning down of the vehicle was the renewed terror on APC members, masterminded by politicians of the opposition extraction, while he urged the police to investigate the matter thoroughly, with a view to bringing the culprits to justice. According to him, the investigation was necessary to save Ilase town from acts of brigandage, as the town

is now being viewed from outside as abode of criminals, citing the burning of the monarch of the town and his palace in the late 2013. The owner of the burnt car, Alhaji Owolabi, who cried for help, lamented that he bought the car about four months ago after collecting his gratuity and using it for commercial purpose. Noting that the vehicle was the only means of livelihood left for him and his family, Owolabi called on the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to come to his aid. He said that the case has been reported at Ibokun Police Station.

Boy, 18, Jailed For Stealing In Church By MARYAM AFOLABI

N Osogbo Magistrate’s Court had sentenced an 18year-old Dayo Afolabi to one month imprisonment for stealing a purse in church during service.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his counterpart from Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (right); Senator Rasheed Ladoja (2nd right) and others during the burial ceremony of mother of Senator Ladoja, the late Alhaja Halimat Sadiat Ladoja in Ibadan, Oyo State, recently.

Inisa In Ecstasy For Aregbesola By MURTALA AGBOOLA

OLITICIANS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) extraction in Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun have been warned to go about their aspiration and ambition with decorum and candour. Comrade Poju Odusola, the that the two electoral officers leader of the party in the of Osogbo and Obokun were council area, made the remark suspended by the Independent at a victory party organised by National Electoral Commission the four wards in Inisa last (INEC) for manipulating Thursday at the Seventh Day figures for the APC. He said the rumour was not Adventist (SDA) Primary School, Gege, Inisa to celebrate only wicked, unfounded but the victory of Governor baseless, saying that the Aregbesola in the last election. rumours were being spread by Odusola, who commended the Peoples Democratic Party the people of Inisa for voting (PDP) to justify their defeat at overwhelmingly for Aregbesola the election. The lawmaker however in the last election, advised aspirants to go about their urged members to be united, ambition within the rules and regardless of whatever regulations of the party because misgivings they have about the party and its leadership. the party is supreme. Honourable Ezekiel In his own contribution, Adedibu Honourable Rasaq Adeyemi Adeyemo representing Odo-Otin State representing Iwo State Constituency in the State Constituency in Osun State House of Assembly debunked House of Assembly, also the rumours making the rounds admonished all present at the

well-attended victory party to ensure the success of the APC in all elections. He charged members of the party to work hard for all candidates of the party in future elections and stand by the leadership of the party. The victory party was attended by party chieftains from all over the local government council area, as well as ward women leaders and youth leaders of all the four wards. Party members were in a joyous mood to show their gratitude to God for the victory of Governor Aregbesola. The victory party committee was co-ordinated by Honourable Adeyemi and Alhaji Bakare Idera, the State Financial Secretary of the party, who expressed his immense gratitude to party members and urged them to be steadfast with the party. Among the party chieftains that graced the occasion were Comrade Odusola, Alhaji

Abdulai Binuyo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Hounourable Adedibu, the lawmaker representing Iwo State Constituency in the state parliament. Others were Alhaji Shittu Raimi, the Deputy Executive Secretary of Odo-Otin Local Government Council, Honourable George Durosinmi, Mr Moruf Oyetoro and Mr Kayode Olanipekun, the General Manager, Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation (OSSADEC).

HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described the death of PresidentGeneral, League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, and Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Mustafa Ajisafe, as a big loss to the entire Muslim community in Osun and Nigeria. In a condolence message the country was by the Director, Bureau of outstanding. Communication and He added: “The death of Strategy in the Governor’s Sheikh Ajisafe is a big loss Office, Mr. Semiu to the Muslim Ummah in Okanlawon, Aregbesola Osogbo, as well as the entire described Ajisafe as a cleric state because he preached of repute, saying that his peace and unity while alive. contributions to the search His preaching at home and for peace in the state and his gospel of Islamic

was also present in court, explained that the accused stole his purse, while he was at the altar to make offering, but the accused was apprehended by good Samaritans before he could escape. P o l i c e p r o s e c u t o r, Inspector Fageyinbo, in his evidence before the court, confirmed the statement made by the complainant and tendered it as an exhibit. The defence counsel, Barrister Nnenna Ngwu, urged the court to temper justice with mercy, saying the culprit was a first offender and was still young. However, the presiding magistrate, Mr. M.A. Lasisi, sentenced the accused to one month imprisonment with an option of N5,000 fine.

Security Guard In Court Over Stealing By LATIFATADEPOJU

security guard working with Fembol, an oil filing station, Dele Otunba, 60, was last Wednesday arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for conspiring with others said to be currently at-large to steal his employer’s items. the others, conspired to The charge sheet disclosed commit felony to wit; stealing, that the accused person with contrary to section 516 of the State Criminal Law. It stated that the accused person and others burgled the shop of one Giwa Shola and his shortcomings and grant the office of Fembol Oil Filling him Al-jannah firdaus. May Station manager, Atobatele Allah give all of us the Johnson, an offence punishable fortitude to bear the loss. under Section 412 of the state “Words are inadequate to penal code. describe the contribution of The charge sheet further read our father to the growth of that Otunba stole the property Islam in Osogbo, Osun, of the filling station’s HP Edo, Delta and Nigeria. Baba Laptop, valued N125,000 and Ajisafe was popularly cash totalling N126,100. He was also alleged of known for his commitment to the promotion and stealing a cream-coloured pair propagation of peace and of shoes and N20,000 cash, which total valued N28,000, unity. “He was no doubt a properties of Atobatele scholar of higher integrity Johnson, the Filling Station who touched the lives of manager. It also added that he stole many Muslims positively”. trousers, shoes, underwear, The governor pointed out. belt and socks valued

Aregbesola Commiserates With Osun People Over Chief Imam’s Death scholarship will be missed.” While praying for the repose of the soul of the late cleric, Aregbesola urged members of various Muslim societies to continue the good works Sheik Ajisafe started, adding “this is the only way to immortalise this pride of Osun in particular and Nigeria as a whole. “This is a sad moment for the Muslim Ummah in Osun, we are however grateful to God that he led a profoundly peaceful life. “The Muslim Ummah will miss him dearly and we pray Allah (SWT) to forgive him

The charge sheet disclosed that the culprit stole the purse belonging to one Mr Samson during the service, an offence punishable under Section 390(9) of the state criminal law. According to charge sheet, the accused person committed the crime on August 3, 2014 at St. Marks Anglican Church, Testing Ground Area, Osogbo. It added that the purse contained the sum of N18,300 belonging to the complainant. The culprit however, pleaded guilty to the charges against him, while urging the court to be lenient and promising to turn a new leaf if given a second chance. The complainant, who

N300,000, children wears worth N200,000, all being property of one Giwa Shola. The offence committed was contrary to and punishable under section 390(9) of Criminal Code cap 34 vol.11, laws of Osun State Nigeria. The charge sheet also disclosed that Dele was on duty the night of the crime and allowed the thieves to go unchallenged. Furthermore, it added that the offence was contrary to and punishable under section 515 of the state criminal law. However, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges of stealing and negligence leveled against him by the police. Counsel to the accused, Mrs Nnena Ngwu, urged the court to grant her client bail in most liberal terms, promising that he would not jump bail if granted. Presiding magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, granted the suspect bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and later adjourned the case to October 3, 2014 for mention.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

The War Called The Osun Elections; By Segun Tomori Continued frompg1 I just couldn’t imagine my home State go back to the disastrous “years of the locust”. I had participated actively in the campaigns, interacted with the people, felt their pulse and the story was the same – Osun has never had it so good, the people vowed to defend their votes by all means possible! From that moment I had made up my mind to give my all and put myself at harm’s way if need be to ensure we form a bulwark of resistance against the machinery of State to be deployed to thwart the people’s wish. When I was about to proceed on my journey to Osogbo, the Osun State Capital on Monday preceding the elections I prepared for the worst. Few associates privy to my trip advised strongly that I removed any APC sourvenir from my luggage,any ID card that can associate me with the party amongst other security tips. They were right to be apprehensive, soldiers, officials of the Department of State Security(DSS) including the hooded ones,lorry loads of mobile policemen had since being deployed across the nook and cranny of Osun State. Bearing in mind the desperation of their paymasters, we knew they could stop and search vehicles and abduct anything synonymous with APC, so I took all the precautions. I took off on the journey which in itself was dramatic. As we got close to Oshogbo, a discussion ensued in the bus and I found out I was not alone in the Save-Osun initiative. Most of the passengers shared the same sentiments with me and were also natives of the State. They spoke emotionally and fiercely about their determination to ensure Aregbesola’s victory. Speaker after speaker reeled out programmes and interventions of the Governor that has brought smiles to the faces of the people. They concluded he was the best thing to happen to the State since its creation. The menacing apparatus of State then suffocating the enviroment will not deter

them, they thundered! “Ko si ohun ti soja o se, a ma duro gboin gboin lati dibo Aregbe” they said in yoruba dialect meaning “there is nothing Soldiers can do, we will stand firmly to vote for Aregbe”. I thought to myself, we are about to witness mass resistance unequally in our national history if anything go against the people’s will. Hopefully, the soldiers we met on the various check-points didn’t stop and search, they just peeped through the bus windows and passed us on. I heaved a sigh of relief when I arrived Osogbo safely late in the evening.

never gave defeat a thought! By Thursday, preparations had reached feverish pitch, the towns, hamlets and villages was now massively flowing with uniformed men of all hues and shades. Some DSS operatives came to the restaurant we were having dinner, Thursday evening, apparently on surveillance mission. We got the message and we left in a jiffy! On our way to our location, we noticed a car trailing us, so we had to take a decoy to a bar. As we turned to the bar, the car also turned in another direction. Their mission still remains a mystery. Thank God for little mercies!

I have attended rallies, mega-rallies , name it, but what I saw on Tuesday at the grand-finale of the campaign was frightening. A stadium whose capacity can’t be more than 60,000 almost caved in due to pressure from an unprecedented mammoth crowd. Every space on the covered stands were over-filled, the main bowl of the Stadium was virtually unpassable. My associates and I had to hold ourselves to navigate our way through the crowd, it took us about an hour from the entrance of the stadium to find somewhere to perch! Yet thousands more extend to adjoining roads outside the stadium. It was the APC mega-rally and to say it was awesomely mega is an understatement! We even heard that the Lord of Asorock caught an instant migraine seeing the magnitude of the rally! The effect of that was seen in the sealing off of the freedom park that was supposed to host workers rally the next day by “hooded soldiers” They got the now familiar, albeit emergency “orders from above” to forcefully if need be halt the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates endorsement rally for the Ogbeni.

When we arrived our abode, we swung into action to put finishing touches to our master-plan which was to run a co-ordinated and effective live broadcast of the elections on social and online media in collaboration with the APC situation room which was to start from Friday evening till the announcement of the results on Sunday. This was necessary because leaking the plans of our devious opponents was key to frustrate their rigging machinery; announcing results online as we get it directly from our agents was also crucial to frustrate any manipulation at the collation level. By Friday afternoon, I had to tactically separate from my friends who then proceeded to a high security location. The curfew was going to start around 5-6pm. By 4pm, I arrived at my own secure location and quickly moved to set up. I surveyed the enviroment to assess the possible threat level. I saw that it was negligible so I settled down for the task ahead.

Co-incidentally, Wednesday, 6th August was my birthday but I was in no mood for celebrations of any kind. I told my well-wishers, family and friends that you don’t clink glasses in a battle-front! Interestingly, one of my compatriots who was also a major ‘battleaxe” and good friend’s birthday was 8th August so I told him we’ll do a birthday plus victory party on the 10th, a day after the elections,when we triumph at the polls. We know we had the people behind us, we

By Friday evening we got intelligence report that notorius election rigger, Chris Uba was in town with a unit of 50 soldiers attached to him. We sent that out and made sure it went viral. Later that night, information about the arrest of our leaders ranging from APC Publicity Secretary, lai Mohammed, the Attorney-general Of Osun State, barr. Wale Afolabi, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on media, Mr Sunday are, Commissioner for Agric among others were swiftly publicised with dispatch. The far-reaching effect of the noise we made contributed in no small measure to the release of most of those picked up by Saturday morning. We discovered by

Ebola And Government's Response To The Scourge

HE fear of Ebola Virus Disease as the popular slogan goes is the beginning of wisdom. On this basis, I seek your permission to air my views on the steps taken by both the federal and state governments in the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease, a deadly infectious malady that did not emanate from Nigeria but because of the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it crept into Nigeria through Mr. Patrick Sawyer, who imported it from Liberia, where the disease was ravaging and had claimed the lives of so many people. Before the index case in Nigeria; Patrick Sawyer slipped into Nigeria, Nigerians had been reliably informed that the Ebola Virus was found mostly in animals such as apes, African fruits, bats and other types of bush meat. Some of us have even stated categorically that the virus can never creep into the country. Now that it had happened and with the attendant record of deaths including the index case and the medical doctor that attended to him, Dr. Stella Adadevoh, the government was forced to take certain actions to spare the nation from the disease that has even entered Senegal. Part of what the government did was to create isolation centres, place suspected people that had come into contact with people who had died from the viral disease under quarantine and

close observation, discharged those who didn’t fall sick and effectively treated some exceptional cases and also make available certain some money to tackle the menace. Even these steps have come to the notice of the international community and Nigeria has been given a pass mark in that regard. The Japanese Government has even made available for human tests the drug it developed for that purpose but that is not enough as the government failed to respond to the emergency on time. Kudos to Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola;

the Lagos State Governor, for rising to the occasion and taking the necessary steps to keep Ebola within Lagos, if not for the unfortunate disappearance of the diplomat, who transported Ebola to Rivers State. Coming to the State of Osun, a lot had been done and I can reliably say that Osun is ready should the virus creep into the state but we pray it does not. The state government, through the Health and Environment ministries, has put modalities in place to contain the disease should it get to Osun. Isolation wards had been set up and

equipped, barrier nursing gears have been purchased and health care providers trained in the best way to handle any victim suspected of being infected. Note that Osun through the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Primary Health and Disease Control had participated in all the Federal Government-initiated meetings on this disease. Enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns have been embarked on by the state government on different media and through different interest organisations and non-governmental organisations like churches and mosques and corporate organisations like banks and so on. Even the recently-concluded Osun Osogbo Festival saw health officials at the entrance to the shrine with infra-red thermometers, all in a bid to forestall the breaking of the disease. Even the postponement and readjustment of the resumption date of private and public primary and secondary schools is a step in the right direction. Ebola is not our portion in the State of Osun and we thank God for the disease is being effectively battled to a standstill in both Lagos and Rivers states. •Rev. ADEKUNLE KALEJAIYE, Iree, State of Osun.

Saturday morning that fake soldiers and policemen had surfaced in many locations. Their logo was a red ankara tied to their left hand. Quickly we activated our instant alert to our people,through all means possible. That again thwarted efforts to manipulate the elections from the beginning. The elections started peacefully however in most locations with accreditation going on smoothly. The only snag was the continued harassment of APC leaders across the State. The case of the 1st Civilian Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke was quite instructive. After failing to assasinate him overnight due to resistance by his security aides, he was trailed from the polling unit to his mother’s residence where he went after accreditation. He escaped the siege by the whisker after he was discreetly notified. He couldn’t come back to exercise his franchise. The results started trickling in by afternoon and the PDP demolition squad sensing their rejection quickly switched to a plan B to disrupt the collation process. We instantly alerted the public about their norturnal meeting and evil plot. What really helped the APC apart from the determination of the people was our access to classified information. We were always a step ahead of them and that frustrated the election riggers. I got an anonymous call from a patroitic police officer around 8pm who claimed he was at a location at modakeke and that results being collated was about to be altered. You could detect the fear in his voice as he asked me to ensure his cover. He was an igbo officer deployed from other states, he wasn’t familiar with the terrain but what was gratifying that there could still be few men of integrity in the corruption-ridden Nigeria Police Force. In order to confirm the authenticity of his Statement, I asked the Apapa Local

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

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

I Saw Hell On The Eve Of Osun Poll - Isiaka Adeleke The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was jolted when former Osun State governor, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the recently concluded governorship election in Osun State. Among other issues, he tells PAUL UKPABIO why he took the critical decision that shattered whatever hope the PDP had to snatch the state from the APC. would start by congratulating you on the victory of the APC in the recent governorship election in Osun State. What does it portend for the party? I also want to start by congratulating myself and the entire people of Osun State for standing by their votes and democratic principles in spite of all that transpired before the election. It shows that the people of this country still believe in democracy regardless of what others say. Now that the APC has won the election in Osun, what role do you think the other political parties have to play in the governance of the state? There are still some reasonable people in the other parties, especially the PDP. There are also reasonable people in Labour Party, the breakaway party of the PDP. I must confess to you that most of them will be coming back to the APC. But the leadership of the PDP as constituted in Osun State is very unreasonable. So, I don’t expect anything good from them. But there are others like the elder statesman, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, Olu Alibi, Ebenezer Babatope and former woman minister, Erelu Obada; these ones are very reasonable people. They will cooperate with this government because they know that we don’t have any other state than Osun. So whoever is in the saddle is immaterial. The election has been won and lost. To me, there is no victor and there is no vanquished. Everybody should join hands together with the person that won to move the state forward. Why did it take you so long to realise that you were in the wrong party? I did not say I was in the wrong party. The day I was crossing over, I said the PDP was not yet that bad but the leadership of the party in Osun State was what I could not comprehend. I said we still had nice people in the PDP. I cannot condemn the PDP because I rose on the platform of that party to become a senator and also play different roles as Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the ProChancellor, Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Calabar. Having enjoyed all that on the platform of that party, I cannot say now that the party is totally bad. But some individuals that hijacked the leadership of the party in the state are criminals. Honestly, I cannot work with them. If I had remained in that party as a core party man, I would be forced to work for them and for the success of that party, and I don’t want criminals again in Government House at all. Some people insinuated that you were bought over by the APC? There was nothing like that. My defection was based purely on principle. If I wanted anything, I could as well have got it while in the PDP. If I had stayed with the PDP, with those people that have hijacked the party in the state, definitely, they would have won and I’ll become this and that. We don’t want such characters in Government House. I am satisfied. I worked relentlessly and tirelessly for the success of the party and ensured that those individuals did not get to the Government House. We also learnt that your constituency voted massively. What do you think they deserve for their effort? That was not the first time Ede people would vote very well. And when you talk about my constituency, it is not limited to Ede people. The federal constituency I

•ADELEKE consists of four local government areas which are solidly behind me in every election. That was not the first time. My journey into politics started way back in the late 80s and early 90s and they have been supportive and I have been giving back too. That is why any time I say let’s move, they move with me. We moved from APP to PDP and then to APC. If election comes tomorrow, we are going to sweep the whole thing. I have always tried to give back to them; not only my constituency but the whole state. I have done a lot in terms of scholarship, empowerment, employment, establishment of factories where people are gainfully employed. And now, we have Adeleke University. A lot of people are working there. We have established banks, First Merchant Bank, which became Unity Bank, and so on and so forth. We are doing a lot for the people in the area because of the support they are giving us. As we give, they give back. Governor Rauf Aregbesola is in for a second term. What are your expectations? I describe Aregbesola as a man in a hurry to develop Osun State. He was doing a lot in terms of infrastructure and that was what we needed. But Osun is not Lagos. If you are doing that in Lagos,

everybody will be happy because nobody cares about any other thing than provision of good roads, electricity, water, security and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. That is Lagos. But in an agrarian places like Osun and Ekiti, if you are doing that without looking at the human development angle, they will say you have not done anything. They won’t even see what you have done. So, we have to do this, to support him to finish up what he has started. When he started, the revenue base was so high. He had a lot of money to play with. That was why he embarked on all those projects. The roads and the schools he built were so fantastic. They were designed like elementary schools in the U.S. When we were in college there, everything was enclosed; all the facilities were there. He has provided school buses. They have lunch out there in the school and they don’t have to go out. That is fantastic. If he can complete that throughout the state, he will be one of the primus inter pares of such in the country. So, we have to give him that support and I know very well he will do it. Are you content with being a kingmaker or you still intend to contest political positions in the future? I am still going to run for an office in

2015. But that will be at the federal level. I have always said I would love to go back to the Senate. I enjoyed the Senate and I will love to go back there to help in making laws. How do you think the Senate has fared? We are growing with time. Right now, I have a lot of bills that are hanging because I didn’t go back. There are certain bills I wanted to introduce. I am a criminologist. I have a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and there are certain bills I will be introducing to the country to improve on the criminal justice continuum. I introduced the issue of plea bargaining, but a lot of people don’t understand what plea bargaining is. It wasn’t that anybody that steals money would have to plea bargain. Plea bargaining is a tool that we use to detect crime and nip that crime in the bud. For example, if three of you conspired to commit a crime and one of you is caught and is told that this crime you have committed, if convicted, you are going to jail for 10 years. But if you plea bargain and you let us get the other two, we can sentence you to two years. That is plea bargaining. You do that in court. It makes you to detect the crime, arrest the criminals and all that. Those are the issues of plea bargaining. We also have what is called probation. Our prisons are congested. Our criminal justice system is punitive rather than correctional. It is not every crime that you sentence people to prison. Sometimes, you give them a suspended sentence. Put them on probation for certain crimes. That is what probation is. Let them serve the sentence within the community. They do community service. If you put everybody in the prisons, it criminalises the individuals. There are hardened criminals in there that would teach somebody who ordinarily wouldn’t have been a criminal to become a hardened criminal, especially in an impoverished society like ours. Then again, we have what we call ‘parole’, which is where you serve the rest of your sentence within the society. If you are sentenced to a 10-year period, there is something we call good time; one day off upon your good behaviour. It makes that person to be of good behaviour in the prisons. The prison should be a place just like outside the society. We have schools. We have had people who obtained Ph.D from the prison walls and they are good people today. So if you behave yourself every day and you are sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, for every day you stay in prison and behave well, they take a day off. At the end of the day, they take off five years or two and a half years during that period. We introduced certain reforms in the prison system, like schools where people can teach. You study for bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and so on. Those are some of the bills I want to introduce into the criminal justice system, among many others that are still in the Senate. I want to pursue it when I get there. Let us take a look at the militarisation of elections. It happened in Ekiti and Osun states. The APC cried out when it happened in Ekiti and Osun states, but some people believe it helped to make the elections free and fair. What is your take on it? What I witnessed in Osun a week to the election was hell. I thought the SSS are a

Continued on page 7

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

INTERVIEW

I Saw Hell On The Eve Of Osun Poll - Isiaka Adeleke Continued from page 6 secret service. They are not to be seen. They are supposed to detect crimes and hand over criminals to the police. But these guys have turned themselves into thugs. The first day they came, I saw them with masks, standing atop their vehicles and shooting sporadically in the air to scare people. What was that intended to achieve? Then the police were not doing much but the soldiers too joined. We have a barracks in Ede. I was held in solitary confinement after the Tuesday mega rally at Ede a couple of days to the election. The soldiers from Ede barracks were very friendly. When we were doing our campaigns within Ede, they were passing peacefully and we were waving at one another. There was no such thing as harassment. I believe they have this special killer squad that came in to harass, intimidate, arrest and kill. I am saying this because I was a victim. Although I had heard about it, but a day preceding the election, I moved from my house to my mother’s house because of its proximity to where my voting unit was. At 1.45 am, we were woken from our sleep with sporadic gunshots outside the gate of my mother’s house with shouts of, ‘open the door.’ They were shouting and banging the gate. I was upstairs. I looked through the window and saw hooded men in black dresses. I could see them because there was light. Some of them were in camouflage. I said they could be armed robbers or assassins. Fortunately, I had my security people with me. I now shouted that they should not open the door because we didn’t know who they were. Even if they were policemen, do you execute warrants at 1.45 am for God’s sake? There was exchange of gun fire between them and my security men because I didn’t know who they were. After about 30 minutes, they left. The local hunters all converged and I told everyone to remain calm till the morning when we would report the issue at the police station. I called the election DPO because they had transferred so many people. He came to me. I called the DSS guy and he also came. He said they were there and they would protect us till morning. And they did. Till the morning, nothing happened again. I walked to my unit. After accreditation, while waiting to vote, about nine lorry loads of soldiers, SSS men and all kinds of paramilitary agents with AK 47 surrounded the whole place. I knew full well that it was me they were looking for, but I packed my books and walked through them and left. They didn’t see me. Why did you think they were after you? I don’t know. You should ask Omisore. I am coming to that. I was in the third house upstairs looking at them. They now were asking my friends, ‘Where is Adeleke? The guy answered, ‘I have not seen him since yesterday. I am here just to cast my vote.’ And they said, ‘Your best friend, you have not seen him since yesterday? You are lying.’ They picked him up and threw him in the car. There was somebody who was wearing a hood inside a black van, pointing out the people they would go to. They picked up all my security people. They said, ‘You were the ones shooting at us yesterday.’ We saw an SSS guy slap a uniformed police officer. They took all of them away when they couldn’t see me after about 30 minutes. But the people insisted on voting. They queued up and were voting. They didn’t even mind them. A lot of people told me after that incident that some people who had wanted to vote for the PDP resolved to cast their vote for APC because of what happened on that day. That is why I said the people stood by democracy. What is this? Is this how we will continue with voting? This has to stop. They voted APC. Now, when they left the voting place, they carried all those people along with them. They went to my house. When they got to my house, they saw CCTV cameras everywhere and they started breaking them. They were so crazy. All the posters of Aregbesola and the APC outside were torn. Meanwhile, the people they had

•ADELEKE arrested were still in the vehicle with them. Then they banged on the gate but there was nobody because everyone had gone out to vote. The few people remaining might not have heard because the gate to my main house is far. They now scaled the fence, entered the house and opened the gate for others to come in. They got inside and started breaking down doors. The only door they did not break down was that of my bedroom because they didn’t get there. I have a friend who came from Ekiti State. The guy is the younger brother to the deputy governor of Ekiti State. Immediately they saw him, they said: “You again here?’ The same squad had arrested him on the day of the Ekiti election and prevented him from voting because he is a younger brother to the deputy governor of Ekiti State. The Major that led them that day was the same person in Osun. He asked him what he was doing in Osun. He replied that he came to visit me. He was told that he could not go and vote because he is not registered in Osun. That was why I said probably the government has a special killer squad. They did not stop there. They ransacked everywhere. Unfortunately for them, somebody was working on the CCTV. I could have recorded everything but it wasn’t on. They left the house and took those people to the SSS office and told everybody to lie down. And do you know what they were telling them? That Jonathan wanted something and one stupid Adeleke was telling them not to do it. Who is he? How much does he have? They said that they were given N200 million to waste anybody they could waste. I won’t give you their names now because I am going to go to court. They included a Major, a Brigadier-General and a Captain. The Captain was the only one who did not have a name tag. In the course of the situation, they said a call came in and the Brigadier General said, ‘Otunba, Otunba, we could not get him.’ Who is Otunba? These are criminals. If

you didn’t see it when they pointed a gun at me when I was in the PDP, what about this one? Honestly, it is becoming frightening and very dangerous. I have written a petition. I am waiting to see if President Goodluck Jonathan is going to institute a probe about all these things because I want to believe that he doesn’t know about it. It is very likely that these people are doing this behind his back. It is very likely that these people are not sent by government, because if the government sent people to maintain the peace, why arrest people indiscriminately? I was told that about 300 people have been clamped in detention at the SSS office in Osogbo, all from Ede Local Government. I also learnt that they were brought there in the vehicle of the deputy candidate of the PDP by his driver. All they needed to do was point at you and they would pick you up. How long are we going to continue like that? This is a new dimension to it. If it is not stopped, any election that is coming up, people will employ self-help. If they decide to be lawless, people will decide to be lawless too. I want to believe that Jonathan is not aware of it, and I want to appeal that they should institute a high probe panel to investigate all these things and whoever is involved should be punished to serve as a deterrent to others. There are reports to the effect that Omisore has not conceded victory to the APC, even though the PDP has reacted differently… Omisore has the right to challenge the result of the election if he so desires. But it is my hope that all the materials used for the election would be kept and not tampered with, because they can go to any length to tamper with the result of the election because they tried it. I know full well from my own account. That was why the announcement of the results from Ife area was delayed. We won in two of those areas but they went and tampered with the results. But then, they couldn’t go more than were accredited. So, they

couldn’t go further. We still won with about a hundred and something thousand. I know we defeated them but I don’t know what the margin is. We will make sure that all the electoral materials are kept. What was your relationship with Omisore like before you defected to APC? When we were in the Senate, my relationship with Omisore was cordial. He wanted to be governor and I wanted to go back to the Senate. I wasn’t supporting him. I told him that I could not support him. I know him. I was supporting some other persons and they were holding meetings in my house, and he knew it. He even came to beg me at a time but I said, ‘Young man, I am sorry.’ You don’t look your age at all. What has been the secret? I will be 60 in a couple of months. I play tennis and I exercise a lot. These are good for me. What do you foresee about 2015? I want to see an internal democracy that would be acceptable to all at least to start from 2015. The PDP, in the Electoral Act as amended in 2010, states that there are only two ways by which you can conduct primaries, direct and indirect. I believe the PDP conducted their primaries indirectly. By that, they used delegates. But direct primaries is where all card carrying members of the party vote for a candidate of their choice in the primary election. Any one you take is okay as long as it falls within the ambit of the law. I want to see that happen rather than consensus. Even if it is by consensus, it must be by everybody. If one person says no, there is no more a consensus amongst the contestants. I want to see the elections free fair and to a large extent credible. The election in Osun, to a large extent, was very free and fair. But can we say it was credible? It wasn’t credible because the processes leading to that election were fraught with irregularities by the military. A lot of people were scared. A lot of people were disenfranchised, arrested, humiliated, and so on. If we remove that, what transpired on the election day could be described as very peaceful, free and fair. So, it will be good if we can prevent soldiers from usurping the duties of the police. A soldier is not even supposed to be seen on the road. When we were growing up, we were not seeing soldiers. Today, soldiers are everywhere. Instead of going to Chibok, they are roaming around, harassing people on election day. The SSS are not supposed to be seen, but today they are wearing uniform and mask. How can you go to peoples’ homes at 2 am, shooting in the air and expecting the person to keep quiet, and you come over to take that person to do whatever you want? If they are going to execute a warrant, no magistrate will issue a warrant after 6 pm. Once it is dark, you cannot execute a warrant even if it is for a criminal. As a criminologist, I am aware of situations where you don’t need a warrant to arrest or search anywhere. We call it warrantless searches and seizures, such as during hot pursuit. You are in a car and a peace officer has every reasonable cause to believe that criminal activities are afoot, he can pursue and arrest you without warrant. When he has every cause to believe that the evidence he is seeking in your house may be tainted, maybe you can flush it or something like that, among others. But when you are coming for an individual, you want to come and search his house, there is no way they will remove things that you will not know. All you need to do is to take the place out; if it is at night, put the paper on the ground, go for a warrant and move in the morning to execute your warrant. But people coming at night in black hoods? Anybody can wear a camouflage or put DSS badge and come in to do all kind of things. They could be assassins. They could be armed robbers. These are areas I see and pray that we should remove from electioneering. I’m not saying we should not bring security people, but we don’t need soldiers. Culled from THE NATION

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

All Progressives Congress (APC) In Ondo State Paid A Congratulatory Visit To The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At State House, Osogbo, Last Sunday.

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•(R-L) Member, representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, Honourable Sunday Ifedayo Abegunde; Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Deputy Chairman, Ondo State All Progressives Congress( APC), Mr. Ade Adetimehin and an APC leader, Akure-South, Honourable Gabriel Aderomilehin.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); member, representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, Honourable Sunday Ifedayo Abegunde (2nd right), Deputy Chairman, Ondo State APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin (2nd left), APC leader, Akure-South, Honourable Gabriel Aderomilehin (left), Comrade Tope Ohunmakin (right) and other members of Oranmiyan Sunshine Movement.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

PHOTOTALK

One Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Schools In Ile-Ife, State Of Osun.

•Ilare Elementary School, Ile-Ife, constructed, under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

At The Monthly Meeting Of Osun Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) In Osogbo Recently.

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•A cross section of members of Afenifere Renewal Group, Osogbo Chapter, held at Oroki, Osogbo residence of its State Co-ordinator, Otunba Lai Oyeduntan, recently.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

Roads And More Roads… What Lies Ahead?

•Prudence road in Ijebu-Ijesa.

Following the huge success recorded by the Aregbesola administration at the just-concluded polls, OSUN DEFENDER sent feelers out to feel the pulse of residents on diverse issues. One of the issues found out to be of greatest concern is road infrastructure. This contribution by NIYI OLASINDE is a sub-set of aggregate findings from the time-tested assignment. OAD transportation is

R the

single the most important, prevalent and widely-used means of transportation in the third world, perhaps due to its availability, affordability, flexibility and the nature of our landscape which makes a greater part of our hinterland accessible through several means of land coverage, ranging from human porterage through the use of beasts of burden to several forms of automated modern land transportation. The use of the term ‘land transportation’ carries along with it some shades and degree of ambiguity, since the concept of land in Economic studies has components, which comprise more than the hard surface of the earth’s crust, to include other elements of natural endowments, which include bodies of water. Owing to this fact, it is better, safer and more specific, at least for the purpose of clarity of argument to refer to road transportation, when all means of transportation involving transverse on the earth’s surface for conveyance of people and goods are concerned. In West Africa and Nigeria, as its major subset, the auspicious role of road transportation has been found to be of immense and invaluable place to social, cultural, political, economic and virtually all spheres of life. Much of integration in all these spheres would be elusive without a means of transportation that is both accessible and affordable. The flexibility factor that road transportation possesses is the icing of the cake, as it has become the delight of a multitude of people. Above the matter of choice by preference, people are, more often than not, left with no better option than to adopt transporting people and freight through our roads. For the purpose of this discourse, Road transportation would imply all modern means of conveyance of passengers and goods from one place to another, as we spare ancient

means like human porterage and the use of beasts of burden. Due to factors which include huge costs of capital outlay, cost of maintenance, risks of carnages and attendant losses of lives and property, slow speed, traffic congestion and environmental pollution, modern means of road transportation have come under severe criticism. Yet, there has not been any known alternative invented to replace it, given its many advantages, especially those hinged on affordability, convenience and affordability. As a matter of fact, all other known means of transportation that are often preferred on the basis of speed, comfort and or other factors are not used in isolation. Either at the point of embarkation or disembarkation, their users still need to complement them with some forms of transportation by road. Either rail roads or motor roads, road transportation has come to be the masses’ delight in this part of the globe, hence, huge investment in their provision and smooth operation has become one major index of measuring the leverage of performance of any government at any tier, local federal or federal. In the State of Osun, South West geopolitical zone, it is obvious that early realization of the foregoing has set the ball rolling for the incumbent administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, who is committing huge financial resources and other means at its disposal to provision of good, motorable roads all over the state. The record has to be set straight that there are a great number of these roads that criss-cross the length and breadth of the territory of the twentythree-year old state. Though they exist in different categories, these roads have in recent times become the responsibility of the state government in terms of their construction, rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance. The reasons for this wise step cannot be far-fetched. The derelict

state of disrepair and abandonment in which they were prior to the coming on board of the administration on November 27, 2010 and the urgent need for intervention are reasons cogent enough to justify the giant strides of the Government Unusual. Prior to November 2010, we were witnesses to how portions of our landscape that were once considered motor roads deteriorated into undulating terrains and erosion paths. All manners of roads in the state – federal, state and local – had virtually deteriorated. We would not engage in the boredom or drudgery involved in tracing the fossils of those past eras all over. But we need to state clearly that Ogbeni had made up his mind to come for a task of complete overhaul and reconstruction. A portion of his Pact with the people of the state justifies this conclusion:

SIX POINT INTEGRAL ACTION PLAN ·Banish Poverty ·Banish Hunger ·Banish Unemployment (Create Work/Wealth) ·Restore Healthy Living ·Promote Functional E d u c a t i o n ·Enhance Communal Peace and Progress BANISH HUNGER FOOD& AGRICULTURE Vision: Our government shall banish hunger in Osun and enhance wealth through massive increase in food production and a g r i c u l t u r e . Every farmer shall sell his products and be prosperous. The labour of the farmer shall no longer be in vain because we shall provide assistance and support to farmers in finding and exploiting profitable market for their goods. We do not presently grow enough food in Osun to feed us round the year and this should concern a government that cares for its people. Our government shall support farmers to attain increase in food production, better storage and delivery. We shall provide assistance to farmers in exploiting profitable markets and

market opportunities for their products. •To maximize the benefit of resultant massive increase in food production, we shall improve: •Access roads and general transportation to even the most remote areas of the state. •Storage process and capacity. •Processing of agricultural produce. •Rural electricity and water supply. CASH CROPS •Encourage production of cash crops which can enhance farmer’s income and provide basis for an effective agroindustrial society in the state of Osun. •Specified to vigorously develop extensive farming in palm trees to create a fully integrated oil palm processing industry. •To target and capture minimum of 10% of the multibillion nairaper day food market of the neighbouring states. •Support cooperative efforts by farmers •Be a catalyst to the development and promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises that will exploit available raw materials. •Set up price support scheme for farmers through commodity exchange board. R O A D S Vision: Roads to and in all towns and villages in Osun. Road construction and maintenance shall be used to generate employment for the indigenes of the State of O s u n . •Community based road maintenance units will be established to ensure timely repairs and deduce overall maintenance costs. •Development and regular maintenance of urban and rural roads to get top priority. •Access roads to evacuate agricultural produce shall be constantly improved and expanded. •Create partnerships with the private sector on road development and provision

Continued on page 11

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

Roads And More Roads… What Lies Ahead?

•A recently commisssioned road in Ilesa. Continued from page 10 of infrastructure. TRANSPORTATION We shall produce a transport master plan to provide direction for development of the sector. The safety of the lives of the indigenes of the State of Osun is of great concern to us. We shall: •Reduce to the barest minimum, road traffic accident within 6 months on all roads starting with Federal roads. •Create a motorized division of the Osun troopers to patrol roads to prevent accidents on the highways and organize rescue and recovery operations. WITH the background information set above in mind, it becomes quite explainable and understandable why the State of Osun today has transformed into a massive site for infrastructure, particularly, road infrastructure. Almost four years into the journey, there is no part of the state where the hand of the administration has not been prominently felt. Within the metropolis of Osogbo, the state capital and outside of it, work has come alive and government is seen at work, fixing already existing roads and constructing new ones. It is important to note that the administration in its avowed commitment to make the state a model of sorts does not spare federal roads. The State of Osun is reputed to have one of the lengthiest coverage of federal highways criss-crossing its territories. Unfortunately, due to long years of abandonment and neglect, these roads had been in derelict state of disrepair prior to the emergence of the incumbent administration. Today, the people are heaving a sigh of relief as these roads are witnessing massive transformation in rehabilitation and reconstruction; yet there are expectations. Within and outside Osogbo metropolis, the state is replete with massive presence of road infrastructure projects all of which are at various stages of completion. While some have been completed and already commissioned for use, some are at stages nearing completion and are billed for commissioning and outright use before the end of the current year. Aside expectations, Governor Aregbesola bared the promise during the election campaigns which preceded the justconcluded governorship election that his second term in office would bring about more road infrastructure for the state. Let it also be stressed in passing that apart from federal roads, the administration has

not neglected state and local roads in its transformation drives. Also, rural access roads, which are intended to open up rural areas to urban centres are not left out of the re-engineering process. The intra-city roads in the state have witnessed massive rejuvenation. Work is on in the direction of the State of Osun Urban Renewal Project, which aims at giving face-lift and new lease of life to named ancient towns and cities, especially zonal headquarters like Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife,Ila-Orangun, Ejigbo, Ede, Iwo, Ikirun and Ikire. Osogbo, as the state capital shall have two city centres: Oja Oba/Palace area and Old Garage. The city centres shall be provided with good modern amenities like post offices, police stations, recreational centres, parks and gardens, eateries and the likes to give the places the desired face-lift that shall make them conform to modern-day standard of cities. Today, work is earnestly in upper swing in getting reconstructed the Osogbo/IlaOdo/Erin-Ile, Kwara State Boundary road. It is expected that the completed road shall be delivered before end of the current year, 2014. This assurance was further affirmed recently by the governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola during the election campaigns preceding the last election in the state. As part of expectations of residents from government, the contract for the reconstruction of Osogbo/Iwo/Ibadan Road; also a dualization project, which has since been awarded is also expected to bring about a fully constructed road in due course of time. Not only these, work on the Gbongan/Orile-Owu/Odeyinka/ Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State Boundary road, which has reached an advanced stage is expected to be delivered soon. Also, a contract awarded by the incumbent administration, the Gbongan Trumpet Interchange along the Ibadan / Ile-Ife Expressway is expected to be handed over to motorists for use any moment from now. Gbongan/Akoda end of the Gbongan/Osogbo Expressway is also not left out of the massive reconstruction in roads, currently ongoing in the State of Osun. Work is also going on, on the construction of Igbajo/Imesi/Ekiti State Boundary road. The Gbongan/Orile-Owu/ Odeyinka/Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State Boundary road is important as it provides a shortcut to cosmopolitan Lagos State without having to go through the unnecessary headache of traffic congestion, which is the normal feature of Ibadan/Lagos axis. Already, the Ikirun/

Iree/Ila-Orangun road project has been upgraded. However, residents trust Aregbesola as a man of his words that he shall carry out the upgrade of the stretch of that road, up till the Ekan-Meje / Kwara State Boundary before the first quarter of his second term in office. People of the Land of Virtue, especially residents of Osogbo, Okinni, Ilobu, Erin-Osun and Ifon-Orolu are full of expectations that the Osogbo-Ogbomoso Road would be reconstructed and dualized in earnest; while in Ede / Ejigbo axis of the state, the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is expected not to renege on its promise and resolve to fix eight the expanse of road linking these two ,major cities of the Osun West Senatorial District. There are other road projects currently going on in the State of Osun. Within the metropolis of Osogbo, the state capital alone, practically all the inner access roads have been reconstructed. These roads are damn too numerous to mention. Of recent, the East Bypass, stretching from Ido-Osun end, through Ataoja School of Science to Isale Osun/Oke Ijetu/Ibokun Road bursting out at Ikirun road had its contract work awarded and work has commenced in earnest. As a matter of fact, work on that road, named Adesoji Aderemi Bypass shall soon be completed. This is not to talk of the work that is ongoing at the Old Garage Area of Osogbo, which, apart from being a work of beautification, is intended to make that heart of the city more spacious, healthy and more befitting. The West Bypass, popularly referred to as Ring Road, constructed by an earlier administration in the state is currently witnessing a facelift. According to residents of the state, one factor that has sustained their confidence in Ogbeni Aregbesola and his administration is the fact that in spite of the fact that the processes leading to the last election were quite demanding, work did not stop on virtually all the road sites in the state. The broadening work on the New Osogbo / Gbongan / Ibadan Expressway from Olaiya / Old Fakunle end is a case in hand. The Osogbo / Ila-Odo / Erin-Ile / Kwara State Boundary Road and the Oba Adesoji Aderemi Bypass are other instances. Now that the coast is clear and that victory has been won at the polls, it is hoped that work at those sites and others too numerous to mention shall be intensified in order that the living standards of the people could be improved. So far, the list of roads constructed, rehabilitated and upgraded within

Osogbo, the state capital; which have been commissioned and put to effective used includes Station Road to Ebenezer Hotel Road; Boorepo to Elelede Junction Road; Elelede to Gbaemu Road; Gbodofon to Gbaemu Junction Road; and Ilobu Road to GRA Road. Others include: Oja Oba Road to Plantation Area; Balogun / Biiro to Oke Baale Road; Alafia Street to Church Street; Awolowo Way; Coca-Cola to Capital Hotel Road; Oke Onitea Road to Anaye Market Junction; Bisi Bankole, Okefia to Ita Olokan Road; the Road from Opposite Capital Hotel to Oroki Road; Oroki Estate to Ilobu Road; Odetoyinbo to Heritage Hotel Road with Spur; and Kola Balogun Road Junction to Fiwasaye Olorunosebi Junction. There are also the Osunbukola to Ede Road; John Mackay Road to Oke Baale; the road from Tanisi to Keji Adigun Street; Adams Street to Mercy Land and Road Spur; Steel Rolling Camp to Kabelo Filling Station; and Rehabilitated Ifeloju Omo-West Road. In Ilesa, few selected roads, numbering fifteen (15) and spanning up 20.71 kilometres include Tosho Obembe – General Hospital, Oke Opo Community, Irojo – Sabo Junction, Ilerin / Leventist – Obokun Avenue, Lejoka / Abiola / Imo Junctions, Omo Olupe Street and Old Omieran Road. Others are Isokun / Osogbo, Ibala / Ido Oko Junction, Oladokun Ibironke, Oke Omiru and Otekunrin roads. Granted that the victory of Ogbeni Aregbesola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the August 9 Gubernatorial Elections came through based on concrete achievements of the administration in the area of provision of road infrastructure during the first tenure of office, it is expected that higher grounds will be reached during the second tenure, commencing from November 27, 2014. However, traducers and detractors are pessimistic about the completion of ongoing projects and as a result, view the possibility of initiating and kick-starting new ones as bleak and unrealistic. The fact is that that lethargy had been their attitude ever since the giant strides recorded began. If in the face of paucity of funds, Aregbesola could tunnel through the first term in office with such ground-breaking list of successes, then higher grounds are certainly the destination of the state during the next four years.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

FEATURE

Signpost To Democratic Disasters UR hard-won democracy is gradually approaching the cliff, as politicians have learnt nothing from our past. There is scarcity of able-leadership and our statesmen are gone. The “beautiful ones are not yet born”, and like Louis XIV, our political leaders are the state; the people to them, do not matter. Our democratic state is synonymous with the state under Nicholas I in Russia, where death was the answer for political opponents’ disagreement with the Russian monarch. Election is a process, not a war, but where 75,000 security agents were dispatched into a state for the purpose of maintaining peaceful conduct of election, even if the motive behind the deployment was right, the enormity of it, is likely to destroy the process. The August 9, 2014 election in the State of Osun turned out to be a nightmare for hundreds of people. Not because they were lawless, or involved in any act that could have warranted them to be treated as miscreants, but the brutality meted out to them was the weapon that the desperate Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needed for acquisition of power by all means, with the backing of the federal-might, thinking that will clear the coast for their victory. But victory came the way of All Progressives Congress (APC) because they were people, who want true freedom and were ready to fight for it, even with their blood. The Rauf Aregbesola administration is a movement; one that is peopledriven. The masses for the first time in the history of the state, found in a man, that is not after the lustre of office, but a man passionately purpose-driven to deliver to the people the much-desired dividends of democracy; to banish hunger and poverty, to provide equal opportunities for all and sundry, irrespective of birth, ethnicity, and social strata. The people know good governance whenever it comes and when usurpers are struggling to rubbish such, the people will not only resist with all their available weapons at the right time, but they would be ready to endure the brutality of the invading power mongers. Despite the brutalisation of the innocent ones, who had assembled at the country home of an octogenarian, Pa Joseph Oladapo Fakayode, a lawyer, either to express their condolence to him over the death of his 40-year-old daughter or to spend the night in his house before going to Independent National Electoral Commission INEC) office for the next day election as party agents. However, due to political intolerance, 38 All Progressives Congress (APC) members were subjected to all sort of human indignities in the hands of federal coercive forces and were in detention for no just course, while others were exercising their civil rights on the election day. They were neither charged to court or accused of any illegal acts, only to be set free at the end of the election. The security agent’s invasion of a peaceful community of Oke-Ila, headquarters of Ifedayo Local Government Council Area of the state, on the eve of the election of August 9, 2014 was allegedly sponsored by a former State House of Assembly member, one Mrs Funmilayo O

•Pa FAKAYODE

By YOMI WILLIAMS

Olaseinde and others, who also hailed from the same community, but were not comfortable with the popularity of APC in the council area, as well as in the state. Olaseinde used her connection with a newly-appointed Minister from the state, to round-up the party agents, that had earlier been directed by the INEC to assemble in their office the next day for their assignments. Pa Fakayode was one of the leaders of APC in the community. The party agents, who had left their adjourning villages for the electoral assignment could not return home, having left INEC office late, and even if they wanted to go home, there was no vehicle as at that time of the night. This made Pa Fakayode’s house the assembly point for them. The nightmare however set in by midnight, when about 33 party agents, and condolence visitors, as well as 84year-old Pa Fakayode were roundedup by overzealous and brutal security agents. Papa’s doors were booted opened, while the old man was shouted down and forced to lie down in the rain, with the security agents barking: “Stupid idiot. At your age, you are in the company of prostitutes, who masquerade themselves as party agents. Shut up, if you argue with me, I will waste your life here and that will be the end of it. Imagine, at your age, you are foolishly following Aregbesola, a man that is your son’s age-mate.” But what could an old man do or say in the dark night, pregnant with danger. As an aged lawyer, Pa Fakayode has learnt from experience not to argue with a man with a gun, not even in the night, where there was nobody to witness the evil event that was going on. The whole scenario was like a

•ADEBAYO KOLAWOLE

scene from a movie called “Hammer House of Horror”. To the old man who had just lost his daughter, it was double tragedy to be subjected to beaten with horse-whip, by a man, who was even younger in age than his grandson, for no just course. “When the boy at the Department of State Security Service was beaten me, I cried uncontrollably. I wept for my country and for the present generation of young men and women, that have little or no regard for the aged. I fear for the future of my country and I wondered what the present leadership of Nigeria would bequeath for the coming generations. I wept not for myself or for the pain inflicted on me, but for the danger ahead of our democracy, and I wish our leaders would retrace their steps from the dangerous cliff they were approaching, before it is too late.” It is an irony that the General Abacha days are here again. The days and time when military were crushing dissenting voices the way crushing machines do crush kernels. It is ironical the more because the present Nigeria President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was likely to have been part of the victims of Abacha’s misrule, when the former was utilising the coercive forces to crush the oilpolluted communities in the present Rivers and Bayelsa states. It was when one of the Army commanders, called Colonel Komo stated: “I have learnt in more than hundred ways about how to kill without using guns.” The man’s command killed, maimed, raped and few years after the wicked exercise, videos and pictures of the atrocities committed by the military, came into the open, and the children the soldiers fathered, but left behind after the operation became the debating issue. The President can defend the use

of the military for election, and Marylin Ogar can partisan- justify the activities of her men and officers in the elections of August 9, 2014 in Osun, but the nemesis would sooner or later visit those who knowingly or unknowingly maltreated an octogenarian, who was whisked away in his pyjamas in the dead of the night and was beaten up, forced to urinate in his trousers and made to trek five kilometres on an unknown road. If in the process of election monitoring by the security agents, a teenager, who was down with fever had to be woken up from sleep, whisked away half-naked wearing only knickers on a cold night, not because he was at a political meeting, but because the parent was a neighbour of Pa Fakayode in the same building, such officer and men had injured a future generation, just as Hitler did to the young Israelis that grew up with strong and hatred against their co- Middle East neighbours till date. If in the struggle for power, we crushed the very people we wish to lead, what type of legacy are we bequeathing? If in a free democracy, the people cannot be allowed to make their choice freely, then it becomes a ruse to talk of freedom. Election of the gun is no democratic feature; it is a symptomatic feature of a police state. Failure to stop and rethink about the direction that militarisation of election could spell doom and signpost the beginning of the end of our hardearned democracy. Nigeria is on slippery slope into an “era of brutish bullishness and reprehensible impudence, an audacious spate of fascism.” The wise men must therefore speak out now before it is too late.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Entry Level Clearance Officers Job Vacancy at The British High Commission, Abuja and Lagos The British High Commission is looking to recruit an Entry Clearance Officer to work within the Visa Section. Position: B3(L) Entry Clearance Officer Location: Abuja and Lagos Job Summary The position is for an initial one year contract, and may be subject to renewal. The candidate must be a British passport holder who already has or is able to obtain UK Security Clearance, or another national who has recently lived at least five consecutive years in the UK and may be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance. The candidate must also provide evidence that they have permission to work for the British High Commission in Nigeria (i.e. that they are a Nigerian passport holder; or hold a Nigerian work permit that allows them to work for a diplomatic mission). Any applicant who does not provide evidence of this will be sifted out at the first stage. Any suitably qualified member of existing BHC/DFID/British Council staff (who currently has SC) wishing to submit an application must also seek approval from their line manager prior to applying. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a variety of tasks to support visa operations. The main duties will include: Assessing visa applications in a fair, objective and courteous manner. Making quick and pragmatic decisions to issue and refuse visas in accordance with the Immigration Rules, and within agreed time-scales. Dealing with correspondence and other enquiries from applicants, sponsors and members of the public. Preparing wellpresented and accurate replies, written in plain English, within target times. Preparing written statements and paperwork related to the appeals process, and making sure that they are also well presented and accurate. *Note that BHC refers to both staff in Lagos and Abuja Qualities Needed We are looking for a candidate who meets the criteria listed below with good oral and written communication skills. In particular, the successful candidate should be able to work quickly and accurately, often under pressure, have a positive approach to tackling problems and a willingness to take on new tasks. Good communication with excellent spoken and written English. Computer literacy with accurate typing skills of at least 25 words per minute. The ability to remain customer focused, polite and courteous under pressure. Excellent team players - this is an all for one, and one for all environment. Flexibility and a positive attitude to working in a forward thinking, modern and motivated department, which is working at the forefront of visa work. We are committed to improving standards and procedures - and we are looking for like-minded employees. To effectively represent the Visa Section, the British High Commission, and the UK Government as a whole. The ability to work quickly and reliably with little supervision to meet challenging targets. The capability of making quick decisions, in accordance with set rules and the ability to show that these decisions are fair and just. Ability to work well under pressure. Previous experience of working within a visa section or other office environment is strongly preferred, and good keyboard skills and familiarity with computers and software packages (notably MS Word, Excel and straightforward databases) are essential for the role. Ideally the candidate will have recent ECO experience however this not a mandatory requirement. Any successful candidate who does not have recent experience will be required to attend and pass an Entry Clearance Officer training course. Remuneration This is a full time position from 8am – 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am – 1pm on Friday. Flexible working hours may be available. The job will be graded B3(L) and the monthly starting salary is N442,149.00 per month including allowances. Successful candidates who are not liable to pay Nigerian tax will be subject to a 10 % notional tax deduction on the basic salary. The salary will be paid in Naira. Method of Application The selection process for this position is ‘competency-based’. Applicants will be required to complete an application form outlining how they meet the required competencies (as listed below). Those who advance in the selection process will be interviewed based on these competencies and may also be required to complete a written exercise and presentation. Seeing the Bigger Picture Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and wider public needs. Focusing your contribution on the activities which will meet Civil Service goals and deliver the greatest value. Making Effective Decisions Being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. Showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate option before arriving at well reasoned justifiable decisions. Collaborating and Partnering Creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Managing a Quality Service Being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. People who are effective plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support service delivery. Delivering at Pace Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. Leading and Communicating Leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. Supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens. All those interested in applying must complete the LE ECO core competency based application form – giving examples of how you think you meet the competencies. You should also enclose a passport sized photograph and a copy of your passport bio-data page. Applications should be sent to: Human Resources Assistant British High Commission Abuja 19 Torrens Close, Maitama, Abuja, FCT. Or by e-mail to: recruitment.abuja@fco.gov.uk Note: Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Telephone applications and enquiries will also not be accepted. Only applicants called for interview will be contacted, and it is likely that interviews will be conducted in later last week of September 2014. Application Deadline 15th September, 2014 ——————————————————————————— Data Analyst Jobs in Lagos at SATTRAK Telematics SATTRAK Telematics operates as a technology service provider in the Telematics/Telemetry industry, offering value added asset management services for businesses and individuals in Nigeria. Our solutions allow customers to reap the full benefits of their assets through effective monitoring and control of their use and operations, thereby driving efficiency, significant cost reduction and asset life elongation. Sattrak Services Limited is recruiting for the position below: Job Title: Data Analyst Location: Lagos Requirements An experienced sales team lead with minimum of 7 years experience of leading teams in selling telematics solutions. The ideal candidate must have strong outgoing and relationship building personality, must have strong presentation and persuasion skills, must be able to imbibe new knowledge quickly as well as garner applicable knowledge to convince prospects to buy telematics solutions, must possess strong IT skills to prepare and make PowerPoint presentations and strong report writing skills. The ideal candidate must have demonstrable experience of haven sold telematics solutions to SMEs, large and multinational organizations with vehicle and generator fleets in key markets of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. He/She must be able to work independently and with a team to penetrate and generate strong pipelines of prospects as well as close deals in very short period of time. How to Apply All qualified applicant should send their application and a 2 page CV via email to: jobs@sattrakservices.com stating the position as the subject.

Application Deadline 16th September, 2014 ———————————————————————————— Chartered Accountant Job Vacancy in Lagos at First Choice Leasing Limited First Choice Leasing Limited is a reputable Asset Finance and Rental Organization, Vacancy exist in our Accounts department. Job Title: Chartered Accountant Location: Lagos Qualification B.Sc (Accounting) Professional Qualification: Compulsory. Experience: More than 5years. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV’s to: recruitment@firstchoiceleasingltd.com Application Deadline 15th September, 2014. ———————————————————————————— Jobs in Port Harcourt for a HSE Manager Karsto Global Resources Limited is recruiting for the position below: Job Title: HSE Manager Location: Rivers Requirements Candidates should possess NEBOSH, SAS & THUET, HSE level 3 qualification At least 5 years experience Should reside in Port Harcourt Job Description Excellent analytical skills. Able to convince and communicate strongly. Excellent training skills. Able to provide detailed audit reports with relevant required preventive and corrective measures. Excellent communication skills both written and oral. Good Microsoft Office skills. The HSE Manager is responsible for the design, implementation, communication and coordination of all environmental, health, and safety programs for the Company. This position will develop and provide technical and administrative direction on all HSE decisions, which bear critical importance to overall Company’s objectives, operations, and profitability. How To Apply Interested candidates should send their CVs to: recruitment@karstoglobal.com Application Deadline 26th September, 2014 ——————————————————————————— Jobs in Abuja for Marketing Executives at PC Doctors PC Doctors Provides an expert IT support service for the home and office that is affordable, practical, jargon free and reliable. PC Doctors requires the services of a qualified candidate to fill this position of IT support marketer Job Title: Marketing Executive Location: Abuja Responsibilities Design, develop and carry out technical marketing strategies Establish and develop technical marketing objectives and goals Analyze and interpret marketing trends concerning technical products or services Prepare and present analytic reports Provide technical support in order to develop new products Establish and maintain long-term relationships with suppliers, customers and company staff Provide technical advice to staff Increase the company’s awareness and recognition by providing high quality technical products and services and promoting excellent customer service Not more than 28 years Organize and conduct research activities Evaluate the consumer’s needs and expectations and design and introduce new products Design and develop new strategies and techniques in order to promote and sell more products Develop marketing and promotion campaigns Ensure compliance with technical marketing practices Establish sales and marketing budgets Requirement Graduate qualification required Method of Application Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV’s to: joshua@pcdoctors.com.ng Application Closing Date 14th September, 2014. —————————————————————————————— Sales Representatives Jobs in Lagos at AA Group AA Group is a group of companies that works in West Africa for more than 20 years in the areas of security, hi-tech and engineering. The group unites the knowledge and experience of worldwide experts alongside with more than 1,500 devoted employees. The group and its subsidiaries come to the benefit of its clients with proven abilities of numerous successful projects. AA Racma & Partners Group Limited is recruiting qualified candidates to fill the position of: Job Title: Sales Representative Location: Lagos Job Description: 3 years cognate sales experience Verifiable sales record Meeting sales targets Advising customers about delivery schedules and after-sales service Keeping in contact with existing customers in person and by telephone Watching competitors and the products offered Reporting sales trends to your employer. Making appointments to meet new and existing customers Understanding customers’ needs Sniffing new customers Making presentations to promote products and special deals Agreeing sales, prices, contracts and payments Method of Application Interested candidates should forward updated CV and cover letter to: hr.manager@aagroupsite.com before September 19, 2014 —————————————————————————————— CS Offshore Integrated Services Job Vacancy for a Graduate Operations Assistant in Port Harcourt We ‘CS Offshore’ having our base in Dubai have been able to have our presence felt in India, West Africa and of-course Middle East by providing leading services in the marine offshore industry. An Independent establishment registered in Dubai in 2008 with a highly growth oriented objective having a mission to provide the very best commercial service at the most competitive cost while offering a complete solution for the Oil and Gas Industry. CS Offshore is recruiting to fill the position of: Job Title: Operations Assistant Job Ref. No: N 1009 Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers Requirements Suitable candidate should possess the following requirements: B.Sc holder in any related discipline/preferable marine industry Must be of Nigerian nationality with minimum of 1 year experience in a similar role in offshore/shipping industry and/ or company Should be able to handle ships activities in ONNE/(Operating base of OFFSHORE Vessels). Coordinate with Agent during vessels stay in port. Candidate should have knowledge of ship’s certifications/insurance/surveys and inspection of vessel by flag/class/ client. He should be able to keep record of documents of OPS department as per company’s Safety Management System. He should possess basic knowledge of ISM/ISPS. He should be conversant with crew certificates requirement as per STCW and safe manning of vessels. Remuneration Salary Range: NGN60,000-NGN100,000 (based on years of experience). How To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV’s to: careers@cs-offshore.com using Job Ref as the subject of the Mail.

Or submit their CV and handwritten application to: Note: Applications without job reference will not be considered. 12 Jasper Ike street, Off George Omonubi street, Alternative route, Off New market road, Oniru, Lekki Phase 1.

Application Closing Date 15th September, 2014. —————————————————————————

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OPINION

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

Nigeria Needs Help From Political Ebola I

N my growing up years with my maternal grandparents in Ikoyi, a community in Isokan Local Government Council Area in the State of Osun, I witnessed a rich cultural background of Yoruba cosmology. Despite the fact that my grandparents professed Islamic faith, grandpa also subscribed to Ifa oracle and sometimes he appealed to ‘Ogun’, the god of iron, with dog and palm wine, while grandma held ‘Arodelodo’ one of the water goddesses in high esteem. I could recall in 1982 that people were asked to stock corners of houses with “tagiri” similar to melon fruit in order to prevent “Sanpona” a deity that fights without border, according to traditional belief and I must say that people obliged, because nobody was willing to take chances with dreaded Sanpona. Quite interesting, grandma had a way of sending me to one witchdoctor in the neighbourhood called Baba Adila, to further confirm and demand the atonement of the voice of Ifa divination earlier revealed by my grandpa at home. Yes, they observed selected dictates of Islam with their limited understanding, but that did not vitiate their strong belief in the tradition. If you like, question their salvation in the next life because of your faith; all I know is that salvation is personal. Behold, the emergence of Ebola virus which kills faster than aids in Nigeria courtesy of one Dr. Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian American has now exposed our collective hypocrisy as touching faith of any kind. It is crystal clear now that people fear Ebola more than God, the

By GOKE BUTIKA

author of the universe, because the Supreme Being has robust capacity to forgive human error but ebola does not and the nexus here is that Ebola compels its victim to embark on the journey to next life, if there is one and the Theologians believe that next life is where a man would meet his creator in spirit having dropped the body on earth. Having taken you through the route I once passed through as a young man, please join me now in connecting the nexus between Ebola virus and political Ebola as to what obtains in Nigeria, the so-called “Giant of Africa”, perhaps if the kind of swift response administered to the virus containment in Lagos State is applied to political Ebola in the whole nation, our political space would be better off. In fairness, the fear of painful death of Ebola virus is the beginning of wisdom. The virus is highly contagious. We are educated that it lacks potency in incubation stage, but very communicable when a victim is down with its symptoms. It is quite sympathetic that we have lost some medics and other valuable health workers in the process of containment, but the battle to exterminate the virus is still raging on. However, who will help us with vaccine to cure our political Ebola? Of course, Zmapp has been invented to fight the virus, but Nigerians are still panting for the vaccine to cure the political Ebola. You may want to know that Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 in Zaire now Democratic Republic of

Congo, but political Ebola has been with us since 1965 before the military interregnum in the nation’s politics. But the Great Mahatma Ghandi of India, who had hinted the world about the dreaded sins of our politicians in the earlier part of the century, and from his fountain, many nations had invented mechanism through the instrumentality of the law and strong institutions to fix their political Ebola challenge, but some pariah nations like ours are still deep soaked in the political virus. These are the symptoms of the political Ebola: Wealth Without Work Pleasure Without Conscience Knowledge Without Character Commerce (Business) Without Morality (Ethics) Science Without Humanity Religion Without Sacrifice Politics Without Principle I want to believe that the aforementioned viruses are self explanatory. Our politicians are accumulating wealth without work, by stealing our collective resources. I learnt that a governorship candidate in the just concluded governorship election has over N500 billion in some traceable accounts, and this is a guy we could not explain the volume of what he does for a living, but such an individual would not be questioned because he belongs to the mainstream. This is a classical case of wealth without work. Besides, political office holders are spending lavishly on ‘Owambe’ parties and other luxuries, because they have access to free money, and the custodians of our collective patrimony would hear and see no evil, if you belong to the

mainstream; that is pleasure without conscience and our academics and opinion moulders have joined the bandwagon for filthy lucre, speaking to knowledge without character. Thugs of Niger Delta are getting patronage, some of them are building universities, buying private jets, while the Minister of Petroleum could be servicing her private jets with millions of dollars that could go for four year budget of some states. That is commerce without morality. Hmmm! Poor people, who are struggling to keep little savings in banks to service their children, who have been abandoned by the state, are to pay for using their debit cards bought from the bank to withdraw from the bank, while a rural dweller, who lives on an electric bulb but could still not get power must pay for darkness, because the unscrupulous business men, who purchased power companies must recoup their investment in a short while. This is a typical science without humanity. Again, pastors of global fame are accused of adultery by their wives, just the way Pastor Chris and his estranged wife, Anita Oyahkilome are entertaining the world, while some Imams of Islamic faith are helping men of underworld with diabolical prayers. If this is not religion without sacrifice, what do we call it then? And if a Ribadu could seek help for governorship ambition on the political platform he once described as den of corruption, then politics of nowadays is without principle. Look, if nothing is done quickly to fix this political Ebola, our nation is doomed. I rest my case.

Congratulations The People’s Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has been re-elected to carry on for another term of four years. Ogbeni Aregbesola recorded a resounding success in the justconcluded election. The election shows that the Governor is well embraced by all the people of the State of the Virtuous. In view of this, your popular grassroots tabloid, OSUN DEFENDER newspaper, is doing a supplement to congratulate the People’s Governor. Individuals, corporate bodies, institutions and well-wishers can avail themselves with the pocket-friendly advert rate of OSUN DEFENDER newspaper.

Advert Rate Full Page Colour Full Page Black & White Half Page Colour Half Page Black & White Quarter Page Colour Quater Page Black & White Any of these phone lines can be contacted: 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897 and 08023191891

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, September 11, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Osun Deeper Life Church Leaders Paid A Congratulatory Visit To The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At The Government House, Osogbo, Recently.

The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd right); State Overseer, Deeper Life Bible Church in Osun, Pastor John Adeniran (left) and his wife, Elizabeth, during the visit by the leadership of Deeper Life to the governor in Osogbo recently.

â&#x20AC;˘Governor Aregbesola (3rd left); his deputy, Laoye-Tomori (2nd left); Pastor Adeniran (3rd right); his wife (2nd right); Regional Overseer, Ede, Pastor Roland Oludare (left); Pastor Adeola Olusegun (right) and others, during the visit by the leadership of Deeper Life to the governor at the Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, recently.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 made a lot of WE have efforts over the years, to ensure that birds of the same plumage flock together in the political circle; quite unfortunately however, the same story of strange bed fellows is repeatedly told. It may not be new to some of us that political parties often categorize themselves as belonging to either the progressives, or the conservatives. Over the years however, the membrane is hardly noticeable between the two. The case is made worse by indiscriminate cross-carpeting from the political class. It is on this basis that people are calling for clear-cut ideological leanings that will allow for definitive privilege that will open alternatives that people can consider, before a decision to veer into politics is made. We can see people in political parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Action Alliance (AA), and a host of other political parties, referring to themselves as the progressives, and those in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) being referred to as the conservatives; although this does not go down well with them. Whatever the case however, those in PDP have a clear understanding that they are a special breed, either by action or inclination. Evidently, we find it difficult to agree with any of the claims, because the disgruntled members of one bloc easily decamp to the other without restraint. An example was the recent action by Ondo State governor, who sought for soft landing in the Labour Party, but is now back in PDP, where he originally felt marginalized. With the recent defection of two chieftains of APC viz: Chief Tom Ikimi and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, it now becomes urgently imperative than before that serious restructuring exercise be carried out, so that people of like minds will work together as political associates, with little propensity to defect based on personal ambition. The party must be able to chart a formidable course for ideological ideals capable of challenging other political parties with their muddled ideological toga. Like it happened during the time of Azikwe and Awolowo, nobody being referred to as chieftain with find any other party homely because their ethos will spot them out. I once pointed out in this column when APC was birthed in what I captioned: ‘APC And Ideological Enigma’ thus: “It is now of utmost importance that ideological boundary becomes well-pronounced. People must be able to know the difference between the leftists and the rightists. Well mapped-out agenda must separate the two. It is not enough for people to just come together for the sake of wrestling power from the behemoths that have permanently planted themselves on our political landscape, as if it is their exclusive right to remain in power. Incidentally, they have occupied the national life for a reasonable period of time, when a meaningful assessment can be made. We have witnessed promises made unfulfilled; we have seen projects initiated, sordidly done and commissioned without the clout to

By ADE OLUGBOTEMI

Year 2015, APC’s Burden Of Expectations “With the recent defection of two chieftains of APC viz: Chief Tom Ikimi and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, it now becomes urgently imperative than before that serious restructuring exercise be carried out, so that people of like minds will work together as political associates, with little propensity to defect based on personal ambition. The party must be able to chart a formidable course for ideological ideals capable of challenging other political parties with their muddled ideological toga. Like it happened during the time of Azikwe and Awolowo, nobody being referred to as chieftain with find any other party homely because their ethos will spot them out.” stand the test of time, and we have heard of white elephant projects, budgeted and provided for, that only exist upon completion within the purview of executors’ imagination. People cannot expect anything new again because there is actually nothing more to showcase by the ruling PDP. That is why Nigerians will be eager to see the emergence of a new power bloc. Such emergence must be capable of heralding better and more assuring ways of doing things; whereby hopes will no longer have permanent home in oblivion; and expectation, a residence in mirage. Confidence must become kinetic in the arena of promises made, and promises fulfilled. A situation when promises made by leaders are equated to steal-born children in the closet can no longer generate confidence that leaders need from their followers. Junketing around the world has only left Nigerians worse-off. Investment generation that countless trips around the globe were meant to influence has remained on leaders’ lips and the pages of newspapers; because they have not translated to economic edifices that can absorb millions of school leavers from our tertiary institutions across the

country. Such trips have only succeeded in generating foreign exchange earnings for those countries, who understand our leaders’ crave for ostentation and profligacy. They may be quick to take their guests round their heritage, but the venture ends there; because they will never be favourably disposed to any technological transfer that is capable of reducing the capital inflow to their countries. Any party that wants to form government now, and enjoy the confidence of the masses must be innovative enough to generate opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths, who are walking about in hopelessness, and with minds in squalid state. Road map to greatness must be generated; such that policies and programmes will be dispensed with in a manner that is clear to sound minds. We cannot continue to grope in the dark about activities of government, as if government is a deity that should not be understood by mere mortals. This has often put our leaders on pedestals that portray them as supernatural breed that have a kind of discernment ability different from what the rest of us have.

We need not get carried away by the enthusiasm that the politicians, who are coming together to form All Progressives Congress are showing, because some of them may turn cosmetic at the end of the day—they may rush out the way they are rushing in now. When people have a clear understanding of what they are getting involved in, and they have clear convictions that it is in line with their fundamental belief, let any tempest come, they will stand like Imesi Rock, because those who know their onions will be ready to stake their all in what they believe in. The allies in the emerging Mega Party, who are making waves in the western and eastern parts of the country may have convinced some of us about what to expect when eventually they send the Hawks in Aso Rock packing. This is not enough to repose so much confidence in the strangers that are joining in. Terms of reference that clearly spell the basis for the bond must be well-understood by, and acceptable to them. Nigeria of today needs those who are united in spirit and mind; with the clear knowledge of, and agreement with the bond contents that exemplify their operations. Everything that may likely cause strained relationship must be identified and nipped in the bud, now that the party is aiming to conquer the centre. Nigerians are keenly watching to see whether things will be done differently or not. The ruling-PDP is known for persistent internal wranglings that is doused only when the time for electioneering is around the corner. That is evidence that PDP has nothing in the kitty for ordinary Nigerians, who are generally yoked in acute maladministration that has become the hallmark of their strange leadership style.” This is the time for decisive action, that Nigerians everywhere in the world will be able to say that a party has emerged that is readily able to give direction to the political calculations that hitherto have remained incongruous. This will give ample chance to people of high intelligence quotients to decipher and chose between the party of genuine progressives and those that are peopled by mere jokers in political cloaks, whose stock in trade is just to manoeuvre innocent Nigerians for mere selfish political gains. Our resilience has sustained us this far. We may become totally dismembered however, unless something urgent is done to salvage the situation. What is emerging in the horizon now to assuage our battered psyches is the assurance that something positive will come with the birth of APC. Victory in 2015 general elections is one thing; the thinking now must transcend this, because what we have now is a party that has ‘won’ in so many elections, but has made the country miserable for Nigerians. We now need a party that will win at polls and make people’s joy to be full because of maximum benefits they will derive from government.

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

osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.