VOL. 9. NO.118 NNNNN 505 05 05 05 0THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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Front Page Comment

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•(L-R) The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam; the ‘birthday boy’, Chief of Staff to the Governor, State ofOsun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; and his wife, Kafayat; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye and Hon. Kamil Oyedele duringthe 60th birthday anniversary of Alhaji Oyetola at his Iragbiji residence, State of Osun, last Monday.

- See StoryOn Page 15

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- See StoryOn Page 2

Why Osun PDP Chair Did NotVote For Omisore - Investigation

Osun Guber Election:

Show Of Shame AsMobile PoliceTeargas Osun FRSCSector Command,Beat Corps

Falana Asks IGPTo Arrest, TryHoodlums WhoSacked EkitiCourt - Pg 3

Osun WaterResourcesMinistry BeginsProjects’Commissioning

Phantom, Reckless Claims By Osun PDP On Inspection Of Ballot Papers

Weeks before theAugust 9th gubernato-rial elections which waswon by the pragmaticOgbeni RaufAregbesola of the APC,it was obvious we wereup against forces otherthan the people of Osunstate which naturallyshould be the determi-nant of

how the elections willswing. The Allprogressives Congress(APC) still smartingfrom its shocking defeatin the previous Ekitielections had literarilysworn it will lose Osunover its dead body. Themurderous villain fieldedby the Peoples Demo-cratic

The War Called The OsunElections-By Segun Tomori

Party (PDP), outrightlyunpopular with barely afew dozens of peopletrailing him at campaignshowever woretheconfidence of a Gover-nor-In-waiting. He they

didn’t care a hoot aboutthe people’s wish, allthat matters was the fullcompliment of theparaphernalia of Stateactivated by an

imperial Presidentthough utterly clueless,but desperate to addOsun to his conquest infurtherance of his still-born second term bid. Solo and behold, the diewas cast!I have notbeen emotionally at-tached to any electionsin Nigeria as I was withthe Osun elections,

maybe June 12, 1993Presidential electionspresumed to have beingwon by my President,M.K.O Abiola could bean exception.It wasn’t because I hadaffinity with anyone inOgbeni’s government orbecause I enjoyed anyform of patronage butbecause

Continue on pg5

2 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014

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•An ongoing pedestrian construction project along Fakunle area in Osogbo under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola as capturedby our cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, last Monday.

News

By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

Why Osun PDP Chair Did Not Vote For Omisore - Investigation

CHAIRMAN of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the State of Osun, Alhaji GaniOlaoluwa, did not cast his vote in the August

9, 2014 governorship election for Senator IyiolaOmisore, the PDP candidate has been revealed byinvestigation in the state

By OUR REPORTER

Olaoluwa registered atG o v e r n m e n tReservasation Area (GRA)

polling unit, Ward 1, inOlorunda LocalGovernment Council Area

of the state, where his partyscored 95 votes, while theAll Progressives Congress(APC) won the unit with142 votes.

OSUN DEFENDERgathered that Olaoluwa waswith the self-acclaimedpolitical godfather inAnambra State and amember of the PDP Board

of Trustees, Mr ChrisUba, at a hotel located atOgo-Oluwa area, Osogbo,during the election period.

An impeccable sourcewithin the party revealedthat Olaoluwa wasprotesting the allegedmaltreatment he sufferedearlier in the hands of thegovernorship candidate ofthe PDP, Senator Omisore,during the campaignperiod.

Olaoluwa, according tohis close politicalassociates, was also afraidfor his life, thinking thatOmisore might send somethugs to attack him on theelection day and laterblamed the attack onmembers of the APC as themasterminds.

It would be recalled thatOmisore allegedly dealt adirty slap on the PDPchairman at the party

Show Of Shame As Mobile PoliceTeargas Osun FRSC SectorCommand, Beat Corps

THERE was commotion on Monday at the State ofOsun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) as a detachment of armed policemen of the

Mobile Unit of the Nigeria Police Force stormed thecommand.

secretariat few days to theelection, following adisagreement between theduo on whose custody theelection fund would be.

Omisore, according toreports, was insisting onkeeping the billions of nairareleased to the party by thePDP national secretariatand the Presidency, whileOlaoluwa was alsomaintaining his right as theparty chairman to take thecustody of the electionfunds.

The developmentdegenerated into a hotargument that eventuallyprovoked Omisore intoslapping his partychairman in the presenceof other members of theparty.

OSUN DEFENDERgathered that Olaoluwa hadvowed not to vote forOmisore sequel to thedevelopment, stating that

the former senator wouldlikely becomeuncontrollable should hewin the governorshipelection.

Sources at the pollingunit, where Olaoluwa wassupposed to vote, confidedin the medium that the PDPchairman did not appear atthe voting centrethroughout the electionperiod.

Olaoluwa and Omisoreare currently leading thepetition filed against thevictory of Governor RaufAregbesola at thegubernatorial poll.

The question on the lipsof some members of thepublic is: What is the moraljustification for Olaoluwato lead a petition, when hedid not actually participatein the electoral processand vote for his partycandidate?

The policemen were saidto have been infuriated overan attack on a mobile policeofficer, who was in mufti, bythe FRSC officers on patrolin Osogbo, the state capital.

The Special ProtectionUnit of the Mobile Policefrom Zone 11 PoliceCommand, led by itsCommandant, Isah Adejo,invaded the FRSC StateCommand office, firing tear-gas on its officers.

The police team stormedthe command around3.30pm and started beatingany FRSC officer they couldlay their hands on, whileother officers were runningfor their lives.

For about one hour, thesector command wasscattered while the crowdstood watching the attackon the command.

The FRSC senior officerswere unable to safe thesituation, as the mobilepolice officers remaineddefiant.

OSUN DEFENDERreporter, who witnessed theattack, reported that anFRSC officer, who fell intothe hands of the rampagingpolicemen was tear-gassedat a very close range, hadhis clothes torn into shredsand forced to sit on barefloor at the premises of thecommand.

The police invasion of theFRSC State Command officewas however learnt to be areprisal attack.

According to aneyewitness, a mobile policeofficer, who was not inuniform while riding on amotorcycle, was arrested bythe FRSC officers, who wereon patrol, which eventuallyled to a serious fight, withthe police officer sustaininghead injury.

When he was sighted atthe FRSC Sector Commandoffice, his white underwearwas stained with blood,before he was taken to anundisclosed hospital withthe FRSC Toyta Hilux van.

When contacted, theZone 11 Police PublicRelations Officer, Mr SholaBabalola, said it was just aminor misunderstanding,which has been settledbetween the police and theFRSC, assuring that thematter has been laid to rest.

He said the FRSC StateCommand and the

policemen involved havesettled the matter as afamily affair, which is notmeant for public

Nigeria At 54: Aregbesola Says Total Respect For DemocraticRights Of The People Will Make Independence Meaningful

THE Governor of Osun, Ogbeni RaufAregbesola, has identified peoples’freedom to willingly choose their leaders

as a hallmark of democracy.Aregbesola, in a

message by the Director,the Bureau ofCommunications andStrategy, Office of theGovernor, Mr. SemiuOkanlawon, observedthis in a message to markthe nation’s 54thi n d e p e n d e n c eanniversary.

The governor saidindependence, in the truesense of the word, willonly make meaning ifpeople of the nation haveunrestricted free will toelect their leaders at alltiers of government.

According to him, arefusal to allow peoples’will and aspirations to befreely expressed most ofthe time results in chaosand confusion.

He called on leadersand people of the countryto come to terms with thereality of what democracymeans, which is theunfettered freedom ofexpression, of choice ofthose whom the peoplewant to rule them.

Through this alone,Aregbesola said, willindependence benefit thenation and propel its

people towards positivecontributions.

“Democracy as asystem of governmentonly has meaning in anatmosphere of freedom.

“Our nation stands tobenefit immensely if thewill of the peoplesupersedes the individualleader’s ambition.

“We, as a nation, mustput our acts together asfrom now on and remainfocused on how to movethis country to greaterheights.

“This should be thelesson as well as theprimary message weshould spread around asthe nation clocks 54years,” Aregbesola said

Adding that Nigeria’s

independence will bemeaningless unless thereis absolute respect fordemocratic ethos,Aregbesola said “Today,our country witnessesblatant cases of abuse ofhuman rights and totaldisregard for the rights ofthe people to choose thosewho lead them.

“Relentlessly, we havecampaigned for a truefederation which takesinto account all thefreedom of the federatingunits to conduct theiraffairs in the most suitablemanner according to theirr e s p e c t i v ecircumstances.

“It is regrettable thatmany of the institutions ofthe state which ought to

be in place for theenthronement ofacceptable federalismand democracy have beenweakened deliberately toachieve some personalpolitical and economicadvantages of those whohad worked over theyears against thehappiness of our people.”

Aregbesola saidcollectively all Nigerianscould make independencework by compellingleaders to act with totalrespect for the rule of lawadding, “Our countrystands the chance ofcovering the lost groundsif only we realize theneed to act in the bestinterest of the people.”

consumption.“It is an internal affair

please, it has been resolved,”the police spokesmanstressed.

The State Commandant ofFRSC, Muhammed Husaini,was not available forcomment as at press time,while all efforts to speak tohis second-in-comand,Commandant R A Adewumi,was unsuccessful.

3 News OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014

•An ongoing construction of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Araromi, Osogbo Middle School project under theadministration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, as captured by our cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, last Saturday.

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

Lawmaker Gives Scholarship To 33 StudentsBy SHINA ABUBAKAR

THE lawmaker representing Olorunda StateConstituency in the State of Osun House of Assembly,Honourable Waseeu Adebayo, recently gave

scholarships to 33 students in higher institutions in theeleven wards constituting his constituency.

Falana Asks IGP To Arrest, Try Hoodlums Who Sacked Ekiti CourtBy KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

HUMAN rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria,Chief Femi Falana, has called on the ActingInspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abbah, to

“arrest and prosecute without any delay” those who invadedan Ado Ekiti High Court, beat up a judge, and violated theCourt of Justice.

Falana put the blame on theEkiti State governor-elect, Mr.Ayo Fayose, whom he said hasjustified the shameful attack onthe rule of law in Ekiti State bysaying that his election cannotbe challenged in court.

The statement reads: “Thisis a reminder of the Idi Aminera in Uganda, when judgeswere killed while dischargingjudicial functions”

Falana however, urged thatFayose and his thugs shouldnot be allowed to kill judgesand lawyers before calling himto order.

“In my reaction to theoutcome of the Ekiti Stategovernorship election held on

June 21, 2014, I expressed theview that the Ekiti people hadgone back to Egypt. Themayhem unleashed on a highcourt judge, lawyers andlitigants in the precinct of theEkiti State High Court sittingin Ado-Ekiti on Monday,September, 23, 2014, by a gangof hired hoodlums, hasconfirmed that Ekiti peoplehave fully returned to thewilderness.

“As the thugs were notbrought to book, theyregrouped in the morning andlaunched another attack on thehigh court. In the process,Justice Isaac Adeyeye wasbeaten up, while the car

belonging to Mr. RotimiAkeredolu, a former Presidentof the Nigerian BarAssociation, was destroyed.Other judges and lawyers ranfor dear lives.

“Thus, by desecrating theTemple of Justice with theconnivance of the Police, thearmed hoodlums left no one indoubt that they have the fullbacking of the ruling party inexecuting the premeditatedonslaught on the judiciary.

“So far, those whoperpetrated the barbaric attackand their sponsors haveadmitted their ignoble rolethrough public statementsissued by them.

“The Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose hasjustified the shameful attackon the rule of law in Ekiti Stateby saying that his electioncannot be challenged in court.

“This is a reminder of theIdi Amin era in Uganda, whenjudges were killed while

discharging judicial functions.“Mr. Fayose and his thugs

should not be allowed to killjudges and lawyers beforecalling him to order.

“Since the Ekiti State PoliceCommand is completelycompromised, the ActingInspector-General of Police,Mr. Suleiman Abbah, is herebycalled upon to ensure that allthe assailants are arrested andprosecuted without any delay.

“Any attempt to cover upthe brazen contempt of courtshould be resisted by theAttorney-General of EkitiState, Mr. Wale Fapounda, whoshould take decisive measuresto bring the criminals to book.

“Let no one politicise thecriminality of those who arebent on replacing the rule of lawwith rule of force in Ekiti State.

“The Federal Governmentought to distance itself from theshameless display of bruteforce by an in-coming governorof Ekiti State.

“In view of the dutyimposed on the Nigerian BarAssociation to defend the ruleof law and protect judges andlawyers, the leadership of theBar in Ekiti State and at thenational level should mountpressure on the Policeauthorities to fish out thosewho beat up a judge, chasedjudges and lawyers out of theEkiti State High Court.

“Even under the defunctmilitary junta, judges werenever subjected to physicalassault over their decisions.Hence, in Garba v Federal CivilService Commision (1998) 1NWLR (PT 70) 449 it washeld by the Supreme Court (per

Osun Assembly CommiseratesWith Speaker, Ogiyan

THE state parliament of the State of Osun hascommiserated with its Speaker, Honourable NajeemSalaam, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowuola Oyeyode

Oyesosin and the immediate family members of the late theChief Remi Olowude, over the death of the Ejigbo-borninsurance guru, describing it as an irreparable loss to Nigeriaand the State of Osun in particular.

In a statement signed by theDeputy Speaker, HonourableAdegboye Akintunde, theparliament lamented the deathof the philanthropist, noting thatOlowude passed to the greatbeyond when his service andexperiences as master insurer andrisk manager were needed to fixchallenges facing the economy ofthe nation.

The State House ofAssembly then contended that

he had led a worthy life ofcourage, which exhibitedhumanity and Godliness,asserting that the axiom thatsays, “it is not the life thatmatters but the courage that isbrought into it”, fits theimpactful life of the deceased.

Adegboye, on behalf of theparliament, then prayed to Godto give fortitude to all concernedto bear the irreparable loss.

Osun Again Offers Eid-el-KabirFree Train Service

FEW days to the 2014 Eid-el-Kabir festival, theGovernment of the State of Osun has once againconcluded arrangements to provide free train services

for its citizens, according to the Commissioner forCommerce, Cooperatives, Industry and Empowerment, Mr.Ismail Alagbada.

Osun Water Resources MinistryBegins Projects’ Commissioning

ARRANGEMENTS have been concluded by the StateMinistry of Water Resources, Rural Development andCommunity Affairs to start commissioning projects

facilitated by the present administration through theministry.

The projects, which wereexecuted in 61 communitiesunder the second phase ofReplication of UNICEFCommunity DevelopmentInitiative Programme would becommissioned by the stategovernor, Ogbeni RaufAregbesola, in company of theSpecial Adviser to theGovernor on Water Resources,Rural Development andCommunity Affairs, MrAdekunle Ige.

This was contained in astatement signed by thePermanent Secretary in theMinistry, Engineer AdelereOriolowo.

The statement added thatthe commissioning of thecommunity-oriented projectsshall commence as fromTuesday 30th of Septemberand to be completed onOctober 23, 2014.

According to thestatement, the commissioningprogramme of 10 locked-upstalls, palace and electrificationprojects, which have beenscheduled for Tuesday, wouldhold at Oyatedo-Kejo andOsunwoyin in Ayedire LocalGovernment Council Area, aswell as Anarun and Agberire inIwo LocalGovernmentCouncil Area ofthe state.

He then enjoined all theboard members of the OsunRural Development Board,permanent secretaries anddirectors, communitydevelopment councils and allother political functionaries toattend the ceremony.

Oriolowo also appealed tothe Executive Secretaries,Heads of Local GovernmentAdministration in the 30 localgovernment council areas and

Ife-East Area Office, traditionalrulers in the projectcommunities, religious andyouth leaders, artisans, marketmen and women and otherrelevant stakeholders towitness the events.

Osun LawmakerRewards Constituents

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

LAWMAKER representing Ayedire Constituency in theState of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable LekeOgunsola, has distributed motorcycles and some other

economic empowerment materials to his constituents.Distributing the materials in

Oluponna on Thursday, thelawmaker said the gesture wasaimed at paying back to hisconstituents for theirsupports.

He said apart from thematerials being distributed, hehas been able to attractdevelopment projects to hisconstituency throughinfrastructural development,job creation and in the area ofagriculture among others.

Commending the people ofhis constituency for theirsupport for Governor RaufAregbesola, he expressedoptimism that the second termof the administration would bebetter than the first.

Speaking at the gathering,the Speaker of the stateparliament, HonourableNajeem Salaam, commended

the lawmaker for coming upwith such gesture despite thelean resources available to him.

He said the gesture clearlyshowed that Ogunleke is aresponsible lawmaker, who wascommitted to the plight of thepeople of his constituency.

He then charged him to domore interms of empowering hispeople to further give themsense of belonging.

Honourable KamardeenAkanbi of Ede NorthConstituency, Rasheed Afolabiof Ifelodun Constituency andEzekiel Adedibu of IwoConstituency commended thelawmaker for the gesture.

Among those at the eventwere traditional rulers, AllProgressives Congress (APC)leaders and members amongothers.

Eso J.S.C.) that:“The military in coming to

power is usually faced with thequestion as to whether toestablish a rule of law or rule offorce. While the latter could bejustifiable a rule of terror, oncethe path of law is chosen, themighty arm of government, themilitia, which is an embodimentof legislature and executive mustin humility bow to the rule oflaw thus permitted to exist.

“The rule of law knows nofear, it is never cowed down, itcan only be silenced, but onceit is not silenced by the onlyarm that can silence it, it mustbe accepted in full confidenceto be able to justify itsexistence,” Falana said.

He also gave out acommercial mini-bus to abeneficiary, three commercialmotorcycles and three power-generating sets to beneficiariesfrom the constituency, as partof his annual youthempowerment programme.

Similarly, widows across theeleven wards were empoweredto reduce their sufferingthrough a revolving loanscheme sponsored by thelawmaker.

In his address, Adebayodescribed the empowermentprogramme as a means ofcomplementing the six-pointintegral action plan of OgbeniRauf Aregbesola’sadministration, aimed atimproving the lots of themasses.

According to him, hisresponsibility is to make lawthat would improve the welfareof the people of hisconstituency and the state ingeneral, saying the House hasnot erred in that responsibility.

He added that within threeyears of his lawmaking duties,he has facilitated employmentopportunities for about 100residents of his constituency.

Speaking at the gathering, anAll Progressives Congress(APC) leader in the federalconstituency, Alhaji IsaOjewale, commended membersof the party on the success ofAugust 9, 2014 governorshipelection, while calling onmembers to continue to remain

loyal to the party’s success.He also called on members

of the party and prospectiveaspirants for elective offices topursue their ambition with

decency without spreadingmessages of discord toguarantee victory for APC inthe 2015 polls.

Ojewale further called onmembers of the party not torelent in their effort to mobilisesupport for the party tosucceed in the 2015 polls, asthey did during thegovernorship election in thestate.

Also speaking, the partyChairman in Olorunda Local

Government Council Area, MrBiodun Kilanko, described theempowerment scheme of thelawmaker as commendable,saying it has, to a large extentimpacted on the teemingpopulace in the constituency.

He said, the 2014 programmewas the third in its series,adding that he believed it wouldnot be the last, as more of suchprogrammes would beorganised for the benefit of thepeople.

By REBECCA ADENIRAN

He said in a statement onMonday in Osogbo that thefree train service would beoffered between Thurdsay 2ndand Friday October 3, 2014.

Alagbada said the trainwould by 11.00am conveypeople from Lagos to Osogboon Thursday and Friday.

The commissioner addedthat the return journey toLagos would start by 11.00amon October 6 and October 7th.

According to him, thegesture is aimed at facilitatingstress-free homecoming for thepeople during the Muslimfestival.

The state government hadsince 2011 been making suchsimilar arrangements for peopleof the state to travel homeduring festive seasons, as partof efforts to promote tourism,boost economy by encouragingmore people to visit the state.

The free train service hasbeen noted to have enhancedNigerians’ belief in the use oftrain as an effective means oftransportation.

The state government hadearlier signed a Memorandumof Understanding (MoU) withthe Nigerian RailwayCorporation on the use of trainto enhance transportation ofvarious farm produce to Lagos.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 20144 News

•A cross section of Good Women of The Redeem Christian Church of God, Victory Zone, Osogbo in a group photograph with the children of EnuOgbope Orphanage Home, Osogbo, during their visit to donate to the less privileged members of the society recently. Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO.

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

Osun PDP Secretariat Turns To Criminals’ DenBy OUR REPORTER

THE lives and property of the people living aroundthe campaign office of the State of Osun chapter ofthe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Heritage Hotel

area, Osogbo, might continue to be at risk, as hoodlumshave turned the place to their regular abode and hideout.

The convergence of thethugs has commenced sincethe beginning of the sitting

of Election Petition Tribunalin Osogbo, the state capital.

On Monday, a suspected

criminal was trailed to thePDP secretariat by thepolice, where he wasarrested and beating to acoma, while he was makingan attempt to resist arrestand escape from the police.

A police source, whopleaded not to be named,said the suspected criminal

was trailed from a crimescene to the party campaignoffice, but however, refusedto mention the nature of thecrime and the place, sayingany information on thematter might compromiseinvestigation.

The unidentified suspectwas later whisked away by

the police, while thedevelopment was said tohave destabilised those whohad gathered as early as7.00am at the party office,while residents in the areacurrently live in fear.

When OSUNDEFENDERvisited the area, a resident,who pleaded anonymity,

said the people in the areaare at great risk with the waythugs regularly gatherinside the building.

He said: “When thepolice came this morning,our thought was that theywould whisk all of themaway. That was how theywould gather as early as6.00am, drinking alcohol,smoking Indian hemp andterrorizing theenvironment.”

He added that they hadreported several cases ofharassment to the policewithout effecting any arrest.

Findings from the areaindicated that the party hasnot disbanded hundreds ofthugs it groomed during thej u s t - c o n c l u d e dgovernorship election, asthey are the onesaccompanying the PDPlegal team to the court andINEC office for the ongoinginspection of electionmaterials earlier granted bythe tribunal.

The PDP office hasalways been theconvergence point for thesuspected thugs beforethey would move to thetribunal, while they alsoreturn to collect money inthe evening after eachtribunal sitting.

Many residents of theareas have been victims ofseries of harassment andintimidation by thesuspected thugs, which iscurrently creating seriousapprehension in the area.

The Public RelationsOfficer of the State PoliceCommand, Mrs FolasadeOdoro, was not available forcomment on thedevelopment as at the timeof filing this report.

Osun CJ, Varsity Don Canvass Judiciary Independence

THE attack on the judiciary in Ekiti State hascontinued to raise dusts, as a Professor of Law,Olayiwola Oladele, has called for a legislation

to set up judicial enforcement and security agenciesat the federal and state levels.

This was just as theChief Judge (CJ) of theState of Osun, JusticeAdepele Ojo, stated thatthe reliance of the judiciaryon the executive has beenthe bane of justice systemin the country.

The duo spoke inOsogbo on Monday duringa symposium organised bythe Osun Judiciary to markthe opening of 2014/2015Legal Year, with the theme:“Independence ofJudiciary - The NigerianExperience”.

Professor Oladelecanvassed forconstitutional guarantee ofthe independence ofjudiciary beyond mereaspiration andequivocation, with a viewto ensuring that it servesits purpose.

According to him, thereliance of the judiciary onthe executive arm ofgovernment forenforcement of judgementis counter-productive, thatit nullifies the efficacy ofthe validity of courtjudgements.

He highlighted financialautonomy, non-interference in theselection, appointment,promotion and removal ofjudges, as some of thefactors that wouldguarantee independence ofthe judiciary.

The professor of lawdescribed as a figment of

imagination for any societyto try to uphold the rule oflaw without independenceof the judiciary.

To the State Attorney-General andCommissioner for Justice,Mr Wale Afolabi, theindependence of thejudiciary must berespected by other arms ofgovernment.

This, he said, would beable to guaranteedispensation of justice

accordingly.Earlier in her remark,

Justice Adepele Ojo saidthe issue of independenceof judiciary has alwaysbeen a subject ofcontroversy and unrest inthe system.

She noted that the issuecalls for seriousconsideration, with a view

to proffering solutions tothe judiciary woes,especially in the area offinancing.

The CJ also urged legalpractitioners to bring backthe culture of inteletualisminto the profession, whileadvocating for training andretraining of members ofthe Bar and the Bench.

Masquerade, Traditionalists Protest Assault ByMuslim Group •Demands N20m To Appease Gods

By ISMAEEL UTHMANTRADITIONAL believers and a leading masquerade inIwo known as Ogundeji have protested what theydescribed as unprovoked and barbaric attack on the

masquerade by a Muslim group.

OSUN DEFENDERgathered that a Muslimgroup called KamarudeenMuslim Society had lastTuesday, allegedly beatenthe Ogundeji masquerade, adevelopment that resortedinto pandemonium duringthe Egungun festival.

The masquerade,according to sources,sustained injuries in theattack and also fainted beforethe Muslim group left him onground.

It was gathered that theMuslim group also allegedlyburnt the regalia of themasquerade, while thehandler narrowly escapeddeath with serious injuries.

However, the masqueradeOgundeji has demanded fora sum of N20 million toprepare sacrifice to avert evilthat, he said, might befollowing the group.

Masquerade Ogundejiadded that the money wouldalso be used to sew newregalia, saying he could nolonger use the damagedregalia.

Speaking with OSUNDEFENDER on Monday ontelephone, the handler of theOgundeji masquerade, Mrs.Ogundeji Omo-Babalawo, in

her reaction, disclosed thatthe attack had claimed herancestors’ inheritance,urging government to cometo her aid by providing N20million to appease the godsand make new regalia for themasquerade.

She said: “It would costalmost N20 million to prepareconcoction and sacrifice toappease spirits of the burntmasquerade and to design

another one”.The Alagbaa of Iwoland,

Chief Ojelana Ojeseyi, in hisreaction, condemned thedevelopment, describing theattack as uncalled for,barbaric and inhuman.

Ojeseyi stated that theaction of the Muslimgroup violated thefundamental rights of thetraditional worshippers,calling on the governmentand all the relevant agenciesto intervene, with a view tocheckmating the inhuman

treatment and forestall itsreoccurrence in the future.

Police Public RelationsOfficer (PPRO), OsunCommand, Mrs. FolashadeOdoro, said police hadalready commencedinvestigation into the matter,assuring that anybodyfound wanton in thecase would be prosecuted.

OSUN DEFENDER wasunable to get in touch withthe leaders of the Muslimgroup that allegedly beat themasquerade, as the mediumcould not get their contacts.

A renowned Islamic clericin the ancient city prayed notto be named, confirmed theincident but with a differentaccount that themasquerade allegedlytrespassed during theEgungun festival.

According to the cleric,the Ogundeji masqueradecame under attack when heharassed some Muslimswomen and other membersof the society during itsouting.

The Islamic cleric said noreasonable Muslim wouldattack masquerade withoutany provocation, even as hepleaded with the two sidesto embrace peace in thecommunity.

NGO Distributes Bags, Food Items To Pupils•Seeks Office In MakokoA non- governmental organization which specializes

in empowering youths of Makoko, Lagos and takingchildren of school age off the streets back to school,

The ABSMAT and Ayo Akin Foundation, has appealed tothe Baale of Appollo, in Makoko, Alhaji Chief IbrahimAladetan, to help it get a piece of land to build a befittingoffice for the NGO in the community.

The group, during arecent visit to the Baale, saidits lack of an office, whereto operate from is hinderingits empowerment project inthe community and beggedthe community leader tohelp the organization getland or an office space in thecommunity to facilitate their

operations.Directors of the NGO,

Pastor (Mrs.) MargaretFalodi-Apoeso and Mr.Semidara Williams told theBaale that they were in thecommunity this time todistribute school bags andfood items to the pupils ofthe community, irrespective

of religion, tribe or age.Falodi-Apoeso, a social

worker in the UK, told theBaale that she was movedto start the empowermentproject in Makoko with herpartner, when she visitedthe place years back andsaw youths and children ofschool age wasting awaythrough hawking, smokingand drinking.

She said computers andother property of the NGOwere thrown out of theoffice loaned to them by thelocal government, hencetheir request to the Baale foran office space or a land tobuild one.

Replying, the Baale, ChiefAladetan thanked Mrs.Falodi-Apoeso and herpartner, Mr. Williams fortheir humanitarian gesturein the community. Heexpressed regret that therewas no available land thathe could oblige the NGO, asall the land in the water-logged community hadbeen snapped up fordevelopment. He howeverpromised to get the NGO anoffice space.

After the visit, the NGO,assisted by the Baale, laterpresented pupils with bagsof food items.

5 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

The War Called The Osun Elections-By Segun Tomori Continued frompg1I just couldn’t imagine my home State go back to thedisastrous “years of the locust”. I had participated actively nthe campaigns, interacted with the people, felt their pulseand the story was the same – Osun has never had it so good,the people vowed to defend their votes by all meanspossible! From that moment I had made up my mind to givemy all and put myself at harm’s way if need be to ensurewe form a bulwark of resistance against the machinery ofState to be deployed to thwart the people’s wish.

When I was about to proceed on my journey to Osogbo, theOsun State Capital on Monday preceding the elections Iprepared for the worst. Few associates privy to my tripadvised strongly that I removed any APC sourvenir frommy luggage,any ID card that can associate me with theparty amongst other security tips. They were right to beapprehensive, soldiers, officials of the Department of StateSecurity(DSS) including the hooded ones,lorry loads ofmobile policemen had since being deployed across the nookand cranny of Osun State. Bearing in mind the desperationof their paymasters, we knew they could stop and searchvehicles and abduct anything synonymous with APC, so Itook all the precautions. I took off on the journey which initself was dramatic.

As we got close to Oshogbo, a discussion ensued in the busand I found out I was not alone in the Save-Osun initiative.Most of the passengers shared the same sentiments with meand were also natives of the State. They spoke emotionallyand fiercely about their determination to ensureAregbesola’s victory. Speaker after speaker reeled outprogrammes and interventions of the Governor that hasbrought smiles to the faces of the people. They concludedhe was the best thing to happen to the State since its creation.The menacing apparatus of State then suffocating theenviroment will not deter them, they thundered! “Ko si ohunti soja o se, a ma duro gboin gboin lati dibo Aregbe” theysaid in yoruba dialect meaning “there is nothing Soldiers cando, we will stand firmly to vote for Aregbe”. I thought tomyself, we are about to witness mass resistance unequallyin our national history if anything go against the people’swill. Hopefully, the soldiers we met on the various check-points didn’t stop and search, they just peeped through thebus windows and passed us on. I heaved a sigh of reliefwhen I arrived Osogbo safely late in the evening.

I have attended rallies, mega-rallies , name it, but what Isaw on Tuesday at the grand-finale of the campaign was

frightening. A stadium whose capacity can’t be more than60,000 almost caved in due to pressure from an unprecedentedmammoth crowd. Every space on the covered stands wereover-filled, the main bowl of the Stadium was virtuallyunpassable. My associates and I had to hold ourselves tonavigate our way through the crowd, it took us about an hourfrom the entrance of the stadium to find somewhere to perch!Yet thousands more extend to adjoining roads outside thestadium. It was the APC mega-rally and to say it wasawesomely mega is an understatement! We even heard that theLord of Aso-rock caught an instant migraine seeing themagnitude of the rally! The effect of that was seen in thesealing off of the freedom park that was supposed to hostworkers rally the next day by “hooded soldiers” They got thenow familiar, albeit emergency “orders from above” toforcefully if need be halt the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)and its affiliates endorsement rally for the Ogbeni.

Co-incidentally, Wednesday, 6th August was my birthday but Iwas in no mood for celebrations of any kind. I told my well-wishers, family and friends that you don’t clink glasses in abattle-front! Interestingly, one of my compatriots who was alsoa major ‘battle-axe” and good friend’s birthday was 8th Augustso 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. Weknow we had the people behind us, we never gave defeat athought! By Thursday, preparations had reached feverish pitch,the towns, hamlets and villages was now massively flowingwith uniformed men of all hues and shades. Some DSSoperatives came to the restaurant we were having dinner,Thursday evening, apparently on surveillance mission. We gotthe 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 littlemercies!

When we arrived our abode, we swung into action to putfinishing touches to our master-plan which was to run a co-ordinated and effective live broadcast of the elections on socialand online media in collaboration with the APC situation roomwhich was to start from Friday evening till the announcementof the results on Sunday. This was necessary because leakingthe plans of our devious opponents was key to frustrate theirrigging machinery; announcing results online as we get itdirectly from our agents was also crucial to frustrate anymanipulation at the collation level. By Friday afternoon, I hadto tactically separate from my friends who then proceeded to ahigh 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 possiblethreat level. I saw that it was negligible so I settled down for thetask ahead.

By Friday evening we got intelligence report that notorius electionrigger, Chris Uba was in town with a unit of 50 soldiers attached tohim. We sent that out and made sure it went viral. Later that night,information about the arrest of our leaders ranging from APCPublicity Secretary, lai Mohammed, the Attorney-general OfOsun State, barr. Wale Afolabi, Tinubu’s Special Adviser onmedia, Mr Sunday are, Commissioner for Agric among otherswere swiftly publicised with dispatch. The far-reaching effect ofthe noise we made contributed in no small measure to the releaseof most of those picked up by Saturday morning. We discoveredby Saturday morning that fake soldiers and policemen hadsurfaced in many locations. Their logo was a red ankara tied totheir left hand. Quickly we activated our instant alert to ourpeople,through all means possible. That again thwarted efforts tomanipulate the elections from the beginning.

The elections started peacefully however in most locations withaccreditation going on smoothly. The only snag was the continuedharassment of APC leaders across the State. The case of the 1stCivilian Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke was quiteinstructive. After failing to assasinate him over-night due toresistance by his security aides, he was trailed from the pollingunit to his mother’s residence where he went after accreditation.He escaped the siege by the whisker after he was discreetlynotified. He couldn’t come back to exercise his franchise. Theresults started trickling in by afternoon and the PDP demolitionsquad sensing their rejection quickly switched to a plan B to disruptthe collation process. We instantly alerted the public about theirnorturnal meeting and evil plot. What really helped the APC apartfrom the determination of the people was our access to classifiedinformation. We were always a step ahead of them and thatfrustrated the election riggers.

I got an anonymous call from a patroitic police officer around8pm who claimed he was at a location at modakeke and that resultsbeing collated was about to be altered. You could detect the fear inhis voice as he asked me to ensure his cover. He was an igboofficer deployed from other states, he wasn’t familiar with theterrain but what was gratifying that there could still be few men ofintegrity in the corruption-ridden Nigeria Police Force. In order toconfirm the authenticity of his Statement, I asked the Apapa LocalGovernment Chairman who was with me to speak to him. Hesounded credible, he concluded. So I made some calls to theauthorities and sent text message to our men to act immediately.

Before 11pm, we already had all the results and we had won,though unofficially. What sealed the deal for us and put paid toany manipulation the PDP had in stock was the unexpectedcongratulation of Aregbesola as the winner of the electionaround 9.40pm by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade.Omisore according to our sources had already informed Aso-rock that there was fighting in his home-town of Ile-Ife becauseaccording to him, the results we were circulating were fake andhe was actually leading in the “original” results. The Ooniswiftly debunked that, not only congratulated the Governor-elect, but also stated that nobody was fighting in Ife! That tookthe sail out of the wind of Omisore and his treacherous gang.

If we thought the threats have been subdued, we were in for ashocker! The returning officer whose task it is to announce thefinal result was under pressure to collect a whooping N1b andannounce Omisore winner! They were ready to damn theconsequences and ask us to go to court. So we had to practicallygo on our knees! I salute the indefatigable people of Osun State,they were resolute, they stood like a rock, stayed on the streetsall through and formed a human shield around the collationcentre. Then the returning officer came in around 1.35pm. Theresults of all the local governments were announced before5am. Then we now witnessed dilly-dallying of the highestorder. It got to a point around 7am, anxious journalists andpeople started singing asking for the results. Lo and Behold, atabout 7.10am, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was finally pronouncedthe winner!

There was instant jubilation across the nook and cranny ofOshogbo. Never in the history of elections have I seen suchspontaneous excitement pervade the landscape because ofresults announcement. Within the twinkle of an eye, the wholetown went agog with people clutching their brooms- symbol ofthe Governor’s party, congratulating themselves, okada ridersdriving menacingly in such euphoric ecstasy and finally wecould say hurray! We won! We didn’t win an election, we wona WAR with a stone like the biblical david. Goliath came tobattle with the best arsenal at his disposal but we came with thewill of a determined people that vowed that never again shallthey go the road of perdition they once trodded. Who says thevoice of the people is not the voice of God? Because ultimatelythe hand of the Almighty saved the day and gave us victory.Osun ti dara ooooooo.

Segun Tomori

Speculations Over Shekau's Death OSUN DEFENDERPublisher – Moremi Publishing

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ALL the recent dramaand stunts being playedout by the insurgents

(the Boko Haram Islamicsect) has been put on hold, asspeculations about the deathof their infamous leader,Ibrahim Shekau remains amystery. A gruesome anddefamatory photograph hasfuelled the speculations thatthe leader of the Nigerianterrorist group “Boko Haram”is dead.

Although, the news seemstrue enough and thephotograph that was releasedseemed to show the leader ofthe Islamic terrorist sect lyingdead, as the military hasclaimed to have killed himduring a battle. I would wantto put it out to the nation’ssecurity agencies that thiswhole news about the death ofShekau might just be a ploy to

get the attention of the Nigeriansoldiers off their tracks.Members of the Boko Haramsect are known to be verytactical and it would be a totalerror, should the securityagencies believe this story andtherefore relent in their questfor the total elimination of the

terrorist group. I would want toplead with Nigerians not tobelieve this news also, as we allknow that this would not be thefirst time that a news about thedeath of Shekau has been aired.We should all be watchful andat alert at all times and also giveout valuable updates andinformation that might be of

help to the security agencies,with a view to avoiding anothermishap similar to that which hitthe Chibok schools girls ofBorno State. Speaking of theChibok girls; what would betheir fate now that the leader ofthe Boko Haram group is saidto be dead and some of his

followers surrenderingto the military? Wouldany effort still becarried out to locate themissing innocent girls?

These questions willobviously remain

unanswered, if the Nigeriangovernment does not sit up andattend to the issues that areplaguing and threatening thesafety and well-being of itscitizens.

•OKPOMU SHOLA, OsunState University, IkireCampus, Ikire, State of Osun.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 20146 FEATURE

TAN’s Fraud And President Jonathan’s AmbitionTHERE is every reason to be

apprehensive as the 2015presidential election

approaches. Not majorly becauseNigeria, as we know it ,might shrinkon the pages of the world map, as hasbeen loudly predicted, but becausecertain groups like TransformationAmbassadors of Nigeria (TAN) ispoised to rewrite the electoral law onthe auspices of the presidency. Acursory look at TAN as anorganisation, its agenda and theforcible pimpernels, who drive thegroup, cast a slur on the dithering stateof affairs on the presidency.

TAN’s banal, lawless and propulsiveavowal to continue its campaign forthe re-election of President GoodluckJonathan in 2015 against the grains ofelectoral laws, which stipulate 90 daysperiod of open campaigns, clearlycorroborated earlier indices thatPresident Jonathan values his AsoRock tenancy than the security ofNigerians and the safety of theadducted Chibok girls. The foul-mouthed Methuselah or Olisa Metuh,the PDP propagandist Secretarybarely belaboured his vanquished selfthat his party, the PDP and thepresidency have no hands in TAN’sre-election campaigns for thepresident. How evasive can that be?

The fact that key governmentofficials, including the Secretary to theGovernment of the Federation, thePDP governors and serving ministers,such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, arepart of the jamboree, moving from onegeo-political zone to the other,collecting signatures, suggests thatTAN is an organ of the PDP andPresident Jonathan’s campaignorganisation.

The presidency is not alone in therevolting TAN saga. The IndependentNational Electoral Commission(INEC), which has a responsibility toregulate all electoral activities,including political campaigns, hasseemingly capitulated. INEC hasbecome a pathetic aberration, ahelpless umpire, driven primitively likea puppet by its master. With itscompulsive silence, INEC hassquandered the public trust it enjoysover the relatively free, and largelycommendation Ekiti and Osunelections a few months ago.

The cynicisms arising from INEC’sinability to rein in TAN, the PDP andthe presidency to play by the electoralrules is such that dampened INEC’sassurances that it is capable ofsecuring and guaranteeing a level playfield for all political parties as the 2015elections approaches. INEC must riseto the occasion and responsibly too,through official pronouncements andother punitive measures, as aprecursor towards the disbandment ofany violating political parties oroutright disqualification of erringcandidate from contesting in the 2015elections.

Nigerians are at a loss as to whyINEC has not invoked the relevantelectoral laws and bring sanctions tobear on TAN, PDP and PresidentJonathan for doing violence to the ruleof the game and the nation’sConstitution he swore to protect.President Jonathan owes it as a duty

to Nigerians and the Constitution ofthe Federal Republic of Nigeria touphold every letter in the statute book.He owes it as a duty to disentanglehimself from TAN’s falsehood,repulsive insult and the open mockeryof the people’s sensibilities.

Given the enormous resources atthe disposal of the presidency and itsrobot TAN, the people’s future andhope have been mangled by needlesspropaganda and violation of the ethicalfoundation of integrity; the bases ofdemocracy. Our freedom from allforms of political manipulations are notguaranteed unless all democraticinstitutions perform their functionswell. But these institutions are unableto do so because there is noindependent check on thePresidency’s violation of democraticrules. The malfeasance and grossabuse and bare-faced aggressionagainst the electoral laws by PresidentJonathan and his hirelings is highlyproverbial. Any further doubts thatTAN’s campaigns and PresidentJonathan’s acceptance and funding ofthe group has not blunted the edge ofthe taunted rule of law?

The absurdity in TAN’s campaignsfor President Jonathan’s re-election ismultifarious. Aside the illegality of thecampaigns, whose time is premature,the falsehood of President Jonathanoutperforming his predecessors, evenhis equation with the like of Obama,Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King,among others in TAN’s bizarre,comical and desultory advertisement;it is the dramatisation of Jonathan’sfailure to rescue the Chibok girls, andproceeded to use the same # tag andslogan as an anchor for his presidential

restoration beyond 2015!Is anyone conscious of the #BRING

BACK JONATHAN 2015 bannersdonning TAN’s campaign venuesacross the country and its desecrationof the struggle to free the Chibok girlsheld hostage by the Boko Harammilitias over the last six months? Is itnot possible for perceptive Nigeriansto see through facade the wall ofdeception mounted by the presidentand the cacophony of voicesrepresented by TAN? Can’t we rootout this obscenity that has spiralledintermittently with us since thebeginning of this Fourth Republic?

It is safe to say that the attempt byTAN and their incredible followers tomake a caricature of the nation ispropelled by President Jonathan’srelentless funding of the roughish andirritable group. This captures KarlMarx’s exposition on materialism; thatclass interest, greed and hiddenmotives are the driving forces ofvaunting ambition. For, as Marx said:‘It is not the consciousness of menthat determines their existence, buttheir social existence that determinestheir consciousness.’ This is one of theclearest exposition of Marx’smaterialist conception of history, sincemost modern day philosophers agreedthat economic factors play a crucialrole in the shaping of social,culturaland political life.

Briefly put, there is anotheranecdotal and ironical angle to TAN.The sponsors of TAN are majorlypeopled by South East extraction ofthe country. Sadly enough, there is noroad to Eastern Nigeria! A trip toAnambra State recently to pay the lastrespect to the Great One of Agulu, DrDora Akunyili, invokes the 2012 RiverNiger horror flood and exploitation ofthe Eastern people’s emotive

consciousness. Death toll from theflooding after heavy rain and therelease of water from a dam inCameroon rose to 70, with some120,000 people displaced, 61,000quartered in 30 camps across thestate.

After spending six hours on thesame spot in a stretch of less than 50metres before River Niger head bridgeand overlooking Onitsha, you couldsee property damaged and how humansufferings laid bare along the rivercourse before entering the city. I wasstruck by the squalor of those forcedby poverty to live near River Nigerand the shanty town hugging its banks.It was a decent to hell! The misery inall its horror and destitution engulfingcountless homes did not sufficientlyattract the attention of TAN andPresident Goodluck Jonathan’sadministration. This degree ofdeprivation which the people aregrappling with are the consequencesPresident Jonathan’s mis-governanceand anti-people’s policies.

To make the case more harrowingfor the denizens, there is alreadyserious squabble over the non-payment of compensation by thegovernment without whichconstruction works on the SecondNiger Bridge would commence. Yet,TAN in daily advertisements invirtually all television stations anchoredby Chief Zebrudia, continued dailydeception by inundates Southeasternpeople and Nigerians at large withdenuding falsehood. This deceit isfurther justified by the inclusion ofAzikiwe and Ebele amongst theleader’s name.

Painfully and pitifully, this is theCharlotte and hogwash EasternNigeria and other ethnicallyblindfolded Nigerians celebrate asgovernance. To make matters worse,the TAN campaigns are propelled bydishonest characters, whose sourcesof stupendous wealth are questionable.Also, from available evidence, some ofthe key personalities from the privatesector associated with TAN at thehighest levels are facing one case ofcorruption or the other with theEconomic and Financial CrimesCommission (EFCC). This is one ofthe absurdities of President GoodluckJonathan’s administration that makes amountain out of the anti-corruptionmole hill.

There is nothing wrong forPresident Goodluck Jonathan to seekto elongate his tenancy in Aso Rock,as long as the Constitution of theRepublic allows it, as it were. Buteverything is wrong when suchelongation is based on deceptivepremises; roughish permutations ofethnocentric manipulation, exploitationof the people’s emotive weakness, andthe oppressive greed of the oligarchs.

•Erasmus, a public affairs analystwrote in from Lagos, Nigeria.

•JONATHAN

By ERASMUS IKHIDE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014 7PHOTOTALKFaces At The Sensitisation Programme For Ebola Virus Infection And PreventionOrganised For Members Of The Joint National Association Of People WithDisabilities (JONAPWD), Recently.

•(L-R) The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Oladele Temitope; state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye; her Healthcounterpart, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Ilori and other dignitaries at the sensitization programme.

•

•Dr. Temitope (left), demonstrating how to properly wash hands at the sensitization programme.

••A cross section of JONAPWD members at the programme.

8 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014PHOTOTALKChief Of Staff To The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Celebrated60th Birthday Anniversary At His Iragbiji Residence, State of Osun, Last Monday.

•(L-R) Chief of Staff to the State of Osun Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam and his deputy, Hon. AkintundeAdegboye, on the occasion.

•(L-R) Alhaji Oyetola; his wife, Kafayat and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi.

•The Aragbiji (left) in a discussion with Alhaji Fatai Diekola Oyedele at the event.•Acting Chairman, State of Osun All Progressives Congress, Elder Adelowo Adebiyiand the member, representing Irewole/Ayedire/Isokan Federal Constituency, in theHouse of Representatives Hon. Ayo Omidiran.

9OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014 PHOTOTALK

•Pastor (Mrs.) Falodi Apoeso (right) with the Baale of Appollo, Chief Ibrahim Aladetan,during the visit

Chief Richard Ola Yoade (ROY) Celebrated His 70th Birthday Anniversary WithFanfare At Cathedral Of St. Stephen Anglican Church, Itaasin, Modakeke, State OfOsun, Last Saturday.

•Baale of Appollo, Makoko, Lagos, Chief Ibrahim Aladetan presenting a school bagand food item to one of the recipients. With him is Pastor (Mrs.) Apoeso.

Pastor (Mrs) Falode Apoeso Empowers The Needy

•Alhaji Taju Oke, National President, Modakeke Progressive Union (MPU) (3rd left) with other dignitaries on the high table during the reception for the birthday within thechurch. premises.

•Chief Richard Ola Yoade (ROY) and his wife, Oluyemi (5th & 6th left) in a group photograph with well-wishers on the occasion.

10 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014PHOTOTALK

•Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni with (mic), addressing his supporters during the declaration.

•Alhaji Fatai Diekola with (mic), addressing APC members at the event.

Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni Declared His Intention To Contest For The HouseOf Representatives To Represent Ilesa-West, Ilesa-East, Obokun And Oriade LastSunday. Photo SHOLA

ADERINTO

•A cross section of Ayeni’s supporters during the declaration.

11 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014FEATURE

Femi Fani-Kayode And OlisaMetuh: The Two OpportunistsREADING an article written by Mr

Femi Fani-Kayode titled: “TheAPC and the dream that never

was” published on the 28th September2014. I wonder if this fellow has beendiagnosed with a disease called‘APCPHOBIA’ because whateverthat goes through his mind these daysis about APC and his blinded belief ofthe party.

He has been making an accusationand counter-accusation about theparty being a political wing of theBoko Haram without any iota ofevidence to back up his claims. Whilehis fellow opportunist (Olisa Metuh)regards the party as a wing ofEgyptian Janjaweed party. I havelistened to the former, when he wasbeing asked about his evidence, thiswhat was he said: General Buhari saidhe would make the countryungovernable during the 2011elections, when in actual fact, theinsurgency have been rampaging thecountry since 2002 but he grew out ofhand due to the ineptitude and theclueless of the man in charge of theaffairs of the country, whom FemiFani-Kayode once described as alame president.

Mr Fani-Kayode also stated thatbecause Alhaji Lai Mohammedadvised the Federal Government not toproscribe the Boko Haram, thereforethe party has something to do with theinsurgency. It is only a little-mindedand intellectually challenged personlike Mr Fani-Kayode would believethis lame theory? What Mr. LaiMohammed was trying to do wassimply to educate the likes of Mr Fani-Kayode and the lame president(according to Femi) that it is unheardof proscribing what was not registeredin the first place. Someone may havea Ph.D or whatever, but if you are notintellectually sound, your educationyou claimed to have is as useless astissue paper. If I may ask Femi, sincethe Boko Haram has been banned, hasthe insurgency stopped? According toFemi Fani-Kayode: “The greatesterror that we as a people ever madeand the worst tragedy and misfortunethat has ever befallen us as a nation isthe fact that a lamb ended up taking athrone that was designed and preparedfor a lion. The unfortunateconsequences of that tragic error andmisfortune are there for all to see. Theshedding of the blood of even theyoungest, the most innocent and themost vulnerable in our society by BokoHaram on a daily basis is an eloquenttestimony to that unsavoury fact.”

Mr Fani-Kayode, to so manypeople, is just a jester and unserioushuman being that every right-thinkingperson should just ignore, as if no oneis talking. Here is a man that wasaccusing the president and his men asbeing responsible for the insurgencyrampaging the country, only to beoffered a safe landing from hisprosecution that would have kept himin jail like a fellow party man in Lagos.He claimed that because a chieftain ofAPC was asking for amnesty to begiven to the Boko Haram, thereforethat made them culpable of beingbehind the insurgency. Here is whatthis fair-weather man said then: “I

believe that the carnage that we arewitnessing in our country today hascome as a direct result of themanifestation of weakness at the top.When a President tells the world thatBoko Haram are his ‘’siblings’’ whomhe ‘’cannot move against’’, as he didearlier this year, he is asking fortrouble. When a President keepsoffering Boko Haram amnesty evenwhen they kept rejecting it andwhilst they were murdering hispeople, as he has been doing for thelast three years, he is asking fortrouble. When a President installsand supports a former partyNational Chairman, by the name ofAlhaji Bamanga Tukur, whodescribes Boko Haram as‘’freedom fighters’’, he is askingfor trouble.

When a President announces to theworld that he is ‘’not a lion or aDavid’’, as he did approximately twoyears ago, no one should be surprisedwhen his people are killed like fliesbefore his very eyes. May God bringus a real leader that can save ournation and may He take away thisone, who feels no pain and has noempathy when Nigerian blood, nayeven the blood of innocent children, isshed with impunity. Under the tenureof our ‘’lamb’’ President, moreinnocent Nigerians have beenslaughtered by terrorists than at anyother time in the history of our country,except during the civil war”.

Femi Fani-Kayode should be askedwhy he suddenly changed his formertheory as per those behind BokoHaram when he claimed to be amember of APC and now that he hasfound himself in the midst of thecorrupt people where he actuallybelongs. Simply a case of double-standard and a man without any

dignity. Firstly it was the Ibo he wentagainst, when he was being accusedof being anti-Igbo, he shamelesslypublicised his affairs with BiancaOnoh to show that he’s not anti-Igbo.What a man indeed! Now his corruptpay masters are using him to wage apolitical war against the Muslims in thecountry.

Femi should be advised not to crymore than the bereaved, because ifAPC decide to field a Muslim/Muslimticket, that should not be his headache,rather, he should let Nigerians decide.Politics should not be mixed withreligion, but the likes of Femi are theones making a mountain out of a molehill. Where was Femi in 1993, whenChief MKO Abiola took a Muslim likehimself as his running mate? What weshould be clamouring for is to have thebest candidate for the job and not thisreligion nonsense, enough of this Femiand Olisa. Nigerians have seenthrough the two of you and discoveredthat you guys are out to grab whateveryou can from this corrupt government.

It would behoves the errantmessenger of the errant ruling party towaste less time in his sophomoricexamination of the APC internaldynamics and spend more time tryingto figure out and explain the grandfailures of policies and promisescommitted by the party to which bothare so proudly members. Why hasn’tthis government rescued the Chibokgirls, who have been missing fornearly six months now?

In a sane party, both Femi and Olisawould have been confined to thefringes, but here, both were given aplatform to insult the sensibilities ofmillions of Nigerians with their twistedlogic and rationalization of the actionsof Nigeria’s most inept and cluelessleadership.

According to Dare: “Olisa Metuhrepresents the pettiness and arrogance

that has made this government blind tothe fact that unprecedented tragedyhad occurred on their watch theywere busily preening themselves andrevelling in the sweet soft things thathis office provides.

The issue of $9.3 million, which weare yet to know the truth between thePDP-led Federal Government and theinfluential CAN President. The duo ofFemi and Olisa were trying to beclever by half. The former was tryingto defend both the presidency and MrAyo Oritsejafor, and the latter wasattacking APC as if it was the APCthat fraudulently flew the money toSouth Africa. Rather than face up tothe failures and fraudulent acts of thePDP government, they both have beenplaced and paid on full time detailattacking the APC and its leaders.This has been their strategy andmotto; it is both naked and corrupt.

While terrorists are attacking uswith guns, bombs and bullets, ourgovernment is busy stealing ourmoney; constantly flaunting our lawsin the country and they haveshamelessly done the same thing inSouth Africa and the whole world nowlook at us with disdain. Otherwise,how would they be preaching cashlesspolicy in the country, while they’restealing cash of up to $10 million toSouth Africa, without even declaringthe said amount to the South Africancustom officers until those involvedwere caught. Still, both Femi and Olisahave nothing tangible to say about thisnational embarrassment.

Ekiti is burning; the PDP governor-elect led some thugs to the high courtto beat up a judge; what a sacrilege! Agovernor in the waiting behaving like acommon criminal? I’m still waiting tohear what Femi Fani-Kayode andOlisa Metuh would say about this uglyincident, if they would have anythingto say at all.

By TOBI IDAOMI

•FANI-KAYODE •OLISA

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 201412

Job Vacancies In Nigeria

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Weatherford Oil and Gas Jobs in Port HarcourtWeatherford is one of the largest diversified upstream oilfield service companies in the world.Our global network includes more than 67,000 people, 1000 service bases, 87 manufacturingfacilities, and 16 technology and training centers in more than 100 countries.Our products and services span the lifecycle of a well, including drilling, evaluation, completion,production and intervention. The Company’s range of production-enabling technologies includeevaluation services, directional drilling services, controlled pressure drilling (CPD®) systems,cased hole completion systems, expandable technologies, intelligent completion technologies,production optimization systems and all major forms of artificial lift.Weatherford is seeking to recruit for the below position of:Job Title: Logistics AssistantLocation: Port HarcourtRef Code: 45875Business Unit: Supply ChainJob PurposeWill assist the Logistics Controller in the handling of the daily logistics for Nigeria re importand export consignmentsFocus will be on the successful handling of the importation of inbound Weatherford materialsand spares for ongoing projects ensuring that imports are processed by the appointed inportagent in compliance with company international code of conduct as well as local/internationalanti-corruption lawsFollowing instructions of the Logistics Controller process as part of the import proceduremanage Form M import notifications and expedite RAR’s from Pre Inspection/Trade Assuranceagencies based in Nigeria.Monitor duty payments to Nigerian customs via the banking system expediting duty paymentson DDP consignments with weekly reporting to the Logistics Controller.As directed by the Logistics Controller implement cost saving measures to reduce shipmentcost.Duties and ResponsibilitiesAssist the Logistics Controller in the coordination of import and export consignments,focusing’ on imports improving lead times in a compliant mannerAssist as directed in the generation and capture of revenue by cost control within area ofresponsibility and ensuring that invoices are processed speedily Maintain customs documentation re import and export records, and will be expected tocontribute to the successful passing of internal and external auditsAssist in the daily liaison between Weatherford and its appointed import agent in Nigeria, asdirected by the Logistics Coordinator.Participate in stock checks and other Asset Control measures as directed by the LogisticsCoordinator.Ensure that custom broker invoices are thoroughly checked against rates structure and TLA’sthat are in place make surePrepare freight vendor performance reporting, as well as reporting to Logistics Controller allnon-conformance issues on a monthly basis.Track all Weatherford shipments and provision of update on a weekly basis.Actively participate in all QHSE activities and promote good housekeeping.QualificationsGood university degree.Good computer skills.Experience/Competencies:Minimum of 1year experience within the oil and gas, with logistics experience or training,gained from working in customs clearing and freight forwarding environment.Educated to good university level standardShould have logistics and custom based knowledgeExperience of Microsoft Software, i.e. Word, Excel.Skills/Knowledge:Must have good numeric and literacy skills.Must have good organizational skills and the ability to maintain records and log eventsefficiently.Must have good communication skills.Supervisory / Leadership skills.Knowledge of logistics and supply chain managementGood knowledge of company policies. Job Title: Procurement OfficerLocation: Port HarcourtRef Code: 45854Business Unit: Supply ChainJob PurposeThe Holder is to ensure that all supplies are made in a compliant manner in accordance with theFederal Corrupt and Practices Act or FCPA.He will also play active part in the stores activities ensuring that material is managed in themost effective manner both in terms of cost and service level. To make sure Goods received arecorrect with the right paperwork.The Job holder is responsible for ensuring that all Weatherford requirements and proceduresrelating to health, safety, environment and quality of materials are rigorously adhered to, and toalso ensure that all contractors comply with these policies and procedures.The principal responsibility of the Procurement/Store Officer is to support the activities thatrevolve around the purchase of materials for the base or offshore use.Also responsible for the general coordination of the store activities.Making sure that the goods supplied are of proper quality; MSDS data sheet cards issued in thecase of lubricants being received, and certificate of conformity issued for slings.Duties and ResponsibilitiesReceive all requisitions for Local Procurement as well as servicesAchieve and record cost savingsEnsure that the items requested for are properly detailed in order to avoid receiving the wronggoods.Actively participate in the setting up of Frame Agreements when and where required..Collate market survey priceRaise LPO’s to successful vendors, also monitor that the good are delivered within two days ofthe issuance of the Purchase Order.Liase with Vendors and End user to ensure that correct materials specification is provided.Generate Reports as required by the Supply Chain Manager .Maintain an updated LPO log which enables us track and monitor all LPO’s issued.Keep an updated record of LPO’s issued with all relevant documents in the event of an audit.Advise the Supply chain Manager on ways and means to reduce cost.Set up frame Agreement and coordinating activities with the supply base, when and whererequired.Ensure that the storekeeper keeps track of his min- max balance, which will enable him forecastahead.Ensure that all store processes are adhered to and according to procedure.Play active part in physical inventory of store materialsActively participate in appraisal performance reviews of commodity buyers with supply chainmanagementTo assist other departments in meeting their goals and objectives as directedProvide Technical and commercial assistance to the end userTo participate in and to meet the goals of all training allotted to youAny other duties that are deemed required by the Supply Chain Manager.QualificationsB.Sc., Good computer skills, Knowledge of company policies and knowledge of endeca.Qualification covering competency objectives of Local Procurement Coordinator.Experience:Minimum of 2 year experience in Supply Chain Management.Skills/Knowledge:Being proactiveThe ability to communicate with peers and Managers.Good customer and employee interpersonal skills.Strong written and verbal communication skill, especially in English.Literate on computer software’s; Excel, word, Power point, Outlook. Job Title: Compliance AnalystLocation: Port HarcourtRef Code: 45857Business Unit: Business Support Services- FinanceJob PurposeResponsible for planning and executing work relating to Sarbanes Oxley (Sox) compliance,Internal Audit and other reviews.Also responsible for process improvement and re-engineering within the Finance Team.This position will have extensive interactions with other departments, including the CorporateOffice, the Nigeria management team, and other WFT entities.Duties and ResponsibilitiesImplement and maintain the WFT Corporate SOx compliance processes in the Country.Plan and execute the performance of work relating to compliance reviews.

Provide guidance to process owners in executing controls identified in business processes.Ensure all business functions understand and comply with business policies, procedures andcontrols.Develop and maintain internal control policies and procedures.Distribute SOX flowcharts and communicate any updates made to the flowcharts to the relevantkey control owners.Request evidence of the control execution within a timely manner from the key controlowners.Review all key control evidence collected to ensure proper execution and documentationMaintain files with key control execution evidence.Design and prepare materials focusing on key business risks and emerging risks for theController.Coordinate and assume accountability for specific segments of audits/projectsPrepare and submit reports on the results of audits; recommend improvements in policies andprocedures where applicable. Identify processes that require improvement or re-engineering.Maintain regular communication with Internal Audit and Corporate Compliance related to SOxcontrol execution status and other reviews.Submit key control execution evidence to Internal Audit on a regular basis.Prepare timely responses to Internal Audit inquires.Coordinate Internal and External Audit work and requests relating to reviews and testing ofprocesses.Act as a liaison between Internal Audit and the Business Unit.Carry out any other duties that may be required from time to time, at the direction of theController.QualificationsMinimum 5 years industry experience in similar environment.Knowledge/experience of Sarbanes Oxley and other SEC requirements.Big 4 experienceExperienced in US GAAP and IFRS accounting.Experience/Competence/Skills/Knowledge:Ability to handle large volumes of information and reports.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Flexible and adaptable to fast-moving changes.Ability to use initiative, judgment and work with minimum supervision.Must be proactive, and continually looking for improvements and efficiencies in the businessand within the F&A function.Strong knowledge and experience in accounting practice and theory.Job Title: Product line AnalystRef No: 45873Location: Port Harcourt, RiversRegular/Temporary: RegularFull/Part Time: Full-TimeBusiness Unit: Business Support Service- FinanceWork location: Local hireJob Purpose:This position is responsible for the maintenance of general ledgerAccounts for assigned product lines. This position is accountable for the timely preparation ofmonthly journal entries and the reconciliation of the accounts and related schedules for assignedproduct lines.Responsibilities:Maintain monthly general ledger, including accruals schedules for assigned product lines in linewith GAAP to ensure smooth Month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing.Monthly analysis of balance sheet and income statement accounts, reporting any variances,wrongly captured costs to the Finance Manager, Financial Controller and Product LineManagers.Prepare & input journal entries (monthly, adjusting, recurring)Prepare Quarterly balance sheet and P&L Fluctuation Analysis Prepare Monthly expense variance analysis reports for assigned product lines Ensure accuracy of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and compliance with SOxand internal policies.Interfacing with Product Line Managers and explaining the product line P&L to them andanswering their queries.Prepare audit working papers for assigned Product lines during external/internal audits Assist in special projectsOther duties as may be assigned by the Finance Manager or the Finance ControllerQualificationsB.Sc AccountingProfessional qualifications progression will be an added advantageExperience/Competence/Skills/Knowledge:3-5 years of relevant experience.Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.Strong technical accounting backgroundExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to interact effectively withall levels throughout the organization.Strong understanding of the accounting cycle.Intermediate level of Excel and Word skills.Good computer knowledge and excel proficiencyHead and heart focused on the jobJob Title: Intercompany AccountantRef No: 45599Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers StateRegular/Temporary: RegularFull/Part Time: Full-TimeBusiness Unit : Business Support Services - Finance Internation/Local: Local hireJob Purpose:This position is responsible for the maintenance of general ledgerAccounts for assigned product lines. This position is accountable for the timely preparation ofmonthly journal entries and the reconciliation of the accounts and related schedules for assignedproduct lines.Responsibilities:Handle all intercompany transactions, accounting, confirmations and reconciliations.theprocess must be completely timely and at a high level of accuracy.Record intercompany journal entries to clear intercompany transactions with other WFTaffiliates and maintain intercompany accounts on a monthly basisReview/monitor intercompany accounts, i.e. invoicing and payablesEnsure intercompany accounting policies, processes and operating procedures are clearlydefined, in line with WFT policies, up to date and documentedAccurate and detailed review of intercompany billings and purchases, including inventory andnon-inventory activityEnsure compliance with Transfer Pricing policies, including thorough review/research ofintercompany mark-ups on both billings and purchases of inventory and non-inventoryintercompany transactionsAnalyze intercompany balances with other WFT affiliates and coordination of intercompanywire payments and intercompany settlements to comply with WFT and/or statutoryrequirementsResolve Intercompany Accounting related issues and disputes or escalate as requiredOther duties as may be assigned by the AP and Intercompany Supervisor or the FinancialControllerMonth end review/adjustments of intercompany mismatches and clearanceOther duties as maybe assigned by the Finance Manager or the Finance ControllerAny other delegated responsibilities as instructed by Line Management within the timeframespecified in a safe and efficient manner to meet business requirements, provided the instructionis reasonable and you are capable and deemed competent to fulfil these.QualificationsB. Sc AccountingProfessional qualifications progression will be an added advantageFirst degree in AccountingWorking Experience & Skills required:3-5 years of relevant experience.Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.Strong technical accounting backgroundExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to interact effectively withall levels throughout the organization.Strong understanding of the accounting cycle.Intermediate level of Excel and Word skills.Method of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates should:https://careers.weatherford.com/psp/EREC/?cmd=login&errorPg=ckreq&languageCd=UKENote: When the page opens, select “Nigeria” from the location drop-down box, then click“Search”——————————————————————————————————————

13 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014 POLITICS

Ekiti And The Politics Of The AbsurdEKITI kete should be in

mourning over the repeatedacts of partisan political

brutalities in their otherwiseapparently monolithic state. Thestate’s image as “the fountain ofknowledge,” is fast giving way to anotorious one, namely, that of “thefurnace of partisan politicalviolence.” The notoriety of Ekitipoliticians’ engagement in partisanpolitics dates back to 1983, whenEkiti was still part of the largerOndo State from which it wasseparated in 1996.

It will be recalled that the lateChief Akin Omoboriowo, then theDeputy to Governor AdekunleAjasin, defected from the UnityParty of Nigeria to the NationalParty of Nigeria in order to runagainst his boss in the 1983governorship election. With theassistance of the centralgovernment and its institutions,which were controlled by the NPN,Omoboriowo sought to subvert thepeople’s mandate but failed.Although his ill-gotten victory wasoverturned by the court, thepolitical violence following thedeclaration of rigged electionresults in his favour engendered abloodbirth in which notable NPNpoliticians in the state were killedand their property destroyed.

Thuggery, electoralmanipulations, and politicalviolence have been central to Ekitipolitics ever since. While OndoState has been able to containopposition politics since Ekiti wasseparated in 1996, it appears thatthe true colour of Ekiti politics hasbeen on display, especially sincethe return to democracy in 1999.This was especially evident duringthe re-run governorship election inEkiti State in April 2009 duringwhich a number of prominent Ekiticitizens were killed. The display ofbrutalities which characterised theevent now lives on forever incyberspace and in people’s mind.

In my commentary on the event,(see Nigerian politicians, Ekiti, andthe myth of Sisyphus, TheGuardian, May 7, 2010), I likenedEkiti politicians to mythicalSisyphus, who was condemned torepeat forever the samemeaningless task of pushing a rockup a mountain, only to see it rolldown again.

Apparently, Ekiti politicianswere not satisfied with a mereanalogy. They chose to becomeSisyphus in a rather bizarre way.They not only rolled the rock upthe hill; they chose to roll downwith it. In the process, one groupdecided to beat up as many judgesas could obstruct their politicalpath, while another group maimedand killed suspected leaders of themayhem.

According to various reports,three shameful events followedone another in rapid succession.On Monday, September 22, 2014,

some political thugs invaded theHigh Court No.6 in Ado-Ekiti toprevent Hon. Justice O.I.O.Ogunyemi from presiding over thedetermination of the eligibility ofthe Peoples Democratic Partycandidate, Ayo Fayose. The judgehad to be escorted out of his officeby a detachment of police officersafter he had been harassed andchased around his office bypolitical thugs.

Again, on Thursday, September25, 2014, another set of politicalthugs invaded the High Courtpremises in Ado-Ekiti assaultedHon. Justice J.O. Adeyeye of theHigh Court No. 3 in Ado-Ekiti. Notonly was he beaten up; his suit wasreportedly torn into shreds. Asjudges, magistrates and othermembers of staff ran for safety,court property and records weredamaged or destroyed.

A third event followed thatevening, beginning with the cold-blooded assassination of a formerChairman of the National Union ofRoad Transport Workers, OmolafeAderiye, followed by wantondestruction of property.

Governor-elect Ayo Fayose issuspected to be associated with thefirst two events because one of thejudges is connected with the

determination of his qualificationsfor the governorship election heoverwhelmingly won, while theother has to do with the electiontribunal adjudicating the petitionagainst his election by the AllProgressives Congress candidate,Governor Kayode Fayemi.

That’s why Fayemi is suspectedto be behind Aderiye’s killing,because the latter is a staunchsupporter of Fayose and the PDP.He is also believed to be aringleader of the thugs involved inthe assault on the judges and thedestruction of the courts’ propertyand records.

Intensifying the suspicions isrepeated posturing by Fayemi andFayose, each denigrating the otherin the process. Besides, neither hasgrown beyond the love-haterelationship between them, whichgrew out of political alliances anddisagreements. Despite hisbrilliant concession speech,Fayemi’s doubts about Fayose’svictory deepened after theelection. He also has madestatements to the effect that theAPC would get back Ekiti from thePDP. Similarly, many an Ekiticitizen and observers beyond thestate never ceased to wonder whyand how Fayose could benominated as a candidate for thegovernorship in the first place,given the pending court cases

involving him and the thuggeryimage associated with him. That’swhy E-11, a socio-political groupfiled a suit, questioning hiseligibility.

The anxiety on the part of Fayoseand his supporters, who would liketo see his election as settled, ledto the disruption of all judicialprocesses associated with theelection. The state must teach thema lesson by bringing them to book.

The critical question now iswhere do we go from here? Butbefore we look forward, let us lookback again. On the one hand, manyhave questioned PDP’s choice ofa candidate as controversial asFayose in Ekiti and Omisore inOsun. Honestly, I do not share suchconcerns, because neither of themhas been convicted of a crime.Politics is about intrigues andmanoeuvres. Both candidates wereapparently so good at it that theywon their party primaries. If INECapproved their candidacy accordingto its rules, so be it. I also havemaintained that the election ofFayose by the Ekiti people is theirproblem.

On the other hand, APC’spetition against Fayose’s victory isunwarranted, given all we nowknow about Fayemi’s electoralproblems and the lack of necessaryand sufficient proofs of electoralmalpractices that would upturnFayose’s sweeping victory, whichthe Ekiti electorate celebratedrather than condemned.

This is not to excuse thebehaviour of Fayose’s supportersor of Fayose’s poor leadership. Hisfailure to control his band of thugsquestions his governance style.True, Fayemi was smart inimposing a curfew, his action wastoo late. Besides, he too failed tocaution his party’s thugs as hedemonstrated time and time againduring the election campaigns.

In order to bring the culprits tobook and possibly avert similarproblems in the future, manyconcerned citizens and groups,including the National JudicialCouncil and the Nigerian BarAssociation, have called for arrestsand investigations.

These are useful suggestions.However, I am of the view that theultimate solution is in the hands ofthe good people of Ekiti, in line withthe all-politics-is-localphilosophy. It is high time Ekititraditional rulers, religious leaders,business leaders, union leaders,professional experts, marketwomen, artisans, and otherstakeholders intervened.Otherwise, Ekiti will beperpetually condemned to rollingthe rock of violence up the politicalhill, only to see it roll back to thebottom from where they wouldrepeat the action.

•Culled from THE PUNCH

By NIYI AKINNASO

14 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014NEWS

The People’s Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni RaufAregbesola, has been re-elected to carry on for another term of fouryears.

Ogbeni Aregbesola recorded a resounding success in the just-concluded election.

The election shows that the Governor is well embraced by all thepeople of the State of the Virtuous.

In view of this, your popular grassroots tabloid, OSUN DEFENDERnewspaper, is doing a supplement to congratulate the People’sGovernor.

Individuals, corporate bodies, institutions and well-wishers can availthemselves with the pocket-friendly advert rate of OSUNDEFENDER newspaper.

Advert RateFull Page Colour - N150,000Full Page Black & White - N120,000Half Page Colour - N80,000Half Page Black & White - N70,000Quarter Page Colour - N50,000Quater Page Black & White - N40,000

- Management

Congratulations

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

If you were harassed, arrested, detained,assaulted by any suspected agents of thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP)whether in uniform or mufti, during theAugust 9, 2014 governorship election inthe State of Osun, visit our office,opposite Guarantee Trust Bank, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, or call either of thesephone numbers – 08033927286 and08033880205.We are interested in your plight by

recording it for history.- Management

August 9, 2014 GovernorshipElection Victims

2014 Independence Day IsSpecial - Osun APC

THE All Progressives Congress(APC) chapter in the State of Osun

has told thepeople of the state that this year’s

Independence Day celebration is a specialone of thanksgiving to God for liberatingthe people of the state from the tyrannyof the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In its independence message to thepeople of Osun, the APC said: “Thevictory of August 9, 2014 marked ourultimate freedom from the terrorism ofthe so-called federal might, which the PDPis ruthlessly deploying to subjugate thosewho are opposed to its kleptocracy andstultifying governance.

“This reckless misuse of power andprivilege by the PDP has brought ruin andpoverty to the country, which is makinggovernance across Nigeria needlesslymore difficult than it should actually be,”the APC lamented.

“However, the great strides whichGovernor Rauf Aregbesola’s governmentin Osun has already taken in the last fouryears, have soften the effect of povertyand under-development, which the PDPinflicted on the state from 2003 to 2010.

“That God helped us to defeat thecombined machinery of terror from boththe PDP and the federal security forceson August 9, is a political miracle forwhich Osun should be grateful, and todayshould be seen as a double celebration offreedom,” the party said

According to the APC, the people ofOsun have perhaps, the more reason tobe happy on Nigeria’s Independencetoday, coming only two months after thepeople’s victory over evil.

However, the party believes that thethreat of terror is not over yet.

It says: “Vigilance, courage andresilience are qualities people of Osunshould keep in constant focus, so thatthe enemies of progress will not springfrom the darkness to enslave us again.”

By ABOSEDE AKINPELU

OSHA SpeakerExtols Oyetola’sVirtue At 60

THE Speaker of the State of OsunHouse of Assembly, HonourableNajeem Salaam, has extolled the

virtues of the Chief of Staff to the Governorof the state, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, as heclocks sixty years of age, describing theIragbiji-born politician as a humble andhumane, dutiful and cool-headed publicservant.

In a statement signed by the Chief PressSecretary to the Speaker, Mr. Goke Butika,Salaam said Oyetola has demonstratedsufficiently that being on the corridors ofpower and managing a personality like agovernor does not have to turn the personconcerned into a power-drunk.

According to the leadership of the stateparliament: “Oyetola has raised the bar ofpublic service with his meticulousness andintelligence, his skill to balance all extremeson his desk with decorum has revealed himas a rare breed.”

Salaam then encouraged the Chief of Staffto the Governor to continue with hispositive drive on the path of humanity,saying that history has shown that the menwho are doing the work cannot beperpetually kept down; while also wishingOyetola long life in good health andfulfillment.

15 OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, October 2, 2014 PHOTOTALK

All Progressives Congress (APC) Isale Oba Constituency In Iwo, State Of OsunCelebrating The Declaration Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola On August 9, 2014 StateOf Osun Governorship Election, In Iwo, Last Sunday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) First civilian governor in the State of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke; Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Honourable Toogun Oguntolaand Director of Bureau and Communication, Office of the Governor, State of Osun, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, at the event.

Phantom, Reckless Claims By OsunPDP On Inspection Of Ballot Papers

OUR attention is drawn to theblatant falsehood being bandiedaround by People’s Democratic

Party in the State of Osun, claiming that11,000 ballot papers have beendiscovered to be fake in the on-goinginspection of electoral documents at theIndependent National ElectoralCommission’s office, Osogbo.

This claim is nothing but a joketaken too far by people who are nothingbut enemies of progress and developmentin our dear state.

Their pastime is to use all mannersof dubious tactics to hoodwinkunsuspecting members of the public intobelieving that their good-for-nothingpetition has any shred of credibility.

The tribunal granted an orderof inspection of all polling documents toboth PDP and APC which process wascommenced on the 9th day ofSeptember, 2014.

The exercise at the INEC office is intwo folds. The first isgetting certified true copiesof all theresult sheets which have been obtainedby both parties while the secondis scanning of all the ballot papers for thepurpose of forensic analysis and both arebeing done simultaneously by both PDP

POLITICS

and APC. The only equipment authorizedto be brought to the INEC office are thephotocopiers and scanners and noother.One wonders how photocopiersand scanners will discover fakeballot papers as claimed by the PDPliars!

Our team of inspectors is also onground inspecting electoral materials andcontrary to PDP’s falsehood, at no timedid any PDP representative raised theissue that any ballot paper was fake. So, itis mischievous to state that INEC wasunable to explain alleged presence offake ballot papers.

To buttress the point that the promotersof this falsehood are on wild goose chaseand are all out to entertain themselves,the basis upon which their petition isbased is that in almost all the Polling Units,result sheets were not signed and stampedby the presiding officers.

However, the certified true copies ofthe result sheet have shown that the resultsheets were signed, stamped and evenauthenticated by PDP agents in all thepolling units being challenged. In fact, insome units that the PDP claimed thatelection was rigged, it was PDP that hadhighest scores on the result forms. Whatan absurdity of a reckless petition!

The phantom claim of discovery offake ballot papers is a product ofhallucinating minds of dishonourablepersons who have no regard for truth andintegrity of the judicial process.

We are in receipt oft h e c e r t i f i e d t r u e c o p i e s o fall result Forms (EC8A, EC8B, EC8C,EC8D and EC8E) particularly Form

EC8A across all the polling units in the30 Local Government areas in the stateand we discovered, contrary to PDP’sclaim in their petition, that all the resultsheets were not only signed, they werestamped by the respective PresidingOfficers and countersigned by the partyagents, including PDP agents.

It is, therefore, a demonstrationof crass irresponsibility for thePDP public image handlers to now turna mere inspection of pollingdocuments that had revealednothing positive in their favour to anavenue where they allocate imaginaryvotes which they failed to legitimatelyearn in the August 9, 2014 election anddisturb the peace of the State with theirodious noise of a victory that will neverbe.

We urge our teeming supportersto ignore the falsehood of the PDP whichis merely calculated to hoodwink theirpaymasters in Abuja. For thePDP pathological liars, we wish they willdesist from ignoble act of misleadingmembers of the public, an enterprise thatensured their failure at the August 9, 2014governorship election in Osun in the firstplace.

•Lawal, an attorney, is a publiccommentator.

•IYIOLA OMISORE: DefeatedGovernorship Candidate

By IBRAHIM LAWAL

www.osundefender.org THE 5TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

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

Suntai As A Metaphor

AUDACIOUSEXPLOIT

withMURTALA AGBOOLA

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

THURDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 2014

DANBABA Suntai is the electedgovernor of Taraba State in theNorth-East geo-political zone

of Nigeria. He was involved in a planemishap sometime in October, 2012when he decided to fly himself.

Suntai has been to hospitals in theUnited States of America (USA) andof late in Britain to take care of hishealth. By every stretch of imagination,the ailing governor is not fully fithealthwise to continue with the task ofgovernance in his state.

However, his political acolytes andfriends, rather than push for his fullrecovery, are more interested in hispolitical manoeuvre. Since Suntai crash-landed on October 25th 2012, in Yola,Adamawa State, life has not been thesame for the 53-year old administrator.In spite of his current state of health, hispolitical menders, who still need him intheir political schisms, have beenpushing him around. He has been in hispresent condition for the past twoyears, which means the mantle ofgovernment leadership automaticallyfalls on the Deputy Governor, AlhajiUmar Garba, who incidentally is not inthe good book of the governor.

According to the sycophants aroundthe ailing pharmacist-turned politician,his deputy wants to have a shot at thegovernorship slot next year. There isnow a mutual distrust between thegovernor and his deputy, who is acting.

Nigerians would recall that similarsituation transpired between the latePresident, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua andPresident, then Vice-President,Goodluck Jonathan. The NationalAssembly had to step in with theDoctrine of Necessity to allow,Jonathan to function as the ActingPresident.

This shows the extent to which wecovet power. Political power, theultimate aphrodisiac is coveted byeverybody because of the influence,control and the overriding benefit itbestows on the holder.

The defective system we operatemakes it even more compelling. Thepresidential system bestows morepowers on the chief executives, eitheras president or governors. They are theleaders of their parties and they are alsothe leaders of governments. In practicalterms, it translates to the fact that whenthe chief executive sneezes, the wholestate catches cold. Whether you like itor not, you have to be in the good bookof the chief executive. The president orthe governor dispenses favour at willand one has to be in his good book tobe a beneficiary. A politician oncesummarized the power nexus thus, a

fifteen minute chance meetingwith a governor can change thefortune of a person’s life forever.This tells you how powerful andinfluential officials in government are.For this reason, people would want todo anything and everything to getpower and maintain it at all cost.

Power, while you hold it, is sopervasive and pervading that youshudders to imagine it to go away fromyou. Once in the corridor of power, aperson becomes relevant. Littlewonder that some people have beenin the corridors of power sinceindependence and still hold swaytoday in public sphere.

In a developing country as ours,where political, rather than economicpower, determines everything, thedesire for the acquisition of electivepower is very strong.

It is the strong desire for power thatmakes some individuals to shift base orpolitical loyalty from the one they areknown for, to another one. The lateWaziri of Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar OlusolaSaraki was the Senate President in theSecond Republic. He belonged to theconservative school of politics. Heinstalled his stalwarts at will. In thesecond republic (1979 and 1983), heput up Alhaji Adamu Attah of theNational Party of Nigeria (NPN) as thegubernatorial candidate. He wonconvincingly. By 1983, the strongmanof Kwara politics had fallen apart withAttah. Even though, the NPN re-presented Attah, he was trounced by thecandidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria(UPN), Mr Cornelius Adebayo,because Saraki asked all his supportersto vote for him. In the fourth republic,he started off with the All Peoples Party

(APP), which later became All NigeriaPeoples Party (ANPP) and ended upin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While in the APP, he won Kogi andKwara States for the party.Commodore Mohammed Lawal (retd)won the gubernatorial election inKwara, while Alhaji (Prince) AuduAbubakar won in Kogi.

By the time he left for PDP, hiscandidates on the ticket of the partywon in both states. In his life time,Oloye, as he was popularly called, hadhis daughter, Ms Gbemisola Saraki, whorepresented Kwara Central SenatorialDistrict in the National Assembly, whilehis son, Dr Bukola Saraki, was a two-time governor of Kwara State.

Jokingly, people said Saraki ownedKwara and that his wishes were thecommand of the people.

In the State of Osun, Otunba IsiakaAdeleke, can be likened to Saraki.Wherever Adeleke turned to, his peoplewould follow him. He contested andwon election as the first ExecutiveGovernor of the State of Osun. In thefourth republic, he started with the APP,where his loyalist, Honourable AdejareBello became the Minority Leader inthe State House of Assembly. He laterjoined the PDP from where he switchedloyalty to the APC. As a result of that,the APC won the Osun West Senatorialdistrict convincingly in the lastgubernatorial election. His influencespreads to Ejigbo and Iwo besides hisfoothold in Ede, his home town.

There are others too who have goneinto political oblivion because theyswitched camp.

In conclusion it is my firm belief thatif relatives and friends of Suntai want tobe of assistance to him, they should takecare of his health first. All other thingsare secondary. But fundamentally, wouldNigerians learn any lesson from the twocases narrated above? Certainly no,because power in Nigeria provideseverything.

As at the time of going to press, theState House of Assembly has beenrestrained from setting up a committeemade up of medical experts todetermine whether Suntai ispermanently incapacitated to functionas a governor.

Whether the committee is set up ornot, if the ailing governor is strongenough, the acting governor cannotstand in his way to function. My candidadvice to the wife, children and truefriends is that they should fix his healthfirst before considering any politicalrelevance. When the chips are down,those who grandstand as his truefriends today would abandon him.

•DANBABA