Osun Defender Online Version of February 18, 2022

Fear, Confusion Over APC Primary

•Osun Police Warn Political Parties Against Violence Ismaeel Uthman

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HERE is confussion over the modali es for the conduct of the governorship primary elec on of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun.

The primary is scheduled to hold tomorrow, Saturday, February 19.

But the Na onal Secretariat has not announced the commi ee that will conduct the primary as at the me (6:05pm) of filing this report yesterday.

The modali es for the conduct of the elec on is yet to be officially known few hours to the exercise.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representa ves, •Continued on page 2

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

VOL 17 NO 06

Cometh The Moment, Here Is The Man!

•A Compelling Reason For Adeoti To Fly The Progressive Flag

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HE need for a response to the abandoning of progressive governance in the State of Osun, drives the compelling logic to elect an uncompromising standard bearer of the pro-people tendency as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the primary elecon of the party, taking

place tomorrow.

Cometh that decisive moment tomorrow, in Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeo , Osun state has found the person who incontrover bly fits the bill.

His towering physique is emblema c of his gian sm in progressivism, as he dwarfs his closest rival by a wide margin.

The issues however go

•Born 27th February, 1953 •Educated At DC School Laito Iwo University Of Benin (1980-1984), B.Sc Business Administration •Political Activist, Representing The progressive Tendency From Iwo Local Govt Councillor In 1988 To Secretary To The Osun State Gov. 2010

beyond that of personality. There is the need for EQUITY as we strive for peaceful coexistence in the state. A perusal of the poli cal nexus since the restora on of democra c governance in 1999 points to the moral thrust as well as the poli cal impera ve to give the candidature of the APC to the Western Senatorial District. Equity is interwoven with the attainment of the progressive cause based on ‘life more abundant’ for the overwhelming majority of the people and their families and not just for the benefits of a privileged few.

Having made the case for the West Senatorial District, it is incontrover ble that Alhaji Adeo stands head and shoulders in his progressive commitment and administra ve acumen above all the others.

The commitment of Alhaji Adeo to the tradi•Continued on back page

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

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News

Fear, Confusion Over Osun APC Gov’ship Primary •Continued from page 2 Hon. Lasun Yussuff and former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeo are to par cipate in the primary elec on.

Members of the party have con nued to scout for informa on on the method to be used for the primary.

This is just as some residents of the state and members of the APC were nursing fear over possible violence that may greet the conduct of the primary.

According to the concerned residents and party members, it was obvious that the two fac ons of IleriOluwa and The Osun Progressives (TOP) would slug it out with each other in the primary.

They assumed that go-

•Cross section of invited students during this year edition of LIFE ESSENCE, convened by Ojuolape Odetola, held at Osun NUJ Press centre on Tuesday.

Photo: Shola Aderinto ing by the violence and series of poli cal a acks happening in the state, the primary elec on might be

bloody.

They called on security agents in the state to be on red alert to forestall

breakdown of law and order.

Speaking on the primary elec on, the Public-

ity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Abiodun Agboola, said there was no sign of readiness on the party

Osun Police Warn Political Parties Against Violence Yusuf Oketola

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HE Police in the State of Osun have warned all poli cal par es in the state to call

their gladiators to order and refrain from any act capable of disrup ng the peace of the state.

According to the Com-

missioner of Police, Mr Wale Olokode, the police will no tolerate any act of violence or misconduct that will result to break-

SINISTER PLOT TO SMEAR THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA

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UR attention has been drawn to a sinister plot by an array of one-man pseudo non-governmental organizations, hurriedly put together and plotted by the leadership of the State Government in Osun on Tuesday evening. Their agenda is to precipitate crisis, cause chaos in Osun and disrupt the APC governorship primary election they are poised to lose. They will then heap the blame on the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and call to question his integrity and leadership capacity.

We would not have ordinarily responded to this infantile antic but for well-meaning members of the public who may be worried about the resort to violence by well-known non-state actors sponsored by the current administration in the State of the Virtuous.

It is on record that on Monday whilst returning from a well-attended political sensitization rally in Ilesa, known hoodlums attacked the convoy of the Minister as he approached the popular Old Garage junction in Osogbo.

His convoy comprising of well-trained officers of the Department of State Security, The Nigeria Police Force (charged with protecting the minister) and other security personnel drawn from the Paramilitary services, professionally responded to the daring attackers who were armed with diverse sophisticated weapons.

Having failed to achieve their mission of killing the minister on Monday, the sponsors of the evil plot have now resorted to smearing his name, hoping to achieve through the back door, what they can’t get fairly on the field.

For the avoidance of doubt, the minister is aware of his constitutional role as a member of the governing cabinet, a leading light of the ruling All Progressives Congress and as the Minister of Interior, charged with providing security for the nation.

However, the Minister, just like other Nigerians, also has the democratic right of association as enshrined in our constitution. This, in our opinion, doesn’t deserve the murder of any Nigerian, talk-less of a serving minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The State Government of Osun in particular has mounted a campaign of calumny against the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) because they were providing security for some citizens in Osun while they hold meetings and warded off attacks against them.

But they were blackmailed in this same manner into withdrawing their protection, only for the group to be attacked afterwards by thugs loyal to the government.

The public should therefore discountenance the rent-a-crowd pseudo-NGOs. They are clearly misguided.

Signed SOLA FASURE, Media Adviser to the Minister of Interior

down of law and order in the state.

Olokode gave the warning yesterday at a peace mee ng with all poli cal par es in the state held at the police headquarters in Osogbo.

The Commissioner of Police, who was represented by his deputy, Val Kanayo, urged the par es to formally inform the command before embarking on procession, assemblies, campaign or rallies in order to make necessary security arrangement that would prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Olokode assured the par es of a level playing ground before, during and a er their primary elecons.

He said: “We are all aware that the governorship elec on in Osun will take place in July this year and poli cal par es have begun necessary and required prepara ons for the process.

“It is very important to state that poli cal acvi es, party primaries, consulta on visits, campaigns and other are legal so far they are within the confines of the Electoral Act and the Cons tu on of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I therefore wish to enjoin all poli cal par es and groups to play the game by the rules and allow themselves and their ac vi es

be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act.” “The idea of unnecessary blocking of roads during campaigns, rallies and processions without due process, a acking innocent ci zens unjustly, and assaul ng security men on duty will not be tolerated.

Anyone, irrespec ve of his status, who breaches public peace, would be punished according to the law.

“I want to urge the youth not to allow themselves to be used as poli cal thugs or as destruc ve agents. I equally advise the so-called poli cal thugs to, in their interest, vacate the state immediately as the command will not condone any act of indiscipline or allow anybody to truncate the peaceful atmosphere in the state.”

•CP Olokode

for the conduct of the primary elec on.

Agboola who belong to the Salinsile-led fac on of the APC, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, said: “I think the primary is gradually becoming a confusion. If care is not taken, it is going to be classified as a caricature.

“If the primary is coming up on Saturday, just like it is being speculated, I want to let you understand that as of now, no arrangement has been made for it. There is no solid arrangement. Up ll now, the commi ee that supposed to organise this primary is not yet in place and the primary is coming up in less than 48 hours.

So, we are gradually moving into a state of confusion.

“We had raised it in our pe on and we said it ini ally that this primary was fixed for March 5 but for some reasons best known to the Caretaker and Extraordinary Conven on Planning Commi ee, which Governor Oyetola is a member, they decided to bring it forward to February 19.

“You can see why there is no arrangement; because that was not the date the primary was supposed to take place. It supposed to be March 5.

So, everything is hurriedly put together, for what?

“We are going into primary elec on less than 48 hours and we do not even know if it is going to be direct or indirect, for God sake.

“Even if the primary is direct, as I speak today, we don’t have access to the party’s register. The party register is being kept in the government house. We have raised this and we have shouted in the past, up ll now, they have not released it. And that is the same party register they intend to use for Saturday primary elecon, if at all it is going to take place.

“The state of unpreparedness is real and it is be er that the CECPC should take a cri cal look to our complaints. This primary should be refixed to the ini al date of March 5.”

PEOPLE FIRST

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

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Review & Outlook

BY JAMES ASHIPA What Is At Stake Tomorrow

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HE primary elec on of the All Progressives Congress (APC) coming up tomorrow is of cri cal importance, and not just for party democracy. It presents an opportunity to redefine and strengthen the supremacy of the control of membership structure of the party and presents a clear opportunity for the alignment of a cri cal mass around the core philosophy, which has guided progressive thinking in the western part of Nigeria for over seventy years.

The APC must use tomorrows primary to je son the demeaning toga of a Special Purpose Vehicle.

It is not an SPV set up just for the purposes of winning elec ons and booty distribu on and sharing, it has a core philosophy of welfarism interpreted as the purpose of government is to provide for the benefit of the overwhelming majority and their families, and not just the enhancement of the comfort of a privileged few. This is at variance with the desires of apparatchiks, party hoppers and opportunists, but it is in alignment with the progressive core and tradi ons that were had worn.

The candidature of a dye-in-the-wool progressive for the post of governorship candidate of the APC is a very good oppor-

“The candidature of a dye-inthe-wool progressive for the post of governorship candidate of the APC is a very good opportunity for a restoration of the core values. This is why as a paper founded with the mission statement to “put the people first”, we are backing Alhaji Moshood Adeoti. He is indisputably the best man for the job” tunity for a restora on of the core values. This is why as a paper founded with the mission statement to “put the people first”, we are backing Alhaji Moshood Adeo . He is indisputably the best man for the job.

Through Adeo , the APC in the State of Osun will recover the momentum of balanced people - first government ac vism and socially beneficiary government programs and interven ons. The devia on from the progressive core in the past few years is unfortunate and this is the opportunity to repudiate and reverse a destruc ve stul fying break on sustainable development as the surest way of a aining “life more abundant”.

We pray for a peaceful ou ng and the respect of the wishes of a people who have always desired and fought for progressive democra c government.

The Audacity Of Corruption And Importation Of Adulterated Fuel Into Nigeria

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ECENTLY, the media was awash with the news of the importa on of over 100 million litres of adulterated fuel into Nigeria by those saddled with the responsibility to perform such func on as our refineries are in a state of disrepair despite the huge amount spent on subsidy, turn-around maintenance and the promises of modular refineries. It is odious that our only hope for local produc on in an oil producing country and leading OPEC member lies with the privately-owned Dangote refinery that is expected to take-off this year. This is not a surprise as most analysts have rightly concluded that Africa consumes what it does not produce and produces what it does not consume.

A major factor responsible for this bad behavior of adulterated fuel importa on is regulatory capture due to the audacity of corrup on that has become endemic because it has been allowed to fester like an untreated cancer from a state of benignity to malignity. Regulatory capture promotes corrup on as regulatory agencies get dominated by the interests they regulate and not by the general interest. It must be stressed that the issue of regulatory capture has become pervasive and systemic as ci zens are emboldened to perpetrate crime and unpatrio c acts due to the lack of sanc ons in most cases and low mo va on.

In Nigeria, one of the few regulatory agencies that seem to be doing its work effec vely is arguably the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) while others like Nigerian Communica ons Commission (NCC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) et al have to up their game. This phenomenon of regulatory capture is responsible for the disturbing ugly incidences of killing of students in the educa onal sector; prolifera on of expired drugs in the health sector; building collapses in the construc on sector; es mated billing in the power sector; selling substandard auto parts in the automobile sector; adultera ng and sales of expired foodstuff in the food sector; over-charging customers in the banking sector etc.

Since the news of the importa on of contaminated fuel became public, apart from naming Oando, MRS, Duke Oil and a consor um consis ng of Emadeb/Hyde/ AY Maikifi/Bri ania-U as those who imported such dirty fuel into Nigeria, nothing concrete has been done in the form of sanc oning iden fied culprits. Mr. President and Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces who is also the Minister of petroleum expressed his displeasure at the ugly incident and ordered a probe into the ma er.

The call for a probe into the incident is uninspiring as the outcome of such query is predictable, considering what happened to other probe reports like Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), End-SARS etc.

“There is the need to apply sanctions against those caught in corrupt dealings like those involved in importing adulterated fuel into the country. In line with this, we should strive to build strong anti-corruption institutions to handle cases of erring citizens in order to serve as deterrent to others as well as promote the autonomy of the judiciary to enable it dispense justice more effectively”

One obvious a ermath of the ugly incidence is the fuel queue it has caused in most loca ons like Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Osogbo et al and the slight hike in pump price as the few sta ons with fuel are taking advantage of the situa on to exploit Nigerians as well as the resurfacing of the black market with young boys hawking the scarce commodity in black and yellow coloured jerry cans of different sizes to desperate motorists. To make a further mockery of the situa on, instead of pu ng an effec ve mechanism in place to compensate consumers whose vehicles have been damaged by the foul fuel, the GMD of NNPC, Kyari through its subsidiary, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that replaced Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) a er the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act was reported to have said that the Corpora on needs N201bn worth of clean Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) to bring 170.25 million litres of adulterated product imported into the country to standard. This is laughable as the culprit wants to become the vic m, which is more outlandish than the por ng of “Saka” in that comic MTN advert!

In order to lessen the audacity of corrup on and make the country be er and safer for ci zens, we must listen to and heed the advice of Mr. President that “we must kill corrup on before corrup on will kill us”.

Also, there is the need to apply sanc ons against those caught in corrupt dealings like those involved in impor ng adulterated fuel into the country. In line with this, we should strive to build strong an -corrup on ins tu ons to handle cases of erring ci zens in order to serve as deterrent to others as well as promote the autonomy of the judiciary to enable it dispense jus ce more effec vely.

Furthermore, there should be a review of our reward system so as to mo vate ci zens be er and discourage such rampant bad behaviour in our country. For this to be achieved, the Na onal Orienta on Agency (NOA) Publisher – Moremi Publishing and other socializa on agents like House Ltd. schools, families, religious bodies, Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman the fourth estate of the realm have (0805-121-2204) to be more visible and ac ve in projec ng our core values.

Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa Last but not the least, people Reporter – Yusuf Oketola should be willing to take responsiReporter – Kazeem Badmus bility for their ac ons just as that Photo Journalist – Olushola Aderinto trending video on social media Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere of a Mongolian Minister who set OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing himself ablaze for failing to meet his promised target; though selfHouse Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Gbogan Road Osogbo, immola on may be extreme but people should learn to account for State of Osun their ac ons.

ISSN : 0794-8050 Telephone : 0805-121-2204 •Ashipa James Olashupo, Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php PhD Osogbo, Osun state e-mail : osundefender@yahoo.com 08056002757, 08129458475 osundefenderbank@gmail.com ashipaj@gmail.com, ashAll correspondence to the above email addresses. ipaj@yahoo.com

OSUN DEFENDER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

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News

APC Leader Denounces Relationship With Oyetola Yusuf Oketola

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leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owena, Oriade Local Government Area of the State, Alfa Mikhail Oyediran has refuted claim by the Governor Adegboyega Oyetola-led IleriOluwa fac on that he has dumped the camp of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Oyediran who spoke at the Ijesa North Federal Cons tuency tour of the Hon. Rasaq Salinsile led APC, held at Ijebu-Ijesa, State of Osun, on Monday, described the report as false, saying ‘only a bastard’ of Osogbo will dissociate his or herself with Aregbesola.

The APC leader who doubles as the Coordinator of Oranmiyan World Wide and leader of The Osun Progressives (TOP) in the local government, noted that Aregbesola liberated the people of Osun during his me as the governor.

He disclosed that it is true that some people from the Governor’s camp came to persuade him to work for Oyetola, but he did not accede to their request.

The APC leader said: “I’m an indigene of Osogbo but born in Owena. It is a bastard poli cian from Osogbo that will deny Aregbesola as his leader. I so much respect him, he is our leader and a poli cal mentor.

“He came to liberate the people of Osun and develop the state, especially the state capital during his regime as the governor. He worked wholeheartedly which earn him the confidence of the people.

“What happened was that some people from Oyetola camp came to persuade me, not that I invited them. They came to plead with me to join them but I didn’t give them any response.

“I asked them why the sudden visit; during the party congresses, I received a lot of blackmail from these people. There is someone from them called Agboge

•A

OSUN 2022 THE RACE & THE RUNNERS

I will Prioritise Youth Development If Elected - SDP Gov. Aspirant Kazeem Badmus

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•Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at Irewole/Isokan federal constituency tour, yesterday.

who happened to be his Personal Assistant, he lied against me and arrested me with police based on disagreement on the congress.

“On the day of the congress, I told them to follow the laid down guidelines which is elec on but they

told me they had agreed on consensus. They brought out names and announced them as the new excos of the party in Oriade.

“Thanks to all our leaders who stood behind us through the journey back then.

“So, they (the Governor’s

people) only came to plead with me but I didn’t agree to support them. No sort of mee ng happened between us. In fact, I s ll hold TOP mee ng on Sunday, go to the internet, you will see pictures of the mee ng. I’m not with Oyetola”.

Foundation Solicits Support For Family Of 15-year-old Girl Raped By Father In Osun Yusuf Oketola

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O N S U R AT Ajoke Foundaon (MAF), a Non Governmental Organisa on in the State of Osun, has called on well-meaning Nigerian to come to the aid of the family of a 15-yearold girl (name withheld) who was raped by his father two years ago in Ido-Osun.

The vic m, who was staying with his father, Kazeem Olapade with her 12-year-Old sister, Yusro Olapade, a er their parents got separated, was sexually mo-

lested by the father in early 2021.

However, the case was brought to the noce of MAF through which Olapade was arrested by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and was charged to court and later remanded in Ilesa Correc onal Centre.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the vic m and her sister have been living with their mother in Ejigbo a er the ugly incident two years ago.

But the two girls are no going to school, it was learnt.

The Coordinator of MAF, Ms Monsurat Ibrahim on February 13, 2022 alongside her team, visited the family in Ejigbo to know how they are faring.

According to Ibrahim, the vic m and her sister’s educa on is at jeopardy, saying they could not afford to go to any school.

She called on Private School owners who can be of help by admi ng the girls into the school and other individuals in various sectors to provide scholarship for the

girls.

This is just as Ibrahim said her foundaon plans to empower the mother of the vicm with an es mate of N200,000 to take care of her accommoda on and start a pe y trade.

She said: “The girls’ educa on is very paramount to us and it is something we cannot afford on our own. Private School owners can help us by admi ng these girls into their school.

Individuals in other sectors with a heart of gold can also help to provide scholarship for the girls.

“It is our plan to empower their mother with an es mate of N200,000. The es mate will take care of her accommoda on, get her a grinding machine and pe y trading.

“We at this juncture call on well meaning Nigerian home and abroad to come to the aid of this family to make it stands on its feet, integrate the girls back into the society, give them a life worth living and make them feel loved a er all they have been through”.

governorship aspirant under the umbrella of the Social Democra c Party (SDP) in the state of Osun, Arch. Goke Omigbodan has promised to prio se youth development if he becomes the governor of the state.

Omigbodan who is also the Deputy Chairman of the party in the state said Nigeria needs restructuring in order to a ain a global height.

He stated this in an exclusive interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday in Osogbo.

Omigbodan said if elected, his administra on will focus on channeling the energies, intelligence and knowledge of Osun youths towards ensuring a well boosted state economy.

He said: “I intend to run for the office of governor because there are so many gaps that are yet to be covered by those who have occupied the office before. There is none of them that has not made one impact or the other but what we need to do now has not yet been done.

“There are two cri cal areas I am most interested in and they are ‘ Youth development and restructuring. We must be able to channel the energies, intelligence and knowledge of our youth towards posi ve things, which will in turn boost our economy.

“Osun state should be the hub of ICT and businesses in Nigeria. Some of the importance of this are crime reduc on, youth engagement, employment and economic growth. We must know that the youth cons tutes the larger number of people that are in the society. Youth development is my number one priority.

•Omigbodan

Speaking on restructuring, Omigbodan said there is need for Nigeria to go back to when state government has control over what they generated internally.

“I am going out to do a campaign that will let the whole world know what restructuring is, to the extent that nobody that listen to me will say he doesn’t understand what restructuring is. That is why I tle my Campaign ‘Yoruba e Ronu’ (Yoruba think deeply).

“Restructuring is going back to the days of Awolowo when he used the money generated from cocoa to build Cocoa House in Ibadan because he was controlling cocoa money without being forced to do so.

“Whatever is go en from states should be spent in those states. Let us work together in the defence of the federal republic of Nigeria, but let each state be a true state within the federal republic”.

He added: “Osun people need a governor that is going to be a voice of the people and take us back to that me when there was resource control to the extent that Awolowo could build the tallest building in western Nigeria outside of Lagos.

“We must make sure there is true restructuring in Nigeria where different states and community will have control over their resources, will have the development of their domain on their hands by themselves, and will have the brain and the resources to do it”.

Omigbodan appealed to eligible voters not to sell their conscience for money, urging them to vote for the right candidate who will take Osun to a higher level.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

News N1m Protest Splits NAOSS Sodiq Yusuf

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RISIS has engulfed the Na onal Associa on of Osun State Students (NAOSS), following the alleged receipt of a sum of N1m from the State Government to protest against the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that some execu ves of NAOSS have been asking ques ons from the Naonal President of the associa on, Yusuf Agboola, on how he managed the N1m and why he did not disclose to them that he received money from the government for the protest.

It would be recalled that Agboola had on Tuesday led some students to the command headquarters of the NSCDC in Osogbo to protest the alleged shoo ng by its officers during the visit of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The NSCDC officers and other security aides of Aregbesola had repelled an a ack on him by poli cal hoodlums at Orisunmibare market, Osogbo, on Monday.

According to report, the gun-wielding poli cal hoodlums waylaid Aregbesola’s convoy and started shoo ng sporadically on sigh ng the Minister standing on his open roof vehicle and waiving at a mammoth crowd who were hailing and jubila ng at seeing their former governor.

Jubilant residents who were following Aregbesola scampered for safety to escape being hit by stray bullet.

A team of combined security opera ves from the NSCDC, Nigeria Immigra on Service and Department of State Security, who were among Aregbesola’s convoy, stepped down from the vehicles and started shoo ng in a bid to scare away the armed thugs.

For about twenty minutes, Old Garage Area was thrown into panic as traders and road users ran helter-skelter as a result of resounding gunshots from the thugs and security opera ves.

The development generated reac ons from members of the public who condemned the attack on the minister.

Few hours a er the a ack, the leadership of NAOSS issued a press release where it singled-out the NSCDC for condemnaon on the shootout. The student also lashed out at

•Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in a peaceful protest to the Police headquarters, Osogbo to register their displeasure against the alleged partisanship of the Commissioner of Police in the State on Wednesday.

Photo: Shola Aderinto

Aregbesola in the release.

But some execu ves of the student body, among who are the Vice President III, Kafayat Bakare and Na onal Treasurer, Taiwo Adedapo, dissociated themselves from the release, saying that it was irra onal and par san.

In a separate message sent to their colleagues, Bakare and Adedapo said: “Dear NAOSITES, please note, the release from the

NAOSS na onal headquarters as regard the issue between the immediate ex-governor and the incumbent is not a decision reached by all execu ve members of NAOSS. “Such release emanated from only some set of individuals in their selfish way of doing things. I remain commi ed to the general wellbeing of students and their interest shall always be my prior-

ity.

“I am never a part of irra onal, faulty and par san statement.”

However, the NAOSS president led some members of the associa on on a protest to the NSCDC headquarters in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The protest, according to a civil society group, Osun Concerned Ci zens (OCC), was sponsored by the state government.

According to the group, NAOSS leadership was procured to stage the protest by the government through a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, saying that the demonstra on against the NSCDC was poli cally mo vated.

The group in a press statement signed by its Public Rela ons Officer, Afeez Olakunle, said it was unfortunate that the state government is dragging

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students into the internal crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

It noted that the ac on of the students is nothing but a show of shame and display of condemnable par sanship.

The statement reads in part: “It is a shame that NAOSS, a supposed intellectual body of students, could sell itself so cheap to accept a sum of N1m from the state government to protest against the NSCDC in the state.

“There is no sincerity in the NAOSS protest. It was a show of shame. It is unfortunate that the state government is dragging students into the internal crisis rocking the APC.” But Agboola denied receiving money from the government for the protest, asking the group to prove its allega on by providing evidence.

Following the release of the OCC, OSUN DEFENDER gathered that some NOASS execu ves have waged war against the president, Agboola, asking him to account for the reported N1m.

The medium gathered that some ‘NAOSS stakeholders’ have stepped into the ma er to prevail on the aggrieved members in order not to make the issue a public ma er.

Sen. Adeleke Supporters Harass Oyinlola Over PDP Guber Primary Kazeem Badmus

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ORMER governor of the State of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was on Wednesday evening harassed by members of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) who are suppor ng the governorship aspira on of Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Oyinlola was harassed at a popular hotel in Osogbo where he went to meet members of the commi ee that will conduct the threedelegate per ward congress of the party, in prepara on for its governorship primary in the state.

OSUN DEFENDER gath-

•Oyinlola

ered that Adeleke’s supporters accused Oyinlola of not suppor ng their favourite, just as they suspected the former governor of attemp ng to compromise the congress commi ee in a bid to scheme out Adeleke.

In a video watched by the medium yesterday, Adeleke’s supporters were seeing booing Oyinlola and members of the committee.

The shout of ‘Demola lafe (we want Demola), ole, ole (thief, thief) rented the air as the PDP members con nued their harassment.

It was learnt that the commi ee could not con-

nue its mee ng because of the conduct of Adeleke’s supporters.

It would be recalled that the Na onal Secretariat of the PDP had on Monday announced the cons tu on of the Ward Congresses Electoral Commi ee for the purpose of elec ng 3-Man Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates to the Special State Congress.

Members of the Com-

mi ee are: Sen. Baba Tella, Chairman, Mukthar Shagari, Member, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Member, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Member and Barr.

Nellie Ikpi, Secretary, The congress which was scheduled to hold between Wednesday and Thursday in all the 332 wards of the state, could not hold because of the likely breakdown of law and order.

The Adeleke supporters also took to the streets yesterday to protest against Oyo State Governor, Engr.

Seyi Makinde, accusing him of destabilising the Osun PDP. According to the party members, Makinde has been unduly interfering in the Osun PDP affairs, warning him to steer clear of the state.

Ede Cult Killing: NANS, NAOSS Call For Arrest Of Rasheed Okoolu Yusuf Oketola

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HE Na onal Associa on of Nigerian Students (Zone D) and Na onal Associa on of Osun State Students (NAOS) have jointly called on the Osun Police Command to arrest Rasheed Okoolu, a notorious hoodlum in Ede, State of Osun.

Okoolu was said to be a prime suspect in the killing of a gradua ng student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Hassan Adedeji, last Wednesday, during a bloody clash between some thugs and members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC).

OSUN DEFENDER

gathered that the Okoolu’s gang has been terrorising Ede and its environ for a very long me.

However, NANS and NAOSS in a statement signed by their Coordinator and President, Comrade Stephen Tegbe and Yusuf Agboola respecvely, urged the police to intensify efforts in arres ng the killers of the student.

They condemned the killing of the innocent student, describing it as unfortunate.

The statement reads in part: “These known thugs have been orchestra ng incessant riot and a acks in the community

for long, it has only draw public a en on because a student life was lost.

Our reports reveal that the perpetrator of this evil act is a group led by one Rasheed Okoolu, who has been terrorising Ede and its environment for long.

“We express our condolences to the family of the deceased. We also charge students of Federal Polytechnic, Ede to be security conscious and stay out of trouble.

“In addendum, we frown at the way security agencies in the state are trea ng the ma er as it shows that it has go en out of hands.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

6

The Discourses

A Discussion With Kunle Adegoke (SAN) On Contemporary Constitutional Issues

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R. Kunle Adegoke, is a Notary Public and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who had his LLB and LLM Degrees from the presgious University of Lagos. He began legal prac ce with the dis nguished law firm of Olanihun Ajayi LP, sequel to which he went into private prac ce in a thriving partnership in the law firm of M. A. Banire & Associates. He is currently the Principal, Kunle Adegoke & Co. As a strong li gator whose services in elec on pe on and other areas of civil and criminal li ga on are well sought a er, he has acquired many laurels to his name as reflected in many law reports.

Kunle Adegoke is also a commercial law expert, a capital market solicitor, a tax consultant and a seasoned arbitrator. He is a good legal draughtsman whose services have benefited a number of private individuals, corporate bodies and government en es in Nigeria.

Mr. Adegoke is a prolific writer whose wri ngs have graced the pages of many Nigerian newspapers and legal journals. He is a prominent member of the Nigerian Bar Associa on, the Interna onal Sec on of the American Bar Associa on, the Interna onal Bar Associa on, and a Member of the Chartered Ins tute of Taxa on of Nigeria.

In this interview with OSUN DEFENDER, he explains why the Supreme Court nullified the Execuve Order 10 of President Muhammadu Buhari. Excerpt: Do you consider the recent Supreme Court decision on the president’s execu ve order by a split vote a setback for the clamour for a deeper federalism?

I believe the decision of the Supreme Court is a further entrenchment of federalism within the context of the Cons tu on of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The gist of the decision is that, the Federal Government cannot be responsible for financing capital projects of State Courts as the limits provided by the Cons tu on is for the recurrent expenditure of the state judiciary and the salaries of judges to be charged on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federa on without more.

The cons tu on does not say that the capital projects of the States Court shall be funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. By Sec on 162 of the

•Adegoke

cons tu on, the revenue accruable to the Federal Government shall go into the Federa on Account from where all the three ers of government shall receive their alloca ons. The salaries, remunera ons and emoluments of judges of all the courts created pursuant to Sec on 6 of the cons tu on shall be charged on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federa on. This is what the cons tu on says and does not impose on the Federal Government the duty to fund capital projects of the states’ courts established pursuant to Sec on 6 of the cons tu on.

This is the prayer of the plain ffs, the 36 states of the federa on, demanding that the capital projects of the states courts should be funded by the Federal Government, the defendant, and that all expenses incurred by the 36 States in funding capital projects of the states courts should be refunded by the Federal Government.

The Supreme Court interpreted the relevant provisions and came to the conclusion that the cons tu on only imposes responsibility on the Federal

News

Collective Effort Needed To Curb Menace Of Hard Drugs - NDLEA Kazeem Badmus

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HE Na onal Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), State of Osun Command, has called for collec ve efforts in curbing the growing influence of hard drugs in the society.

State Commandant of the NDLEA, Yomade Ogunbiyi, made the call recently when playing host to members of the Centre for Maintenance Culture Campaign (CEMAC), a civil society group advoca ng for usage and safekeeping of public proper es.

According to Ogunbiyi, the command is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to make sure the society is safe from those dealing in drugs and cannabis, adding that

members of the public must also do their parts in helping the agency.

The commandant, who was represented by the command’s Principal Staff Officer, Opera ons, Mr Nureni Olaniyi, admonished the group for seeing government properes has theirs, calling on parents to always watch the steps of their wards.

Olaniyi said: “I want to welcome you to this command and I want to say thank you for standing up against the vandalisa on of government properes by the hoodlums.

“Research has shown us that most of the government proper es being destroyed are done by hoodlums under the influence of hard drugs and canna-

bis.

“The command is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to ensure a safer environment and I want to promise you that we are going to do more in ensuring that those involved in this illicit act are brought to book.

“However, this is a collec ve responsibility. We cannot do it alone and we want residents of the state to see us as their friends and provide us with informa on about this bad people”.

In his words, the Coordinator of the group, Comr. Adewale Agunloye said those taking drugs are the ones vandalising government proper es, adding that the group has been educa ng

the populace on the need to safekeep public proper es in the communi es.

He added that the group visits to the command was to form a synergy and help in whatever way they can render an assistance.

“The society has become porous and inimical to development and progress in our dear state and the whole Nigeria; and this has impacted our mind nega vely.

“This group was registered and its chief purpose is to educate the general populace on the usage and safekeeping of public proper es in our various communi es. This can be achieved by having a different and well-tailored mindset towards our country”.

Government to fund capital projects of the Federal Courts, since the relevant provision only men oned recurrent expenditure of the states’ courts as part of the responsibili es for which the Consolidated Revenue Fund can be made a source of funding.

To that extent, the court found the Execu ve Order 10 signed by the President to be contrary to the cons tu on and hence illegal and same was nullified.

The decision cons tutes an advancement on deepening federalism within the context of the cons tu on of Nigeria. Whereas, the President might have a good inten on in signing Execu ve Order 10 into law, the road to hell is paved with good inten ons and to the extent that the said Execu ve Order 10 is inconsistent with the cons tu on, same is uncons tu onal, null and void.

I had canvassed arguments in favour of Execuve Order 10 in the past. This is due to the outrage fomented by the unfortunate prac ce by Governors to turn the judiciary into a begging ins tu on. It is by this prac ce that the Governors and previous occupants of the federal government offices destroyed the independence of the judiciary and succeeded in trumping rule of law. However, no ma er how well intended the President’s act may be, it is s ll subject to the cons tu on.

How op mis c are you that the Electoral Amendment Bill amendments sent back to the president will be signed into law? Do you project an acceptable atmosphere for the 2023 presiden al and general elec ons?

I believe that the Electoral Amendments Bill sent to Mr. President shall be signed into law. The area of major concern with the President, which is the prescrip on of direct primary as the only mode of conduc ng poli cal party primary elec ons, has been addressed by the Na onal Assembly which has included indirect method and consensus method as alterna ve methods of conduc ng primary elec ons.

I am not aware of any other issue to which the President is opposed or agitated about. I think and hope the President would sign same into law considering the paucity of me between now and the governorship elec ons in states like Eki , Osun and Anambra which are coming up in the next few months and the general elec ons which are less than a year from now.

Nigeria today has one of the most inequitable system of social and economic rela onships with the largest amount of poor people in the world, as a prac cing senior lawyer and a commi ed na onalist and progressive, in your opinion, what is to be done to reverse the trend?

The current state of Nigeria is disturbing, considering the amount of resources, both human and material, at our disposal. The cause of under-development in Nigeria is absence of good leadership. All other challenges beleaguering us can be traced to absence of good leadership which birthed, groomed and ins tu onalised corrup on in the system, deepened endemic poverty among the people, failure of effec ve and efficient planning towards sustainable development. This has made social and economic life of the people an unmi gated misery.

I believe the situa on can s ll be corrected. It is important the people should get their priority right poli cally if the situa on is going to change. It is important the leadership of the country is placed in the hands commi ed leaders who have consuming passion to serve. We must be ready to elect leaders who have the desire to birth a new country where our poten als can be realised. This we can do by ensuring par cipa on in the poli cal process through vo ng and monitoring our votes. A short cut should have been mass revolt capable of overthrowing the redundant ruling class lording it over our people but Nigerians seem to be too docile to midwife and execute a revolu on. The peaceful method of vo ng should be effec vely u lized. The masses must be conscien sed to realise that selling their votes for a meagre sum as is characteris c of the present scenario can never liberate them from poverty. They must be ready to reject the indecent prac ce of enthroning their enslavers in the name of tribalism, nepo sm, religious bigotry or immediate personal gra fica on. I believe where we are able to achieve this, the country shall a ain its place of greatness.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

7

News

FG Approves Oba Hills Forest Reserve As National Park Yusuf Oketola

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HE Federal Government has approved Oba Hills Forest Reserve in Iwo, State of Osun, as a na onal park.

Conservator General of the Federa on, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, disclosed this during a visit to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, in Osogbo, on Monday.

Goni revealed that the Federal Government has released the sum of N500m for the take-off of the 10 new na onal parks in Nigeria.

He called on the state government and host community to give their unalloyed support to the agency for the project to thrive.

In his remark, Governor Oyetola commended the FG for approving the Oba Hills Forest Reserve as a na onal park.

Oyetola noted that the development will improve the economy of the state and put the legendary Oba Hills Forest Reserve on the world map, and turn it to a tourist site.

The Governor therefore pledged his maximum coopera on with the Na onal Park Service for the smooth and effec ve take-off of the

project.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitaon in Osun, Engr. Solagbade Oladepo appreciated the efforts of the Conservator General and his team in the journey of upgrading Oba Hills Forest Reserve into a naonal park status.

Oladepo also appreciated the steering commi ee put in place

by Governor Oyetola to midwife and sensi se the immediate communi es of the forest reserve and prepare ground for its effec ve take-off.

He said Oba Hill Forest Reserve occupies 5,250 hectares of land with abundance of significant plant and animal species and five hills that have significant ecological importance which will surely help in the re-introduc on and adapta on of important animal species and other uniquely important features.

Oladepo charged the Na onal Park Service on the need to con nue to fully carry the state government along in the implementa on of the plans and programmes for the take-off and management of the new Oba Hills Na onal Park.

•Haleemah Bankole with other dignitaries during the launching of her book, ‘MY BODY MY TREASURE’ held at Ataoja School Of Science, Osogbo, recently.

I Begged Oyetola For Two Years To Stop Humiliating Me – Aregbesola •Urges APC Members To Vote Massively For Adeoti Sodiq Yusuf

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HE Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has disclosed that he begged the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola for two years to stop humilia ng him and destroying his legacy.

Aregbesola said it was surprising that Oyetola started to witch-hunt him immediately he got the mantle of leadership.

The minister spoke yesterday in Ikire at the Ayedaade/ Irewole/Isokan Federal Cons tuency mee ng of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mee ng to familiarise Alhaji

Moshood Adeo , a leading governorship aspirant with members of the party.

He said Oyetola deserved to be replaced because he has derailed from the progressive path.

The former governor of the state said: “There is no harm in replacing someone who is not doing well and not in tandem with progressive ideals. That is what we are working on and that is why we have come to you.

“I worked very hard to ensure Oyetola’s elec on. It was however a rude shock when he got into office and started a

grand witch-hunt against me.

We campaigned for Oyetola through thick and thin to make him Governor. It was however surprising to see how he was doing to me when he got to office.

“When he started doing it, I sent emissaries and started begging him. This went on for two years. I con nued to send emissaries to him to appeal to him. I also begged him too. I even told him not to like me at all, but not destroy my good works or personality. He did not heed to this.

He kept on with his witch-hunt.

“He said I did not support him to become Governor. I ap-

Mainline Churches Warn Political Gladiators Against Election Violence In Osun Yusuf Oketola

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HE Mainline Churches in Osogbo, has warned poli cal gladiators in the State of Osun to desist from violence ahead of the July 16, 2022 governorship elec on in the state.

The Mainline Churches include the Bishop of the PUBLICATION OF NAME OKE ADEBOLA OLUWASEUN That AJAYI ADEBOLA OLUWASEUN and OKE ADEBOLA OLUWASEUN are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as OKE ADEBOLA OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

SWSN (AMOTEKUN) and General public should take note.

USMAN MISTURA AJOKE That I was formerly known and addressed as USMAN MISTURA USMAN. With former Date of Birth 19/10/1995. Now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN MISTURA AJOKE. With the Correct Date of Birth 19/10/1996.

All former documents remain valid. UBA and general public should take note.

Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Osun, the Bishop of Osun Central Diocese of African Church and the President of the Bap st Conference respec vely.

In a communique jointly signed by Most Rev. John Oyejola, Rt Rev. Dr. Folusho Babatunji, Rev. James Bamidele and Rev. Dr. Paul Kolawole at the end of a press conference by the churches held on Monday at the Catholic Bishop’s House, Oke-Ayepe, Osogbo, the churches noted that it is the role of religious leaders to engage in curtailing electoral/poli cal violence and promote peace.

They noted that it is important that there must be protec on of lives and property of ci zens of the state which is a cardinal task of every responsible government.

The communique reads in part: “As heads of these Churches in Osun State, we iden fied the need to promote a social teachings and common understanding of the genesis and current state of these unfortunate

developments which have overwhelming implica ons on the lives and safety of ci zens and overheated the na on’s democracy, dividing Nigerians along those lines.

“For Osun State, which is presently preparing for her gubernatorial elec on come July 16, 2022, it is very important that there must be protec on of lives and property of ci zens of the State which is a cardinal task of every responsible government. It is the duty of the government to ensure that ci zens enjoy rela ve peace and are free from danger, risk, threat or harm, injury, or loss to personal and/or property before and a er the elec on.

“As religious leaders, there are various ways in which religious leaders can engage in curtailing electoral and poli cal violence and promo ng peace. These efforts can be engaged through more collabora ve intra- or inter-religious ini a ves which include peace messaging and support for free and fair elec ons on pulpits, advocate for peaceful elec ons through non-violent and in-

clusive discourse, religious sermons, civic educa on, debates and elec on monitoring.

“Religious leaders also played an important role – o en through larger groups – in facilita ng, civic educa on, candidate debates (including televised public debates) and elec on monitoring”.

The Chris ans leaders however, urged poli cal gladiators in Osun to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign before, during and a er the conduct of their primaries, just as the poli cians were warned not to cause chaos in the state ahead of the elec on.

They also warned the youth not to be used as a poli cal machinery during the elec on.

In its recommenda ons, the consor um recommends that: “Efforts should be made at promo ng dialogue towards ending conflicts in the state’s poli cal atmosphere.

A comprehensive approach involving the nego a on of poli cal solu ons must be ac vely pursued by all stakeholders including local

ini a ves on peace building efforts, de-radicaliza on and reconcilia on in respec ve communi es.

“That youth must be carefully engaged in this forthcoming elec on. They must not to be used as thugs.

Poli cal gladiators must desist from distribu on of arms and ammuni ons to these youth because the a ermath effect of this act will be disastrous at the end of the elecon.

“There is a weak collabora on between security agencies opera ng in the country. The Federal Government should facilitate a process of ensuring effec ve and efficient synergy between the various security agencies. The State Government must also play ac ve role in protec ng lives and properes of its ci zen which is her sole responsibility.

“A deliberate effort must be made in ensuring that Osun State remains peaceful and not to allow elec on to raise the tension in the state. Governance should not be put aside as a result of elec on as peace and security is determined by good governance. Osun must be in peace.”

pealed to him that he may not even like me, but he should not tarnish my image or destroy my legacies and that of our party, the true progressives in Osun poli cs. He did not listen. He was bent on destroying me and that’s what he has done.

“A er two years, I gathered all our genuine party leaders together with the sole aim of rescuing our party from these marauders. That is what we are here to do. We were the ones who sweat hard for the progress and success our party has achieved. We brought the former party Chairman, (Famodun) from the PDP. It is me to send them packing.”

Aregbesola noted that it is me to reject Oyetola and support Adeo , to be the next Governor of Osun.

He held that it is indeed me to restore Osun to the hands of true progressives which the party members must key into to entrench the dividends of democracy.

Members of the APC in the Federal Cons tuency had yesterday converged on Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local Government, to receive the train of Adeo ahead of Saturday’s primaries of the party in the State.

Led by Aregbesola, Osun APC Chairman, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, TOP Chairman, Reverend ‘Lowo Adebiyi among other dignitaries, the party leaders urged the party faithful in the area to come out in their thousands to ensure that Adeo emerges the party’s candidate on Saturday.

In his remarks, Adeo reechoed the need for party members to support his ambi on.

He promised to build on the legacies of the APC in Osun as enshrined in the ideals of good governance entrenched by the Aregbesola administraon in Osun from November 2010 to November 2018.

He urged party members not to be afraid but come out en-masse to make him the party’s candidate for the July 16, 2022 governorship elecon.

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022 VOL. 17 NO 06 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

News Sen. Adeleke Supporters Harass Oyinlola Over PDP Guber Primary Page 5

A

T the high level, poli cs has to do with ac vi es associated with the governance, especially within a party and between par es seeking mandate of the populace to rule. In this epoch, however, there are two types of poli cs – Conserva ve and Progressive. Conserva sm is a poli cal belief associated with right-wing poli cs. Conserva ves don’t want radical social change and modernisa on of society at large. If at all there would be any change, it should be brought about through a very slow process.

Theirs is business as usual and reten on of tradi on in society.

Conversely, Progressivism is a poli cal philosophy that embraces social reforms. It is a poli cal movement or party that aims to represent the interest of the ordinary people via modern ideas and innova ons that will improve the environment, social and economic condi on of life of the people. Progressives see poli cs as an opportunity to serve the people by implemen ng policies that will bring forth desired social change and modernisa on of the society. What makes progressive poli cs intriguing is its tradi onal cul va on of divergent opinions and ideas. A progressive party allows blocs and caucuses in its fold.

A progressive party educates its members through party school; it allows blocs to push their ideas on how the party could be more progressive or where the party tends to derail, these blocs will struggle with robust debates within the party with the objec ve to put it back on its track of progressive orienta on and ideals. In this process, there will be alignment and realignment of forces around developmental ideals with the ul mate agenda to for fy the party. This, perhaps, explains why it is said, “In poli cs, there is no permanent friend or enemy but permanent interest.” In this context, “per-

All Eyes On Osun APC manent interest” is not personal interest but interest of the party. Under this atmosphere, one’s yesterday friend could become one’s enemy today. This partly captures scenario playing out in Osun APC poli cs.

The Osun Progressives (TOP) is a caucus within Osun APC. The caucus, which is led by Aregbesola/Salinsile, felt its party –APC – has been infiltrated by aliens who have no single progressive orienta on and creden als; hence, the need to rescue it from the infiltrators. This is in line with the tradi on of a progressive party. Instead of trashing issues involved out through debates, canvass of ideas, and persuasions, the Oyetola/Famodun led fac on resorted to aliena on, in mida on and harassment of TOP. As against the tradion of recrui ng more members into its folds, Oyetola/Famodun led fac on relies on thugs to suppress TOP caucus agita ons and dispersal of its mee ngs by violence while TOP con nues to recruit at the grassroots. Meanwhile, violence is at all mes a sign of weakness and a perversion in progressive poli cs.

The a tude of Oyetola/Famodun led fac on is a confirma on of TOP caucus allega on that Osun APC has lost its progressive fervour and

needed redemp on and for fica on.

Osun APC gubernatorial direct primary to elect the candidate for 16th July, 2022 governorship elec on holds on Saturday, 19 February, 2022 in all the 332 Ward Colla on Centres, with three aspirants in the race. However, the contest will mainly be between Alhaji Moshood Adeo of Aregbesola/Salinsile fac on and Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Oyetola/Famodun facon. It will be a historic elec on. Members of the party are expected to troop out to vote their choice. This is where security and other stakeholders in electoral ma ers must wade in. This Saturday, APC direct primary should be a set standard for other poli cal par es to follow when having theirs, either direct or indirect. It is crucial that the primary elec on be free, fair and credible as it is the only window le for APC members to choose candidate who will be their flag-bearer in the July 16, 2022 governorship elec on in the state. Other factors like money, in mida on, rigging and manipulaon should not be allowed to play any role in the primary. Only the most popular candidate should emerge. If any other consid-

“It is crucial that the primary election be free, fair and credible as it is the only window left for APC members to choose candidate who will be their flag-bearer in the July 16, 2022 governorship election in the state” era on other than popularity determines who emerges candidate, it is a recipe for loss of July 16 governorship elec on and perhaps, ex nc on of the party in the state as nothing can be built on nothing. Every student has prepared for the examina on; we cannot and should not allow chea ng during examina on. Every APC member with his/her membership card should go to cast his/her ballot for a candidate of his/her choice.

Police, Civil Defence Corps, DSS and other allied security agents should not allow thuggery, violence and moni sa on in the primary. Materials for the conduct of the primary should be protected from snatchers. Any thug that tries to disrupt the primary elec on or inflict any injury on the members wan ng to vote should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with law of the land. If the security opera ves mess up the management of this primary, it will be a bad omen to other poli cal par es’ primaries and a bad insignia to the July 16 governorship elec ons in the state which is the forerunner to 2023 general elec ons.

Cometh The Moment, Here Is The Man! •Continued from page 1

onal progressive core of the Western region most no ceably associated with the venerable Chief Obafemi Awolowo is proven beyond doubt. He cut his teeth and received early exposure as a youthful organiser of Awolowo’s ideologically coherent Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). He has never for once out of expediency je soned the propeople tenor.

What Ajhaji Adeo weaves into a

“The role of a political party in a situation whereby a candidate has emerged from that party and was fortunate to be reelected and is now antagonising and rubbishing the legacy of his party is unacceptable”

cri cal mass which makes the case for his candidacy is a long period of i m m e rs i o n in the grassroots of the progressive movement.

He was not imposed from the top, he moved up through commitment, courage and involvement from the grassroots.

At no me has he wavered from this commitment.

The role of a poli cal party in a situa on whereby a candidate has emerge from that party and was fortunate to be elected and is now antagonising and rubbishing the legacy of his party. Such

person is not supposed to be elected.

In term of performance, we have seen the best of Oyetola and he has continued over and over to complain bitterly about the assets and liabilities his administration inherited. He even say many poli cal things about why he could not perform beyond his paltry achievements. Well, he has constructed a narrow bridge at Olaiya junc on in Osogbo where one was not needed but the 30 local government as a whole has no feel of him. The

people of Orolu Local Government, what can they say the government has done for them. Apart from the bridge and the road at Alekuwodo, what can the people of Osogbo say the governor has done for them that makes him worthy to be reelected? Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeo is somebody who is a grassroot poli cian to the core. He has been a councillor, local government chairman, the state party chairman, and secretary to the state government. Adeo has been playing his Poli cs in Osun, he knows where the shoes pinches. He knows the nooks and crannies of Osun. If you compare him with the current governor who from his eli st high horse was made the Chief of Staff, he has never be a grassroot poli cian. He is just deploying propaganda across all media.

Talking about poli cs in Osun, Adeo has seen it all, Adeo will now use his experience garnered from the UPN, Chief Bisi Akande’s administra on and the immediate past Aregbesola’s government. if you now combine his experience.

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.

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