Osun Defender Online Version of November 13, 2020

• Govt. Committed To Recruitment Of Pesonnel, Maintenance Of Buildings - Official

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020

2

News

#EndSARS: Osun Judicial Panel Of Inquiry Begins Sitting, Receives 5 Petitions

By Solomon Odeniyi

T

HE Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, Human Rights Violations and Related Extra Judicial Killings set up by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has begun sitting.

The panel had its first sitting yesterday to commence hearing on the various petitions and submissions brought before it by members of the public.

The panel began its hearing with five different petitions submitted by victims of police brutality and other human rights violations.

It will be recalled that Oyetola had on Thursday, October 22, 2020 inaugurated a 13-man panel with a mandate to unravel all matters related to police brutality, disbanded officers and men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), among other related cases.

According to Oyetola, the panel has six months to entertain and complete all the findings, investigations and cases filed before it.

Delivering his speech at the Council of Obas’ Chamber, Finance Building, Government Secretariat, Osogbo, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Akin Oladimeji (retired), said the panel had since its inauguration received five petitions and submissions from members of the public.

Oladimeji noted that the panel was fully prepared to deliver the statutory mandate conferred on it to ensure justice, fairness and equity in all the cases before it.

The retired High Court Judge, who said the mandate of the panel was to investigate the brutality of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) against some members of the public, said it would not act as a regular court of

Front Row: (R-L) Dr. David Adenekan, Director, Finance and Accounts, Nigeria Press Council, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, State Of Osun, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, Mr. Francis Nwosu, Executive Secretary, NPC, Mrs. Stella Jibrin, Director, Research and Documentation of the NPC and Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, Chairman Osun NUJ Council during the two days workshop for Journalists, held in Osogbo.

Photo: Olushola Aderinto

law where law is strictly applied to cases but rather, function as a factfinding panel.

He said: “This panel is not a regular court of law where law is strictly applied to cases but rather, a fact finding panel.

Therefore, it is the duty of every petitioner and in fact all parties who present petitions and de-

fence before this panel to bring all facts and evidence in support of their cases before the panel.

“We are neither prophets nor seers that can see what the ordinary eyes cannot perceive. Every petitioner who has suffered injury or loss wants damages or compensation to be paid to him. This panel is

Osun PDP Secretariat Building Sold To Adeleke University

By Ismaeel Uthman

T

HE Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State of Osun has been reportedly sold to Adeleke University, Ede. According to sources, the Secretariat, which is located directly opposite Biket junction, Jaye area, Osogbo, was sold at a sum of N80m around August this year.

The leadership of the party, led by the embattled Chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, is currently searching for a new place to hire for use as secretariat.

Adagunodo confirmed the selling of the secretariat when he hinted newsmen on Monday that the state office of the PDP had been sold.

He was unable to get into his office, as the building was locked when he went to resume in office last Friday.

Tongues, however, have been wagging on the sale of the PDP secretariat to Adeleke University.

Some of the PDP members who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday accused the Adeleke dynasty group of the party of an attempt to pocket the party.

One of the party members, Seyi Abolade, who is believed to be of Adagunodo group of the PDP, said: “It will not be out of place to think that the Adeleke dynasty through Adeleke University deliberately showed interest in buying our party secretariat

and offered intimidating amount of money to buy it.

“We know the owner of Adeleke University; we know his interference in our party. Some of us are of the view that he bought the secretariat to pocket the PDP in Osun, thinking that the party

might not be able to afford the money to rent or buy a building at a good location for secretariat again.

“They want the PDP to be theirs alone. They want us to come and beg for money for a new secretariat. That is how we see it.”

Symbol’s Quote

“We have chosen to build modern schools’ structures with expectation that our children can be given the hope of a better future and not just any school that lacks quality and durability”

empowered to make recommendations on award of such damages or compensation but we cannot do so unless you come and demonstrate to us how and where you sustained injury or loss.

“It is the fact and evidence that you place before us that we must use to assess the injury victims have suffered in the hands of SARS in each of the cases, and the damages claimed by the petitioners or any other parties as the case may be.

“These are the things that will assist us in our duties, so that we will not therefore appear to be awarding arbitrarily

low or high damages or compensation in the eye of the reasonable man”, he added.

Oladimeji urged the petitioners to be truthful and honest in whatever they bring before the panel, noting that the panel could only work on empirical facts.

He stated:”In presenting your cases before this panel, we urge the parties and their witnesses to be truthful and honest, as righteousness exalts not only the individual but also the nation and the world at large.

“We are your fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children and friends; do not be afraid to come and tell us your stories.

If you do not want to be heard in public, we shall make arrangements to hear you without the public.

“We are here to protect the interest of every party who has suffered injury in the hands of SARS, including the dead on whose behalf petitions were filed by their legal or personal representatives.

“We are prepared to visit locus in cuo, i.e. places of incidents including mortuaries, graves and graveyards or suspected ones, if need be.”

5 Other Communities Bid Farewell To Female Circumcision

F

IVE communities in Olorunda Local Government area of the State of Osun have publicly declared an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice.

The communities, which include Enikanoyun, Biirofagbemi, Atelewo, Ayekale and Otaefun, made the declaration yesterday at an event organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI), in collaboration with UNFPA Ministry of Health and State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

The event was attended by representatives of the communities and the United Nations Population Fund Focal Point Person on FGM in the State, Mrs. Aduke Obelawo.

While speaking, Obelawo reiterated that FGM is a dangerous practice and commended the communities for their commitment to abandon the practice.

Officials of the State Ministries of Health and Women and Children Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Adelowokan and Adewale Funmilola respectively said the communities were adequately sensitised on the dangers of FGM practice and that they willingly agreed to stop the practice.

AHI representative, Miss Abdulrasheed Nuriyah, said the objective of the exercise was to ensure total eradication of FGM practice and secure the future of the female children.

Continued on page 4

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020

3

ISSUES/POLICY

By

Established 2005

Ashipa James Olashupo

Editorial

The Position Of The South-West The Impact Of The #EndSARS Protests In South-West Nigeria

T

HE position of the acknowledged leaders of the South-West on recent events is laudable. The root causes of the crises need however, to be examined.

We, on our part, are in complete alignment with the demand that the economic assets of the South-West require special protection. In view of the enormous contributions of the region and its strategic role, there must also be compensation paid for the horrifying economic dislocation wrought.

A very important demand made is about the need to reconsider the position of the Federal Government on the closure of the country’s borders. The economic philosophy behind the closure has to be reexamined, not least because it has had a stultifying effect and definitely decreased output in some sectors, thereby affecting youth unemployment.

Border closures, unless we are in an autarky, can only be temporary.

The root causes of the raison d’etre for the closure must be rigorously examined and ameliorated during this temporary respite. Frankly, Nigeria’s trade facilitation processes are uncompetitive and have to be revamped; the enforcing agencies and mechanisms also need to be retooled. Without dealing “The economic philosophy bewith the root causes, we will be forever going round hind the closure has to be reexin circles, opening and closing borders and disrupting amined, not least because it has had a stultifying effect and defiinternational trade.

Finally, the leadership of nitely decreased output in some the South-West must appre- sectors, thereby affecting youth ciate that a declasse strata, a unemployment” “dangerous class” has been induced in the region. This class lacks the skills to subsist, let alone compete in a modern economy.

This dangerous trend must now be reversed by emphasizing, as never before, all-out investments in Human Capital Development. Overall, the leadership of the South-West is on the right path. Great attention must now be placed on details.

Asserting Rights, Privileges Conscionably

T

HE hallmarks of democratic governance include participation, representation, all-inclusion, the absolute reckoning with voices and minds of the people, knowing full well that power resides with the people. Being mindful of these, setting the ball rolling for getting the greatest benefits for the good of largest possible number of people becomes the target. Governance under Democracy is instituted to avoid anarchy. Hence, the rationale behind instituting law and order.

It is in consummate pursuance of the foregoing that rights and privileges are guaranteed and enshrined in the Constitution and other bodies of law. The central concept in this regard is the Rule of Law, which connotes supremacy of the law of the land, equality in rights and privileges and equality before the law.

But as sameness is not the order of the universe, equality is, most often, a concept in abstraction. What is attainable and achievable, in real context, is equity - one’s right is relative to those of others. Rights and privileges are wide, diverse and divergent to the extent that if all of us

act and exert all the time in ways pursuant only to prosecuting our rights, we are bound to infringe on the rights of others. This, as a matter of certainty, will give rise to anarchy, the same shoddy situation that government seeks to nip in the bud.

It is in the light of this that we sue for a more responsible citizenship - a citizenship that is conscious of and responsive to the rights of others. Even in prosecuting matters that uphold our rights, we should endeavour to appreciate and tolerate the rights of others, noting that theirs begin at the exact point where ours end.

Rights come attached with Obligations and Responsibilities.

No democratic order or culture could be firmly entrenched without according prominence and pride of place to the foregoing. All segments and strata of our populace require deep training and sensitisation in the arts and dynamics of democracy, so as not to plant wrong footing in the sands of democracy, especially when asserting our rights. We owe others some benefits of conscience.

T

HE #EndSARS ugly state of affairs in Nigeria has caused the country protest was a bolt to be labelled as the ‘Poverty Capital’ of the world. from the blue, as In fairness to those in authority, they reacted to the it was least expected to protests by giving their support to the demands of the happen when it did, con- protesters. Mr. President recognised the constitutional sidering the fact that the rights of the youths to protest while the Vice President country was still trying went further in his official twitter handle on the 16th to get back on its feet af- of October, 2020 to apologise to the youths for governter a prolonged COVID- ment’s slow pace at delivering good governance and 19 virus pandemic in- said that government could have acted faster to curb duced lockdown that had the excesses of the police. On his part, the Governor of plunged the Lagos State, country into a Babajide negative GDP “Painfully though, the steps being Sanwo-Olu, growth rate of taken currently by the government pleaded with minus 6.1% in the youths to the 2nd quar- which is freezing bank accounts calm down ter of 2020. The of identified leaders of the protests and await the protest, which response of started on the and seizing their travel documents government.

9th of October, may not be the right thing to do. He even took 2020, demandthe initial ed for the abo- Like they say, a stitch in time saves 5-point delition of the nine!” mand of the police Special protesters to Anti-Robbery Mr. President Squad (SARS) in Abuja for that was formed in 1992 implementation. Presently, most states have conto combat armed robbery, stituted investigation panels of inquiry to look into because of alleged police cases of police brutality and recommend appropriate brutality and harassment measures to avert a reoccurrence. of the youths. It is noteAlthough the protest became violent as it was worthy that the restive- later hijacked by hoodlums who caused loss of lives ness finally debunked the and destruction of public and private properties, the general impression that impact of the protest cannot be quantified in terms the Nigerian youths are of Naira and Kobo as no amount can be placed on lazy, unorganized and human life. The impact is more in the South-West, beuncoordinated, which cause Lagos is the commercial centre of Nigeria and gave the political class was the epicenter of the protest. the impetus to continue There is no gainsaying the fact that there were sowith their sojourn in bad cial, economic, security and environmental impacts of governance and open the protest in the South-West. On the social front, the display of arrogance, protest exposed the divisions in us as there were atwealth and opulence in tempts, especially on the social media, to give it ethnic the face of crippling and and tribal coloration. Different ethnic groups started debilitating poverty and issuing exit ultimatum to each other and there were penury amongst the ma- accusations and counter accusations as to the role jority of Nigerians. This played by each ethnic group against the other. There were social upheavals in major cities across the South-West from Lagos to Ilorin, Osogbo, Akure, Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd. Ado-Ekiti, and Abeokuta Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman (0805-121-2204) where there was free looting of warehouses suspected to be used in housProduction Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa ing COVID-19 palliatives.

Reporter – Solomon Odeniyi This act spread across maReporter – Yusuf Oketola jor towns and cities in NiReporter – Sodiq Yusuf geria from Abuja to Yola, Jalingo, Jos, Makurdi et Photo Journalist – Olushola Aderinto al. The pertinent question being asked is, why were Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere these palliatives not disOSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Lim- tributed during the lockited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, down?

OSUN DEFENDER

Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

All correspondence to the above mail address.

ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0805-121-2204 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, osundefenderbank@gmail.com

OSUN DEFENDER is not affiliated with any other newspaper, magazine or any publication whatsoever.

Read full article on www.osundefender.com Ashipa James Olashupo, Osogbo 08056002757, 08129458475 ashipaj@gmail.com, ashipaj@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020

4

News

FERMA Excludes Osun In 2021 Budget Proposal, As Hon. Salam Calls For Review

By Ismaeel Uthman

T

HE Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has excluded the State of Osun in its 2021 budget proposal contained in the national budget, which was recently presented to the National Assembly

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Osun did not have a single project allocation in all the 420 proposed projects by FERMA for the next year, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.

The implication is that Osun as a state would not benefit from any of the FERMA projects in 2021, if its budget is approved as presented.

However, the lawmaker representing Ede North/Ede South/ Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Salam, protested the exclusion of the State of Osun from the 2021 FERMA projects, saying that it amounted to sheer cheating.

The Managing Director of FERMA, Nurudeen Rafindadi, had appeared before the House of Representatives Committee supervising FERMA on Tuesday, when it was alleged that the agency’s budget had been mys-

teriously increased by N11bn.

There was a shouting match among members of the committee during the resumed hearing of the FERMA budget defence, forcing the session to an abrupt end.

Salam, a member of the committee, when contacted yesterday, confirmed protesting at the hearing over exclusion of Osun from FERMA projects list, while faulting being prevented from expressing his grievances at the meeting.

The lawmaker, who is a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun said: “The first thing that I noticed was that there was an attempt to rush the passage of the budget and prevent those of us who had observations from doing so.

“The larger part of it is that the constituency that I represent, Ede North/ Ede South/Egbedore/ Ejigbo Federal Constituency, does not have a single allocation of a project out of the 420 projects.

“Even the whole of the state where I come from, Osun State, which is represented by nine members in the House, does not have a single project allocated to it, out of a budget of N38.2bn proposed by FERMA. “I felt I should at least

Crime

have a right of audience but the person who was preventing that from happening is from Plateau State and I can see in this same budget, Plateau is getting about 18 projects.”

Salam added: “The National Assembly should be tired of being called a rubber stamp Assembly. We are not; we are not supposed to be. If a ministry, department or agency brings in a document, we should subject that document to thorough scrutiny.

We should scrutinise it with the eye of the law, and equity, fairness and justice. That is what the parliament should do, but that is what some

A

N 18-year-old boy, Kazeem Kamorudeen and seven other suspects have been remanded in Ile-Ife Correctional Centre for allegedly participating in the vandalisation of the palace of Akire of Ikire, Oba Ola-

Oba Talabi

tunde Falabi.

Kamorudeen was arraigned alongside Akeem Okeowo (30), Hammed Raifu (34), Lakin Oyetade (35), Saheed Okeowo (29), Ibrahim Musiliu (40), Ahmed Sunmonu (25) and Kolawole Opeyemi (23) before an Osogbo magistrate’s court on Monday.

They were slammed with a seven-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, burglary, unlawful assembly and damages.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects conspired and willfully and unlawfully broke and entered into the Akire

ship of Hon. Bamisile, will reconvene and address the concerns that I expressed.”

“The observation that I made was very simple: first is the fact that in the 2021 budget proposal analysis that I have before me, out of the 420 projects proposed, the South-West zone, which I am from, has the least allocation which is 48, and least allocation which is about N3 billion. That is just a part of it.

“The larger part of it is that the constituency that I represent, Ede North/ Ede South/Egbedore/ Ejigbo Federal Constituency, does not have a single allocation of project out of the 420 projects.

Even the whole of the state where I come from, Osun State, which is represented by nine members in the House, does not have a single projected allocated to it, out of a budget of N38.2bn proposed by FERMA.

Salam

Osun Fire Service Stations Overgrown With Weeds

By Solomon Odeniyi

S

OME of the Fire Service Stations built in all of the nine federal constituencies in the State of Osun have become overgrown with weeds.

The stations, which were commissioned in 2019 have also been without personnel, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.

Since their commissioning, the stations have remained unused, giving room for untidiness and

Teenager, 7 Others Remanded Over Vandalisation Of Akire Palace

By Yusuf Oketola

people are trying to resist, from what happened at this meeting. I think we should go back to look at this document and ask ourselves honestly: does this budget proposal by FERMA reflect the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and the budget which is supposed to bring even development to all parts of the country?

“To me, the answer is no. And if the answer is no, then we should go back to the drawing board. It is still a proposal; it is a bill before the National Assembly, which is subject to being tinkered with. I am expecting that the committee, under the chairman-

palace and damaged one Toyota Carina car with Registration Number AE 451 XXY, property of Oba Falabi and one Mazda car, which belongs to Chief Falana Muritala.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused persons and others at large committed the offence on October 26, 2020 at about 10:00am at Akire’s palace, Ikire.

Olusegun said the alleged offence contravened Sections 516, 414, 70, 451 and 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State 2002.

But the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against them.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Modupe Awodele, ordered that the suspects be remanded in Ile-Ife Correctional Centre, just as she transferred the case to Ikire Magistrate’s Court.

bushiness of the buildings.

OSUN DEFENDER visited the Ejigbo, Ilesa, Ila-Orangun, Ikirun, Erin-Osun and Ede fire stations yesterday and discovered that they had all been taken over by weeds.

The weeds surrounding Ejigbo station, which is situated opposite Unity High School in the town, had earlier been cleared early this year, likewise the Ila-Orangun and Ikirun stations at Stadium and Eko-Ende junctions respectively.

It could not be ascertained whether the bushy

5 Other Communities Bid Farewell To...

Continued from page 2

The communities signed commitment papers and received certificates of FGM abandonment.

Speaking on behalf of their Communities, the community leaders, Alhaji Fatai Adelu, Pastor Isaac Oloyede, Chief Afolabi Muritala and Alhaji Fatai Aremu declared that female circumcision had become an abomination in their various communities.

environments of Ilesa, Erin-Osun and Ede stations had anytime been cleared this year.

The immediate past administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola had constructed 11 fire stations in Ejigbo, Ilesa, IlaOrangun, Ikirun, ErinOsun, Ikire, Ipetu-Ijesa, Ede, Esa-Oke, Ife. But the fire station in Esa-Oke is yet to be completed as at the time of filing this report.

Some of the fire stations were commissioned

by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in August and December last year.

When contacted, the

Administrative Officer, Osun Fire Service, Mr. Fatai Aremu, said the agency had been responsible for the maintenance of the stations, noting that efforts are in top gear to deploy personnel to the new fire stations.

According to Aremu, there is need for electrification of the stations, which is part of the reasons why they have not been put to use.

“We are also working on the maintenance and recruitment of personnel and this current administration of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola is committed to that”, he said.

PUBLIC NOTICE FALEX FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.

TRUSTEES 1. DR. BABATUNDE FALEYE 2. MR. AYODELE OGUNJOBI 3. MR. ADEMOLA ADIGUN OBJECTIVES:1. Provision of Social, Educational and Economic Empowerment to the less-privileged in the society; 2. Complementing government efforts in providing opportunities for women and youths in the society; 3. Acquainting applicable beneficiaries with varied Government programs schemes and welfare measures and enlisting them into same; 4. Persistent sensitising and capacity building among the general public.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED Chairman - Dr. Babatunde Faleye Secretary - Yusuf Lateef

CHANGE OF NAME

MRS. ONADELE OLUWADAMILOLA ESTHER That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS FAPOHUNDA OLUWADAMILOLA ESTHER now wish to be

known and addressed as MRS. ONADELE OLUWADAMILOLA ESTHER.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

SOTUNDE OLUFUNKE DORCAS That I was formerly known and addressed as OLUWAFUNMIKE DORCAS SOTUNDE With former Date of Birth 3rd day of January, 1967, now wish to be known and addressed as SOTUNDE OLUFUNKE DORCAS, With correct date of Birth 3rd day of January, 1968. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020

5

News

Education, Health Lead Osun 2021 Budget Of Providence

By Ismaeel Uthman

E

DUCATION and Health sectors are to receive special attention in the coming year 2021 in the State of Osun.

The two sectors got substantial shares of the 2021 budget presented to the House of Assembly

by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Tuesday.

Christened Budget of Providence, Oyetola presented a sum of N109, 855,051,640.00 as 2021 appropriation bill.

A sum of N10, 711,328,430.00, representing 18.08 percent was allocated for education sector, while health sector received N10, 647,909,910.00 representing 17.98 percent of the budget.

This is even as the Governor unveiled a bumper plan of his administration for the youth segment of the state’s population, tagged ‘Youth Empowerment, Youth Engagement, Youth Entrepreneurship and Youth Education (4Es)’.

The Appropriation Bill puts recurrent expenditure at N50, 620,283,140.00, representing 46 percent, while capital expenditure was N59, 234,768,500.00 representing 54 percent.

A sum of N4, 271,461,870.00 (7.21%) was earmarked for infrastructure sector while Water and Sanitation sector got N4, 220,446,550.00.

Also, the sum of N3,404,734,560.00 was budgeted for Agriculture sector; N1,134,043,200.00 for Commerce and Industry; N1,515,122,570.00 for Governance and Administration; N173,035,800.00 for Economic Planning and Budget; N167,247,560.00 for Environment sector and N638,460,000.00 for Social Development and Welfare sector.

Presenting the 30th Annual Appropriation Bill before the members of the State House of Assembly, Governor Oyetola said the 2021 Draft Budget was crafted based on the State of Osun Development Plan (2019-

a

2028).

He said that the appropriation bill was also crafted in line with the Medium Term Sector Strategy (2021-2023); the administration’s manifesto; “Thank You Tour report” as well as the Citizens’ Needs Assessment carried out in the 30 Local Governments plus one Area Office of the state.

Oyetola called on the residents, regardless of status, to support the

government in its efforts to jerk up the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.

On his plans to provide jobs and good life for the citizens and the youth, Oyetola said, ”Despite the current economic situation, the Government will remain undaunted and resolute to provide sustainable livelihood and economic mainstay for the citizenry, most importantly, our teeming youth popula-

tion.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, said the legislative arm of government was impressed with performance index of the 2020 budget, which was 85.4 percent as at September ending, describing it as a laudable feat.

Owoeye maintained that the 2020 budget, tagged “Budget of Res-

LAUTECH: NUC Meets with Oyo, Osun Governments

By Solomon Odeniyi

T

HE Technical Committee set up by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to look into the dissolution of joint ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso on Monday met with governments of both Osun and Oyo states, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.

Although the proceedings of the meet-

ing were not revealed to newsmen, the medium learnt that it was on the LAUTECH joint ownership dissolution process.

It was also gathered that officials of the NUC would hold further deliberations with the states until a truce is reached.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the NUC team had earlier met with Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun) before it continued meeting with

Makinde members of the committee set up by the Governors.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof.

Abubakar Rasheed, had

Fashion

Trending Kaftan Outfit Ideas For Grooms-To-Be

W

EDDING is the most important event in everyone’s life. This is the reason women want to make it more special with their elegant attire.

Everyone wants to

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Usually, more attention is given to the bride’s gown than the

toration”, did not betray its nomenclature particularly during the COVID19 pandemic, adding that the government was also able to embark on numerous capital projects, fulfil its obligation and make life meaningful for the people.

He commended the administration for prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and the recent increase in workers’ salaries across the state.

groom’s outfit. But the groom’s wear for the day is equally important, and so much attention needs to be given to that too.

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Today, we want to get you inspired with all the stunning Kaftan outfits

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Oyetola during a visit to the institution, promised to wade into the lingering joint ownership crisis, with a view to finding a lasting solution.

Subsequently, a team was set up and has been holding series of meetings with representatives of the two states.

OSUN DEFENDER has exclusively reported that valuation of the properties of the institution in the two states had been done.

The medium also reported that the LAUTECH properties in Oyo were valued at N99bn, while those in Osun were put at N7bn.

CHANGE OF NAME

MR. ONADELE OLUSEGUN ABIMBADE

That I was formerly known and addressed as

MR. ONADELE OLUSEGUN ABIMADE now wish

to be known and addressed as MR. ONADELE OLUSEGUN ABIMBADE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKIBU SAIDAT MODUPEOLA That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS AGBABIAKA AISHA ADEOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ABDULAZEEZ AISHA ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEKUNLE SULIYAT JUMOKE

Source: pulse.ng

That OMOLOYE SULIYAT ADEFUNKE AND ADEKUNLE SULIYAT JUMOKE with former Date of Birth 06/09/1992 are the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE SULIYAT JUMOKE. With the new Date Date of Birth 05/01/1995. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020

6

Religion

As-salamalaekum warahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

AST Friday, we started discussion on Justice and what it entails in Islam. We emphasised that human being as a social animal cannot leave in an isolation. He must interact with others and in doing so, someone must be responsible for their affairs, such a leader should therefore know that he is accountable to both almighty Allah and those who

L

paper, they made sure it did not fall into the wrong hands, it is not a kind of budget which allows few individuals to feed fat at the expense of the masses. They all ruled over their subjects bearing in minds that injustice is detestable to Allah. The Prophet was reported to have said thus: ‘verily, each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock, so the leader who is placed over the people is a shepherd responsible for his flock….’.

The question now is whether our Muslim

JUMAT SERMON By Imaam Raji Musa Oladapo

put him in charge of their affairs. One of the key ingredients of good governance he needs therefore is ‘Adaala’, Justice. Here is the concluding part of our sermon.

From the conducts of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and his successors, their followers knew that it was their inalienable rights to demand for their dues from the rulers. It was on record that a number of Muslim leaders, after the Prophet (SAW) had one occasion or the other where they were challenged of wrongdoing or asked to give account of their stewardship.

The Prophet (SAW) as a role model did not discriminate in the dispensation of justice throughout his messenger-ship in the earth. For instance, in Madinah, He decided a case between a Muslim and a Jew in favour of the latter, not minding the possibility of any serious reaction on the part of the man adjudged guilty and his clan. Another instance was when the Prophet (SAW) told his only surviving child, FATIMAH, that he would carry out necessary punishment as prescribed by Islam if she dares commit an offence.

He made it clear to her that only her faith in God and her RIGHTEOUSNESS could secure her salvation and she was just like other believers.

Similarly, there are a lot of lessons we tend to learn from Umar b, khattab (the 2nd caliph), he was an ideal man and ruler, simplicity, devotion and impartiality were the guiding principle and spirit of his administration, he had a strictly simple and unostentatious life and left before the mankind the brilliant example

Justice : An Indispensable Tool For Good Governance (Part 2) of a very successful leader. Umar RAA regarded his office as a trust and was vigilant to the need of his subjects. He used to travel at night to listen and inquire into the needs and conditions of the people with a view of removing their sufferings and distress.

During his reign, Muhammad – the son of ‘Amrbn al ‘As, the governor of Egypt whipped an Egyptian unjustly, the Egyptian went to Madinah in order to lodge complaints with the caliph (‘Umar b, Khattab) who in return, summoned the Governor and his son to Madinah, when they appeared before him, the Khalifah gave a whip to the Egyptian and asked him to whip the child (Muhammad) of the governor in his presence.

Likewise, these leaders were not only known for returning rights of others to the original owners, they were equally known when it comes to equitable distribution of resources to all the nooks and crannies of where they governed.

Their budgetary provision was all encompassing as it was always take care of all segments of social strata. Such as, indigent students, youths, physically challenged people, pregnant women, nursing mother, elderly people and widows. This was not done on

leaders actually perform in line with all the cited examples and contexts. It is true that some of them would say the country is a secular one just on paper. Whenever they want to assume political office, they pick up a copy of the Quran to take the Oath of Office. But if religion is viewed as an outward show only, then piety, God-consciousness and uprightness as taught and stated above are viewed as inward show.

In conclusion, it has been observed that many Muslims are politically active just like other people, it has also been noted that many of them have failed us as a result of abandoning the teachings of Islam which would have brought good governance we are clamouring for. If they had fared well in these positions, many people might have even embraced Islam, courtesy of their performances. ‘Umar b. khattab was quoted to have said: “Invite people to Islam through your manner”. But many of them use Islam to secure position of authority and when they get there, they turn their back and pay lip services. It is hightime therefore, we looked inward to fish out those that we feel through their antecedent would represent us justly.

Our way of request in the paradise, in sha Allah shall be.

SubhaanakaAllahumo (Glory to you, Ya Allah).

By Imaam Raji Musa Oladapo (The Chief Imaam of TELEMU LAND).

Feature The kernel of individual/family existence and living is to inhabit well-befitting and decent houses and environments. It is to this cause that November 8, every year is devoted. Christened World Town Planning Day, or better put, World Urban Planning Day, NIYI OLASINDE beams searchlight on the significance and thrust of the day; and the 71st episode in particular, which was marked last Sunday.

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AN defines his habitat. Expressed in a more down-to-earth way, man’s environment defines him. Whichever way we look at it, the most sensible approach to it is that man, in his sojourn and thoroughfare through life deserves to dwell and operate in a clean, decent and luxuriant environment. The kind of housing or / and environment one dwells in will, to a large and reasonable extent, have remarkable impact and influence on his quality of life, his cope of life and all that his exertions on the planet-earth amounts to.

We have learnt a lot through the thick and thin of life. We keep on learning and we have seen, this year in particular, that the surroundings one domiciled in matters a lot! Through peace and health-filled times, to the periods of epidemics, endemics, pandemics and pestilence, more is clear-

ly brought out to justify the rationale behind the reasoning that the kernel of man’s life hinges on the quality of his home, his house and his environment.

This year, 2020, we have learnt through the recurring rounds of lockdown that it is essential, not only to have a habitat, but also that which is befitting, decent, comfortable, safe and secure; and which has wide tolerances for varieties of lifeensuring amenities and facilities. The concept of a home, house or habitat is fast transcending that of an ordinary place where people hibernate in a crowded fashion.

All through year 2020, more comes to the fore to emphasize that a home environment with guarantee for sure health and hygiene facilities, ample spaces for reasonable physical distancing, abundant spatial provisions for sufficient cross ventilation, luxuriant, lush presence of flora and

Cultivating, Sustaining High Living Standards fauna, well-patterned sewage outlets and drainages, appropriate wastedisposal modalities, presence in abundance of amenities and utilities like clean, potable water, power supply, good road network, telecommunications, toilets and conveniences, good transport facilities, safety and security facilities, varieties of essential services like banking, commerce, postal services and all the rest, are all essential vital ingredients to living a life of fullness and abundance.

Government, in the modern sense, and at all its tiers, exists primarily devoted to the fundamental constitutional responsibility and obligation of securing lives and properties and ensuring welfare and good living of all citizens. This being sacrosanct, the onus rests on government, first, to provide conducive and formidable atmosphere that is also congenial to befitting life and good living for all citizens.

Having borne the brunt and belled the cat, it becomes obligatory for responsible citizenship to respond by partnering and collaborating with the institutions of government to make living worthwhile within the

societal landscape.

It is to the noble cause of making safe, secure, decent and befitting accommodation affordable and available to all that the central concept behind World Town Planning Day focuses. At its inception slightly over seventy years ago, the annual celebration started as a one-shot, single-day event. It has, through the compulsion imposed by exigencies and challenges of development and complexities in human living, metamorphosed into a week-long yearly affair, in which, every day, a new aspect of urbanisation is marked and pondered upon. One particular in the line-up of days that make the entire week is known as “World Urbanism Day”, this, which is the widely renowned November 8.

The day is a special one, devoted to giving recognition to the ideal of community planning, which will bring professional planners and the general public together.

World Town Planning Day presents an opportunity to look at planning from a global perspective, an event which appeals to the conscience of citizens and public authorities in order to draw attention to the environ-

mental impact resulting from the development of cities and territories.

It is an opportunity to unite planners and celebrate planning around the globe. It is a day that brings together professional planners and the general community to explore how to shape the world into an ideal place that we can want to live and work in.

International Day of Urbanism came to life in the year 1949, pioneered

by Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera from the University of Buenos Aires, with the intent to advance public and professional interest in planning, both regionally and abroad. It was his motive to promote the role played by planners in creating livable conditions. As at present, the event is gaining popularity across the globe, With 30 countries across four continents observing World Urbanism Day. In the State of Osun, successive administrations have accorded pride of place to urbanisation and full development of livable conditions. It was in the spirit of this that the immediate past administration, under the able leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola put in place the evergreen and

effulgent Urban Renewal Programme, which had as its prime motive the development of cosmopolitan living conditions with necessary amenities in place within considerable s radius of city centres and hearts-of-towns in nine zonal headquarters of the state, comprising: Osogbo, Ikirun, Ila-Orangun, Ile-Ife and Ilesa. Others are Ejigbo, Ikire, Ede, and Iwo. The continuity administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola will do well to keep the torch of this progress aglow.

During a radio programme commemorating the event in the State of Osun on Sunday, the State Executive of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and other prominent members of the professional league, led by the State Chairman, Town Planner Oluwole Daramola, sensitised the populace and rallied support from residents on the overall and larger-than-life importance of upholding high ethics and ideals of good living and positive development , through proper planning of our environment and communities, so as to advance the cause of ensuring life abundant for all.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Sports

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Osun United Drop 15 Old Players Mallam Balarabe Musa: The End Of An Era Rauf Aregbesola, a standard bearer of the progressives in Nigeria As Screening Enters Next Stage Ogbeni pays tribute to one of the last of the

By Solomon Odeniyi

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O fewer than 15 players paraded last season by the Omoluabi giant, Osun United, have been dropped during the ongoing screening, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.

The team had opened camp earlier in the month to screen players for the 2020/2021 season, tentatively billed for December.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that over 200 players resumed camp for the screening, with many of them being dropped, among which were 15 of the 33 players who donned the Osun United jersey last season.

The final list is expected to be released at the end of the month.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that more old players could still be dropped, depending on their fitness with those on trial presently.

Some of those who have been shortlisted for the provisional squad include: Teenage Sensa-

tion, Abimbola Mojeed, Lanky striker, Akposire Naibe and the team’s captain, Hakeem Olalere.

Also included in the list are former Kano Pillars Defender, Seun Akinyemi, ex-Crown and Heartland left fullback, Aleem Adebayo, as well as Akilapa Olusola, Jerry Okon, Ajagbe Azeez, Dennis Meshark, Victor Okeji and Adelani Kareem.

Others are Francis Odudu, Mutiu Dauda, Lateef Nurudeen, Mojeed Yusuf, Lekan Oseolohun, Arinze Okoro and Baruwa Shamsudeen.

The Team Manager, Kabiru Adekunle, while addressing the players on behalf of the President and other management

committee members, said the final list is not yet out as rigorous screening continues to select best legs for the Omoluabi giants between the retained and the new players who came for trial.

He said: “I want to appreciate everyone for your undiluted loyalty and absolute dedication to the team. As obtains all over the world every season, we have to let go of some players and in our own case, it was very difficult for the Coaching Crew to select a few among you, who are also on probation before the final squad is unveiled later this month.

“For the lucky ones shortlisted, you are not there yet as rigorous screening continues to select the merited best who can withstand the pressure of the National League among the old and new players. For those who did not make the list, it doesn’t mean you are not good. In fact, we appreciate you and wish you best of luck in your careers.”

social democratic titans, who upheld the faith, Mallam Balarabe Musa who died on Wednesday.

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HE news of the passage of Mallam Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa caught me totally unaware. I was with the son, Kassim, until 20.00 hrs of Tuesday, November 10, 2020. There was no hint of sickness or death.

It is therefore, a huge shock and surprise that our leader and pillar in the struggle to build a just, humane and progressive society in Nigeria has returned to his maker; never again to be part of those patriotic efforts to make Nigeria very great and leader in the African renaissance.

Mallam Musa was a patriot, democrat, socialist, consummate defender of the poor, advocate of social and economic justice, promoter of human rights, liberty and dignity and, above all, a very good man. His passage at 84 is the end of an era.

He was a man of steely resolve on principles, yet soft to the core in relations with people.

He was one of the colourful politicians of the Second Republic. Though, he would go down in history as the first state governor to be impeached, he was insistent that the reason the opposition National Party of Nigeria (NPN) dominated legislature removed him from office was his plan to massively empower the masses through the establishment of micro and small enterprises.

His brief period as the governor of Kaduna State was remarkable in his commitment to the people in the im-

Campus

Students Decry Lack Of Shuttle In UNIOSUN

By Daniel Oyekanmi

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TUDENTS of the Osun State University, Osogbo campus have lamented the lack of shuttle to convey students to various lecture rooms from the main gate.

According to the students, there is no vehicle to convey them from the main gate to their various lecture rooms.

Some of the students who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said getting to their various lecture rooms from the main gate is always stressful, decrying the long distance between the gate and lecture rooms.

A 200 Level student, who simply gave her name as Bola, said she had developed knee and ankle pains as a result of trekking from the main gate down the campus.

According to Bola, a student of Community Health, the distance between the main gate to students’ various lecture halls is too long for them, pleading with the management of the university to provide shuttle buses or tricycles.

Bola said students would have been ex-

hausted before getting to their lecture rooms as a result of the walk from the main gate.

Another student who pleaded anonymity said: “It is a daily stress for us to trek from the main gate to the administrative blocks, lecture rooms and other parts of the campus.

“Before the second gate was closed, we made use of it because it was closer to the school.

Now, we are made to trek from the main gate to the various college complexes, engineering block and other places on campus. That is very strenuous for us.”

A student of Microbiology, who did not want his name in print, wondered why the school had no shuttle buses conveying students.

He said most times, the students feel sleepy and tired when they get

to their classes as a result of the walk from the main gate.

“Why would a university like ours not have shuttles within the school to convey students around, for God’s sake? Most times, I get to class sweating and tired and feeling sleepy, it is even worst at noon when the sun would have set. I think you know that kind of stress has a physiological effect on a person as well as learning.”

provement of their living and working conditions.

He will be well represented in the pantheons of the heroes of democracy for his brave and uncompromising stand on military disengagement and return of civil democratic rule, all through the period of military rule.

This was at great personal risk and discomfort.

He consistently spoke truth to power and was always on the side of the people at the most critical junctions in the history of the country. He wore his opposition epaulet with honour and dignity. He could not be compromised, intimidated or silenced.

He fought a good fight. He ran a good race. He won an invaluable and eternal position in the hearts of the masses and patriots for his priceless services to humanity.

We pray that Allah SWT will forgive his shortcomings and grant him a beautiful abode in Aljannah Fridaous.

Aamin.

FEDPOLY, Offa Students Decry Delay In Results

By Idris Kareem

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D II students of Estate Management and Valuation in the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, who are on PartTime programme have raised concern over their inability to access results of two-semester examinations, as they prepare to write another in December.

The students also complained that the re-

FEDPOLY, Ede SUG Reopens School Gates After 8 Days

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By Jimoh Naheem and Sodiq Akinrinade

HE Students’ Union Government of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede late Wednesday reopened the shut school gates after eight days of being under lock and key.

The President of the SUG, Ajibade Quazeem, said the decision was taken to give the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the management room to resolve their differences and resume academic activities.

Quazeem gave an ultimatum of November

16 for ASUP and management to resolve their differences, vowing that failure to commence lectures would lead to mother of protests on the campus.

He said: “In our bid to support and restore peace and normalcy on campus, we have decided to reopen the gates to the institution and allow vehicular movement to and fro the campus, so

that the management and lecturers can have room and avenue to dialogue and discuss.

“We don’t want them to use the closure of gates as excuse. Therefore, we are opening gates for them to resolve their matters between now and Sunday.

“However we are giving the management and lecturers an ultimatum of Monday, 16th of November, 2020 to call for resumption of academic activities, or else there will be mother of all protests. And we can’t predict the outcome of the protest.

sults have not been uploaded on the school portal since they completed the second-semester ND I 2018/19 academic session in August 2019, and the first-semester result of ND II (2019/20) academic session.

They attributed the problem to negligence on the part of the authorities of the institution.

One of the students of the department who spoke in confidence said: “My parents have been asking for my results since I showed them my First Semester result of ND I. We are about to start another examination in December and the whole class have not seen results for two semesters.

“We have complained to the HOD and the Exam. Officer. Our Exam. Officer has been on academic leave since the beginning of this academic session. I think the department is not doing anything on the issue.”

The Institution’s spokesperson, Olayinka Iroye, while speaking with newsmen said the issue was peculiar, adding that the school management will call the HOD of the department to discuss the challenge.

Students Decry Lack Of Shuttle In UNIOSUN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020 www.osundefer.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com ISSN: 0794-8050

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NITED States of America (U.S.) operates a multi-party system with independent candidature.

However, Democratic and Republican parties are the most powerful. Some other parties include: Green, Natural Law, Reform, Liberation, Socialist parties, among others. There had been third party candidates who had won one or more states like George Wallace of the American Independent Party in 1968 and Rose Perot who ran as independent and as the standard bearer of the Reform Party in 1992 and 1996 respectively.

A man or woman of any race/religion could be a U.S. President, but he/ she must be at least 35 years old and must be born in the U.S. and must have lived there for at least 14 years. He/She can however, not rule more than two terms of eight years. An exception was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected for a special third term and inaugurated on 20 January 1941. His death on 12, April 1945 from a massive cerebral haemorrhage (stroke) ended the term. He is the one and only U.S. President to have served more than two terms in office.

In the U.S. presidential election, Americans vote for candidates called “electors” in their states who are supporting the candidate they want to become president. This process is called Electoral College (EC). The EC was an indigenous instrument created by the U.S. constitution framers to make it difficult for any presidential candidate supported by sectional votes emerging president. Its essence is to ensure that the entire country has fair say in choosing a national president. EC is designed to prevent the tyranny of the majority. It encourages coalition building and discourages voter fraud.

There are 538 electors; 435 of them are from the House of Representatives.

At this level, it is instructive to note that population census is a function of number of electors per state. For instance, California with 38.8 million people has 55 electors while Delaware with 936,000 people has three electors.

In U.S presidential election, each state is free to decide the method with which it chooses its electors to the EC. With the exception of Maine and Nebraska, every state adopts winner-takes-all system where a candidate wins all the EC votes having pulled the most popular votes; reason being that the candidate would look at the interest of the states with the most electoral votes. One hundred is for the senators which imply two per state and three from the District of Columbia. By the Constitution, no federal official is allowed to become an elector.

“Ahighest candidate with the popular votes

may not necessarily become President, as he is not chosen directly by the popular voters but by the EC. On five occasions, EC has chosen presidents who did not win the most popular votes - in the election of 1800, 1824, 1876, 2000 and 2016

By Ademola Yaya

Understanding The Long Race To The Whitehouse There are safe states assumed to be a base of support to draw sufficient share of EC votes by each party.

It, therefore, concentrates less campaign time and resource to assured or lost states. It, instead, concentrates on states known as Swing States also known as battleground states that could be won by either Democratic or Republican presidential candidate. Because of the EC system, the candidates will target Swing States that have sufficient electoral votes as that is what will count at the end of the day. Swing States are, however, not automatic.

They are determined by public opinion polling, projection based on previous election results, political trend.

Therefore, swing states in 2020 may change to assured or lost states in 2024.

U.S. presidential election has two stages. Popular Votes to elect electors takes place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November (3rd of November) while the electors vote on first Monday following second Wednesday in December (14th December) for the candidate with

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most popular votes from the public.

This is what gave birth to the magic 270 number. Since 269 plus 269 is 538 which is the totality of EC votes, any candidate with the magic number automatically wins the race to Whitehouse.

Should no candidate get 270, the new House and Senate will vote to determine the President and Vice President respectively. In this instance, assuming Biden and Trump could not attain the 270 magic number, the newly elected 117th Congress “electors” will be sworn in on 3rd January, 2021 and that will be its responsibility to elect. In case of a tie, the responsibility of selection of the winning candidate falls on the House of Representatives. In this instance, it is not every member that votes - each state has one vote. Where a state has more than one representative, they will nominate who will vote on behalf of their state. Here, the magic number is 26, as the entire vote is 50, based on the number of states - 50.

Although, both occurred before 270 magic number requirement, there had been two cases of EC tie in U.S. The first

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was on February 17, 1801 between Thomas Jefferson of Democratic-Republican Party and Aaron Burr of Federalist Party in a 73-73 tie when the House eventually gave a win to Jefferson which resolved a serious constitutional crisis.

Another was in 1936 between Franklin D. Roosevelt of Democratic Party and Alf Landon of Republican Party, where Roosevelt won by electoral landslide.

By 14 December, the 538 electors will speak via their votes but their voice is loud and clear to the deaf in view of the already known popular votes as electors will tow the pattern of popular votes from their states. It is even a crime to do otherwise in some states, with the exception of Maine and Nebraska. However, a candidate with the highest popular votes may not necessarily become President, as he is not chosen directly by the popular voters but by the EC. On five occasions, EC has chosen presidents who did not win the most popular votes - in the election of 1800, 1824, 1876, 2000 and 2016.

By 20th January, 2021, the President-elect will be sworn in. The day is Wednesday. Assuming it falls on Sunday, it will be done the following day.

Every estimate is an indicator to Democratic candidate, Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris as the winner of 2020 election as the President and Vice President-elects.

U.S democracy has weathered many storms and has been nurtured and grown for over 240 years. Everything is programmed and calculated for the race to Whitehouse. Although, Mr. President is the C-in-C, when it comes to the survival of the system, institutions will work for the people and the country.

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HERE is the urgent need to build an “army” for democracy. Anyone who had experienced the rule of force in any form will agree with what is usually said that “the worst democracy is better than the best dictatorship.”

Democracy is simply the best form for all kinds of conflict resolution, as it adequately provides mechanism for consensus building as well as healthy rivalry for the triumph of the position of the majority. Burdened with the hangover of hundreds of years of monarchy, colonialism and brutal military dictatorship, the common people and the elites have a penchant for dictatorship, strong-arm tactics and even naked use of force in resolving social issues. Many in positions of authorities (within the family, association, clubs, societies, schools, trade institutions, government, etc) are disposed to lording it over the majority and having their way without recourse to debates, consultations, negotiations or voting.

Every faith needs strong and committed disciples and we are right now at a critical time when all those who genuinely believe in Democracy must come together across all divides, political, religious, ethnic and so on, to work fervently towards building acceptance of democracy (democratic consciousness) and commitment to it in the minds of majority in our society. Already, there exists a platform for inter-party cooperation in Nigeria - the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP). One of its many objec-

Votaries Of Democracy tives, ordinarily, should be to work for everything that promotes and protects democracy and its institutions as well as work against all forces and dictatorial processes that undermine democracy, irrespective of party affiliations.

It is high time politically active citizens across the country, especially the youths, came together as non-partisan Sentinels of Democracy, irrespective of their affiliations. There are 774 local government areas in Nigeria and the journey to 774 begins with 1. One single individual in one local government area, who is deeply committed to democratic ideal is sufficient to start a movement that might save the democratic day in a Nigeria which today is confronted with telling challenges not only to democracy but its survival, on account of deep-seated, consuming crises everywhere - the economy, polity, security, etc, on account of the activities of antidemocratic forces everywhere you look.

Every structure of society and all humans within it exist in the mentioned 774 local government areas the market, the palaces, the worship centres, military bases, universities etc are all situated in one or the other local government area. The duty of committed defenders of democracy, when they find and assemble themselves, is

to clarify their ideas and firm up their methods, and reach out to all wellmeaning citizens within their LGAs as to convince them not only to buy into and adopt the democratic ideals but be as well committed to defending it at all times, across every divide. We need democracy first before there can be either politics or democratic government.

To appreciate what happens when democracy is pulled down by cumulative anti-democratic actions, policies and forces, all you need do is Google and study SYRIA. There are many more such examples, where devotees of the democratic ideals slept off or lost track and are sucked into the cesspool as the country slides off into anarchy, and untold loses in human and material terms. To recover, even into the former poor and sorry state of things will take survivors decades of rebuilding, if not hundreds of years! The solution to bad democratic government is not “EndGovernment,” or “No Government!”

It is said that the best time to grow a tree was 20 years ago but the next best time to do it is today! “Time is always right to do the right thing,” said Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr, and there is no better time for every believer that is committed to democracy to come together than NOW. The task at hand is clear: there must be democracy first before there can be any political ambition - protecting democracy from dying in the hands of bad governance and anti-democratic forces are a primal, more urgent and noble devotion.

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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, usmanismail@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.

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