Osun Defender Online Version Jully 27, 2018

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VOL. 013. NO.28

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

The Race Is On!

Osun Primaries Fallout:

Protests, Defections Hit APC, PDP g Pa

e2

•SDP Factional Chair Heads For Court

The Plot Thickens - Adeleke’s Certificate Saga

PAGE 15

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FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2018

Osun Primaries Fallout: Protests, Defections Hit APC, PDP •SDP Factional Chair Heads For Court

By Kehinde Ayantunji The two leading political parties in the state of Osun, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)are currently battling with defections, protests and litigations as a fall out of the just-concluded parties’ primaries.

APC appeared to have suffered a set back with the resignation and defection of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti who rose from the councillorship position to the party chairman and later SSG. He formally decamped on Monday to secure the ticket of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) alongside some past local governments’ Executive Secretaries in the state.

His defection was a rude shock to many spectators in the state considering his long standing party loyalty and

political history in the state as the longest serving party chairman since the return of democracy in 1999.

Those who decamped with Adeoti among the former councils’ Executive Secretaries include, Disu Oyedele, Atakunmosa East; Taiwo Fatiregun, Oriade; Kehinde Moronkeji, Boripe and Stephen Dosunmu Adetunji, Boluwaduro.

Other APC chieftains who left the party with the SSG include the former C o m m i s s i o n e r Information and Strategy, Oluomo Sunday Akere,

former Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, the state party deputy chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, among others.

It was equally rumoured that Senator Bayo Salami, a prominent APC leader in Osogbo and Chief Sulaimon Afariogun decamped alongside Adeoti but Afariogun denied joining ADP when contacted by OSUN DEFENDER Newspaper.

Senator Salami when contacted by our reporter to confirm the rumor of his defection told our reporter that he was in a meeting and promised to get back.

As at the time of filing this report, he has not reached nor replied messages sent to him.

Salami close political associate who pleaded anonymity confirmed to

OSUN DEFENDER that he has decamped to ADP to negotiate Osun Central Senatorial ticket having envisaged that the current Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ajibola Bashiru, may secure the APC ticket to the senate.

The situation in PDP is also dicey and may experience huge implosion if the party leaders failed to address the grievances of one of the major contenders, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi whose supporters locked down Osogbo, the state capital on Monday protesting the result of the primary that produced Senator Ademola Adeleke.

It is not clear if Ogunbiyi would dump the party, but his supporters are mounting pressure on him to defect to another party. He has

insisted that he would explore all available internal mechanism before legal option or defection.

It was also gathered that Ogunbiyi has initiated a legal process to stop INEC from recognising Senator Ademola Adeleke as the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming election in the state.

Defection option to pick another party’s ticket might however, have become late for him as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for submission of nomination lapsed on Wednesday, July 25, but he is not giving anything to chance on the litigation against the emergence of Adeleke.

Ogunbiyi in a statement late Tuesday night rejected the poll’s result, insisting that it was rigged in Adeleke’s favour and that Adeleke is unfit to run for the election in the first instance.

Ogunbiyi said contrary to the requirement of Section 177(d) of Nigeria’s constitution, Adeleke had no secondary school certificate and was not qualified, in the first place, to have contested the primary.

“Senator Ademola Adeleke submitted a document purported to be a testimonial as evidence that he was educated up to the senior secondary; a document which is not

sufficient to meet the basic qualifications stipulated by the constitution and the Electoral Act. “The date of issue on the purported testimonial submitted by Senator Adeleke was altered with a pen. The Principal of Muslim Grammar School, Ede, Osun State, Mr Khalid Abbas, who purportedly signed the testimonial, had not been posted to the school in question as of the date indicated on the document.

“The principal, who purportedly issued the testimonial to Senator Adeleke, has denied ever issuing or signing it and the denial is very well on record,” Ogunbiyi said.

Similarly, the issue surrounding the emergence of Senator Iyiola Omisore as the SDP candidate is yet to settle as the factional state Chairman, Chief Ademola Isola has threatened to return to court to challenge the recognition of the senator by the party’s national secretariat.

According to report available to this medium, the chairman claimed that the Omisore’s faction is unknown to the party constitution, declaring his emergence as an affront in the eyes of the law, considering that a court ruling is against it.

Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Declares N187.5m PBT

By Solomon Odeniyi •Members of the Board of Directors of Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Limited during its 4th Annual General Meeting in Osogbo on Thursday.

Photo: SOLOMON ODENIYI

Akinbade Dumps PDP, Ogunbiyi's Appeal Dismissed One of the governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, has dumped the party.

Akinbade, who was due consultations with the SSG during the tenure my political associates, of Prince Olagunsoye leaders, admirers and Oyinlola, announced his friends within and defection from the PDP outside the state. on Wednesday in a letter “In particular, I came to the state party to this painful junction Chairman, Honourable having realised that the Soji Adagunodo. leadership of the party He said he decided to either do not want me or leave the party because is threatened by my he believed that the presence in the party. leadership of the party “This fear became did not like him or they more produced were being threatened by especially with the events his presence in the party. that dovetailed into the Akinbade contested recently concluded the last Saturday primary primary election of the election of the PDP and party. scored 56 votes to come “Consequently, as an third out of four aspirants ever forward working in the race. individual, I am His resignation letter withdrawing my read: “I wish to notify membership of the party you of my formal without harbouring disengagement from the animosity against Peoples Democratic anyone, and will always Party as a member as welcome and participate from today. in electoral contest that “I made this somewhat leave the process open reluctant decision after and transparent”.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the appeal filed by Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, the runner up in the party’s governorship primary in Osun against the election of Senator Ademola Adeleke.

It was gathered that the Appeal Committee of the party examined Ogunbiyi’s grounds of appeal and found them “unworthy to warrant disqualifying Adeleke from the race or overturning his victory.”

The Appeal Committee, which met in Abuja on Monday night, was said to have handed over INEC forms to Adeleke on Tuesday morning.

Adeleke, who was also introduced to the National Executive Committee meeting of the party on Monday evening by the Senate Minority Leader, Chief

Godswill Akpabio, as the party’s candidate for the election, reportedly submitted his form to the commission on Tuesday.

“We have upheld the outcome of the primary.

Senator Adeleke remains the candidate of the party in Osun State,” the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, told journalists.

Ogunbiyi, in his petition, claimed that he won the contest. He asked that he be declared the candidate of the party in the governorship election.

Ogunbiyi, who polled 1,562 against Adeleke’s 1,569 votes, insisted that the primary was manipulated in favour of Adeleke.

He argued that 42 voided votes and 128 unaccounted votes belonged to him, claiming that the total votes he garnered were 1,732.

The Omoluabi Mortgage Bank has declared a Profit Before Taxation (PBT) of N187,536,516, for the year 2017.

This was disclosed by which were responsible for the Chairman, Board of the feat achieved.

He also attributed the Directors, Alhaji Adebayo Jimoh during the bank’s impressive performance of 4th Annual General the bank in the out gone Meeting in Osogbo on year to some changes made Thursday. to strengthen the company The chairman added through a change in that the gross earnings also structure and increased by 70.39% from improvement in capacity to N304million in 2016 to reflect current best N518million, while the practices in the industry, total operating expenses thereby enhancing it with increased by 26.18% from more experience and N257m in 2016 to N347m in capability.

2017.

He stressed that the plan “Customers deposits of the company in 2018 is grew by 208% from N389m to enhance their capacity in in 2016 to N1.2b in 2017. human resources as well as Also during the period, the risk management, so as to quality of our loan and continue being the first and advances portfolio rose the best. from N549 in 2016 to The chairman pledged N862m in 2017, an increase that the bank will continue of 57%. to adapt to environmental In addition, total assets changes with the unalloyed grew from N3.3b in 2016 to commitment, support and N4.2b in 2017, a growth of loyalty received from both 27.27% over 2016, while our shareholders funds internal and external grew from N2.4b to N2.6b stakeholders.

Mrs Olaitan Aworonke, in 2017", he said.

Jimoh noted that despite the former group head, Operations and Business the harsh economic and operating environment Development of the bank prevalent in the Mortgage was elected as the Director banking industry, the of the bank, while Prince management team and Adetilewa Sijuwade, Mike employees worked under Omolaja, and Gbadebo intense pressure with the Adekunle were re-elected business complexities as directors.

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Aregbesola Has Rescued Osun From Stagnation - NYSC

By Ismaeel Uthman The Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in the state of Osun, Mr Emmanuel Attah has said that the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has taken Osun out of under development and stagnation which the state had found itself over the years.

According to Attah, He noted that the Osun has witnessed A r e g b e s o l a ’ s u n p r e c e d e n t e d administration has development in the area revamped the education of infrastructure and sector and made public education under the education functional and A r e g b e s o l a ’ s attractive to the people. administration, saying Commending the the state now boasts of efforts of the NYSC at roads which many states keeping the nation of the federation don’t united, Attah have. commended the youth Attah made the remark service scheme for being on Thursday while at the forefront of youth delivering an address at engagement in the the opening and country, as well as swearing-in ceremony of fostering unity among 2,292 2018 Batch ‘B’ Corp Nigerians. members posted to Osun He pointed out that the held at the NYSC NYSC in Osun has also Orientation camp, Ede. keyed into the

development agenda of the Osun governor, as it has been carrying out series of developmental projects within the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede. According to Attah, “When I first came into Osun and especially Osogbo, I thought I was in one of the big European cities and this is because Aregbesola has brought so much development to this state.

“Without mincing words, one can conveniently say that Osun is now ranked among states in the country with the best roads, Osun has the kind of roads which many states in the country cannot boast of.

“The governor has not only intervened in the area of road

infrastructure, we know that there are many world class schools scattered across the state, the school feeding programme in the state is also the best in the country”.

In his speech titled “The Great Service Begins”, Aregbesola charged the corp members to see the orientation as an opportunity to have a new sense of responsibility, designed to instill discipline in them and other virtues that will make them

successful in life.

Aregbesola charged them to shun every partisan move that may undermine the role of the NYSC during elections being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He said: “I know this orientation programme has been designed to instill in you the tenacity, discipline and other virtues that you need as individuals to succeed in life, so you must see it as a new form of responsibility which you must embrace.

“There is also something very sensitive which you must bear in mind all through your service year. You must ensure that you don’t have any political affiliation as this may taint the image of the NYSC during the conduct of elections organized by INEC in the country.

“You must maintain the integrity which have been set by your predecessors during election duty in the country.”

Court Gives Adeleke Six Days To Present Certificate

he has any, but if given

By Mariam Bello the opportunity to An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, on present his side of the Thursday directed Senator Ademola Adeleke, the case, the balance which is People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship necessary for candidate in the state to present his certificate before interlocutory injunction the court by Wednesday, August 1, 2018. would be adequately Rasheed Olabayo and considered.”

Justice Oladimeji Oluwaseun Idowu both members of the PDP had explained further that the ex-parte injunction has approached the court claiming that Senator only seven days lifespan Adeleke did not possess and that there are still Certificate as required by window left open till Section 177 (d) of the 1999 August 8 according to the constitution and told the affidavits sworn to by the court to set aside the July applicants.

The presiding judge 21st, 2018 primary election which produced added that “being an him as the governorship election matter, it is my conviction that the public candidate of the party.

The court, while ruling will not be uninterested on the ex-parte in the proceedings of this application filed by court”, explaining that Olabayo and Oluwaseun, the importance of the would make the explained that granting matter court not to grant the the leave to restrain the injunction and warned PDP from presenting that, “once a matter is Adeleke as its before a court any party governorship candidate cannot take a further step over his inability to without the express present his certificate permission of the court”.

•Traffic gridlock along Ayetoro/Igbona area caused by a section of Osun pensioners’ protest on Tuesday.

PHOTO: GBENGA ADENIYI may subject the court to Justice Oladimeji mockery if the Senator thereafter adjourned the thereafter presents the motion on notice till certificate.

Wednesday, August 1, Justice David 2018 for definite hearing, Oladimeji said, “It will be adding that no form of makes our relationship time the model used by

By Israel Afolabi inequitable not to allow excuse from the litigants the committee would be uniquely defined”.

The State of Osun House of Assembly has said made available.

He appreciated those the respondent to come would be tolerated by the that it would continue to focus on its primary Addressing the who stood by him while and show his certificate if court. assignment, with a view to delivering on its plenary, the Speaker the battle lasted, while legislative mandate within the remaining period of commended the also thanked those who the current Assembly. their committee for a job well expressed right The speaker of the state Clauses were subjected to done. He stressed the democratic need to move faster in the differently. parliament, Dr. Najeem scrutiny.

The state women leader of the All Progressives He then urged his The outcome was later business of the legislation Salaam made the remark on Monday while reported as corrections and stating that the colleagues to focus on Congress (APC) in Osun, Alhaja Kudirat presiding over the and amendments made Assembly would focus their primary assignment Fakokunde has debunked the rumours of her its primary to whom they are elected defection to another party, describing it as plenary of the Assembly at the committee level on at the state House of were read out with assignment assuring that to do and be diligent in “fallacious, mirage, satanic and handiwork of Assembly complex unanimous decision on the parliament would their legislative business. enemies of progress in the state”.

He said “I will like to what was agreed upon to delivered on its mandate Osogbo.

She disclosed that it is “There is no point for me to the good people of the say that this parliament far from the reality and and my name to be At the plenary form part of the Bill. must strive to deliver on However, the other state. presided over by the lack any iota of truth, included in the defectors’ The speaker, Dr. its mandate because in saying those spreading list and there is no cause speaker, two items were item was the report of deliberated upon as findings of the House Salaam also expressed the next few months, this the rumour are out to for me to decamp from contained in the order committee on Judiciary, His gratitude to those assembly would be cause ripples in the party the party that made me Human right, Justice who keep faith with him winding up and posterity but would not succeed in what I am today, the state paper for the day. women leader for almost The first was the State Public Petition and Legal during the just concluded will surely judge us, the endeavour. on All Progressives using our productivity of Osun Asset matters In a statement issued eight years now. of Congress Governorship and delivery”.

“Since the decision of Management Agency administration and personally signed by He advised the her on Wednesday in the party is supreme, and Establishment Bill 2018 criminal Justice Bill 2018. Primary Election in the parliament to set their Osogbo, the state capital, that decision has been The report as state. on which the House by the According to him, “my binocular lens to all areas Fakokunde said that she made known, I am very dissolved into the submitted their oversight remained committee of the whole committee chairman gratitude goes to you all of a very ready to work and for further consideration. Hon. Osuolale Bello from for keeping faith with our functions and set up committed and support the candidature State bond as one people with feedback mechanism on unrepentant member of of Alh Gboyega Oyetola.

Clauses 10-17 of the Ifelodun was common destiny in the laws they have pass and the APC and cannot do “Ogbeni Rauf Bill were debated as the constituency lawmakers engaged in debated on the floor after last few years, three years structures they had anything to disturb the Aregbesola has done a lot the House to be precise in the life of consented to with a view progress and success of and I will continue deliberations with which further this Sixth Assembly. I am to ensuring that their the party. supporting him and his expresion of varied suspended opinion while the deliberation pending the most grateful to God that labour is not in vain.

According to her, •Continued on page 10

Osun Assembly Reiterates Commitment To Deliver Legislative Mandate

Osun APC Women Leader Denies Defection Rumour

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An Endorsement For Continuity •A No-Contest Between A Savvy Technocrat And Ademola The Unready ancient king of England Ethelred Often likened to the unready, Ademola Adeleke is precisely that, Ademola the the ancient king of unready. A childlike sense of England Ethelred entitlement can in no way mask a lack of the intellectual preparation the unready, as well as the management savvy Ademola Adeleke is required for office. There is of course something fundamentally precisely that, wrong in choosing a man who Ademola the obviously cannot decipher, let unready. A childlike alone interpret a balance sheet. If Ademola Adeleke cannot sense of entitlement interpret a balance sheet, how on can in no way mask earth is he going to work out a desired medium – term economic a lack of the strategy and framework to take intellectual Osun to the next level?

The comic – tragic choice of preparation.

Adeleke encompassing his sense of his entitlement has been seminally captured a an analysis a few days ago in the online covenant with God that we shall alleviate the publication, Premium times. A cerebral columnist suffering of the people of Osun.”

‘Fisayo Soyombo observed that “his reason for Had God said otherwise, Adeleke wouldn’t seeking the governorship seat surely rank among have heard — because his late brother wanted to the most comical in Nigeria’s political history. “We become governor and his life since April 2017 has held a family meeting to seek God’s guidance on been all about living out the rest of Isiaka’s earthly the governorship issue and we said, let all of us life”. pray and fast for 40 days for a divine direction from The choice is not just baffling, it is profoundly Him and it was when we got a clear signal that I disturbing coming from a sophisticated State that came out to announce that I will contest the Osun has produced pivotal figures such as Nigeria’s first governorship election,” he told his party two lawyer Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams, months ago. “During this period of the 40 days of his brother Dr Oguntola Sapara heading a long prayers and fasting, we, the Adeleke’s made a list of a production line of pivotal figures from Osun State who were amongst the best and the brightest of a generation, of any generation.

We have a duty to warn We have a duty to warn against retrogression and handing the affairs of Osun State over to against retrogression and untested hands. This newspaper has a moral handing the affairs of Osun obligation as well as a duty of care to advise the people of the State of Osun to come out in record State over to untested hands. numbers on the 22nd of September, 2018 and vote This newspaper has a moral for a proven ready technocrat in the person of obligation as well as a duty of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

Straddling the private and public sectors, Oyetola represents measured emotional, intellectual development as well as acquired managerial sagacity.

Two paths face a state of Osun at a critical juncture. To choose to continue the progressive forward thrusts of the Rauf Aregbesola government or to sadly retrogress. Our position is unambiguous; we prefer a hand over of governance of the state to a proven, tested technocrat.

With minor parties snapping at the fringes, the realistic options are limited to Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On paper, it should be a no-contest.

Straddling the private and public sectors, Oyetola represents measured emotional, intellectual development as well as acquired managerial sagacity. These attributes are crucial, and for a decisive reason. Starring down a demographic time-bomb, the decade ahead 2020-2030 is not just pivotal, it will be make or break. Cometh that looming moment therefore, we must beckon forth a man with the proven capacity; that man is Gboyega Oyetola.

The contrast with Ademola Adeleke is unnerving. The PDP, it must be said has shown the utmost contempt not just for the membership of their own party, but for the larger interest of the State of Osun in choosing Ademola Adeleke.

Incontrovertibly, there were much better candidates available. Why they didn’t choose them is unexplainable. An historical similarity to this is the infamous election manifesto of the British Labour Party in 1983, which has been often described as, ‘the longest suicide note in history’.

In choosing Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State PDP, in the words of Karl Marx have descended from ‘tragedy into farce’. Often likened to the

care to advice the people of the State of Osun to come out in record numbers on the 22nd of September, 2018 and vote for a proven ready technocrat in the person of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

Again, PDP Goofed Barring any change, either from the leadership of the party or court of law as it were, Senator Ademola Adeleke will fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party come Saturday September 22. He won the Saturday’s primary election by 1,569 as against the runner up Akin Ogunbiyi’s 1,562.

With this, the Osun PDP has again goofed. The party has put a paid to their chances of returning back to power, or at least give the APC a feisty fight in the September 22 gubernatorial election. With that election, it has showed to us that the PDP we should be looking up to has remained the same. The malfeasance that was displayed has helped to revalidate the flurry of claims by the ruling APC that they are unworthy to be handed the people’s mandate.

Going into the primary

election, Ogunbiyi had a lot of aspirants laying down cards to lend their support for him, and the reasons they all gave show that he has the competence and the finesse to govern the state if he could win the governorship election.

In truth, Ogunbiyi

emergence would have sent fear to the ruling APC, he would have brought a new lease of life into the opposition PDP and made challenge more even for the PDP and APC to compete, leaving the judgment at the mercy of the electorate to give during the election.

All these were given an infinitesimal attention. The DANCING SENATOR has been foisted on the members of the party. The chance of the PDP has dropped heavily.

What remains of them is to become spectators of their misery.

Mind you, the sympathy votes Adeleke got during the West Senatorial by-election has left the people from the zone in a sorry state. Ever since his emergence, he has been of less value to the Senate, neither has his impact

been felt. To say they are tired of a family swimming in the pool of power is to state the minds of the people. And now he has a certificate issue dangling on his neck which could compound his woes going into the poll.

Ogunbiyi is also challenging the outcome of the election through what he called internal mechanism.

His sympathizers are also not leaving the stage, the other time, they went in their large numbers to the state party secretariat to register their disdain. All are in the effort to reclaim the mandate. If this fails, he may be on his way out of the party as being speculated by some of his top loyalists.

It is very unfortunate that the PDP has goofed!

•IBRAHIM BABALOLA, Ede, State of Osun.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 02, 2018

Candidates, Parties And Battle To Occupy Bola Ige House Osun 2018:

As political parties in the state concluded the process of choosing their flag bearers, SOLOMON ODENIYI in this report writes on the chances of the major contenders, agenda, and their platforms in the race to succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the next governor of the state with about two months away The die is cast. Political parties fielding candidates for the topmost seat in the state of Osun have concluded the processes. Their flag bearers have been unfurled to the electorate.

This has been carried out in accordance with the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) whereby it mandated the political parties contesting the state governorship election to submit the names of their gubernatorial candidates latest by July 25, 2018.

In compliance, major political parties contesting the election went by the way of primaries. Parties like the ruling All Progressives Congress used a novel direct primary whereby all card carrying members were given the luxury opportunity to choose from the avalanche of aspirants hoping to take over the mantle of leadership from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. This was contrary to the ‘traditional’ indirect primary used in Anambra, Kogi and recently in Ekiti which allows the selection of a few to choose the party’s flag bearer. The primary election eventually produced the current Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola as the party’s candidate. The choice of the mode of primary had since been accompanied by accolades and rejections from stakeholders in the party and observers.

The Peoples Democratic Party on its part stuck to the indirect primary where 3,439 delegates voted and eventually, the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Ademola Adeleke emerged the PDP candidate, even though, the party’s runner-up has insisted that he would challenge the result in court.

The Accord Party also used the conventional delegate system and the primary produced Pastor Olapade Okunola, as the party’s candidate. While few other parties like the Redemption Party of Nigeria, which has the only female aspirant contesting among others did consensus primaries, the crisis in the Social Democratic Party has seen to the emergency of two candidates for the party, Munirudeen Atanda and Senator Iyiola Omisore sequel to two different primaries held through delegate system.

Major Contenders The State of Osun governorship election will hold on Saturday, September 22, 2018. The APC’s Gboyega Oyetola and the PDP’s Ademola Adeleke as it stands are seen to be the major contenders for the race. This is despite the presence of influential candidates such as Iyiola Omisore of the SDP, a former deputy governor of the state; Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, who just resigned his appointment as the Secretary to the State Government and defected to the ADP after losing out in the APC primary, as

•Senator Ovie Omo-Agege presiding over the collation of results of the Osun APC governorship primary.

The Osun APC is still basking in the party’s victory in Ekiti, it would want to replicate same feat in Osun considering the bitter taste its lost to PDP during the west senatorial by-election which was formerly held by Sen. Isiaka Adeleke left in the mouths of party members. well as Akintola Olugengba of the Alliance for Democracy, an aide to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo among others who would give the front line contenders a run for their sweat and money.

This is predicated on the various parties’ huge membership spread across the length and breadth of the state, their strength in the 30 local governments and 332 wards where some of them have over the years built formidable structures, their financial capabilities laced with the credentials of their flag bearer.

While the Osun APC is still basking in the party’s victory in Ekiti, it would want to replicate same feat in Osun considering the bitter taste its lost to PDP during the west senatorial by-election which was formerly held by Sen. Isiaka Adeleke left in the mouths of party members. If not for anything but sweet revenge, the APC needs this.

On the other hand, the PDP is mapping out strategies to make sure that it does not suffer defeat in the September 22 governorship election in Osun State as it did in Ekiti. Last week, the leadership of the party ordered a review of what happened in Ekiti State that made the

party to lose the election to the APC. The party is determined to sooth the deep wounds with victory in Osun.

Parties, Aspirants and Agenda The Ruling APC Being the ruling party, the unveiling of the APC’s initial 27 aspirants was not surprising to many. Pundits fear was whether the leadership of the party would be able to manage such an unprecedented number of aspirants without infighting considering a lot of things such as: The caliber of the aspirants, the agitation for zoning to West, the yearnings for a level playing ground, the cry against imposition and of course that of the novel direct primary mode of election introduced.

In total, 17 aspirants were screened at the national party Secretariat in Abuja to contest the July 19 primary election while 14 went to the poll. They are; Alamu Oyebisi, Sulaimon Lasun Yusuff, Akintayo Amere Gafar, Taiwo Babatunde ,Gboyega Oyetola, Julius Oyebanji, Kunle Adegoke, Ismail Saka-Layonu , Engr.

Raifu Mumini, Dr. Najeem Salam, Ezekiel Oyemomi, Benedict Olugboyega, Adelere Oriolowo and Adeyinka Ajayi. The three that withdrew are; Alhaji Moshood

Adeoti, Elder Peter Babalola, while Senator Babajide Omoworare also stepped down.

Adeoti withdrawal was based on the credibility of the primary which he described as a skewed and jaundiced process already designed to favour an anointed aspirant. Omoworare premised his on the need to ensure peace to thrive in the party. However, Elder Peter Babalola on his part is silent on his reason.

Message put to his line were not replied.

However, the chief of staff, Gboyega Oyetola won resoundingly with a landside margin to emerge the party’s flag bearer. He polled a total of 127,017, followed by the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Hon Lasun Yusuff with 21,975 while the speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon Najeem Salam and Adelere Oriolowo garnered 21,975 and 5,373 votes to emerge third and fourth respectively.

Gboyega Oyetola Oyetola is contesting a political office for the first time. He is said to be among the prominent Nigerians who founded the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1998, and was a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before it metamorphosed into APC. Oyetola, the current Chief of Staff will have so many factors working in his favour in the forth coming election; these include his performance in the private sector, the ruling party strength, his wide acceptance which he earned having toured every nooks and crannies of the state consulting the stakeholders before the primary, the transformation legacies across all aspects of the economy by the incumbent, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, his continuity agenda and of course the

•Continued on page 6

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6

Osun 2018: Candidates, Parties And Battle To Occupy Bola Ige House •Continued from page 5 financial war chest to successfully prosecute the election, among others.

Oyetola is considered as a pillar of substance to Aregbesola’s giant strides in the past seven and half years of the governor’s reign. And the whopping 127,000 votes garnered during the intra party election makes him the man to beat for aspirants hoping to take over the mantle of leadership in the land of the virtue.

His agenda Oyetola during his declaration promised that the welfare of workers would top his list of priorities even as he seeks to embark on massive job creation through the creation of industrial parks that would absorb thousands of employable youth.

“My goal is to make Osun to be known as the state for employment and jobs in the country. A study that we commissioned has indicated that 25-30 factories employing over 30,000 workers can be created within a period of 3-4 years across the state. I will also pay critical attention to the establishment of light manufacturing industries such as those focusing on agricultural processing, meat and fish preservation among others”.

Oyetola maintained that he would work with the private sector and NGOs to identify and prioritize the socioeconomic and other needs of the state, deploy a Public Private Partnership model which would enable his administration to focus on upgrading facilities and infrastructure available for education, health, sporting activities, skill acquisition, poverty alleviation and environmental care.

Also of importance to him is to sustain the recognition of the state as one of the most peaceful in the federation by responding to the operational needs of security operatives through the provision of mobility, communication gadgets, protective gear and a working environment that is both conducive and enabling.

PDP The party after being at the helms of affairs in the state before it lost it to the APC seeks to get back to power and will be leaving no stone unturned to achieve this. The PDP looks unshaken with the defection of one of its prized members, Sen. Iyiola Omisore who left to actualize his dream in the SDP. At the initial stage 17 aspirants declared to contest the election, they are; Sen. Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, Dr Oyewumi Olalere, Mr Nathaniel Oke (SAN), Sen. Ogunwale Felix and Alhaji Fatai Akinbade. Others are Dr Ezekiel Adeniji, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Dr Ayoade Adewopo, Hon. Adejare Bello, Sen. Ademola Adeleke and Prof. Adeolu Durotoye.

Of the 17 aspirants who declared their intent, 11 made it through after the party’s screening at the National Secretariat in Abuja. However, aspirants like Professor Durotoye, Sen Akinlabi Olasukanmi stepped down to lend support for Akin Ogunbiyi while the likes of Albert Adeogun, Lere Oyewunmi, Olawale Rasheed and Professor Aworemi did same for Ademola Adeleke, just as others refused to mention who they stepped down for. At the end, only four aspirants contested the primary won by Sen. Adeleke who polled 1,569, followed

by Akin Ogunbiyi with 1,562, Fatai Akinbade and Nathaniel Oke came a distance third and fourth with 56 and 3 Votes respectively.

Ogunbiyi had since rejected the results, resolving to use the internal mechanism of the party to seek an immediate redress of what he described as a clear case of injustice. He said, some of the major issues, which compromised the integrity of the exercise and made the results clearly unacceptable, include the nonadherence to the clear provisions of the electoral guidelines and an unfortunate manipulation of the accreditation, voting, sorting and counting of the votes cast by delegates at the primary.

“Consequent upon these infractions, therefore, the votes attributed to me at the

•APC members on queue during the governorship primary. end of the voting exercise were much lower than what I actually scored as valid votes. I have, therefore, resolved to use the internal mechanism of the party to seek an immediate redress of this clear case of injustice.

Ademola Adeleke He came to the political scene after the death of his brother, Isiaka Adeleke. The move to replace the late Isiaka saw Ademola quitting the APC to join the PDP where he emerged the candidate and won the by-election.

One major scenario that played out then was that Osun people, most especially those from Ede where Adeleke comes from cast sympathy votes. The argument was that the only way to compensate the family of the late Isiaka Adeleke was to vote for his brother.

However, his major intention to contest the gubernatorial election is based on his conviction that he came to unite the party in the state with the believe that he has the ability to galvanise the general electorate towards ensuring a resounding victory for the PDP in the forthcoming polls having done it once. He will be riding on his family good will as well as the financial muscles.

Alliance for Democracy (AD) The party is bouncing back from an internal crisis which erupted in the course of their primary held at NUJ center in Osogbo on June 25. The contest was between Gbenga Akintola and Femi Kehinde. The former was declared the winner of the election, and the latter had since moved on to seek political refuge at the All Grand Alliance. Despite his defection, the party believes it has the best chance to reoccupy the Governor Office built by AD government when Chief Bisi Akande, now an APC leader held sway.

With the reassuring statement of the chairman, caretaker committee of the party, Barrister Olayinka Ojo that the party is not dead as peddled by mischievous persons, adding that with the party’s being long in existence over the years, it has built an enduring structures that is capable of wrestling power from the ruling APC. Akintola A thorough and accomplished Project

and Programme Manager, utilising his training in Building, Surveying, Project Management, Architecture & Road Maintenance, in successfully delivering various building and road construction/ maintenance projects both in Nigeria and UK. He was appointed Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Oyo State, in September, 2016. Prior to his appointment, he was the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Public Works Corporation for 6 years from August 2009 to September 2015, and was responsible for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the State’s road network.

Akintola’s Agenda He has his agenda branded Atunse. It seeks to build a state capable of creating wealth for its people in good health, a state that fulfills its obligations through a capable workforce for industrialization as well.

Akintola added that the e c o n o m i c development agenda would be geared towards restructuring the terms of the existing loan both local and foreign as well as the mode of payment, so as not to have adverse effect on the people of the state, noting that he would solicit multilateral financing such as the Japanese agency, the Bill Gate foundation among others which provides funds for infrastructural development of states.

He also spoke of other things embedded in his Atunse Agenda saying: “If I emerge, we will move our budget from recurrent to capital. We will also make sure that our infrastructural development is simply finance by public private partnership. We will make sure salaries are well paid, as and when due.

Arrangement will be made to upset backlogs of salaries, gratuities in agreement with those owed. Agriculture will be linked to manufacturing. We will tailor our education sector to meet the world acceptable standard. We will invest heavily on primary health center to prevent people from various illnesses our people are contending with”.

Action Democratic Party Though, the ADP is relatively

Oyetola maintained that he would work with the private sector and NGOs to identify and prioritize the socio-economic and other needs of the state, deploy a Public Private Partnership model which would enable his administration to focus on upgrading facilities and infrastructure available for education, health, sporting activities, skill acquisition, poverty alleviation and environmental care.

unknown until the defection of the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti to the party, but with the arrival of someone like him, the party is sure to get more attention heading to the September 22 election. Before now Adeoti had occupied several political offices which include; Councilor in Iwo local government council in 1989 after which he became the Secretary to the local government council. He was also the General Secretary, Unity Party of Nigeria from 1978 to 1983; Administrative Secretary, United Nigerian Congress Party, Iwo local government. He was the former chairman of the Alliance for Democracy from 2003 to 2006 and the pioneer state chairman of the Action Congress between 2006 and 2010 and latter chaired the party when it metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria, the position he held during the struggle to reclaim the incumbent’s mandate.

He left the ruling party having been displeased with the mode through which the party chose the eventual winner of the primary. He has gone to the ADP and he has been handed the party’s ticket.

Considering the positions formerly held and the teeming supporters he commands, Adeoti is expected to engage in a tough political battle.

Before leaving the APC, Adeoti had insisted that he would build on the developmental agenda of the Aregbesola’s administration, but now that he had defected to another party, he would have no choice other than to renege. He said during his acceptance speech after being handed the ADP ticket that he was committed to executing the ideals as contained in his manifesto.

Social Democratic Party (SDP) The current crisis in SDP has led to the factionalization of the party. This will be a major setback for the party which hopes to come to power. According to analysts, the crisis will reduce the party’s chances at the poll if not addressed real quick.

Sen. Iyiola Omisore who defected to the party for the actualization of his age long ambition is said to be in charge of a faction, and the suspended Chairman , Ademola Ishola, the state party chairman has the other.

The two factions had produced two governorship candidates for SDP, with Omisore’s faction led by Faforiji electing Sen. Omisore as its candidate, while the other faction elected Munirudeen Atanda as its candidate. The two factions are claiming that their primary election was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But if the party is to fancy a chance in the September 22 gubernatorial election in the state, it must resolve its internal crisis as soon as possible. None of the two aspirants has released any agenda to the public.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2018

Osun Council Workers Receive Promotion Letters

Local Government workers in the State of Osun tolerated in any form in of the exercise pleaded the promotion with the cushion the effects of the economic have been charged to reciprocate the good gesture the service. with the state necessary finances it current Also, the beneficiaries Government to backup deserves in time so as to hardship. of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led administration in the state sequel to the unconditional approval of outstanding promotion and conversion exercises.

The Chairman, Local who sat for ASCON last Government Service January would also have Commission gave the the opportunity to charge recently through attend the exercise. the Coordinating Reacting, the Nigeria Director of the Labour Congress commission, Lekan Chairman, Comrade Babalola while Jacob Adekomi who is presenting Promotion also a Local Government letters to officers in worker, while receiving various departments of his promotion letters the Local Government appreciates the councils.

Governor of the state According to him, the and the management governor deserves team of the commission commendations on this for the gesture. giant stride particularly While charging the on the welfare of staffers, Engineer Jacob workers, tasking the Adeyeye, the State council workers in the President of Nigerian state to understand the Union of Local plight of the Government Employees government, as the in the state pleaded for government is more commitments to committed and sincere duties by council •Osun NLC Chairman, Comrade Jacob Adekomi (middle) and others during the presentations of promotion letters. to pay all backlog of workers, saying salary and pension indolence must not be arrears.

Barrister Babalola who was accompanied by continue to support him some principal officers and his government. of the commission, O’RAMP is a credit including, Mrs M.O Ogbeni Aregbesola for The unprecedented move by the administration because users of the road Irelewuyi, Director of the unprecedented finance projects of the of Honourable Adekunle Benson in Orolu Local will increased World Bank and French P r o m o t i o n , developmental projects Government Council Area of the state of Osun to Appointment and delivered dividends of democracy to his people has immediately after the which he has extended Development Agency completion of the Discipline and Alhaji earned Ifon-Orolu community the construction of to Orolu community, (AFD) assisted project projects. brought up for the Buraimoh, Director of a 52-kilometer of road projects through Osun Rural He eulogized the assuring the governor provision of access to Finance and Access and Mobility Project (O’RAMP) in governor of the state, that Orolu people would rural areas of the state.

Establishment assured collaboration with the World Bank and French the council workers a Development Agency (AFD). hitch free conversion exercise as experienced To this effect, the Memorandum of An Information Officer serving in Ejigbo Local will died, when last you during the just Executive Chairman of Understanding with a concluded promotion Orolu local government, construction company, Government Council Area of the State of Osun, were encouraging me not Prince Oladeji Paul Akinbode is dead. to lose hope and belief in Prince Adekunle Benson BON Qualite Limited for exercise.

God that all will be well?

Akinbode died on incident. signed the construction of JantaHe added that those has O k i t i - A d a r a - O o w e - Saturday, 7th July, 2018 One of them, This is the time, we all at the age of 51.

Idiiya.

Adegboyega Emmanuel, need you most, your CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC He had since been in his tribute said the late family, children and your The memorandum NOTICE buried at the Ebenezer Prince Akinbode died at wife. was signed at the local “Your death is government Secretariat, Baptist Church, Ikotun the time he was needed certainly heartbreaking, RABIU IBRAHIM ISMAHEEL SEMIYAT Road, Ara. AJOKE KOLOMBO most by the family, Mr Paul. I have no doubt Ifon recently.

That ISMAIL SEMIYHAT That RABIU AJASA However, the children and colleagues. in my mind that you are In a statement issued AWENI and ISMAHEEL KOLOMBO and RABIU “I couldn’t believe already resting in peace”. by the Chairman’s deceased’s colleagues in SEMIYAT AJOKE are the same IBRAHIM KOLOMBO are the the Forum of Local when I heard that you’ve Media Aide, Waheed person, but now wish to be known same person, but now wish to be While sympathizing and addressed as ISMAHEEL known and addressed as RABIU Alao, the council boss Government Information gone to the great beyond! with the family over the SEMIYAT AJOKE. And that my IBRAHIM KOLOMBO. And charged the Contractor, Officers have described What a cruel death that is death, he consoled that Old Date of Birth is 24th of April, that my Old Date of Birth is 1st Mr Shahii to do the work the death of their late so wicked to snatch you they should take solace in 1987, and the New and correct of April, 1948, and the New and diligently and construct colleague as a rude shock from us at this your the fact that the deceased date of Birth is 4th of April, 1992. correct Date of Birth is 12th of lived well and made All former documents remain valid.

April, 1953. All former documents quality road project and an unfortunate prime age.

G.T. Bank, Wema Bank and “Paul! Do you have impact remain valid. First Bank and before his General public should take note.

General public should take note. prior knowledge that you departure.

LAND FOR URGENT SALE

Orolu LG Chair Signs MoU With Contractor On Rural Road Construction

Osun LG Info Officer Dies, Buried

MRS. AFOLABI OMOLARA SUSAINAH

OLORUNNISOLA ADEDOYIN TEMIDAYO

That I was formerly known and addressed as ASIRU OMOLARA, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AFOLABI OMOLARA SUSAINAH . All former documents remain valid. G.T. Bank, Ministry of Education and General public should take note.

That ALABI ADEDOYIN TEMIDAYO and OLORUNNISOLA ADEDOYIN TEMIDAYO are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as OLORUNNISOLA ADEDOYIN TEMIDAYO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Wema Bank and General public should take note.

MRS. AFOLABI OMOLARA SUSAINAH

SHITTU ZULAIKHA GBEMISOLA

That I was formerly known and addressed as SHONEKAN RISIKAT ADUNNI, but now wish to be known and addressed as BUSAYO RISIKAT ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank, and General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as M AY E T H E F I R S T Z U L A I K H A GBEMISOLA, but now wish to be known and addressed as SHITTU ZULAIKHA GBEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

Five Acres of land at the Sounthern Edge of Osogbo City, facing Ring Road for urgent sale.

Good for estate Industrialist.

developers

and

Tenure is freehold with valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Asking Price is (N150,000,000). Inclusive of: 1. Office Storey House with 13 offices downstairs with 3 toilets and one big conference room upstairs, with one bedroom flat complete with its conveniences and 4 office rooms.

2. One spacious canteen building

Contact: 08034752082, 07056076192.

•The late Akinbode

8

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Prince Adesola Olumide Birthday Ceremony Of Mr Sodiq Olajide, A Senior Special Assistant To The Owonikoko Bags Best Performing Makes List Of Best Students Governor, State Of Osun In Osogbo On Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. Chairman’s Award

•Prince Olumide while receiving the prize.

•Olumide and his father, Prince Adeoye Adesola.

Prince Adesola Suliman Olumide, the son of Prince Adeoye Suliman Adesola, popularly called Royal Care, a Media Assistant to the Governor of the State of Osun has emerged the 2018 3rd best Graduating student of the Ataoja Government High School, Osogbo.

He was pronounced the 3 rd Best student at the graduation ceremony and end of the year party of the school, held within the school premises in Osogbo on Tuesday.

After he and his colleagues who emerged the 1st and 2nd positions were pronounced, the trio were subsequently presented with prizes of N25,000, •The celebrant, Mr Sodiq Moruf (middle); Chairperson, Osogbo West LCDA, Alhaja Temilade Olokungboye (left) N20,000 and N15,000 for the 1st, 2nd and and other guest.

3rd best students respectively.

Olumide said he was happy with his position as the 3rd best students in the school, but he has been challenged to put in more efforts in his future educational pursuit.

He appreciated his parents for their investment on him and the government for creating a platform to have a sound education.

It was a joyous day for one of the Senior Special Assistants to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Sodiq Olajide Moruf as he celebrated his 49th birthday on Tuesday July 24th, 2018.

Friends, associates and family members from various State of the country converged at Ola Oni Centre in Osogbo to celebrate with him.

The celebrant was happy and gave thanks to God Almighty for what He has done for him and his family and he thanked Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the opportunity he gave to him in his government.

Chairman, Osogbo West LCDA, Alhaja Temilade Olokungboye described the celebrant as an easy going and hard working man and she prayed for him that he will celebrate more of it on earth.

Among the dignitaries at the event include: Chairman Osogbo West LCDA, Alhaja Temilade Olokungboye, some other SSAs to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, members of the Asa Cultural troop, friends and relatives.

•President of NATA Alh. K. Obisesan, Repsentative of Ooni ile, Oba Ogunwusi Enitan and Hon. Quadri Owonikoko.

The Chairman, Olorunda North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ota-Efun Osogbo has been conferred with the award of the best performing Local Council Chairman in the state of Osun by the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Osun State in collaboration with NATA Olorunda North LCDA. The event was held recently at the WOCDIF Centre Osogbo.

The chairman, while appreciating NATA for their thoughtfulness and honour, stressed the need for the cooperation and support to the government of the day by all and sundry.

He said all hands are on deck

to ensure adequate and regular delivery of dividend of democracy to the people of the state, especially the artisans as well as business owners.

He stated further that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is a governor that is well committed to the welfare of the people.

Speaking earlier, the National President of NATA, Alhaji Obisesan said the award was necessary in order to appreciate the council boss for his meritorious performance within the limited time.

According to him, Owonikoko has set pace for others to emulate.

He then pleaded with members of the association, politicians and members of the public irrespective of party affiliations to support the government policies and programmes in order to alleviate poverty and boost development.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC

•A cross section of graduating students at the programme.

•Mr Sodiq (middle) in a group photograph with invited guests.

Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2018

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Why I Dumped APC To Contest Under ADP

By David Adejuwon The former secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti has attributed his decision for the defection to the Action Democratic Party (ADP) to his determineation to pursue his governorship ambition to literate the state.

“While thanking you He has left the ruling the entire All Progressives and Congress for the Action membership of the party for your support while Democratic Party.

Adeoti was among my membership lasted, I other 17 aspirants who wish to reiterate my were jostling for the ticket commitment to the of the APC but withdrew progress of the state in on the election day, whatever capacity I alleging that the adopted found myself in the direct primary election future.”

The letter entitled: had been skewed to favour Gboyega Oyetola, “Resignation Of My Membership of The All the eventual winner.

The former SSG Progressives Congress was dated defected to the ADP to (APC) actualize his ambition of Saturday, July 21, 2018 occupying the Bola Ige and was copied the state house as against the chairman of the APC. Meanwhile, In his Memorandum of Understanding aspirants acceptance speech at the from the West senatorial ADP Secretariat on district signed to stay put Monday in Osogbo after in the party no matter the emerging as the party’s outcome of the primary. standard bearer, Adeoti In the resignation letter urged the party members duly signed by Adeoti, to support him to ensure addressed to the Ward he wins the Sept. 22 Chairman of the APC, governorship election.

The grassroot Gidigbo 2, Ward 12, Iwo Local Government politician maintained Council Area, he said, that he was committed to “with gratitude to executing the ADP ideals Almighty God, I hereby as contained in its wish to notify you of my manifestoes to the letter.

“I therefore want to decision to resign my membership of the All seek your support in Progressives Congress ensuring success for our party, by launching all (APC)

out to mobilise support for our party’s victory, come Sept. 22.

“Today, we make history in our collective resolve to liberate our dear state from the grip of feudal lords who are so poor in humanity that all they have is money without conscience and humanity. “ As a grassroot politicians, who had passed through virtually all stages of political leadership as councillor,

Local Government Supervisor, and party administrator and later Secretary to the State Government,; “I present a sober, deep and solid experience critically needed to lead a people-centered and masses-oriented administration as the governor of Osun State”.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Dozie Ike, the ADP electoral committee Chairman, urged all members of the party to

support Adeoti to win the election.

Mrs Lynn Olisa, the Secretary of the electoral committee, said 13, 400 party members were accredited for the

primary, while 13,367 voted.

Olisa said, Adeoti , the only aspirant for the party, scored 13,324 votes, adding that 43 votes were voided.

Osun APC Women Leader •Continued from page 3 policies to take the state to a greater height”.

Fakokunde therefore enjoined all her fans and lovers as well as party members, supporters and

sympathizers to start working assiduously by canvassing for more supporters for Osun APC to convincingly win the September 22 gubernatorial election.

•A cross section of Adeoti’s supporters during the primary election of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Osogbo on Monday.

POLITICS

Looking Beyond The West, The Best And The Rest

By Rasheed Mabayoje On January 10, 49 B.C., in defiance of the Senate, Julius Caesar led his army across the Rubicon River in Northern Italy. He entered Italy as the head of his army and began his long civil war against Pompey and the Optimates. At the heat of the feat, there was some reasoning regarding stepping out of the war, and according to Suetonius, Julius Ceasar said “alea iacta est” meaning “the die is cast”.

The phrase, either in the original Latin or in translation, is used to indicate that events have passed a point of no return, thus, whatever emotions from some quarters might be, regarding the Friday 20th of July, 2018 electoral decision within the All Progressives Congress in Osun, such concerns are inconsequential by now, and maybe even before now.

Seriously, the die is cast. The battle must be faced together, while the flag bearer should find ways of bringing adversaries into the fold.

However, it is necessary to look beyond the battle, even as the gubernatorial election is still ahead.

So, standing atop Okepupa, a hill-top in Osogbo, just behind the seat of Osun government, with a device made of two attached tubes to look through some inevitable situations after November 27, this year, what I see is beyond the proponents of “West”, “Best” and the rest of them. What I see is what Aregbesola has caused for the Gboyega Oyetola Regime.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola has made some highstakes investments in Osun in his various attempts to transform it into a multi-brand state. This fact is attested to in the instances of various delegations across Nigeria and from beyond that have visited Osun to understudy various models and initiatives relating to good governance.

What all these signals are high stakes that the new governor would have to manage from November 27, 2018, after ‘The Phenomenon’- Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola would have moved on.

Oyetola, from November 27th, 2018 will be saddled with responsibilities that are connected to common awareness and mass of informal monitoring, just as almost every policy, practice, and regime politics

Today, Osun people know that more roads must be constructed, even with little revenues; school children must have free meals, even if crude oil prices dropped; appreciate the essence of action; understand that their lives and properties must be adequately secured, just as they now know that government must ensure that flooding do not occur in Osun. would be challenged by front-line participants within his regime and other stakeholders in the state. This is expected, particularly because of what Aregbesola has caused.

Aregbesola’s style, so far, has given rise to common awareness of what governance is actually all aboutthe people. For example, pre-Aregbesola era, when the popular but erroneous understanding was that the gross domestic index, that is, the total income received by all sectors of the Osun economy is solely determined by salaries of workers, so that all revenues must be directed at that sector alone, Osun people, including very many civil servants now appreciate the need for other sectors to be taken care of from whatever is made as revenues. Today, Osun people know that more roads must be constructed, even with little revenues; school children must have free meals, even if crude oil prices dropped; appreciate the essence of action; understand that their lives and properties must be adequately secured, just as they now know that government must ensure that flooding do not occur in Osun.

Change of manner is expected regarding broad range of activities and approaches to governance under Oyetola as the new governor, this is expected and natural, more so that identical twins have their varying behavioural tendencies. However, the fact remains that all that we see today in Osun as put in place by Aregbesola are mere representations of what he dreamed of, for Osun people. They are proposed

structures, typically on a smaller scale than the original.

The five bridges, the gargantuan schools, the 305 million hot mid-day meals he gave to Osun children, the more than 100,000 engagements he provided for Osun youths, and many other people oriented initiatives, particularly the social investment and protection ones are models.

Relating it more elaborately, the empowerment he did for Osun people, economically through all the ‘O’projects like O-reap, O-meals, O-beaf, O-hub, Ohoney, O-clean; the micro-credit that was made available to traders and other small and medium business operators, which lifted the GDP of the state, making Osun the seventh largest economy in Nigeria; Aregbesola’s untiring efforts against flooding in Osun; the incomparable road construction projects, by which every local government partook in the local and intercity road projects; the most ambitious urban renewal programme such that urban centres in Osun have been turned to beauty and aesthetic splendour; the care for the old, the weak and the infirm, are all used by Aregbesola as an example to follow or imitate by governors that would come long after him.

Yes, he produced “The Green Book” containing policy ideas and plans by which he ran his meritorious regime. I have read the book over and over again; he did not publish how to implement the six integral action plans of his administration. All he does is that he charges participants within his circle to handle a particular process or processes leading to the accomplishment of a plan, and that’s all. The process or processes are not published in “The Green Book” or in any other colour of any book. I guess they are only published through the inspirations God directs at him in terms of circumstances that come up at a point in time.

In essence, even as the new governor, come November, 2018, promises to use the contents of “The Green Book”, the fact remains that the original modus operandi might be some aces facing Aregbesola’s chest alone. The new governor would have to stand over the former’s shoulder to know which of the thirteen ranks of each of the four ‘French suits’: clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades he would deploy at critical stages of his regime.

•Mabayoje writes from Osogbo.

FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 02, 2018

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Osun 2018: Oyetola Assures Inclusive Government, As Co-Aspirants Declare Support

By Kehinde Ayantunji Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola has assured other aspirants of inclusive administration that will allow popular participation to ensure equitable distribution of social amenities in the state.

Oyetola said he is Aregbesola has laid a very contesting to make life more solid foundation and I am abundant for the people of assuring you that no part of the state while promising the state would be that no part of the state neglected, never again would be neglected in his would this state go back to administration. era of retrogression, our He said this while separately playing host to party have shown capacity two APC governorship and responsibility in aspirants from Osun West government. I am fully Senatorial District, Dr, Saka prepare to continue and Layonu, SAN and Benedict consolidate this progress”. “ I don’t discuss sectional Olugboyega Alabi (BOA) who declared their support or zonal issue because the for Oyetola as the winner of concept of wellbeing and good governance transcend the primary. such, I am assuring you The APC candidate who commended Layonu and that no part of the state Adegboyega for their West, East or Central would sportsmanship by placing be neglected, I am also the interest of the state assuring that we are going above their personal to run all inclusive interest urged participatory government other aspirants and party to deliver the promises of members to work for the our party”. victory of APC in the Layonu who led general interest of the state hundreds of his supporters to consolidate on the giant to the Oyetola Campaign strides recorded by office along Gbongan road, Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Osogbo said he decided to Oyetola said “I am very lead formal visit to the grateful for this honour, we governorship candidates are all winners in this along side other party contest and by the grace of leaders to show that he is God, we are going to work not leaving the party and together for the progress ready to support the party and development of the flag bearer.

He said the party state. Governor Rauf

members have decided through the ballot and as a loyal party member, he is duty bound to respect the popular wish of the peeople.

Layonu said “I have never voted for PDP in my life, and I will never vote for them, they never represent any good, and we must not allow the people of the state to suffer again under PDP, we must also ensure that the good work of Governor Rauf Aregbesola must continue”.

Also, Benedict Alabi from Irewole Local

Government said he has consulted all his supporters in the state and all of them have accepted the result of the primary and ready to work for the emergence of Oyetola during September 22 Governorship Election.

He said, “we have fought a very good battle, but it is not a do-or-die affairs, what is important is that APC must continue to rule the state, I hereby sincerely pledged my support and commitment for your emergence as governor for the state and development of our party.

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, who was part of the ceremony commended the governor and the party leaders for organizing a fair and free contest for the aspirants and urged other aspirants to embrace reconciliation for the progress of the state and the party.

He congratulated party members for choosing Oyetola whom he described as a discipline and responsible party member with intellectual acumen to govern the state.

Adewole said “the journey for governorship started two years ago, and some of us who are stakeholders decided to remain neutral to allow the popular wish of our party members, I congratulate all of us for electing Oyetola as our candidate. Aregbesola has set a pace in Osun and we can’t afford to reverse the progress, Oyetola is humble and hardworking to continue the good work of Mr Governor. I urge all of you to allow genuine reconciliation and united to win the coming election”.

•APC Governorship Candidate in the State of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola casting his vote during the APC Primary election at Iragbiji.

PERSPECTIVE

Politics Of Policy Statements And Hate Speeches

By Adewale Adetoyese The above expression presents the healthy early days of Nigeria’s democracy and politics when detailed and useful contents aimed at informing the innocent masses on how to select the best leaders was the guiding principle of political parties, party members, office seekers, chieftains and other stakeholders.

According to records, electoral activities by different political parties in those days like campaigns, presentation of parties’ aspirants, as well as manifestoes were based on positive accounts seeking to sell candidates with clear policy statements targeted at solving several societal problems without talking down candidates of opposing parties.

Nigeria’s political scenes in the country’s early days of democracy was populated by dignified personalities like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Sir Amadu Bello among others who are often referred to as political philosophers due to the richness of their unambiguous political statements.

Political elites within and outside Nigeria cannot but commend the political giants who took great part in the political activities both in Nigeria’s first and second republic, as several of their policy statements now serves as useful quotes which are used to define political circumstances and even resolve political and leadership issues globally.

As obtains in countries with grown and enviable democracy, politicians and other political stakeholders always pay the price of creativity and originality as emphasized in a quote of the late Nigeria’s elder statesman, Nnamdi Azikwe which says, “Originality is the essence of true scholarship. Creativity is the soul of the true scholar.”

Unfortunately today across the country, the recent political record shows that the country’s politics is currently experiencing the reverse of its good old days of healthy competition among political parties which has now been turned into an unhealthy rivalry.

Nowadays, informative quotes, inspiring adjectives and tangible policy statements are gradually fading away from Nigeria’s political scene as politicians now resort to blackmail, hate speeches, malicious comments against one another.

Instead of constructively presenting their plans and policies to the innocent electorates, they tend to dent the image of their perceived opponent, their followers and political parties through lies, fake records and reports.

In Nigeria today, the social media has really been

In 1978, a unifying quote emanated from the speech of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo at the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN)'s first campaign where he said, "I look forward to the day - not in the far distant future when an Ijaw would be President of our Republic, and a Birom his Vice or vice versa." abused by desperate politicians who instead of disseminating beneficial information, have reduced the channel of communication to a conveyer or hate speeches, making election period a crime prone moment.

Political campaigns and rallies which are supposed to be platforms for presentation of convincing propositions and agenda by aspirants and their political parties with an attempt to entice electorates have been bent to be an avenue to throw insult at opponents. The assumed opponent instead of ignoring the provoking comments and blackmail is in turn forced to respond harshly, making voters to vote for the loudest noisemaker.

Aside the blackmail and hate speeches, Nigeria was hit by a rude shock recently when the country’s

President, Muhammadu Buhari substantially alleged that some politicians in the country are sponsoring the gruesome killing of innocent Nigerians particularly in the Middle-Belt to discredit his government and its achievements in combating insurgency.

The allegation which President Buhari claimed to have evidence of will be the greatest form of destructive politics if confirmed to be true, as it translates to playing politics with the lives of innocent citizens and rendering millions vulnerable over nothing.

However, in the word of Chief Awolowo, “It is safer and wiser to cure unhealthy rivalry than to suppress it”, politicians must return to the drawing board and have a second look on the meaning and purpose of politics especially as it affects human existence.

According to media reports, it is not untrue that unhealthy political rivalry has greatly played out in the past Nigeria’s political activities, and had been responsible for most of the crimes committed during past elections in the country.

For Nigeria to be on the same democratic page with other developed countries of the world, politicians, especially office seekers are enjoined to research into the problems of their immediate society, provide answers to them and make their result the focus of campaigns while addressing the electorates.

Members, chieftains, leaders of political parties and their followers must not misinform or misrepresent their candidates to avert violence before, during and after elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should step up, particularly in sanctioning any politician or political party found culpable in the area of hate speech or unethical comment without bias, while the media should refuse to be a tool in the hand of mischief makers and provide an equal platform for all.

Nigerians generally must be mindful of politicians without a clear roadmap on what he has to contribute to the development of the country, turn deaf ear to any unethical comment from them and look beyond all sentiments and biases while voting during elections.

As the country prepares to conduct a free, fair and credible general elections next year, politicians, party chieftains and leaders as well as the electorates should know and be guided by a quote of a German philosopher, Karl Marx that; “Man makes event, events makes history while history makes a man.”

•Adetoyese writes from Osogbo.

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FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 02, 2018

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FEDPOFFA Announces Dates For Post UTME Screening

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara state has announced the date for its screening exercise for those that chose the institution in the 2018 UTME. According to the to come with statement signed by the required and institution’s Registrar, Original photocopy(s) of their Alh Abdulhamid O. Raji, SSCE results to the for candidates who screening venue. choose Federal It further explained Polytechnic, Offa in the that any candidate who 2018 JAMB UTME, the fails to participate in the screening will hold from screening exercise will Monday 13th to Friday not be considered for 17th August, 2018, in the admission in the Polytechnic Main and any Campus, Offa-Ojoku Polytechnic, false submission during Road, Offa, Kwara State. the online registration It further disclosed screening will lead to that all Candidates who for u t o m a t i c scored 150 and above in a disqualification the the 2018 JAMB UTME candidate at anyoftime and who made Federal such information is Polytechnic, Offa as their discovered.

First Choice Institution The press release are expected to participate in the further announced to all screening exercise and all applicants for screening are to visit h t t p : / / portal.fpo.edu.ng, and make payment of N2, 000 with an ATM card that is inter-switch compatible between Monday 23rd July and Thursday 16th August, 2018.

The institution required information, including O’level result(s), upload scanned copies of result(s)/certificate(s), state of origin and birth certificate and print out screening summary report. Candidates are

•Dr Lateef Adetunji, FEDPOFFA Rector. candidates who applied for HND admission into The Federal Polytechnic,

Offa that there will be screening exercise for all applicants in the

Polytechnic Main Campus as scheduled from 3rd till 7th September 2018 for various faculty.

Venues stipulated for each faculty are: (1) 3rd – 7th September, 2018 Applied Science and Technology 1000 Lecture Theatre, (2) 3rd – 7th September, 2018 Business and Management Studies Lib. & Information Department, (3) 3rd – 7th September, 2018 Communication and

Information Technology In their Departments, (4) 3rd – 7th September, 2018 Engineering Technology ND LR By NDIC Building and (5) 3rd – 7th September, 2018 Environmental Studies URP Building.

Candidates are expected to submit Security form to the office of the Head of Security Unit before the screening date.

Screening interview commence by 9.00am each day.

PGDE Students In Osun Groan Over Alleged Extortion By NTI

By Adegbola Babalola Some students of the Post Graduate Diploma in Education, PGDE, at National Teachers Institute, NTI, have cried out over alleged extortion by the Osun state coordinators of the programme.

The students, under the auspices of Concerned Students, called on the state coordinator of the programme to call other centres Coordinators to order.

They alleged that the coordinators are using

the programme to extort unsuspecting students by threatening to fail them if they refused to pay certain amount of money.

According to the students, many of them are still struggling to pay the N12,500

ordered them to pay, while some coordinators are threatening to deny them ten marks if they refused to pay another certain amount.

They alleged that a coordinator who is also a Director at the state Ministry of Education (name withheld) has been using the class representative in one of the centres, Rasaq Mutiu, to extort students.

They alleged that a

private WhatsApp group, was created by Mutiu and named “NTI 2018 Matured Minds” where the Centre Coordinator promised to add ten marks to the scores of those in the group.

One of the students, who said he was in the Matured Minds group, explained that the group was created after the class representative has discussed it in the class to pay N5,000 to ‘settle’ the coordinator

and the students rejected the proposal.

According to the student, the coordinator of the affected centre has directed the class representative to get 40 people, promising them that they will be given 40marks in their test.

They threatened to release names of those involved in the extortion and forward it to the headquarters of the NTI if necessary action is not taken by the state coordinator to check them.

ADVERTORIAL Osun Govt Forthcoming In Pension Payment, Protesters Are Paid Mischief Makers The State Government of Osun is very committed to the payment of pension and gratuity of its retired workers. This has always been demonstrated in every occasion where the government will go out of its way to make sure that both the active and inactive workers are paid their entitlements in spite of the paucity of fund.

No genuine retired workers in the state will go out to protest on the lies and political statement they call nonpayment of pension and gratuity.

Any pensioner that does that should be checked, he or she might be a paid mischief maker and blackmailer.

We wish to remind the general public that this set of pensioners were persistent in their show of shame and political gathering called protest between June and July last year when we were about to conduct the Osun West Senatorial District Bye election. They disappeared into the thin air immediately after the election. Seeing them on the street this time around is not surprising, they have been obviously paid to blackmail the government like they did a year ago.

For record purpose, the government had in February this year specially paid pensions and gratuity to a total number of 2006 pensioners who retired from Ministries, Departments, Agencies and parastatals service in 2011/2012 when the government released a sum of N1.2bn for such purpose. Cheques containing different amount of money was handed over to the pensioners by the Head of Service, Dr Oyebade Olowogboyega. Of the N1.2bn, a sum of N200m was used to paid gratuity while additional N200million was added in March for the payment of gratuity as well, making the total sum N400m for gratuity payment.

Also in May, a total sum of N200m was released for the payment of gratuities to retired officers on old pension scheme and another sum of N100million for the payment of contributory pensioners. The payment of the gratuity was done by the Head Service, Oyebade, on May 24 this year at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Government

Secretariat, Abere. The gratuity was paid to the senior civil citizens of the state who processed their papers at the Teachers’ Establishment and Pensions Office (TEPO), Secondary School Teachers, Parastatals as well as those from some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). A total of 720 retired public servants under the old scheme were also given part payment of their gratuity.

In the same May of this year, the government released a sum of N1.8bn bond to the retired workers under the Contributory Pension Scheme in the state. More than 210 civil servants were given the bond certificates.

171 retired officers and 39 retired workers from the local government received their bond certificates totaling N1.6bn and N200m respectively.

A sum of N40 million was also released to fresh set of 400 pensioners in the state. The sum was paid to 148 retired secondary school teachers, 250 retired civil servants and 2 retired parastatals workers. Of the money, a sum of N25m, N14.8m and N200, 000 were paid to the retired civil servants, teachers and parastatals workers respectively.

With these interventions, it is out of place to say that the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola is insensitive to the plight of the pensioners.

The protesting pensioners are out for cheap blackmail against the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

It is on record that this group of pensioners had at one time or the other in the past lied against the Government of the State of Osun.

Government wishes to call the attention of the good people of the State of Osun to the fact that the 2011/2012 group of pensioners does not represent the totality of pensioners in the state. The 2011/2012 pensioners are politicians and not pensioners. They are in pursuit of political matter.

It amounts to ingratitude, mischief and politicization of fact to accused Aregbesola of not paying pension and gratuity by anybody. It is very unfortunate that some of our senior citizens allowed themselves to be used by politicians to disrupt the ongoing progress of the state.

Signed Adelani Baderinwa Commissioner for Information and Strategy State of Osun

FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 02, 2018

HEALTH

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Rainy Season: Expert Warns Parents Against Exposing Children To Cold Weather The rainy season is here again and parents especially mothers have been warned not to over-expose their children, especially those below the age of five for fear of catching cold and infections associated with the wet season.

This warning was given by Mrs. Esther Oke, a retired Pediatric Nurse in a chat with this medium in Osogbo during the recently immunization plus days exercise in the State of Osun.

Mrs. Oke who counseled that the cold weather had made it inevitable for children to be adequately protected, stated that the weather was not favourably disposed to little children.

She advised parents to always ensure that their children are dressed up in warm clothing and always eat hot or warm food.

“As you know, we are deep into the rainy season now, infact, we should be expecting more rains but there is need to exercise

caution on the part of mothers. I refer to mothers because they are the ones that are closer to the children more.

“They should ensure that on cold mornings usually after rains the night before or an early morning downpour, they should bathe their children with warm or hot water, they should also give them hot meal to eat and ensure they are wearing warm

Tooth Cavity

Ever Wondered How To Get Rid Of Cavities? It is the diagnosis no one ever wants to hear.

Sure, it is not exactly deadly, but cavity treatment is potentially pricey, and sitting in the dentist’s chair for a filling is not the most pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

So, it is only natural to wonder if there is an alternative to the drill-and-fill routine.

Basically, a cavity is a small hole in the tooth or teeth as a result of tooth decay from bacteria.

That cavity causing bacteria is in everyone’s mouth and combines with food to form plaque, a thin, sticky substance that coats the teeth [this is why dentists recommend that we brush our teeth mornings and evenings].

This is precisely why the dentist is always talking about dental hygiene—if the teeth is brushed after eating, no sugars remains to help bacteria flourish and eventually eat away at the tooth.

Reasons The Tooth Hurt Cavities start off with tooth decay in the tooth’s enamel [the outermost layer of the tooth]. At that point, it is still a pre-cavity [an incipient caries lesion]. If the decay continues to spread to the dentin [the middle layer of your tooth], it then becomes a full-blown cavity.

That is when it is usually treated or

filled, but if the decay continues to worsen and reaches the pulp of the tooth [the soft tissue like part of the tooth where sensory nerves are located], it can cause some serious issues like pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

For adult permanent teeth, there is no magical cure where there is presence of a true cavity where it can be fixed outside.

The only form of treatment is drilling and filling.

In any case, pre-cavities might actually be reversed. The dentist can spot precavities during exams or on x-rays, where they will appear as a small shadow.

As long as it is within the enamel layer it is not a true cavity, it is a pre-cavity. So, it is something that can be reversed.

Some people are more prone to cavities than others and this is why they are always prone to getting cavities?

Instead of filling a pre-cavity, the goal

is to re-mineralize the teeth, restoring enamel that has been eaten away by acid.

The process can be as simple as diligent, regular flossing and using toothpaste with fluoride.

If the pre-cavity is on the top surface of the teeth, where some people’s teeth have grooves, a fluoride-releasing sealant can be applied to prevent further growth and aid healing. This process might involve a drill, but it is super fine, so the patient will not feel it.

Unlike pre-cavities, where fluoride treatment, stellar dental hygiene, and sealants can sometimes reverse the problem, a filling is the only solution for a real cavity.

To treat a cavity, the dentist will start by numbing the patient’s mouth. Once there is sufficient numbness, they will use a drill to remove the soft, decayed portion of the tooth, and then fill the remaining hole with a fluoride-releasing polymer to rebuild the tooth structure.

Most dentists are not happy with the drill therapy. In fact, drilling the tooth is a last resort. Once they put a drill to a tooth, it is never the same. So at least, if a patient needs a cavity filled, know that it is totally necessary.

•This piece was written by Seraphine Onyeka Ezediuno [Dental Nursing Practitioner]

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO clothing throughout the day.

She also extended her warning to parents who allowed their children to walk about barefooted on cold ground, saying it is a dangerous trend which may cost them more later.

Oke added that children during this season should wear thick knee length socks as part of their protective clothing.

According to her, “unnecessary exposure of children during this wet season can bring about cold, cough, fever, pneumonia and ultimately lead to draining of the finances of parents.

“If you go to the children ward at this time of the year, you will find the beds filled with children suffering due to the sicknesses attributed to the wet and cold we are experiencing during this period.

“What happens is that the cold is much and most parents do not take care to protect the chest, head and eyes of their children.

“The cold concentrates on these areas and they form an infection which if not treated with the right dosage of painkillers and antibiotics may lead to life threatening complications.

“Even if they finally get treated late, some of the children may not recover fully from the scars of such illness. This is why we advocate that the health of our children must be taken into consideration at all times”.

The retired nursing officer also had a note of caution for the parents.

“As you take care of your children, also make sure to attend to your own health as it is also important.

“If the parents and their children are knocked down by illness at the same time, who will take care of who”, she asked?

OPINION

Osun Pensioners And Pre-Election Vote-Buying

By Inwalomhe Donald Osun pensioners have introduced preelection vote-buying and selling into the Nigerian politics. They did it in the last Osun West Senatorial bye-election by forming IDP camp to protest against Rauf Aregbesola few days to that election. They did it during his mother’s burial again.

They are now notorious for pre-election vote-buying in the name of unpaid pension arrears that cut across the 36 states in Nigeria. This is dangerous because pension arrears cut across the 36 states.

It is an irony for the concerned pensioners who claimed not to have been paid, but could afford an expensive newspaper advertorials that they are suffering under Governor Aregbesola.

What a cheap blackmail? They have sold their conscience to the opposition and involved in pre-election vote-selling and buying in the run to Osun 2018 governorship race by taking advertorial titled, ‘THE UNABATED SUFFERINGS OF OSUN STATE PENSIONERS UNDER AREGBESOLA’.

The advertorial on page 9 of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper of 16th July 2018 and protests are clear manifestations of preelection vote-selling and buying by a section of Osun pensioners for 2018 election. It is on record that a section of the pensioners is sponsored to take expensive advertorials in the name of pensioners during election period since the opposition has lost credibility in Osun.

They are now the mouthpiece of the opposition in Osun. The people of the state should watch out for more blackmail advertorials that are coming to support opposition. With an advertorial, Osun pensioners are making political statements that portray them as rookies of partisan interests, as it goes beyond the demand for the payment of pensioners, but an outright political demand to squeeze and stifle the government to make it easy prey for the opposition in the

2018 governorship election, which is the real motive of the leadership of the pensioners’ association.

There are concerns of widespread inducement and pre-election vote-buying in which the pensioners are involved.

Sponsored pensioners pre-election protests and vote buying have turned the protesting pensioners into mischief makers by embarking on needless and stage-managed protests to portray Osun government bad and undermine efforts at resolving the issues. The government is not only committed to clearing the backlog of pension arrears, but also instituting a new regime where retirees’ entitlements are not delayed. The protest was an orchestration by disgruntled elements and their political allies designed to undermine the effort of the government to resolve the pension issue.

The sponsored pensioners were protesting under the guise of agitating for pension payment, disrupt law and order, particularly when there is sufficient evidence showing that they are being sponsored by anti-development agents and mischievous members of the opposition, who have refused to accept the verdict of the people.

The Pensioners hit the streets of Osogbo on Tuesday to stage a fresh protest and started the blackmail and campaign of calumny against Governor Aregbesola.

They said the state government owed them 18 months’ pensions because of the modulated payment policy since 2015, adding that many of them who retired since 2011 had not been paid their gratuities.

The leader of the Forum of 2011/2012 Retirees, Alhaji Yemi Lawal, said no fewer than 2,500 retirees had died as of March 2018, saying the majority of the deceased died due to starvation and frustration. He made several political statements that the governor is using the money to construct roads and build schools even where there are no pupils. “A kilometre of road is constructed with average of N600m in

•Prince Ganiyu Salawu, Chairman Osun NUP. most states in the country but in Osun it is N1.2bn and this is why there is focus on road construction. Our people are dying on a daily basis and that is why we are out to protest again. The governor was paid a bailout of N35bn, Paris club repayment and budget support of N14bn but he still owes us. This agitation will continue until we are paid”.

Apart from their penchant for raising false alarms, the leaders of the pensioners are known for making threats before major elections. In most cases, these alarms and allegations about bailout funds have turned out to be false. The pensioners have deliberately resorted to cheap propaganda, mischief and blackmail to cause division in Osun.

Involvement and participation of these older persons in the present politics against the government reflect the extent to which they are alienated from Osun society.

However, they suffered complete defeat because they have allowed the opposition party to use them against the good people of Osun. The pensioners group who took advertorial has been

bought over by the opposition to promote their selfish interests during Osun 2018 election.

Their incessant political protests are unbecoming of retired civil servants who ought to be placed and respected as senior citizens. We know the set of pensioners that are protesting, it is not the entire pensioners of the state. The pensioners are being used by political blackmailers.

Instead of engaging in dialogue with the government on issues bothering their minds on how their benefits would be paid, they resorted to a militant approach that is known to be orchestrated by the opposition in the state, engaging in telling lies and character assassination that are capable of destabilizing the peace of the state. The pensioners group is made up of a fraction of those who retired from service in 2012 to avoid being part of the Contributory Pension Scheme. They are the pensioners being used for protests by political blackmailers. It is not the entire pensioners of the state that are involved.

It is disturbing and unfortunate that the acclaimed retirees have chosen to be blackmailing the government and persistently constituting nuisance on the streets of Osogbo to the detriment of the peace-loving citizens through sponsored protests on the payment of gratuity and not pension. These senior citizens have been hoodwinked by the antics of those who want to play on their minds and emotions to make them appear like tools in the hands of desperate political gladiators.

Rauf Aregbesola’s administration in Osun has been widely acknowledged a second to none in the country just as the Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme has won several local and international recognitions and awards. A strong foundation has been laid in the educational sector on which we will further build upon.

•Inwalomhe Donald writes from Osogbo. (inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com)

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NEWS

FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2018

AD Flag Bearer Promises Economic, Human Capital Development

By Solomon Odeniyi The governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in the State of Osun, Mr Olugbenga Akintola has promised to build a state capable of creating wealth for the the declaration of the result last Sunday at Ideal people.

He disclosed this after Nest Hotel in Osogbo.

The result of the election was withheld after an internal crisis that erupted in the course of the election.

While declaring the result, Babatunde Tijani said 85 out of 90

delegates were accredited to vote.

Gbenga Akintola polled 46 while Femi Kehinde got 37, 2 votes were voided.

Tijani declared Akintola the winner and

•The caretaker committee chairman of the AD, Barrister Olayinka Ojo (2nd left) lifting up the hands of Gbenga Akintola to affirm him as the flag bearer of the party.

the party’s flag bearer for the gubernatorial election having scored the highest number of votes cast as entrenched in the party’s constitution 2015 as amended.

In his acceptance speech, Akintola said his vision is to build a state capable of creating wealth for its people in good health, a state that fulfills its obligations through a capable workforce for industrialization and his Atunse agenda of economic development and human capital investment.

Akintola, an aide to Governor Ajimobi added that the economic development agenda would be geared towards restructuring the terms of the existing loan both local and foreign as well as the mode of payment as not to have an adverse effect on the people of the state, noting that he would solicit multilateral financing such as the Japanese agency, the Bill

APC Primary: Group Cautions Aggrieved Members To Thread Softly

A Socio-political Group in the All Progressives 21 chairman noted that Congress (APC), G-21 group has cautioned the his victory must be allaggrieved members of the party over the outcome inclusive. of the governorship primary election to thread softly He charged the party and support the candidate of the party towards candidate to extend hand success in the September 22 election. of fellowship to the In a statement signed party members which willing aspirants and the by the Chairman, was demonstrated in the gesture must be real, Ademola Ajibola, the primary election, the G- saying, with their group said those aggrieved should consider the issues arising from the primary as a family affair which

By David Adejuwon should be handled A social political group, Team Support Bola (TSB) internally, saying in any governorship contest, has congratulated the Chief of Staff to the Governor only one person will of Osun, Alh Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola for his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge.

According to him, flag bearer for the September 22 gubernatorial what should be election in the state.

It added that paramount in the mind of Oyetola emerged every member of the winner of the APC Oyebamiji’s policy of live party and the people of governorship primary and let-others-live has the state is how to ensure held in Osun through really helped the the continuity of the operation A4 direct progressive camp to have d e v e l o p m e n t a l primary which was free, a rancor free and a programmes and policies successful primary of the Governor Rauf fair and credible.

This is contained in a election A r e g b e s o l a TSB therefore congratulatory message appealed to all aspirants administration.

The group chairman issued and signed by the that contested against noted that though, all the group’s Director of Oyetola for the party aspirants are well C o r p o r a t e ticket to maintain the qualified to lead the state Communication, Mr spirit of sportsmanship in considering their political Alao Waheed and made them and work with the and administrative available to the newsmen party’s candidate in as experiences, but a contest last Tuesday in Osogbo, much as we all belong to the same progressive would always be a the state capital.

While congratulating camp which binds us contest, whereby only the leadership of the together, adding that in one must emerge winner.

Ajibola said, Osun has party for conducting a Osun APC primary been placed on a high rancour free direct election, there was pedestal of development primary which produced neither a winner nor and the only way to be the party’s flag bearer loser.

The group also sustained is to have a which will win the next governor returned from governorship election in enjoined all party members, supporters and the state of Osun, the the party, APC that had laid the foundation for group eulogised the sympathizers to start of the working assiduously by such development, more efforts so that all the aspirants commissioner for finance canvassing, mobilizing people in favour of the in the state, Alh Bola have averred to build on the existing Oyebamiji who has been party to make sure it doing everything wins the forthcoming development.

While congratulating humanly possible for the gubernatorial election in group, the party and the landslide comes the winner of the primary election, Alhaji Gboyega government of Ogbeni September 22.

“People of the state of Oyetola on his Aregbesola to be a Osun should remember acceptability among successful.

supports and that of other stakeholders, the election would be a free ride for the party on September 22.

The group chairman also charged party members to ensure effective mobilization of

voters and sell the developmental agenda of the present government and the plan of the party in the coming administration across the nook and crannies of the state.

TSB Congratulates APC, Oyetola that a vote for APC to win election is a vote for continuity of the good governance embedded with unprecedented

developmental projects, as it is being laid by the peoples Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola”.

Gate foundation among others which provide funds for infrastructure development of states He said: “If I emerge we will move our budget, from recurrent to capital.

We will also make sure that our infrastructural development is simply finance by public private partnership. We will make sure salaries are well paid, as and when due. Arrangement will be made to upset backlog of salaries, gratuities in agreement with those owed. Agriculture will be linked to manufacturing.

We will tailor our education sector to meet the world acceptable standard. We will invest heavily on primary health center to prevent people from various forms of illness our people are contending with “.

The AD flag bearer urged the people of the state to resist the temptation that comes with vote selling during the election, saying recouping the money spent would always top the agenda of such candidate if elected.

The acting chairman of the party, Barrister Olayinka Ojo noted that the party has the better chance to reoccupy the Oke Fia government house they built while at the helms of affairs.

He added that AD is not dead as being peddled by mischievous persons, noting that being one of the oldest parties, it has the structures to wrestle power from the ruling APC.

Ooni Wants Nigeria To Prioritise Cultural Tourism For Economic Success

By Mariam Bello The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has insisted on the need for the government to put cultural tourism into priority as a veritable tool for economic growth of the states in Yorubaland, saying tradition is the root of Yoruba’s heritage.

Ooni Ogunwusi said among Nigerians, saying this on Saturday while Nigeria will survive at the making his speech during time of challenges only if this year’s edition of the people maintain peace the annual Osun festival with one another tagged “Ita Osun 2018” irrespective of religion held at the Osun shrine, and ethnicity.

Ita Osun in Ile-Ife which As the Custodian of the served as the first sacred throne of settlement of Osun Oduduwa, the progenitor goddess from where she of Yoruba people moved around the world. worldwide, Ooni “Tradition is the root of explained that Osun is one Yoruba’s heritage, of the 401 deities sent by Nigerian government and the Almighty God to form all the states in the world from Ile-Ife then Yorubaland must invest in known as Ife-Oodaye. cultural tourism to He said while productively drive Oduduwa, Ogun and Kori economic growth as this is were in charge of Prayer, the case in Isreal, Saudiand children Arabia, Brazil and other Iron tourist destinations in the respectively, Osun was made a deity that has to do world using pilgrimages as lucrative economic with water who should always be celebrated as no tourism” Ooni said The Co-Chairman of one can function without the National Council of water.

The African foremost Traditional Rulers of Nigeria also used the monarch concluded his speech by insisting occasion to preach peaceful coexistence Nigerians must uphold

their cultural heritage and traditions by showcasing deities like Osun, saying water is an essential commodity that is necessary and compulsory for humanity.

“No one can be enemy to water, we should therefore celebrate and always remember this deity that has to do with productivity and multiplication”.

“We are not Idol worshippers as people think of, but we are promoting our cultural heritage as being done all over the world because any stream that forget the source will surely dry”.

“I am pleading with our governments at all levels especially in Yorubaland to support prioritizing tradition and culture of Yoruba for economic gains because tradition is the root of our heritage.

Also, Rt Hon Muyiwa Oladipo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, commended Ooni Ogunwusi for prioritising tradition and culture of the Yorubas.

FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2018

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Police Arraign 53-Year-Old Farmer Over Alleged Stealing Of N1.8million

By Mariam Bello The Police command in Osun has arraigned a 53year-old man, Luke Oyelakin before a Magistrate Court in Osogbo for allegedly stealing a sum of N1,837,43.

The sum is said to be Farmers paid to him for the loan re-payment remittances to the Bank by members of Achievers of Industry.

Oyelakin was docked on Monday before Magistrate Falilat Sodamade on two count charges bothering on forgery and stealing.

The prosecutor, Mr Oladiran Ayodele, legal officer from Zone XI told

the court that the accused committed the offence sometimes between the month of August 2017 and February 2018 at Osogbo.

Mr Ayodele alleged that the accused person fraudulently stole the

sum of N1,837,43 being a loan re-payment by some members of Achievers Farmers paid to him for remittance to the Bank.

The accused who is also a farmer was alleged to have converted the money into his own use.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant forged some cash receipt documents of METISE Business Solutions Limited which he presented as genuine to be issuing for people.

He argued that the offence is contrary to Section 383(1) punishable under section 390 (9) and section 467 punishable under section 467 of the criminal code cap 34 volume 11.laws of Osun State 2003.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the two count charges

alleged against him.

The defence counsel, Mr Eze Ngwoke prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal and affordable terms.

He assured the court that his client will provide a credible and reliable surety to stand for him till the end of his trial.

The Magistrate, Mrs Falilat Sodamade granted the accused bail in the sum of N2million with two sureties.

Sureties are to swear to affidavit of means and provide evidence of landed property ownership within the court jurisdiction and the address to be verified by the police.

The case was adjourned to August 13 for hearing.

Three Fake Soldiers In Prison Over Alleged Assault, Breach Of Peace

By Mariam Bello An Osun State Magistrate Court in Osogbo on Monday ordered the remand of three fake soldiers in Ilesha prison custody over alleged unlawful possession of army uniforms and breach of peace .

•Supporters of Dr Akin Ogunbiyi protesting the outcome of the PDP primary election in Osogbo on Monday.

The three suspects are Akeem Yekini, 26, and PHOTO: GBENGA ADENIYI Ogundeji Mutiu, 31, Isiaka Kehinde, 22. They are facing five count charges bothering on conspiracy, unlawful that the accused person possession, Assault and He submitted that the plea was not taken

By David Adejuwon committed the offence on offence committed is The Magistrate breach of peace.

The Osun State police command has arraigned a July 14, 2018 at Ido-Osun contrary to and ordered the accused The prosecutor, 27-year-old man, Gafari Rasaki before an Osogbo area in Osogbo. punishable under section person to be remanded in Inspector Idoko James, Magistrate court for alleged rape.

Elisha said the accused 358 and 360 Criminal Ilesha prison. informed the court that person, unlawfully had Code Cap 34 Vol. II laws She later adjourned the the Gafari is facing four F.A Sodamade. defendants Police Prosecutor canal knowledge of a 21- of Osun State of Nigeria matter till August 8, 2018 committed the offences count charges bothering for hearing.

Elisha year-old girl and also 2002. on rape and indecent Inspector on July 12, in the state The accused person assault before Magistrate Olusegun told the court assaulted her indecently.

Capital.

James said that the defendants conspired and wore army uniforms and terrorised members of the public in the area.

The prosecutor said The first son of the late Permanent Secretary, that their action led to Bureau of General Services, Office of the Governor breach of public peace of Osun State, Mrs Olufunke Kolawole who was before they were abducted on her way to Abuja and eventually killed apprehended. in Kogi State last year, Tolulope Kolawole, has He explained further committed suicide. that the accused persons It was gathered that friend has been very assaulted DSP Adesoye the 32-year-old Tolulope helpful with monetary Abosede, when she hung himself at support and had warned demanded for their Halleluya Estate in him against taking any identities, adding that Osogbo, where he lived. negative step to finding a they were overpowered His mother, Olufunke solution to his challenge. and arrested.

A police source also Kolawole, was abducted The prosecutor said on her way to Abuja on confirmed the incident, that the offences an official assignment saying the case was contravened Sections reported at the Dada and was eventually killed Estate Police Station, 516, 428 (d), 356, 509, and in Kogi State last year. before it was transferred 249 (d) of the Criminal Tolulope, who is to the Osun State Police Code Cap 34 Vol.11, survived by a wife was Command in Osogbo.

Laws of Osun, 2003. said to have earlier The source reportedly The three defendants complained about the said, “The young man pleaded not guilty to the downward movement in was said to have charges preferred against the farming business lamented the lull in the them by the police. bequeathed to him by his business bequeathed to Defence counsel, Mr mother. him by his late mum.

Kasiamobi Nkgoke, A resident of the area, “He was said to be urged the court to grant reportedly said that the constantly complaining his clients bail in the most deceased had a friend in to one of his friends in Ibadan, Oyo State , whom Ibadan , Oyo State , and liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mrs he confided in that he that one kept Oloyade was finding things very encouraging him and Aminat tough and that his wife offering him financial overruled the bail application and had complained bitterly support. But he decided to hang himself when he adjourned the case till about it .

He said of recent, the could no longer bear it”. August 2 for hearing.

Man In Court Over Rape, Assault

Osun 2018: Adeleke - The Certificate Saga

Osun Slain PS Son Commits Suicide

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Three Fake Soldiers In Prison Over Alleged Assault, Breach P. 15 Of Peace

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FRIDAY JULY 27 - THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2018

Osun: Of Direct Primary And Emergence Of Oyetola OBSERVATION

BY KOLA ODEPEJU

The governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of Osun has come and gone. But the lessons of that election cannot be lost on us all especially the direct system of election adopted in choosing the flagbearer, Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, who happens to be contesting for elective office for the first time in his life history.

I like to state that Oyetola’s victory was well deserved; being the product of hardwork, determination and commitment towards achieving a goal.

Success, they say, is no accident. Those who were present in Osun during the preprimary election consultations by gubernatorial aspirants of APC will agree with me that Oyetola really worked hard to clinch the party ticket as he campaigned in all the nooks and crannies of the state to solicit people’s support for his aspiration. Of course, it couldn’t have been more than what he did. Being a person of calm disposition and an easy going personality who can hardly hurt a fly, one would never believe that Oyetola could engage in such a rigorous exercise. But he did prove cynics wrong, as he was as active as the eagle throughout that period.

Truly, a dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hardwork. Kudos must also be given to Team IleriOluwa who stood tirelessly with their brand throughout the period to seeing that success was achieved.

Having said this, it’s equally important to congratulate the All Progressives Congress in the state for conducting a hitch-free primary; a primary election that was free of rancour and acrimony due to its transparent nature. The fact that all the contestants were given a level playing ground to test their popularity on the political pitch was responsible for the acceptability of the result of that election by all the stakeholders involved in the process. Like an American Senator and Attorney, Kirsten Gillibrand, once quipped; “I find that when you open door toward openness and transparency, a lot of people will follow you through”. No wonder then that majority of his co-

A

contestants started congratulating Oyetola immediately after the announcement of result. Transparency, of course, breeds legitimacy.

The direct system adopted in Osun for the primary election has opened the eyes of the people to the merits of this system of election over and above the indirect or delegate system. Firstly, unlike the delegate system it’s more open and transparent. This makes the people to have trust in the process as lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity. Secondly, it gives more people, nay, everybody a sense of belonging as everyone - except those who choose not to - participate in the process. Party members’ freedom to choose their preferred candidate is therefore not denied as it’s the case in delegate system that allows for only a selected few to choose candidates for parties; thereby giving way to imposition and dictatorship which elicit distrust in the process. Direct primary, therefore, gives way for the most popular candidate to emerge. Finally and most

important is the fact that it eliminates corruption which the delegate system encourages to high heavens. Of course, political corruption had for long been identified to be the mother of all corruptions.

In the light of the foregoing, what I observed from the Osun direct election system is that, party members felt at home with the system. They were able to satisfy their conscience thereby preventing any contestation of the result of the election which could lead to post election intraparty crisis of any form which usually characterise the delegate system. For this very fact, it’s my candid opinion that this system of election be adopted henceforth in choosing leaders across board; not only in the All Progresives Congress, but also in other political parties. This will no doubt deepen our democracy as people would have trust in the system thereby encouraging massive participation in the political process. By this, many apolitical elements who have hitherto stood aloof from political participation due to the non-

For this very fact, it’s my candid opinion that this system of election be adopted henceforth in choosing leaders across board; not only in the All Progressives Congress, but also in other political parties. This will no doubt deepen our democracy as people would have trust in the system, thereby encouraging massive participation in the political process.

week, one-time British Prime Minster Harold Wilson ruefully observed, “is a long time in Politics.” A Savvy operator, he clearly understood the fluid changing dynamics of the architecture of the political terrain.

The state of play in the politics of Osun is as of now engagingly fluid. It is turning out to be a keenly contested four or five way governorship contest. Apart from the APC, PDP juggernauts, smaller players are snapping at the heels from the fringes.

The way the fluidity is playing out, the election in Osun could replicate the results of the governorship election in Oyo State in 2015.

There, a four way contest led to the reelection of Governor Abiola Ajimobi with just 37% of the total votes. Once he has the constitutionally required spread of 25% in two-thirds of the Local governments, the candidate with the highest number of votes is home. Unlike in France and in a lot of places, he does not need 50% of the votes cast plus one to avoid a runoff.

The APC is in a pole position here. The party is the only one with the depth of structures to be assured of starting with an irreducible base

transparent nature of choosing leaders, would also come out to stand for elections; and this set of people, if given electoral mandate, could prove to be the best to lead our people.

Before concluding this piece, I like to give kudos to Oyetola’s co-contestants in that primary election who have - in the spirit of sportsmanship - accepted the result of the election, congratulated the winner and pledged their support to work with him in order to ensure victory for the party in the general election coming up on September 22nd. This is the spirit we need to move our democracy forward. In any contest somebody or a team must win. So once the process was transparent enough and seen to have been so, the best thing is for losers to congratulate the winner while the winner too must not exhibit a ‘winner takes all’ posturing. And in the just concluded election the winner has vowed that it is not going to be a ‘winner takes it all’ affair. This is commendable on his part too as one hopes he will walk the talk when he eventually gets to power.

In the final analysis, all the stake holders in Osun APC must embrace the postprimary election reconciliation going on now. This is very important because party members all need to work together as a team so as to go to election proper as a united and strong party. This is what is needed to be able to defeat the opposition on election day. Like the saying goes ‘united we stand, divided we fall’. The contest must be seen by all stake holders in the party as a ‘no victor, no vanquished’ one. It’s only with this spirit that the progressives can win the coming election; which is the only way to ensure continuity of Ogbeni Aregbesola’s good work in the state. To allow opposition to take over Osun is to get all the gains Osun has recorded thus far under Aregbesola reversed by the ‘do-nothing’ politicians whose antecedent we all know to be zero tolerance for peace, development and welfarism.

•Kola Odepeju; writer, political/current affairs analyst.

The Chart Of 27 Out Of The 33 LGAs In Oyo State 2015 Governorship Election

of 40% of the potential votes. The PDP have really shot themselves in the foot by gifting the APC a tragic-comic candidate who is ludicrously unconvincing in terms of marketability. The fluidity of course, will be affected by permutations in what the running – mates who are yet to be announced, will bring to the table. There are interesting times ahead.

Do remember though that a week is a very fluid dynamic in politics.

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

All correspondence to the Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,