Osun Defender Online Version of December 18, 2020

Oyetola Bags Best Gov. Of The Year Award Page 2

4 Killed, Others Injured In Ede Cult Clash

A Momentous Day In Iwo

Page 7

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

Page 4

51

MoU On LAUTECH Joint Ownership Dissolution 2 e Concealed Pag Osun Indigene Sta Members Raise Concern Over Mgt. Attitude Workers Have Nothing To Fear, They Are Protected - Prof. Aina

Wife of the Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, handing over baby of a rehabilitated mentally challenged girl, Laide Najeem to the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi and his wife, Comfort Afolabi at his palace on Monday.

2 Killed, 3 Injured As Artisanal Miners Confront Chinese Expatriates In Ibokun

Page 7

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2020

2

News

MoU On LAUTECH Joint Ownership Dissolution Concealed •

Osun Indigene Staff Members Raise Concern Over Mgt. Attitude

By Ismaeel Uthman

T

HE contents of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the governments of Osun and Oyo states on the dissolution of joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso is still not known to the public.

Details of the MoU, as at the time of filing this report, were not made known to the public, a month after the dissolution of the joint ownership.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that the management of the university, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Non Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, the LAUTECH Alumni Association, workers and other stakeholders in the tertiary institution did not know the contents of the MoU. The secrecy on the MoU has brought about suspicion on the fairness of the dissolution process and gains likely to accrue to the State of Osun in quitting the 29-yearold joint ownership.

In a letter written to the Vice-Chancellor of the university on November 27, 2020, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, it was stated that all landed properties and movable assets in the College of Health Sciences in Osogbo, Mercy Land and Ilie shall vest exclusively in the State of Osun.

Olaleye also informed the VC that all Osun and Oyo indigenes working in LAUTECH shall retain all their rights and obligations as stipulated in their letters of engagement and the current students of the university from the two states shall also retain their rights as students of owner-states till the completion of their programmes when the rights shall expire.

Also, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Osogbo was ceded to Osun.

The hospital has been subsequently named Osun State University

Teaching Hospital.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Lekan Fadeyi, when contacted on phone on Wednesday said the school does not have the MoU. Fadeyi said: “The school would not have the MoU. The two governors (of Osun and Oyo states) would have. The committee was not set up by the school; it was set up by the governors. So they would not report to the school, but to the two governors who inaugurated the committee.”

But workers of the university and other interested members of the public have been asking questions on the details of the MoU. The workers, particularly those of Osun extraction, began to ask questions on the MoU when students and staff of the university at the College of Health Sciences, Osogbo were asked to move to the Main Campus, Ogbomoso last week Monday as contained in

the Decision Extract of a special meeting held by the management on December 2.

The university had also in a memo issued by the Deputy Registrar/ College Secretary, Mrs. A.A Oguntunde, on Tuesday, directed the staff members of the college who are mostly from Osun to confirm their intent to continue their services with LAUTECH in writing.

According to the workers, the government should make the MoU available to them since the joint ownership dissolution affects them directly.

They stated that in spite of the agreement between the two states, their jobs seem no longer secure in the university, going by their past experience.

They urged the State Government of Osun to make necessary arrangements to absolve all Osun indigenes working in LAUTECH who are

Senator Ajibola Basiru commissioning newly constructed complex built by Osun Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Council recently. willing to return home.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that all the records of students and staff at the College of Health Sciences in Osogbo were moved to Ogbomoso on Tuesday.

It was also gathered the College staff members were hanging around at the College Annex and other buildings in Ogbo-

moso as they were not provided any office.

The workers were also asked to be signing register daily on campus, which was not in place before the dissolution of the joint ownership.

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Univrsities, LAUTECH branch,

Oyetola Bags Best Gov. Of The Year Award

By Solomon Odeniyi

G

OVERNOR Adegboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun has been awarded Best Governor of the Year by BusinessDay newspaper.

The award was presented to the Governor in

Abuja yesterday.

According to the organisers of the award, Governor Oyetola’s emergence followed the assessment carried out by its 2020 States’ Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards Committee.

The organisers said the Committee reviewed the tangible transformation the Governor had brought to bear on different sectors in Osun, including health, education, security and inclusive governance since his assumption of office.

Symbol’s Quote Oyetola

“As we are condemning corruption, so must we speak against low productivity: corruption is a scourge that must be stopped and low productivity is a curse that must be rejected.”

In a letter sent to the governor to inform him of the award, the organisers said: “The Award Committee, which is made up of eminent Nigerians, reviewed the pragmatic and tangible transformation Your Excellency brought to bear in the governance of your State above your peers in the country across all segments including Health, Education, Security and Inclusive Governance since you became the governor.

“These are seen as a manifestation of good institutional transformations, creation of friendly business environment, expanding opportunities and a shift towards socioeconomic development of State of Osun,”

Alhaji Alesinloye Muraina confirmed that the MoU on the joint ownership dissolution was not made available to the workers.

According to Muraina, the LAUTECH workers in Osogbo who were moved to Ogbomoso were subjected to undignified treatment, saying that they were made to loiter around in different places on campus.

He said: “I don’t like the way they are treating my people. They were not given offices to sit, yet they ask them to be signing (attendance registers) every day. They were made to hang around in deferent offices where there is no furniture.

“The Government of Osun should do something quickly for those who are willing to return home. Not everybody is interested in returning home.”

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER the Chairman of the Osun Committee on the joint ownership dissolution, Prof.

Olu Aina assured the workers that their jobs and welfare are well protected in the MoU. Aina, who urged the workers to have faith in Governor Oyetola, said neither the management, nor Oyo State Government would frustrate them, saying that the transfer of the staff of the College of Health Sciences in Osogbo is part of normal process after the dissolution.

He stated that all the fears of the workers and students have been addressed in the MoU, even as he submitted that he could not explain why the document was not made available to the public by the two governments.

PEOPLE FIRST

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2020

3

By Wale Adebisi Nipping Second Wave Of COVID-19

I

T is no longer news that the world currently grapples with the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic. What could constitute news is the possibility of a sad return of lockdowns, a reality we all detest. Yet, we are not all that fastidious to obey the rules in averting a relapse.

News has it that owing to the return of the deadly scourge, Spain has declared an emergency, which may extend to March 2021. The United Kingdom declared a month lockdown; France, two weeks; Germany, four weeks; while Italy is not also folding arms in helpless resignation to bad fate brought by the virus.

The most dreadful aspect is the bombshell thrown by experts who stated that this round of the pandemic portends to be much deadlier than the earlier bout.

In our own clime, apart from official places where wearing of facemask is compulsory, nobody cares anymore. COVID-19 protocols have been thrown into dustbin. The Yuletide season is here. It is thus instructive that we try to the utmost to celebrate with moderation and abide by the protocols which we have learnt the hard way.

“There are many more festivities There are many more festivilined up ahead of us but it is of ties lined up ahead of us but it prerequisite importance that we is of prerequisite importance should stay safe to be alive to that we should stay safe to be alive to witness and celebrate witness and celebrate them” them.

Except it is compulsory to move around, it is wise and expedient to stay where we are during this festive period, in very small companies.

Government should expedite actions on timely sample collection and testing so as to enhance timely isolation and treatment of index cases as well as efficient contact tracing to forestall spread.

There is wisdom and expediency in prevention. It saves our species from mass extermination, keeps us safe and healthy and saves us from lockdowns and their attendant inconveniences to persons and the economy as we all need to be up and doing to repair our ailing socio-economic spectra that is largely based on daily earnings.

Lessons Of The Border Closure

W

E need to take a deeper reflection of the issues which led to the closing of Nigeria’s borders. With the impeding take - off in weeks of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement we really must look at the issue of the competitiveness of our country’s economy in a global setting.

In a period when we must export or perish and diversify the earnings base of the economy, we have to accept that our trade facilitation processes need a holistic revamp.

The economy cannot be com-

petitive operating antediluvian, outdated Ports, Customs, internal security services.

They have to be revamped and brought up to date to be internationally competitive and reap the competitive advantages we have to benefit from trade agreements and in the process reaping dividends. It will also be a strength as we negotiate new international trade deals.

To reopen the borders without learning vital lessons in order to reboot will be to have missed out on a vital trajectory.

Power And Political Engagement

I

T is often said that every human being is a political animal. In the sense that human beings are regularly called upon, naturally, to make choices, to make moves to put themselves at advantage, to strive in competition to advance one’s cause, and to decide now and again to whom they dispense patronage, some political exercise must be performed.

We must however understand the term politics before we can discuss its relevance to both society and the individual. It is often said that: ‘acquire political power and other things shall be added to it.’ In real terms those who control the political process are also those who control and wield power and influence and dispense favours and privileges.

Politics (from Greek: politikos, meaning “of, for, or relating to citizens”) is the practice and theory of influencing other people on a civic or individual level More narrowly, it refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance — organised control over a human community, particularly a state. A variety of methods is employed in politics, which include promoting its own political views among people, negotiation with other political subjects, making laws, and exercising force, including warfare against adversaries. Politics is exercised on a wide range of social levels, from clans and tribes of traditional societies, through modern local governments, companies and institutions up to sovereign states to international level.

A political system is a framework which defines acceptable political methods within a given society. History of political thought can be traced back to early antiquity, with seminal works such as Plato’s Republic. Aristotle’s Politics and Opus of Confucius.

Modern political discourse focuses on democracy and the relationship between people and politics. It is thought of as the way we “choose government officials and make decisions about public policy”.

Originally, the state was a military institution. For many years, it was just a territory ruled by a king. Like the Alaafin of Oyo of yore who was surrounded by a small elite group of warriors led by the Aare Onakakanfo and court

officials led by the Oyomesi and it was basically rule by force over a larger mass of people. And those of you who are familiar with the British History would have read many stories about their warrior or war-like kings. Slowly, however, the people gained political representation for none can really be said to be a member of the State without the right of having a voice in the direction of policy making.

One of the basic functions of the State in regards to administration is maintaining peace and internal order; it has no other excuse for interfering in the lives of its citizens. To maintain law and order, the State develops means of communication. The origin of the state is to be found in the development of the art of warfare.

Historically speaking, all political communities of the modern type owe their existence to successful warfare.

Kings, emperors and other types of monarchs in many countries including China and Japan, were considered divine. Of the institutions that ruled states, that of kingship stood at the forefront until the French Revolution put an end to the “divine right of kings”. Nevertheless, the monarchy is among the longest-lasting political institutions, dating as early as 2100 BC in Sumeria to the 21st Century AD British Monarchy. Kingship becomes an institution through heredity.

It is obvious from the foregoing that politics and political power or authority is almost the next thing to God. As they say, a person in power can do and undo. That was perhaps why Kings claimed Divine Right in the past and the Alaafin was regarded as Iku Baba Yeye! That is, one who possesses power of life and death.

In social science and politics, power is the ability to influence the behavior of people. The term authority is often used for power perceived as legitimate by the social structure.

Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise of power is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings. In the corporate environment, power is often expressed as upward or downward. With downward power, a company’s superior influences subordinate. When a company exerts upward power, it is the subordinates who influence the decisions of the leader (Greiner & Schein, 1988).

The use of power need not involve coercion (force or the threat of force). At one extreme, it more closely resembles what every day English-speakers call influence, although some authors make a distinction between power and influence - the means by which power is used (Handy, C. 1993 Understanding Organizations).

With the attainment of power through political process the next step is to institutionalize the power through establishment of the three known arms of government.

You have the Executive arm which is led by the Head of Government.

OSUN DEFENDER IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINE OR ANY PUBLICATION WHATSOEVER

Read full article on www.osundefender.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2020

4

COVID-19: Take Responsibility For Your Life, Osun Govt Tells Residents

By Solomon Odeniyi

G

OVERNMENT of the State of Osun has charged residents of the state to be more cautious of the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic, saying that everybody should take responsibility for his or her life.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu said the State Government has redoubled it efforts in a bid to avert the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 in the state.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of the Coronavirus index cases across the country, which suggested the second wave of the virus as inevitable.

Prominent among those who contracted the virus include; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammed , Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others.

Isamotu, who spoke in an exclusive interview with OSUN DEFENDER, said though fatigue had set in for the people of the state, the government has re-launched serious advocacy to awaken the people that the virus is on.

The commissioner urged residents of the state to continue to adhere to and abide by all precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus and subsequently prevent the second wave in the state.

He said: “At this point

in time, everybody has got what we call COVID19 fatigue. We just need to continue our advocacy and redouble our efforts more than we had done in the past, but while we are doing this, we want the people to know that they must take responsibility for their lives.

“COVID-19 is still much with us. It is just that as a country, we have not just run enough tests; we would have known that more people have contracted the virus. What is expected of all of us is to adhere to the issued guidelines and ensure we use our face masks and always maintain social distance. If we keep to this, we may not experience the second wave”

Mrs. Oyetola Rehabilitates Pregnant Mentally Challenged Girl, Reunites Her With Family

By Yusuf Oketola

W

IFE of the Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola has sponsored the rehabilitation of a 19-year-old girl, Labake Najeem who had mental challenges.

Najeem was six months old pregnant when Mrs. Oyetola took her up for rehabilitation at Apomu in Isokan Local Government Area of the state about three months ago.

The mentally challenged lady was said to have been impregnated by one Abideen Sadipe, who is also known to be mentally unstable. However, the Wife of the Governor has demonstrated commitment for rehabilitating Abideen as well, as the arrangements for his movement to a care centre is reported to have commenced.

She was rehabilitated at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, where she was also delivered of a baby girl last week Thursday.

The naming ceremony of the baby was held on Monday at the palace of Alapomu.

Handing Najeem to the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi, on Monday, Mrs. Oyetola said she took up responsibility for rehabilitating Najeem because it is part of her philanthropic gestures.

According to her, Najeem is not the first mentally challenged person she would rehabilitate, saying that she had 16 years ago taken care of a woman with her baby.

She said: “Labake is not the first (mentally challenged person) that I have taken care of. The first was 16 years ago. After she was stable, I sent her child to primary and secondary schools. Now she has written JAMB and I have spoken to the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University on her admission.

“I thank God that I took only Labake away for medical care and now I am returning her with her child. I also want to thank the medical personnel at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo. They tried a lot and took very good care of her. Now Labake is fine.”

Mrs. Oyetola attributed mental challenge suffered by most women to marital issues, hence the need to care for them.

The wife of the governor urged the people of Apomu, especially Najeem’s neighbours to support her, just as she warned them against discrimination.

“I urge us in this town to support Labake and not discriminate against her, so that she can fulfil her destiny. I have good plans for her and I pray to God to support me in

making it a reality”, she said.

Mrs. Oyetola thanked Oba Afolabi for releasing Najeem to her for medical treatment.

In his remarks, Oba Afolabi, who welcomed Mrs. Oyetola to his palace amidst pomp, appreciated the wife of the Governor for her gesture and prayed for the successful tenure of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

The traditional ruler said: “She (Mrs. Oyetola) was here for a different programme but because of her kindness, when she saw Labake troubling me, she inquired about her. I told her that Labake had mental challenge and I asked her to come to the palace every week to collect N2, 000.

“The First Lady promised to rehabilitate her. Labake initially gave the Wife of the Governor and medical team a lot of problem. They carried out series of tests on her until she was delivered of her baby. Labake is now a different person.”

Mrs. Oyetola

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2020

Feature

5

A Momentous Day In Iwo

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola recently visited Iwo, the headquarters of Osun West Senatorial District, in continuation of his Stakeholders’ Engagement in the State of Osun on the events of the nationwide #EndSARS protests and their aftermath.

ISMAEEL UTHMAN reports the activities that played out during and behind the scenes of the events.

T

O say that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is still much more popular and loved by the people of the State of Osun is an understatement.

His popularity was reaffirmed on two different occasions: at Ijebu-Ijesa, and Iwo, headquarters of Oriade and Iwo local government areas of the state respectively, where he addressed the people in congregations on the effect of the #EndSARS protests. Aregbesola, at the Ijebu-Ijesa event which took place at the Cathedral of St. Matthew’s, received Episcopal Ecumenical Award from the Ijesa-North Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion in the state. He also bagged Award of Excellence from Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen Society of Nigeria at the Iwo event that took place on December 5, 2020.

Before his arrival in Iwo, residents of the odidere town had been patiently waiting to catch a glimpse of the former governor of the state. The news of Aregbesola’s visit to Iwo had filtered round the town, as commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called okada riders, market men and women, students and other residents of the town passed the information to one another. The excitement on the faces of the people could not be hidden while expecting the arrival of the minister.

Eventually, the august visitor entered the town, in company of his aides, in a white Coaster bus through Ori-Eru. A jubilant crowd welcomed Aregbesola and from there, it was snail-walk mode for the Minister’s convoy, as okada riders, pedestrians, among other residents of the community, led the former governor of the state to the Iwo Town Hall, venue of the event. The situation resulted into traffic congestion, as vehicular movement was halted for about 30 minutes.

Before getting to the Iwo Town Hall, Aregbesola’s convoy ran into another mammoth crowd waiting to welcome him at the Osogbo junction end of the town. The excited people, among who were members of the Oranmiyan, a socio-cultural cum political group, led by their Director-General, Mr. Sodiq Olayide, welcomed Aregbesola with pomp, as they sang and danced while advancing the hall. The famous Iwo roundabout and adjourning roads stood still.

The people had occupied the access roads to full capacity to celebrate Aregbesola. The young and old residents of the community struggled to see Aregbesola. Security operatives had hectic moments in controlling the crowd at the entrance gate to the hall. They were able to lead the Minister into the hall eventually.

Aregbesola’s presence changed the pervading atmosphere in and around the hall. The waiting congregation and spectators in and around the onestorey-building hall gave Aregbesola a standing ovation. For about 10 minutes, the hall became unsettled as the jubilant crowd was shouting Aregbe, Symbol, Ogbeni Tia. The show of love for the minister was striking. The participants were in joyous mood, as Aregbesola responded to the show of love from them with his usual two-finger salute waving style.

Mounting the podium, Aregbesola raised his right hand to greet the people in the right and left direction of the hall. He thereafter raised his two

energetic hands to greet the entire people in the hall. His action inspired another round of positive reaction from the people.

They could not keep calm while praising the friendly and lively attitude of the minister.

A popular Islamic Cleric, Sheik Muideen Bello, who delivered lecture at the event, acknowledged Aregbesola’s popularity among the people.

At the introductory part of his lecture, he said: “I greet you the Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

It is clear that God loves you and the people love you because when you entered this hall, all the people were shouting your name and the hall became unsettled for a while.

What you are seeing today is a reflection of your actions when you were the governor of the state.”

Standing to give his remarks, Aregbesola thrilled the audience with his usual Islamic prelude. Aregbesola’s core of message was love: love for God, love for humanity and love for Nigeria.

Aregbesola also spoke on the Coronavirus pandemic.

Aregbesola urged Nigerians to go about the fast-approaching festive period with caution, saying that Coronavirus pandemic is still very much

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from members of the audience at Iwo Town Hall. on. Aregbesola said that Nigeria could not afford to return to the peak of the COVID-19, urging Nigerians not lower their guards as index cases are being recorded on daily basis.

The former governor of the State of Osun urged Nigerians to adhere to the Holy Prophet’s teachings that state that when there is an outbreak of epidemic in a particular place, nobody should go there and the people in the affected place should not also go out until the epidemic subsides.

Aregbesola commissioning Iwo Symbol of Islam Mosque with the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi and other dignitaries.

A warm reception for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by Iwo residents.

He said: “Coronavirus is still very much with us. We can’t afford to return to when the virus was at its peak in the country. That is why we must observe physical distancing and the use of our face masks always. Cases are still being recorded everyday. During this festive period, we must be cautioned. We should obey the Holy Prophet’s teachings that say when there is an outbreak of epidemic somewhere, we should not leave there and those outside should not go to the place until the epidemic is over. We must take responsibility for our lives.”

Aregbesola also said the President was aware of the hardship facing the people; which was occasioned by the pandemic and #EndSARS protests, assuring the people that life would be more abundant for them in no distant time.

“The President is aware of the hardship facing the citizens of the country.

This was caused by the pandemic and the #EndSARS protests which erupted in many states of the federation. The President is doing all his best and I can assure you that very soon, all will be well and we will be happy again”, he said.

Aregbesola left the hall to commission Iwo Symbol of Islam Mosque, built by the Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen Society of Nigeria, led by Sheik Daood Imran Molasan.

Also at the event was the incumbent Governor of the state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola and some members of his cabinet, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, members representing state constituencies in Iwo zone at the Osun State House of Assembly, among others.

Aregbesola was warmly received by the people of Iwo and Ijebu-Ijesa.

While Aregbesola’s convoy was making its entry into Ijebu-Ijesa through the Iloko axis, some residents, led by an aged man, trooped out and started shouting ‘Aregbesola....ori e wa nibe. Oo lota. Oti s’orire. Osun a dara. Ati miss yin losun, kaabo.’; literarily translating to: “Aregbesola, you are our person. You don’t have enemies. You are a fortunate being.

Osun shall progress. We have missed you so much in Osun. Welcome.” The excited residents rushed at the bus conveying Aregbesola, who was also waving at them in his usual style.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2020

6

I

Religion

seek refuge in Allah from the devil the accursed and I start in the name of Allah The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. I testify that there is no any deity worthy of worship save Allah, I also testify that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is His messenger. May His benediction be upon His (Muhammad) soul, member of His household, His companions and those who follow His ways till the day of reckoning.

O you who believe, fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not expect in a state of Islam. (Quran 3:102).

Suratul Fatihah (The opening chapter) is the first

JUMAT SERMON By Imam Musa Oladapo Raji

chapter of the entire Qur’an, it comprises of seven verses. The chapter must be recited in both the obligatory prayers (five daily prayers) and all supererogatory prayers, funeral prayer inclusive.

Suratul Fatihah is also known as As-sab’Al-mathani (i.e. the seven repeatedly recited verses) and the Grand Qur’an or ‘Ummul Kitaab. The Prophet (SAW) in his usual characteristic to impress the importance of the Surah on us was quoted, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (RAA), to have said that a prayer performed by someone who has not recited the “Essence of the Qur’an (i.e. Al Fatihah) is deficient . According to that narration, (he repeated the word three times) incomplete. Someone said to Abu Hurayrah (even though) we are behind the Imam. He said recite it to yourself, for I have heard the prophet (SAW) saying: Allah The Most High has said; I have divided prayer (Fatihah) between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. When the servant says; Al-hamdulillahi Rabbil ‘alamiin” praise be to Allah Lord of the world” Allah The Most High says: My servant has praised me. And when he says Ar-rahman ar-rahim, “The Merciful the Compassionate” Allah The Most High says: My servant has exalted Me, and when he says Maliki Yaomi d-diin “Master of the day of Judgment” Allah says: My servant has glorified Me. With this recitation, the worshipper is communicating with his creator directly without any intermediary submitting himself to only being, acknowledging His grace over him, proclaiming his inability to provide for himself and reaffirming his/her consciousness of the coming of the Day of Judgment when everybody will be called to give account of his deeds on earth. This serves as a reminder to every worshiper that this ephemeral world will come to an end one day. And whatever misdeeds one might have done would be forgiven hence; the need for him to undertake to change henceforth for a better way of life.

And when he says Iyyaka na’budu wa yyaka nastainn - “it is You we worship and it is You we ask for help”, Allah says “this is between

Importance Of Suratul Fatihah me and My servant and My servant shall have what he had asked for.

At this juncture, the reciter is making a strong covenant before his creator and probably many of us do not comprehend the semantic purpose of the verse. That is why we see many people shuttling here and there looking for assistance from those who also depend on Allah. By uttering such statement, it is not expected of him to still believe that assistance can come from any other quarter. He is the sole assistant and helper. Muslims should therefore, glue themselves to only Allah who is capable of doing that.

And where he says: Ihdina s-siraatal Mustaquma, siraata ladhiina an’am ta’alayhim ghayril-maghdubi ‘alayhim waladdalliina - “Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favour, not of those against whom You are angry, not of those who are astray”. Allah says, My servant shall have what he has asked for”.

Guidance is totally from Allah, He opens one’s heart to receive the truth (from disbelief to belief in Islamic monotheism). One needs the phrase of prayer always because the devil too is canvassing for more members on a daily basis. And if Allah be with one and makes his heart to remain firm in Him, the devil has no way to make him go astray. It is pertinent to clarify this because of the observed erroneous and misconstruction in some quarters that says: If the Muslims are truly on the right path, they will not ask Allah to guide them. They are saying that because (i) they do not care about what follows it “the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favours” and (ii) they do not know that Allah alone is infallible. Should Allah leave one for a second, one may fall into the antic of the devil (shaytan) because he too is ever prepared

to receive people into his fold.

The Prophet says; “Ghayril Maghdubi ‘alayhim waladdlliina” You must say Aamin for if one’s utterance of Aamin comes with that of the angels, then his past sins will be forgiven” This is the only place where this expression is permitted in prayer. It is also a pointer to the importance of the Surah. Looking at those expressions again, one will appreciate the wisdom of Allah in giving us the most appropriate way to adorn and praise Him. Otherwise, people would have employed some unspeakable and unsavoury encomium in their worship. This is apparent nowadays among the unbelievers in their attempt to worship Him. But for the adherents of Islam, recitation of this chapter is the uniform and universal way of worshipping Him. Still on the importance of Suratul Fatihah, Abu Sa’eed Rafai’ bn Al-Mualla relates that The Holy Prophet (SAW) said to me; before you go out of the mosque, may I tell you which is the greatest (most important) Surah of the Holy Qur’an? And thereafter, he grasped my hand when we were just going out of the mosque and I submitted: O Messenger of Allah, you had just promised to tell me as to what is the greatest Surah of the Qur’an. He said: it is the Suratul-Al Fatihah, seven verses which are so frequently used in prayers and the Qur’an has been revealed upon me” (Bukhari).

Apart from the above, the surah was used by one of the companions of the Prophet (SAW) to cure a snake bite and it enjoyed the approval of the prophet.

Lastly, I want to enjoin all Muslims across the globe to strive hard and know the meaning of the Surah in their mother tongue, knowing of its meaning will clean our heart more, and appreciate what we are saying while standing before our creator and with today’s sermon realize the fact that Allah listens and responds to our supplication each time we pray.

And the close of our requests will be Al-hamdu liLlahi Rabbil-Alamin. I seek forgiveness of Allah that is worthy of reliance on. I seek forgiveness of Allah from my sins and yours. Glorified is your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power. (He is free) from what they attribute to Him, and peace be on the Messenger. And all praise and thanks are Allah’s the Lord of Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exist).

• Imaam Musa Oladapo Raji The Chief Imaam of Telemu Land Ola Oluwa LGA, Osun State.

Feature

Celebrating Iwude Ijesa 2020 Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic Within the limits and restrictions imposed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s edition of the famous homecoming pilgrimage/socio-cultural convergence of all Ijesas at home and in the Diaspora hits the stage with a thunderous thud. NIYI OLASINDE chronicles its essence, focus and thrust.

I

WUDE Ijesa is one of the rich, colourful ageless traditions of the indigenes of the Ijesa nation in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. In its primordial and original form, it gathered the convocation of Ijesas across the globe and brought them together for a complete month.

This implies that Ijesas across towns, villages and communities remained where they were, shared the fun and festivities of the season and exchanged visits with fanfare. Those who reside in places far and wide come home to relish and savour the season. They remained in this mood while they awaited the great grand finale when they celebrated with their monarch, who doubles as the chief celebrator, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. They saw him in his full royal regalia, brought regal homages to him, while he sat in various quarters of the Ilesa town to adjudicate in cases

and to shower prayers on his subjects. Prior to this stage of the grand finale, the monarch had been in spiritual confinement/seclusion and the occasion afforded the mammoth crowd the privilege of seeing him physically, at least, once in the year.

Those earlier times under consideration, the celebration was known as Iwude Ogun. However, a wave of renaissance blew across the horizons of Ijesaland, as between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, some prominent, well-educated, urbane and widely-exposed indigenes saw the intricacies and intrinsic qualities and potentials of the events. They explored and brought out how the best could be obtained from the ancient celebrations, removing from it all shackles and semblances of fetishism and employing it to facilitate, gravitate and galvanize overall development to the entire physical, socio-economic and po-

litical space of Ijesaland.

Gladly today, this is being radically achieved. Not only have vast number of indigenes across various social, religious, political and other divides shown great interest and committed enormous stake to the celebration, they have also demonstrated renewed commitment to fast-tracking the total development of their fatherland.

The Annual Iwude Ijesa Festival has been the rallying point and the grand avenue for the convergence of Ijesa indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora, to reflect on their ancestral heritage, assess the level of devel-

opment so far reached, as well as chart new courses towards breaking higher frontiers in the development of the entire Ijesaland.

The week-long events marking the festival in modern times are marked with pomp, pageantry, glitz and glamour; lined up with events and activities which indigenes and their friends and lovers across the globe attend to promote. The events are impressive indeed, climaxing in a grand finale, where all but the fetish aspects and flavours of the traditional festivities are retained. The crowdpulling event is a glori-

“They explored and brought out how the best could be obtained from the ancient celebrations, removing from it all shackles and semblances of fetishism and employing it to facilitate, gravitate and galvanize overall development to the entire physical, socio-economic and political space of Ijesaland”

ous sight to behold. More than the opportunity it affords for convergence and reunion, as well as promoting the cultural/ traditional qualities which are intrinsically inbuilt into it, the development it enhances and facilitates are highly appreciated and commended. It is hoped that someday, the celebration will occupy a vantage space in the famous Guinness Book of Records and also find its way to UNESCO’s heart, to the extent that it would be designated an international tourism event and conspicuously positioned on the World Tourism Map. Iwude Ijesa is a significant event, most unlike many others held in various communities. It outstrips them in so many unique ways. For instance, it anchors various shades of development for the entire Ijesaland. An instance is the fact that this year, a decent and befitting ultra-modern palace complex for the monarch, constructed through communal efforts and patriotic participation of all Ijesas at home and in the Diaspora, and fully built with 10 months shall be officially commissioned for use.

This year however, owing to the sad realities of the COVID-19 outbreak, especially the second wave that is just rearing its ugly head, only the minimum crowd-pulling aspects of the events will be brought to the fore. While events like traditional ayo olopon contests and football match(es) will be featured, others will require the physical presence of major role players in the events and vital dignitaries. Even at this, the COVID-19 protocols and regulations will be strictly adhered to.

On this monumental occasion, paying royal homage and anniversary eulogies to the Paramount Ruler of the entire Ijesa Nation, Kaabiyesi, Owa Obokun Adimula, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, PhD., CFR, LLD; who is also the Chief Celebrator, will not be outrageous. Similar royal salutations go to all Obas, Chiefs and members of the traditional institution in Ijesaland on this occasion. OSUN DEFENDER also congratulates the teeming peace-loving and highly progressive people of Ijesaland. Congratulations! “E ku odun; e ku iyedun, emi y’oo se opo odun l’aye os”.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 24, 2020

7

News

2 Killed, 3 Injured As Artisanal Miners Confront Chinese Expatriates In Ibokun

By Ismaeel Uthman

A

Chinese miner, Kuang Zhang, and one Abdulhadi Musa have been reportedly killed in a fight that broke out between some artisanal miners and some Chinese nationals at a mining site in Ido-Oko, Obokun Local Government Area of the State of Osun.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that three other people sustained gunshot and other degrees of injuries in the clash that occurred about 4:30pm on Tuesday.

Findings by the medium revealed that some Chinese nationals arrived at the mining site, where some artisanal miners were already working, in company of security officers, and directed the workers to vacate immediately.

According to information at the disposal of OSUN DEFENDER, the Chinese claimed the mining site had been licensed to them by the Federal and State governments.

But the artisanal miners, it was gathered, resisted and told the

Chinese nationals that they owned the site, a situation that degenerated into hot altercations.

The altercations snowballed into a fight, leading to the death of Zhang and Musa.

Another Chinese

was beaten to a state of coma, while an artisanal miner sustained bullet wounds with one other sustaining minor injuries.

Credible sources in the area told OSUN DEFENDER that the Divisional Police Officer

(DPO) of Obokun LGA at Ibokun led a team of police officers to the site to restore peace.

The remains of the deceased had been deposited at Wesley Guild Hospital morgue, Ilesa, it was gathered.

One of the sources

said: “The swiftness of the policemen prevented further loss of lives.

One Hausa and a Chinese were killed. The scenario was terrible because other people sustained injuries.

“The Chinese that was beaten to a coma

and the injured miners are responding to treatment at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident.

Osun PDP Youth Leader Removed From Office

By Yusuf Oketola

Y

OUTH Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State of Osun, Mr. Seyi Bamidele has been removed.

Bamidele was removed by local government youth leaders of the party on Wednesday.

OSUN DEFENDER had reported in its last edition that Bamidele was part of the PDP stalwarts who were pencilled down for suspension from the party by a group of people loyal to the Adeleke dynasty.

The group is also plotting the expulsion of the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Soji Adagunodo and one of the party’s aspirants during its last governorship primaries in the state, Dr. Akin

Ogunbiyi.

In a resolution of the forum of Osun State PDP Youth Leaders meeting held on Wednesday, the youth leaders passed Vote-of-No-Confidence on Bamidele for alleged misconducts, misappropriation of funds meant for the promotion of youth affairs and activities in the state.

“His removal as the State Youth Leader of our dear and great party is subject to section 58(1)(a, c, d, e and h) of the PDP constitution with its sanctions as stipulated in Section 59(1)–(f) which is “removal from office” against the above gross misconduct in section 58(1) of the party constitution”, said the youth leaders.

The resolution was signed by Prince Ade-

rinto K. Abiola, Hon. Olaniya Kunle and Mr. Famokunwa Obasanmi, Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations Officer of the Forum.

But Bamidele, when

Secretariat of the party, saying that he was open for amicable settlement.

He expressed confidence in the reconciliation committee set up by the National Secretariat of the party to resolve crises in the PDP.

Adagunodo said: “The issue is no longer a family affair, it is in court and we went to court after all the internal mechanisms to resolve the issues were exhausted and I was still aggrieved. Our party constitution allows that.”

contacted described his purported removal as ‘child’s play’, saying that the local government youth leaders lack the constitutional power to remove him.

He said the action of the youth leaders was inimical to the reconciliation of aggrieved party members and genuine move to return peace to the PDP.

Controversies Over Appointment Of Female Corps Member As Osun Babes Media Officer

By Solomon Odeniyi

T

HE purported appointment of a female corps member, Flora Uyoh, by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the state, Mr. Yemi Lawal as the Media Officer of Osun Babes has been causing a stir in the Osun Sports’ Council.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Uyoh’s appointment came at a time the dust was yet to settle on the rejection of a known sports writer, Seun Omolola by the commissioner.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that Omolola was suggested

by the management of Osun Babes after Olayinka Olawole, the former media officer of the team left to pick up a job with the Nigerian Women Football Premier League.

Sources said that the commissioner kicked against Omolola’s appointment and refused to hand him an appointment letter because he had an axe to grind with him.

They added that the commissioner, having searched unsuccessfully for Omolola’s replacement, sent Uyoh to the management of the team.

Speaking on behalf of the management, the Marketing Manager, Gbenga

Ololade said they were yet to be communicated on Uyoh’s appointment and they have never met her.

However, Lawal, the commissioner said Uyoh was just a corps member posted to the team based on her course of study.

He said: “She studied Information Management and was posted to serve there and she is expected to work with the media department based on that. Let them say whatever they want to.

Efforts to get the side of Uyoh proved abortive, as her line was switched off as at the time of filing this report.

I Resorted To Court After Exhausting Internal Mechanisms – Adagunodo

By Odunola Akinbode

E

MBATTLED Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun, Hon Soji Adagunodo has said that he resorted to court process after exhausting all internal mechanisms to address his grievances and injustice meted on him.

Adagunodo, who spoke with the medium in Osogbo yesterday, said he needed to absolve himself from the ‘frivolous allegations’ and seek redress for his predicament in

Adagunodo

the PDP. According to him, two of the people that signed a petition against him were not members of the party until after the 2018 governorship election.

He said he had earlier proposed reconciliation to the National

4 Killed, Others Injured In Ede Cult Clash

By Yusuf Oketola

N

O fewer than four young men were reportedly killed in a cult clash in Ede, State of Osun.

The cult clash, which occurred on December 4 at Apete Area of Ede, also left some other people wounded with varying degrees of injuries.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the clash was between the Eiye confraternity and a notorious Oriade Kazeem gang.

Leader of the Eiye cult group, one Rasidi,

notoriously known as Oko Ilu, has been arrested by the police.

Rasidi was brought to an Osogbo magistrate’s court on Wednesday by the police.

The police was seeking an order of the court to remand the suspects in its custody for 14 days.

In an affidavit in support of the Motion Exparte by the police officer attached to the crime scene, Sergeant Kazeem Olaoye, the suspect was arrested on Monday.

According to Olaoye, Rasidi was

involved in the cult clash where four people were killed, while some other people were injured.

He said the suspect has been assisting the police on investigation, arguing that releasing him will jeopardise proper investigation.

He promised to arraign the suspect as soon as investigation is completed.

The Magistrate, Mr. Ishola Omisade granted the Motion Experte and ordered that the suspect be remanded in police custody for 14 days.

The chairman said he had no issues with the Adeleke dynasty to warrant being ousted from his position.

According to him,

some ‘greedy politicians’ in the party who were milking the Adeleke family were the ones causing friction in the PDP.

CHANGE OF NAME OYETADE KAYODE ABIMBOLA That I was formerly known and addressed as OYETADE

ABIMBOLA ADEMOLA with former date of Birth, 15th day of April, 1961 now wish to be known and addressed as

OYETADE KAYODE ABIMBOLA. With correct date of Birth, 15th day of February, 1961. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

TOOKI SELIMOT OLANIKE That I was formerly known and addressed as NINIOLA SELIMOT OLANIKE now wish to be known and addressed as TOOKI SELIMOT OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OSUOLALE MUSHAFAU AREOLA That I was formerly known and addressed as OSUOLALE

A R E O L A MUSEFIU now wish to be known and addressed as OSUOLALE MUSHAFAU AREOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS. TAIWO CHIKODI ELSIE That I was formerly known and addressed as

MISS OSUNKWO CHIKODI ELSIE now wish

to be known and addressed MRS. TAIWO as CHIKODI ELSIE. All former documents remain valid.

Union Bank General public should take note.

EGWU UROM SUNDAY

That I was formerly known and addressed as UROM EGWU with former date of Birth, 27th day of February, 1956 now wish to be known and addressed as EGWU UROM SUNDAY. With correct date of Birth, 07th day of February, 1960.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CE V A SP D A

R FO T R E

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 VOL. 15 NO 51 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

Mrs. Oyetola Rehabilitates Pregnant Mentally Challenged Girl, Reunites Her With Family

I

N the very early 1960s, Nigeria was the world largest palm oil producer with the world market share of 43%. Palm oil is an ingredient in a wide variety of foods. It is a viable alternative to unhealthy hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fat, as it contains just 1% trans fat, which makes it a healthier diet and cost-effective alternative to animal fats in products like spreads and baked goods. It is used as lubricant to machinery. It is also used to manufacture sodium sulphate, a foaming agent in many body care products like soap, toothpaste, cleaning and pharmaceutical products. It is a major ingredient in materials used for make-up, candles and moisturisers.

From late 1960s till today, Indonesia and Malaysia have overtaken Nigeria as the first and second world largest producer of palm oil respectively, with Indonesia alone producing 53% of the world output, which has lifted millions of people out poverty with well-paying jobs in the two countries. Nigeria consumes 6.7 million metric tonnes of crude palm oil but only has capacity to locally produce 4.7 million metric tonnes, with a shortfall of 2 million metric tonnes to be imported. From a leading exporter in the 1960s, although dominated by small-scale farmers which account for about 80% of production and large-scale production of 20%, Nigeria has become a net importer of palm oil! Between 2018 and 2020 alone and despite the government’s restriction policy on importation of the produce, Nigeria imported 1.2 million metric tonnes of crude palm oil valued at N368.8 billion and its importation has continued to increase steadily from 397,000, 400,000 and 420,000 in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively and the product is being imported mainly from South-East Asia – Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, despite increase in the price per tonne from $601 to $650. If it has maintained its leading exporting, Nigeria would have been generating $USD 20 billion annually and generated millions of good jobs for its teeming unemployed youths.

What is required to optimise our potential is simple. First, there must be a deliberate investment in the industry value chain and provision of easy access to land and capital; the outdated small-scale production should be eliminated to give way to large-scale, which will eliminate wastages during harvesting and production; replacing low-quality seedling with Tenera seedling variety that can be harvested after planting in 27 months with very good yields of between 20 to 30 metric tonnes of fruits per hectare in a year and the palm tree has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years and eliminating crude farming techniques to give way to expert farm managers.

In the previous edition on productivity, it was established that as ancient and conservative as our approach is, studies reveal that cow and cattle rearing and production generates $6.8 billion of the potential income of $20 billion annually, which is about 12% contribution to the Nigeria GDP. We have, however, refused to do the needful in terms of deliberate policy to embracing mechanised farming to boosting our economy, provide jobs for the teeming unemployed population and making Nigeria a better place for mass majority of the people.

As at now, oil money is grossly inadequate to move us forward. For instance, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s 2021 proposed budget before the National Assembly is N13.08tn.

At the current exchange rate, it is US$34bn.

Budget is expected income and expenditure.

It is balanced when outlays equal receipts. It is surplus when expected revenues are higher than expected expenditures and it is deficit when expenditures exceed revenues. Of the 2021 budget, total projected revenue from oil

Still On Productivity and non-oil sources is 55% - N7.89tn, while the deficit – N5.19tn will be borrowing and support from Central Bank. At the prevailing market rate, $USD 20 billion that could have been generated annually from exportation of crude palm oil alone is about N8tn which is more than projected revenue all sources in the 2021 proposed budget and almost double the entire Nigeria FG budget of 2014 which was N4.962tn.

Assuming that we give deserved attention to cow/cattle rearing and production also, it would have earned us another $20 billion. $20 billion from exportation of crude palm oil and another $20 billion from cow and cattle exportation automatically generate $40 billion annually which is far greater than $34bn (13.08tn), the entire Nigerian 2021 budget deficit, apart from propelling socio-economic development like massive employment and stabilising the economy and improving the value of our currency.

To demonstrate how infinitesimal the 2021 FG proposed budget is, let us make some as-

STRIKER

sumptions. Assuming, for instance, that the Nigeria Federal Government 2021 proposed budget ofN13.08tn, which is US$34bn at the current exchange rate, before the National Assembly is balanced (Note that there is deficit of N5.19tn) and equally assuming again that other two levels of government - state and local governments - will not go cap-in-hand to obtain allocation from FG and that there will not be stealing at all levels and that the two levels of government will generate same assumed balanced budget of N13.08tn, which is US$34bn, the total assumed balanced budget at the three levels will translate to US$34bn x 3 = $102bn or N39.24tn. In New York City Council, environmental Protection budget alone for 2021 is $89.3bn – almost equivalent of the assumed budget of FG, states and local governments! This is not New York City State. It is a Council like our Osogbo Council in the State of Osun. The sad and harsh conclusion is that if we subtract the deficit from the assumption, York City Council environmental Protection budget alone is greater and above FG budget

Page 7

“It is high time the government vigorously and sincerely paid attention to mechanised farming and productivity, and for the mass majority of the people to wake up and key in. Reliance on unearned income from oil and gas clearly doesn’t make sense any longer. It is either production or perdition, no middle ground” 3 times.

To make it clearer, let us come home. Let us assume the three levels of government budget for 2021 is US$34bn x 3 = $102bn or N39.24 (approximate it to N40tn for easier calculation). Let us assume again that there is no government, nobody steals from the fund, no infrastructure, no security, no education, no health, no salaries, et al, so that everybody should just get his/her own share and spend as he/she wishes, it will amount to N200, 000 per year per person; which equals N16, 000 per month per person, putting our population at 200 million people. What can this amount provide in a month for a person? Is it food, education, health, security, transportation etc? Instead of unsustainable borrowing to funding national budget, it is high time the government vigorously and sincerely paid attention to mechanised farming and productivity, and for the mass majority of the people to wake up and key in. Reliance on unearned income from oil and gas clearly doesn’t make sense any longer. It is either production or perdition, no middle ground.

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Good Governance Is A Mandate

G

OOD Governance has become a mantra in development discuss globally.

As complex as “book people” in management studies think the phrase is, for the common man it is a simple matter - good government.

Whereas experts say good governance has 8 characteristics, that “it is participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable, inclusive and follows the rule of law,” Pope Francis provides a far simpler way for finding out if a government is good or not.

He said “every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government must ask themselves two questions: ‘Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions, in order to choose the best path?’ If you don’t ask those questions, your governance will not be good.” Pope Francis, of course, implies not the mere asking of the questions but answering them positively!

Good governance is the premium dividend of democracy. Every other good thing we have penchant for listing follows - infrastructure, security, economic boom, e.t.c.

Newton Jibunoh says “The dividends of democracy are simply the benefits enjoyed by the masses who voted for the government in power.” It is expected to be “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Good governance by government, though

a constitutional duty, does not drop from heaven. It is the creation of good people.

When a person goes to the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) to withdraw money, he definitely expects it to give him or her back the money he or she has there. You do not kneel down to thank it for doing so. Only a faulty ATM machine will give you money when you don’t have a dime there. Likewise, when you see citizens and communities thanking government and rolling out the drums for providing them with borehole water or tarred road, there is a fault with the beneficiary and the benefactor!

The fault, in the case of Nigeria (and most of Africa) is simply understood. Government all over the world run on taxing the productivity of their people. When government governs with tax payer’s money, the payers are emboldened to tax government to govern well. Having all but abolished genuine Federalism in Nigeria, no thanks to donkey years of military rule, governments over the decades are no longer dependent on taxes from the people to “govern” nor interested in their productivity, relying almost entirely on rent from sales of crude oil, a naturally existing resource in Nigeria. They simply collect the monthly sale proceeds, allocate the biggest share to the Federal Government and share the rest to the States and Local Governments all of them believing it is nobody’s money but their own to freely dispense as they please.

The outcome is that whatever those who

“govern” do for the citizens from the money has to be followed with deep gratitude from the citizens.

By abandoning the exploration of all other resources (which are in abundance and the most important of which is human resource, the people themselves), productivity is at its lowest, accompanied by widespread suffering, hustling and criminality. How do you tax a citizenry whose productive potential and consequent earnings is at a woeful low, hardly sufficient for their survival?

Narendra Modi said “Good governance is not fire-fighting or crisis-management.

Instead of opting for ad-hoc solutions, the need of the hour is to tackle the root cause of the problem.” In our case, therefore, there is no escaping the return to genuine federalism and the full productive engagement of the people; if any and all our problems must be solved. Modi said “People power must be combined with good governance to bring about real, deep and lasting change. This combination can achieve almost everything from eliminating corruption to ending malnutrition and illiteracy.”

For now that it is a NO for Good Governance in Nigeria, the duty of all genuine democrats is clearly cut for them: without restructuring back to genuine federalism and the full productive engagement of the populace, all ad-hoc solutions and fire-brigade efforts are in vain - for all problems, from cost of bread to security of lives and property.

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

All correspondence to the Deputy Editor, ISMAEEL UTHMAN, Telephone: 0805-121-2204, usmanismail001@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.

Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefemder@yahoo.com