Osun defender, october 16, 2016 edition by Osun Defender Newspaper

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Front Page Comment

VOL. 11. NO.099

Death For Kidnappers; What About Corrupt Public Officials

"Intensely selfish people are always very decided as to what they wish. They do not waste thier energies in considering the good of others". Ouida Wanda. This opening quote is

apt in describing our legislators at the National Assembly especially the Senate - now being widely referred to as 'legislooters' - due to their selfishness and corrupt tendencies. While

we see the Senate's endorsement of death penalty for kidnappers as a welcome development, we frown at her silence on

what punishment should be appropriate for corrupt leaders especially as it affects the members of the National Assembly.

N100

The silence is bothersome keep mum about corrupsince it smacks of hypoc- tion of which she (the Narisy and double standards. tional Assembly) is the worst culprit? Why on earth should the Senate okay death penalty for kidnappers only to Continued on page 5

Osun PPP Bill Awaits Final Passage

- Pg 3

Monarch, Farmers Laud Aregbesola’s Agric Initiatives

•As Governor Defies Heavy Rain To Visit Farm Lands

- See Story On Page 2

•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd left); former Governor of Osun, Chief Bisi Akande (2nd left); Archbishop, Metrpolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend (Dr) Nicholas Okoh (1st right); Archbishop, Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. (Dr) Segun Okubadejo (2nd right); former Governor of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, (4thleft); his wife, Omolola (3rd right); Osun Deputy Governor Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (right) during the official commissioning of a block of 10 classrooms with offices built by The Diocese Of Osun North East, Anglican Communion in honour of chief Bisi Akande, at Anglican Village, Diocesan Headquarters, Otan-Ayegbaju, State Of Osun, last Wednesday.

27,000 Osun Indigenes To Benefit From National Cash Transfer Social Safety Net Programme:

- Pg 4

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

News

Monarch, Farmers Laud Aregbesola’s Agric Initiatives •As Governor Defies Heavy Rain To Visit Farm Lands

prominent traditional ruler, the Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Adesola Fadipe and farmers, have commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun on his quick agricultural intervention aimed at making agriculture more attractive to young hosting the governor at ones. They said, the state a special meeting government through its tagged ‘Governor’s With farmer-friendly policies Interaction and programmes, had Farmers’, at Okomaje, Otancreated enabling Oja-Oko, environment for Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government farmers to thrive. The monarch and Area of the state. Despite heavy rain, farmers applauded Aregbesola while the governor and his

entourage which include the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye and; former Commissioner for Information, Mr Sunday Akere trekked approximately three kilometers of narrow paths to meet the farmers at their farm lands. The venue of interaction with the

farmers has no shed which allowed the down pour for about an hour to soak the entourage and the farmers to the teeth. Governor Aregbesola during the interaction described the sudden rain as part of the unpredicted challenges facing the farmers. No accessible motor road to the farm lands which is about 30 minutes trek to the main road and the

•Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo received the released 21 Chibok girls in Abuja last Thursday.

Osun Committed To Functional Education, Teachers’ Development By ISMAEEL UTHMAN HE Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare, has reiterated the commitment of Governor Rauf Aregbesola to promoted functional education and capacity-building for teachers to have standard content in public schools. High School and other Omoworare noted project sites in Osogbo. that Aregbesola is Omoworare said: “In performing very well in terms of building of the area of schools and other infrastructural infrastructures, development and Aregbesola has building of schools p e r f o r m e d specifically, maintaining wonderfully. He has that there is no state in raised the bar of the South-West that governance in that could match the aspect. I think we have infrastructural growth to acknowledge the under Aregbesola. spate of educational According to i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l Omoworare, while development. Aregbesola is building “The governor is standard mega-schools, equally trying his best the governor is equally on the ‘content’ of enhancing capacity- education in the state. building for the It is one thing to have teachers to make them infrastructure of competent, comfortable international standard, and encourage to it is another thing to impact knowledge on have good content in the school pupils and the schools. Aregbesola is persistently working children. He stated this on the content, which recently during his visit revolved around the to Oba Adesoji teachers. “Aregbesola is Aderemi road, Fakunle

enhancing capacitybuilding, training and workshops for the teachers. The teachers need to refresh their knowledge and update their certificates. The governor is so passionate about education and he is dispensing resources to ensure functional education and good welfare package for the teachers. “Teachers are essential and indispensable segment of education. They have to be encouraged, supported, trained and retrained, made comfortable and enhanced to ensure quality and good delivery of knowledge on the school children. The governor has been doing this and he will continue doing it until he is satisfied with the content in the public schools.” Speaking on the importance of infrastructural d e v e l o p m e n t , Omoworare stated that

the economy of a state is tied to infrastructure, noting that countries with stable and developed economy attained the stage through massive infrastructural projects. O m o w o r a r e maintained that Aregbesola has opened up the economy of the state with the construction of roads in every nook and cranny of the state, saying such project would, in no distant time, boost the economy. The senator submitted that the spate of infrastructural development in the state under A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration is unprecedented.

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI governor with his farmers, Aregbesola jungle boot inspected applauded them for the farm lands inside feeding and building the rain to examine the the nation through what performance of the they chose as career. farmers and their Aregbesola said, his farms. government has In his remark, Oba prioritized agriculture Fadipe described with a view to turning agriculture as an the state to food basket indispensable panacea of the nation. to crude oil, adding He said, as part of his that the impact of the administration’s sixstate in building a point integral action productive, workable plan deliberately and effective designed to banish agricultural system has hunger and increase been largely felt by all food production, he farmers. has initiated several He said, Aregbesola interventions to has greatly supported develop agriculture. farmers in the state, The governor held saying his that the current contributions have, administration under over the years, made his watch has supported farmer-worthy in the the farmers and rural society. dwellers with basic Commending the infrastructure and loan state on its timely facilities to improve provision of farming business. agricultural incentives, Aregbesola who loans and other needs lamented the state of to farmers across the the nation’s economy, state, Oba Fadipe said said all hands must be the gesture has on deck to develop c o n t r i b u t e d agriculture as an significantly to alternative source of a g r i c u l t u r a l revenue for the country development. He identified He eulogized the agriculture and mining state for facilitating as alternatives to crude loans to farmers, oil at the moment, saying the initiative has saying, no effort must really encouraged be spared by all to more participation in place agriculture in its farming and as well rightful position. increased agricultural He said: “It is now production. glaring to us that crude The monarch charged oil has gone to base. We the youths on the need have seen the challenge to show more interest facing our monolithic in farming, saying it is economy. Oil is no more high time for all to go sellable in the market as back to farm. it used to be. In the same vein, “The era of crude oil some farmers who has gone. What we could not hide their must think of now is feelings at the meeting, how to successfully saluted the governor diversify our economy. for prioritizing “We must all go back agriculture since to farm because assumption of office. agriculture is the only While confirming the way out to this positive impacts of the economic mess. present administration “But it is my joy that towards agricultural our state has, over the advancement, the years, invested hugely farmers said, the on agriculture. We have governor has helped in initiated several breathing new life to a g r i c u l t u r a l farming in the state. interventions for our The farmers who are farmers to grow as we mainly cocoa, believe that ‘no farmer, c a s s a v a , p l a n t a i n , no nation’. vegetable, pepper and He therefore, maize growers implored some farmers attributed some of the in the state who have achievements made to not refunded the loans g o v e r n m e n t ’ s granted them to do so consistent intervention. to allow other Addressing the beneficiaries.

PUBLIC NOTICE

I wish to inform the general public that BADMUS JADESOLA is the same person as BADMUS AJOKE MUJIDAT and that my correct date of birth is 12th June, 1964. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Bank and general public should take note.

This is to inform members of the public that OMOTOSHO FATIMAH ABISOLA, is the same person as KAREEM FATIMAH ABISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Change Of Name I, formerly known as ADEGBITE NURENI, now wish to be called and addressed as ADEGBITE NURENI GBOLAGADE. All former documents remain valid. CROWN POLYTECHNIC and general public should take note.

News

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

MURIC Praises FG On Release Of 21 Chibok Girls By KAZEEM MOHAMMED N Islamic group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has described as a plus for the Federal Government, the successful negotiation with Boko Haram insurgents which led to the release of 21 of the Chibok girls on Wednesday. group said, this In a statement by its development, has Director, Professor showcased the federal Ishaq Akintola, the government’s genuine

commitment to the rescue of the Chibok girls and marked the beginning of the liberation of the others who are still in captivity. Acording to the group, though the number of those released might be small,

but it was a pointer to better days ahead, saying, “a silver lining has appeared in the sky after cloudy and stormy days”. Hailing President Muhammadu Buhari for his recent passionate appeal to the United Nations

(UN) to come to his aid in negotiating with the Boko Haram insurgents, MURIC said that this approach was credible and pragmatic enough to get the desired result. It said: “It is needless to say that the insurgents saw

Osun Fadama Begins Training Of Agric Staff

agricultural enterprises from method of farming. HE Osun Fadama III Additional Funding trainer programme, has begun training of 45 International Institute One of the trainees, among the farmers. He commended the agricultural staff who would train farmers of Tropical Agriculture, Mr Femi Anwo, said Ibadan, said the that the training would Osun government for across the state to enhance food production. supporting the project participants would be make a great impact on The coordinator of coordinator said. Dr Julius Adedeji, a well trained in modern food production and in the state. the program, Dr Ganiyu Adediji, said on Wednesday in Iwo, State of Osun, that the training involved all units under the programme. Adediji said that the training was designed to change farmers attitude to agricultural enterprises, enhance their knowledge on improved farming practices and encourage application of technical knowledge. “The beneficiaries of this training are to step down their knowledge to the level of the local farmers. “We are training our people on group dynamics, which has to do with group formation and management, bookkeeping for farmers and contract negotiation, to get •President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Berlin for his three-day official visit to Germany recently. good bargain for purchases and sales,” Adediji said. continue to give its best determine The coordinator said, the By KAZEEM MOHAMMED to better the lots of the framework it was important for of HE State of Osun House of Assembly has people and ensure the engagement farmers to know the of concluded the consideration of the Osun economic development consultants, specialists overview of State Public Private Partnership of the state. agricultural production and advisers for any (Establishment) Bill. into the consideration Meanwhile, the bill is PPP project. value chain in modern The Speaker, of the bill. seeking to establish day agribusiness. It would also ensure Honourable Najeem According to him, the He said, Osun Salaam, directed the dedication given to the Office of Public Private that the partnership for Government, in Clerk at Table to bill and other bills that Partnership (PPP) to the provision and collaboration with the produce the clean copy have either been passed initiate and develop development of public British American of the bill for final or still under public infrastructure infrastructure or assets Tobacco Nigeria passage. consideration was a and public assets of the state are in At the plenary on clear commitment to development strategies accordance with Foundation had also for the state by means prevailing government trained 190 farmers Monday the bill was service delivery. of PPP. considered at the He then assured the policies and public and staff on the The office, among interest. of the people of the state that application of committee would where the Assembly would others, “Aflasafe”, a bio- whole, amendments were pesticide, to boost made from clause 30 to maize production. clause 35, the “This training, held interpretation and at Iwoye-Ijesa, is also to schedules of the bill. By DANIELAYANKUNLE He also said the facilitate more profit The Leader of the committed 28-year-old man, Innocent Godwin offence Timothy for farmers as they House, transgressed section Ofiagba, has been sentenced to one-year embark on mass Owoeye, subsequently 414 of the Criminal imprisonment by an Osogbo Magistrate’s moved a motion for all production of diseaseCode, cap 34 vol. 11 for burglary without an option of fine. free maize after the amendments made Court The magistrate, Mrs Prime College, behind laws of Osun, 2013. to form part of the bill applying Aflasafe to kill and The convict, who had seconded by Olubukola Olowolagba, United Bank for Africa, the fungi that transmits Babatunde Olatunji declared no legal representation, that the aflatoxin that can cause representing Ife-North convict should remain Osogbo. however, pleaded Speaking further on cancer. Constituency. behind the bars dues to the case, Ajayi stated guilty to the one-count “Farming should not The clean copy bill is his magnitude of that Ofiagba broke into charge of burglary to be the offence committed. the premises of Prime against him. be limited to eating expected M a g i s t r a t e from the farm alone but presented on Monday The prosecuting College with the mind then for mass commercial October 17 for final police officer, Sergeant to steal some electronic Olowolagba passage. production and Sunday Ajayi, stated in equipment before he sentenced him to oneSalaam commended year imprisonment improved healthy of the state the court that the was apprehended by without any option of living among the members parliament for the accused committed the the night guard and fine. people,” the committed effort put offence on October 9, at brought to the court.

Osun PPP Bill Awaits Final Passage

Man Jailed Over Burglary

credibility and sincerity in FG’s latest negotiation moves because international agencies were involved. “The release of the 21 girls has effectively punctured the conspiracy theory of a few doubting Thomases led by the wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan who alleged that the abduction of the girls was a phantom. “The reunion of the girls with the rest of Nigerians is also a serious indictment on the former president who dilly dallied for 18 good days after their kidnap before lifting a finger. Had he acted early, the girls would have been rescued before the insurgents did so much harm to them. “Former President Jonathan must therefore live with the moral burden of official and deliberate neglect in the case of the abduction of the Chibok girls for the rest of his life. It was sheer dereliction of duty at the highest echelon of power”, it said. The group which was saddened that some of the girls came back with children of their own, it charged the federal government to come up with a programme for the full rehabilitation of the 21 girls, their kids and others still in captivity whose release are anticipated. MURIC then appealed to the parents of the Chibok girls whose children are yet to be released to remain hopeful, exercise patience and have faith in the efforts of the Buhari administration to bring back their daughters. While commending the efforts of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group in putting pressure on governments of the day on the subject-matter, it appealed for decorum and rational behaviour in the methods adopted. It advised the BBOG group to stop public demonstrations henceforth and divert its energy to peaceful advocacy on the issue through press statements and humanitarian efforts aimed at improving the standard of living of the Chibok girls in particular, their education, their kids, their parents and the Chibok community in general.

News

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Social Safety Net Programme: 27,000 Osun Indigenes

To Benefit From National Cash Transfer T

WENTY-seven thousand households in the State of Osun are to benefit from Cash Transfer of the National Social Safety Nets Programme being organised by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria. They are beneficiaries stakeholders to contribute selected without bias, their quota to ensure the favour, political success of the previous affiliation, culture or social investments religion. programme of the state as The Special Adviser to well as this newlythe State Governor on launched Cash Transfer Federal Matters, Hon. Programme. Idiat Babalola, made this The modules for known at a two-day step- training the local down training government facilitators programme organised at include Overview of Palm Crest Hotel, Owode- National Social Safety Ede for local government Programme, SOCU facilitators by the State selection based process, Ministry of Women, Roles and Children and Social Responsibilities of Affairs. beneficiaries and She affirmed that every facilitators, payment household that will system and frequency as benefit from the Social well as monitoring and Safety Net evaluation among others. programme must adhere Meanwhile, the State strictly to the policy Cash Transfer Unit guidelines. She then (SCTU) has been urged to charged the local make the best use of the government facilitators to Single Register of the poor ensure that adequate and vulnerable counselling must be households in the state. given to poor and The Coordinator, Osun vulnerable people State Operation through sensitization, Coordinating Unit, Youth education and Employment and Social monitoring. S u p p o r t The State Director, Operation(YESSO), Mr National Orientation Olufemi Ifaturoti, stated Agency, Dr. Lawrence this while handing over Martins, in his goodwill the Single Register to the message, stated that the State Cash Transfer Unit process of cash transfer in (SCTUý). the state is based on the Ifaturoti said, cash trust of the federal transfer programme, government to the state which is a social safety net government so that poor intervention anchored by and vulnerable people in the Federal Government the state will be assisted in collaboration with the and uplifted. World Bank, is to lift the Earlier, in her welcome poor and vulnerable out address, the Permanent of poverty through Secretary, Ministry of transfer of funds and life Women, Children and skill training. Social Affairs, Pharmacist He pointed out that it is (Mrs.) Omolara Ajayi, an offshoot of the highly stated that the National successful YESSO Cash Transfer initiative, which he Programme is a maintained, is equally an collaborative initiative of offshoot of the greatly the federal government, remarkable Osun Youth the World Bank and the Empowerment Scheme State Government. (OYES) initiative of She pointed out that the Governor Rauf target is to reach one A r e g b e s o l a ’ s million extremely poor administration. and vulnerable The state coordinator households in the added that the single country. register of the poor and The Permanent vulnerable which was Secretary, who was generated through dint of represented by the hardwork of his SOCU Director of Finance and team and a painstaking Administration of the process became Ministry, Mrs. Kehinde inevitable with a view to Odediran affirmed that correcting the hitherto the State of Osun is targetting mechanism of privileged to be one of the safety net interventions in pilot states with twelve the country which was so local government areas weak to the extent that it namely: Atakumosa-East, encouraged double Ayedire, Boluwaduro, dipping. Ejigbo, Ifedayo, Ife-North, In her response at the Ife-South, Ila, Isokan, Ola- event, the Desk Officer, Oluwa, Olorunda and State Cash Transfer Oriade local government Unit(SCTU), Mrs Adeola council areas that are to Oyebamiji, assured Osun benefit from the State Operation programme. Coordinating Unit that She then charged the SCTU would not rest on local government its oars at making the best facilitators and use of the single register.

Twenty-seven thousand households in the State of Osun are to benefit from Cash Transfer of the National Social Safety Nets Programme being organised by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria. They are beneficiaries selected without bias, favour, political affiliation, culture or religion. The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Federal Matters, Hon. Idiat Babalola, made this known at a two-day stepdown training programme organised at Palm Crest Hotel, OwodeEde for local government facilitators by the State Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs. She affirmed that every household that will benefit from the Social Safety Net programme must adhere strictly to the policy guidelines. She then charged the local government facilitators to ensure that adequate counselling must be given to poor and vulnerable people through sensitization, education and monitoring. The State Director, National Orientation Agency, Dr. Lawrence Martins, in his goodwill message, stated that the process of cash transfer in the state is based on the trust of the federal government to the state government so that poor and vulnerable people in the state will be assisted and uplifted. Earlier, in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Omolara Ajayi, stated that the National Cash Transfer Programme is a collaborative initiative of the federal government, the World Bank and the State Government. She pointed out that the target is to reach one million extremely poor and vulnerable households in the country. The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director of Finance and Administration of the Ministry, Mrs. Kehinde Odediran affirmed that the State of Osun is privileged to be one of the pilot states with twelve local government areas namely: Atakumosa-East, Ayedire, Boluwaduro, Ejigbo, Ifedayo, Ife-North, Ife-South, Ila, Isokan, OlaOluwa, Olorunda and Oriade local government council areas that are to benefit from the

programme. She then charged the local government facilitators and stakeholders to contribute their quota to ensure the success of the previous social investments programme of the state as well as this newlylaunched Cash Transfer Programme. The modules for training the local government facilitators include Overview of National Social Safety Programme, SOCU selection based process, Roles and Responsibilities of beneficiaries and facilitators, payment system and frequency as well as monitoring and evaluation among others. Meanwhile, the State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU) has been urged to make the best use of the Single Register of the poor

and vulnerable households in the state. The Coordinator, Osun State Operation Coordinating Unit, Youth Employment and Social S u p p o r t Operation(YESSO), Mr Olufemi Ifaturoti, stated this while handing over the Single Register to the State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTUý). Ifaturoti said, cash transfer programme, which is a social safety net intervention anchored by the Federal Government in collaboration with the World Bank, is to lift the poor and vulnerable out of poverty through transfer of funds and life skill training. He pointed out that it is an offshoot of the highly successful YESSO initiative, which he maintained, is equally an offshoot of the greatly remarkable Osun Youth

Empowerment Scheme (OYES) initiative of Governor Rauf A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration. The state coordinator added that the single register of the poor and vulnerable which was generated through dint of hardwork of his SOCU team and a painstaking process became inevitable with a view to correcting the hitherto targetting mechanism of safety net interventions in the country which was so weak to the extent that it encouraged double dipping. In her response at the event, the Desk Officer, State Cash Transfer Unit(SCTU), Mrs Adeola Oyebamiji, assured Osun State Operation Coordinating Unit that SCTU would not rest on its oars at making the best use of the single register.

•Fire outbreak at a supermarket on 41 Road, Omole Plaza, Festac Town, Lagos.

I Have No Regret Investing In Education - Aregbesola

OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has said that he has no regrets in committing the largest part of the state’s resources to education development. we want our children to Aregbesola spoke become and where we when he unveiled a new want them to be in an block of 10 classroom in increasingly digitised Otan-Ayegbaju, State of and fiercely competitive Osun, on Wednesday. world.” The classrooms were Aregbesola said that the built by the Anglican dedication of the Church in honour of classrooms resonates Chief Bisi Akande, a with the vision of his former Governor of Osun a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s State and former interim education programmes. National Chairman of the In his speech, Akande All Progressives attributed decadence and Congress. immorality in Nigerian According to schools to the forceful Aregbesola, by investing take-over of the massively in education, missionary schools by his administration is successive military preparing the state’s governments. future leaders for a better Akande said, the tomorrow. consequence of the Aregbesola said: military take-over of the “Education by far has schools across the commanded our greatest country resulted in the engagement and displacement of people resources and we owe no with moral integrity by one any apology over fraudsters and and the this. vagabonds from political “As I often let people leadership space. know, we are preparing He said that the major for the next 25 years, what reason why the military

took over schools from missionaries was to lay the foundation for their own immorality and corruption. According to him, whether in Islamic schools or in any evangelical learning centres, all missionary schools known to Nigerians are institutions for moral instructions. The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said, religion remains a veritable tool for the promotion of peaceful cohabitation and tolerance in the society. Okoh, who decried religious crises in some parts of the country, expressed hope that with a Christian faith building a school in honour of a Muslim statesman, Nigeria would soon get out of religious vendetta. He described Akande as a true Muslim whose ideology and faith have impacted greatly in the lives of fellow beings without discrimination.

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OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Death Penalty For Kidnappers; What About Corrupt Public Officials? 1

Continued from Pg 1 After all it is the corrupt behaviour of our political leaders that have given rise to kidnapping and all other criminalities that have found abode in our society as monies that were meant to provide employment for youths, provide enabling environment through the building of infrastructure that could have led to the realisation of dreams for the youth, have been criminally siphoned by the elite. The opportunity cost of stealing by the elite has resulted in the rise of deviant behaviour including kidnapping. Corruption is a heinous crime which has destabilised the whole of the society. Kidnapping is an offshoot of the denial of opportunities wrought by corruption. From this perception what

is sauce for the goose must be sauce for the gander. The penalty for both criminal infractions should be the same. The malfeasance of the people in the National Assembly has cost the country a lot, not least in terms of perception. This is reflected in the now infamous comments of the British prime minister David Cameron recently. It shows that due to the actions and inactions of the National Assembly all Nigerians are now tarred with the same brush as criminals. What this means is that we must now like China make corruption a capital offence with death penalty attached. A drastic remedy is clearly required before corruption destroys the country. As clearly stated by PMB "we must destroy corruption before corruption de-

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stroys us". Thus we must all key in to the President's vision as the debilitating effect of corruption has already torn aside the social fabric leading to all manner of criminal behaviour. The detterence must therefore be punitive. The Chinese had to take this step because they know that corruption would halt the magnificent advance they have already made. The need is actually more imperative here because we have not realised the hopes of independence; no thanks to corr u p t i o n . Let us be absolutely clear about it; this country is not going anywhere unless it launches a noholds barred assault on corruption. The capital punishment must be brought into play to counteract this scourge. Therefore it's high time the

Senate broke its silence on the issue of corruption and urgently and in the most earnest manner come up with a legislation that will not spare corrupt public officials of the same punishment they have okayed for kidnappers. To endorse capital punishment for kidnappers and keep silent on the critical issue of corruption which has brought us to this sorr pass and which directly concerns them, is most hypocritical and selfish. •This piece, already used in one of our previous editions, is repeated due to popular demand.

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HEALTH

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Fertility Smoothies - A Fun And Delicious Way To Boost Your Fertility T

HE first step I always suggest when clients ask what they should do to boost their fertility is to eat a Natural Fertility Diet. Eating a healthy diet is the foundation of a natural fertility program. To make it even easier for them, I suggest the very first step is to drink a fertility smoothie every day. Starting the day with a smoothie guarantees that you are going to be getting the most important components of the Natural Fertility Diet consistently. Here are those important components… 1. Antioxidants Antioxidants are extremely important for couples that are trying to conceive. Cells within the body, and more specifically the reproductive system, are constantly being attacked by free radicals. Free radicals are created from toxins, stress, pesticides, illness, overexercising, too much sun… and the list goes on. The important thing to know is that free radicals can damage cells and the DNA within cells. This can impact fertility on many levels. It may impact the health and integrity of the egg (ova), the sperm, the cells of the uterus, ovaries, thyroid, pituitary, etc. In turn this may cause the reproductive system to not function properly. Antioxidants on the other hand help to protect the body from free radicals by “deactivating” the free radicals so they can no longer do harm. Now, something important to understand is that there are many different types of antioxidants that protect different areas of the cells. So a wide variety of antioxidants are needed on a daily basis. Through eating a diverse array of whole foods the body is able to receive an abundance of antioxidants. Drinking a smoothie a day makes this easy to do. In one smoothie you are able to include a huge variety of antioxidants in their most absorbable form. One of the most impactful steps you can take on your fertility path is to drink fertility smoothies daily. So to make this fun and help you reach your goal of boosting your fertility and getting pregnant we have created the 10 Day Fertility Smoothie Challenge. This is how it works… I invite you to join us and participate by drinking a Fertility Smoothie everyday for 10 days. Enter your name and email address in the form above and I will email you a smoothie recipe every day for 10 days plus additional helpful tips on making delicious fertility smoothies. 2. Minerals and Vitamins HERE are many minerals and vitamins that are necessary for healthy fertility and a balanced cycle. Zinc, calcium, selenium, vitamin E, A, C and D, folic acid, iron and many more nutrients play a vital role in supporting your monthly menstrual cycle and ovulation. A deficiency of these nutrients can impact your fertility. A diet rich in a wide range of whole foods can help to supply you with all of these vital nutrients. Smoothies make it easy to get a wide range of whole foods in a convenient and tasty form. In addition, since smoothies are liquid, the nutrients are easier to absorb during digestion. 3. Fiber Fiber is an essential part of every healthy diet and is essential for healthy hormonal balance. Fiber has many actions in the body, but specifically for fertility, fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones. It works like a broom helping to clear excess hormones out of the body. Fiber is also important for helping to move foods through the digestive process and keeping blood sugar levels balanced. Balanced blood sugar levels are important for everyone’s fertility, not just

Symptoms of estrogen dominance: Top of Form

Allergy symptoms like asthma and hives Bottom of Form Top of Form Thyroid issues Bottom of Form Top of Form Breast cancer Bottom of Form Top of Form Breast tenderness Bottom of Form Top of Form

women with PCOS. When the blood sugar levels spike repeatedly on a daily basis the body reacts to this like an emergency and goes into fight or flight. This pattern occurring repeatedly can cause hormonal imbalance due to the stress hormones being released constantly. This in turn can create issues with ovulation, the uterine lining, menstruation and sperm health. The foods that are used in smoothies are naturally rich in fiber. 4. Fertility Superfoods Fertility superfoods are amazing. They make it easy to get a large amount of nutrients and fertility tonics all-inone. Superfoods are foods that are nutrient dense, supplying a ton of nutrition in a small package. Some fertility superfoods can also specifically nourish the endocrine system or promote egg health. By adding superfoods to your smoothies you are able to take your nutrition and health to the next level, again in an easy to drink form. ERTILITY smoothies provide everyone of these components in the highest quality possible, with the least amount of effort. Wondering How to Make Fertility Smoothies? In my eBook ‘Fertility Smoothies: Elixirs for Optimal Fertility’ I share with you how to create a wide variety of delicious superfood smoothies to help boost your fertility naturally. This book includes: · over 72 fertility smoothie and elixir recipes · fruit smoothies · greens smoothies · nut milks · herbal milks · smoothie elixirs · fertility puddings and more… Fertility smoothies are a great way to boost your fertility naturally… They are easy to make. They are fast to create. They taste great. ………………………end……………………………… You Can Reduce Excess Estrogen with Supplement DIM Many fertility issues are the result of having estrogen dominance in the body. There are many ways for the body to become estrogen dominant, including: · The environment · Eating non-organic meat · Stress · Processed soy foods · Chemicals in products The good news is that there is now a natural way to rid the body of an overabundance of estrogen: a supplement called DIM. What is DIM? Scientist knew there were powerful nutrients in crucifers like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and rutabaga, but until they began to isolate the various phytonutrients, they didn’t realize just how important they were. One of the plant nutrients discovered was DIM, which stands for diindolylmethane. It comes from the plant chemical I3C short

for indole-3-carbinol. To get just 10-30 mg of DIM you would have to eat one-and-a-half pounds of cruciferous vegetables! Diindolylmethane releases in the stomach after you chew and swallow the vegetables. It balances the hormones and aids in the breakdown of estrogen. Estrogen dominance is a major cause of the fertility issues women face today. Endometriosis, PCOS, and Ovarian Cysts, are all estrogen dominant conditions. DIM also helps men. Both men and women’s bodies can experience estrogen dominance. Men’s estrogen increases with age and is subject to the same estrogen balance problems a female body may face, including improper metabolism of estrogen. Women having troubles becoming pregnant may benefit from the hormone balancing actions of DIM. Signs of Estrogen Dominance: · PMS · Cramps · Fibroids · Endometriosis · Heavy menstrual bleeding · Ovarian cysts · Recurrent miscarriage · PCOS · Lack of ovulation What is Estrogen Dominance? Estrogen and progesterone work in unison for the body’s benefit. As people age, their hormone levels reduce, particularly for women during the perimenopause stage and beyond. The levels of progesterone decrease faster than estrogen. This decrease may creates an imbalance in hormone levels. OUNGER women can also suffer from hormone imbalance. During a normal menstrual cycle, when the egg releases at ovulation, the empty follicle changes to the corpus luteum, which is the place that produces progesterone. If something goes wrong, it may not produce enough progesterone. When you consider that progesterone is necessary for womb maintenance, you will realize the potential harm that a reduction in progesterone might have on the developing fetus or fertility. Many factors contribute to the development of estrogen dominance. Obesity is one of the factors. The ovaries produce androstenedione, which is a male hormone. Fat cells change those hormones to estrogen. Pesticides, estrogen in animal food supplies, stress and high intake of caffeine also are factors attributed to estrogen dominance. Studies now link infertility to estrogen dominance by disrupting the process of ovulation and in some cases lowering a man’s sperm count or causing poor sperm health. Estrogen dominance plays a key role in the development and proliferation of endometriosis, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, which are all issues that can dramatically affect fertility. Do You Have Estrogen Dominance?

Decreased sex drive Bottom of Form Top of Form Depression with agitation and/or anxiety Bottom of Form Top of Form Dry eyes Bottom of Form Top of Form Early onset of menstruation Bottom of Form Top of Form Fat gain, usually around the middles Bottom of Form Top of Form Fatigue Bottom of Form Top of Form Foggy thinking Bottom of Form Top of Form Hair loss Bottom of Form Top of Form Headaches Bottom of Form Top of Form Increased blood clotting Bottom of Form Top of Form Fertility issues Bottom of Form Top of Form Irregular periods Bottom of Form Top of Form Insomnia Bottom of Form Top of Form PMS Bottom of Form Top of Form Polycystic ovaries Bottom of Form Top of Form Sluggish metabolism Bottom of FormHow to Use DIM to Reduce Excess EstrogenDIM is found in vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, but in order to get just 10-30 mg of DIM you would have to eat one-and-a-half pounds of these cruciferous vegetables! While that amount is better than none, it is not the therapeutic dosage. Most experts recommend taking 100 to 200 mg of DIM a day. •To be continued.

FOR THE RECORD

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Arrest Of Judges: Full Statement Of NJC'S Reaction The National Judicial Council has reacted to the raid by the DSS on the homes of some judges and their consequent arrest last week. Read the full statement below: THE POSITION OF THE NATIONAL JUDICIAL COUNCIL ON THE RECENT INVASION OF THE RESIDENCES AND ARREST OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SERVICES (DSS)

T its last Emergency Meeting which was held on 11th October, 2016, Council decided among other matters, as follows: That the National Judicial Council is a creation, by virtue of Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, with its powers specified in Paragraph 21 of Part One of the Third Schedule whereof. That by virtue of Section 160 of the 1999 Constitution, Council fashioned out: Judicial Discipline Regulations; ii) Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record; iii) Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and iv) National Judicial Policy to inter-alia, regulate its own procedure while exercising its Constitutional Powers. 3. That Section 158 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, has unequivocally provided for the independence of the National Judicial Council vis-à-vis directing or controlling it by any authority or person while exercising its powers. 4. Reiterated its absolute confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari Administration and its unwavering determination to uphold the Principles of Democracy, Separation of Powers and the Rule of Law enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended and the United Nations Charter, which Nigeria is a Member. 5. That it shall continue to support the President Buhari Administration in its fight against corruption in all its ramifications in the Federation; and in cleansing the Judiciary of corrupt Judicial Officers. 6. However, expresses its grave concern on the recent invasion of the Residences and arrest of some serving and suspended Judicial Officers by the Department of State Services (“DSS”); and condemned the action in its entirety. 7. Viewed the action as a threat to the Independence of the Judiciary, which portends great danger to our democracy; and also considered the action as a clear attempt by the DSS to humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the Judiciary. BACKGROUND FACTS 8.1 RE: HON. JUSTICE SYLVESTER NGWUTA The Public is aware that Hon. Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, was arrested after his House was invaded by heavily armed and masked operatives of the Department of States Security on Friday 7th October, 2016. The operatives did not leave his house

•Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice MAHMUD MOHAMMED

until 12.00 noon of the following day, when he was whisked away to the (“DSS”) office. 8.2 RE: HON. JUSTICE INYANG OKORO The Residence of Hon. Justice Inyang Okoro, a Justice of Supreme Court of Nigeria, was raided in the same manner and was arrested by the same operatives of the DSS. Contrary to the claim by the DSS and as published in the electronic and print media, Council has never received any petition against the aforesaid Judicial Officers: Hon. Justices Ngwuta and Okoro of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, by the DSS. 8.3 RE: HON. JUSTICE MUHAMMED LADAN TSAMIYA OF THE COURT OF APPEAL T its Meeting which was held on 29th September, 2016, Council had found His Lordship culpable of professional misconduct contrary to Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the provisions of Section 292 of 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria. Accordingly, he was recommended to Mr President for compulsory retirement from office following the petition written by one Mr Nnamdi Iro Oji for demanding the sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) bribe. It is to be stressed that from the evidence before the Council, Hon. Justice Ladan Tsamiya did not receive N200m bribe. The Petitioner adduced evidence to support his allegation that Hon. Justice Tsamiya only demanded for the money. In the exercise of its power, Council had suspended Justice Tsamiya from office, pending when the President will act on the recommendation. And Mr. President has approved the recommendation of the Council and compulsorily

retired His Lordship from office yesterday, the 12th day of October, 2016. 8.4. RE: HON. JUSTICE I. A. UMEZULIKE, OFR ON. Justice I. A. Umezulike, OFR, Chief Judge, Enugu State, was recommended for compulsory retirement from office to Enugu State Governor for gross misconduct, pursuant to the petition written against him by Mr. Peter Eze. In the meantime, National Judicial Council has suspended His Lordship from office pending when the Governor of Enugu State will act on its recommendation. 8.5. RE: HON. JUSTICE A. F. A. ADEMOLA, OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT Hon. Justice A. F. A. Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division has been petitioned by Hon. Jenkins Duviegiane Gwebe on allegations bordering on corrupt practices. Currently, a Committee of the Council is investigating the allegations. There is no other petition against Hon. Justice Ademola from DSS pending at the National Judicial Council. 8.6. RE: HON. JUSTICE KABIRU AUTA, KANO STATE HIGH COURT Hon. Justice Kabiru Auta was investigated by Council based on allegations of corrupt practices levelled against him in a petition forwarded to Council by one Alhaji Kabiru Yakassai. His Lordship was recommended to the Governor of Kano State for removal from office by dismissal. Council wrote separately to the AIG Kano Zone 1, for Police to prosecute Hon. Justice Auta. Council has suspended His Lordship from office pending when

the Governor will act on its recommendation. 8.7 RE: HON. JUSTICE MUAZU PINDIGA OF HIGH COURT, GOMBE STATE The DSS petitioned the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council alleging corrupt practices against Hon. Justice Pindiga, inter-alia:“i) That the Hon. Judge in a bid to illegally enrich himself, perfected plans through third party proxies/ conduits, with a view to influencing the outcome of the Election Tribunal in the governorship polls in favour of the incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike. ii) That further ongoing discreet investigation, Justice Pindiga is observed to have illegally enriched himself through corrupt means. Part of the illegitimate proceeds suspected to have accrued to Pindiga includes the underlisted: a) Two (2) completed blocks of six (6) units 2 bedroom flats in Federal Low Cost Estate in Gombe metropolis; b) Four (4) units of bungalow in another part of the Estate; c) An uncompleted property at GRA in Gombe Metropolis; d) a Mercedes Benz C300 car in the name of MUBAJJAL; e) A Toyota Venza-Model SUV. iii) From all indications, it is apparent that Pindiga, who is a very Senior Justice in Gombe State, is highly corrupt. His continuous stay as a Justice in any capacity would likely embarrass the current administration and pervert the cause of justice. In view of the foregoing, it is strongly advised that immediate necessary administrative and judicial measures be taken on him, including appropriate sanctions and trial to set a precedent to others of his like”. HE complaint containing the allegations of corrupt practices against the Hon. Judge were conveyed in a letter Ref No. DGSS71/ 3161 and dated 26th February, 2016, written by the DSS to the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council. The petition was not supported by a verifying affidavit deposed to by the DSS, as required by the National Judicial Council Discipline Regulations 2014. The Petition should have been disregarded for non-compliance with the National Judicial Council Regulations, but by letter Ref. No. NJC/S.15/HC.GM/ 5/1/128 dated 19th April, 2016, the DSS was notified and requested to comply and to depose to a verifying affidavit in support of the allegations of corrupt practices levelled against the Hon. Judge. By letter Ref No. LSD.232/4/68 dated 6th May, 2016, to the Council, the DSS deposed to a verifying affidavit in respect of the allegations against Justice Pindiga.

•Continued on page 13

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Official Commissioning Of A Block Of 10 Classrooms With Offices Built By The Diocese Of Osun-North-East Anglican Communion In Honour Of Chief Bisi Akande, At Anglican Village, Diocesan Headquarters, Otan-Ayegbaju, State Of Osun, Last Wednesday.

•Some of the State of Osun House of Asembly members and other dignitaries at the event.

•A cross section of clerics at the programme.

•A cross section of traditional rulers on the occasion.

•Dignitaries at the event.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Held A Meeting With Farmers On Interface On Agric Development At Okomaje, Oja-Oko In Otan-Ayegbaju, State of Osun, Last Thursday. Photo: GBENGAADENIYI.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (in glasses) coming out of Okomaje Village.

•Aregbesola (with mic), addressing the farmers while with him are Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (left); former state commissioner for Agric, Mr Wale Adedoyin (2nd right) and former state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere (right) with other dignitaries at the event.

•A cross section of farmers and others.

•Another cross section of farmers at the meeting.

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Buhari, Also A Beneficiary Of Legal Technicalities - Olanipekun

In this interview with GBENRO ADEOYE, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and former ProChancellor of the University of Ibadan, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), speaks about Nigeria, the economy, the law profession and other issues but it must be done within the ambit

OU were at one time the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, looking back now, how well do you think the law profession has done since that time? Before I became the NBA president, I was Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, but I thank God for the NBA. But to me, the NBA should illuminate the darkness of Nigerians. It must act as the voice for the voiceless and the oppressed. To be the NBA leader is not a tea party; it is not like going for a picnic. I cannot see any NBA leader as good if he does not want to step on toes. When I was NBA president, it was under a democratic regime, which was supposed to be rooted in the constitution and constitutionalism. But before then, I belonged to the Alao Aka Bashorun (also a former President of the NBA) dynasty within the NBA. I was one of his boys and I stood by him and with him for the two years that he was president. And I liked his courage and appreciated his carriage. One day, while Femi Falana and I were at his office in Ebute-Meta, the telephone rang. There was no GSM at the time. He pressed the speaker button and from the other end, the person said ‘President’. Then Bashorun asked, ‘who is that?’ The person said ‘my name is Ibrahim’. Femi and I had known by that time that it was General Ibrahim Babangida’s voice. The person then said he was Ibrahim Babangida. Unconsciously, Bashorun stood up. That was reflex action. He said you are the President, sir. But IBB said the President of the NBA is the President of Nigeria. He said the fear of Alao Aka Bashorun was the beginning of wisdom. I’m telling you this so that you understand what the NBA presidency meant to a military dictator, for him to have said that. Babangida then said you are doing well for the NBA but we want you to come and serve. But Bashorun said, Mr. President, forget about that, I’m satisfied being the President of the NBA. He said, but one thing I will request of you. All the decrees that you churn out every day, please can you allow the NBA to have inputs? Can you send us the drafts of the decrees before you sign them? Babangida said Alao, take it as done. And from then on, every decree that Babangida wanted to pass, he would send to the NBA and we would debate it. So I became the NBA president, I knew the background I was coming from. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was the President but I knew he was a military dictator. He had and still has military traits and tendencies- the military’s ‘know it all’ attitude. So I knew what I was prepared for. Some people thought that because he was a Yoruba President and I was Yoruba NBA President, I would be treating him with kid gloves, no. When we needed to respect him, we respected him and when we needed to criticise him, we criticised him. There was a time we visited him in his office in Aso Villa and he was harassing me while I was reading my speech, he did it three or four times,

•OLANIPEKUN interjecting me and banging his fist on the table. But I didn’t want to be rude to him. Gen. Abdulsalami Abukakar and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN) were there. Obasanjo didn’t allow the press to come in. He was banging the table, saying No! No! No! What did you say that made him do that? We suggested to him to spend a term in office; to see how we would nurture our democracy. We pleaded with him. We said, for our democracy to have a smooth takeoff, spend one term of four or five years in office and that the NBA was ready to assist him to see how we could amend the constitution. We made a lot of suggestions but he could not tolerate me any longer, he banged his fist on the table; it was bad. He said what kind of law are you talking about? Then it got to a stage, I said Mr. President Sir, I have a speech which I want to read, if you don’t want us, can we take our leave? At that time, I was packing all my files. Members of my executive were there. You could have heard a pin drop. Then Agabi and Abdulsalami had to come in and said the President would no longer interject you. After we left, I understand Obasanjo asked them who made that rascal the President of the NBA and that Agabi said he is not a radical, he is one of the best we have in the profession. That is why till tomorrow, I will always respect Agabi. I learnt that he defended us, the NBA. HEN a lawyer was being arrested, I gave Obasanjo 24 hours to release him, he released him. While I will commend NBA presidents that have come after me, I want to say that the NBA should not and never be for ‘bread and butter’ or ‘Yes people’. Although, we should not be rude to the government, the NBA president must be able to pick up courage because he has lawyers behind him. When an NBA president speaks, he speaks for all the lawyers in Nigeria, whether we like it or not. So I see no reason why NBA presidents will not be able to talk on issues relating to fundamental human rights, criminal prosecution, justice sector, economy, and so on.

The NBA must always take a position; always. We are too big to hibernate. When Obasanjo increased the price of petrol, Adams Oshiomhole (former President, Nigeria Labour Congress) approached the NBA to defend him. Obasanjo took them to court; I went as NBA president, leading Falana and others to stand in for the NLC. Everybody has his own style; that was my own style. Today if an NBA president goes to defend the labour union, people may start lambasting him but the NBA president must first of all do it. OU must be on the side of the masses. Ghali Na’Abba (former Speaker of the House of Representatives) could not believe what we did when the House of Representatives wanted to impeach Obasanjo. I left Lagos and sought audience with him. He said but this man (Obasanjo) does not like the NBA, I said NBA is above pettiness. It is a question of Nigeria and the stability of our democracy. He showed me all the allegations and in fairness, they were not just out to embarrass Obasanjo; they were not frivolous allegations. Some of them were provable but the NBA said no, don’t do it because of our young democracy that needed nurturing. So comparing then and now, I will say the NBA has been on the quiet side, even on matters that concern lawyers. Recently, the Federal Government and some members of the public have accused the NBA and the judiciary of aiding corruption with delay tactics to frustrate the anti-graft law. Do you agree with that? Nowadays, you see people talking about lawyers defending some people. A lawyer is at liberty to defend any person that briefs him. So you should not condemn the lawyers because it is Mr. A, it might be you tomorrow. Frankly speaking, the government and those condemning lawyers are very unfair to lawyers. Have they cast some people aside as lepers that are untouchable? A lawyer must muster sufficient courage whether in criminal or civil actions, to take up the defence or the case of his client without compromising it and without minding whose ox is gored,

of law. He must not go outside that to do what is criminal simply because he wants to save his client or win a case for him. But within the ambit of the law, a lawyer has sufficient room to meander. And a lawyer must be fearless and resolute but he must not be rude. Otherwise, don’t come to the profession. Some people don’t know and some pretend not to know that law has its technicalities-both civil and criminal proceedings. They talk of technicalities and say that lawyers delay cases, look, without being immodest; I have been involved in a lot of cases in this country. I have defended a lot of people. During the run-up to the 2015 elections, I was one of the lawyers hired on pro bono basis to defend the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. We employed all the tactics available, employable and allowable in the legal profession; why didn’t they blame us then? If we didn’t, the election would not have held. If you do that today, some people, even within the profession, will blame you. know what I’m talking about. The election was to hold on a Saturday and Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, said he was going to deliver his judgement on whether or not card readers should be used by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday, two days to the election. We filed preliminary objection, he overruled it. I was in court with Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Akin Olujinmi (SAN), and Kola Awodein, (when) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu sent an aircraft to pick me in Akure, saying that if we were not in court, the election would not hold. There are things that need to be unveiled in this country. Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola (former Lagos State Governor), the Vice President (Prof. Yemi Osibajo), Lai Mohammed, the AGF (Abubakar Malami) were in the know. And Kolawole overruled us. Then he called the plaintiff and said, can you go ahead with originating summons? I will deliver my judgement tomorrow. Like someone who was possessed, I rose up and said I was applying for stay of proceedings. Then the other lawyer interjected and asked for my formal application. I gave him two authorities offhand that I could apply orally. That was two days to the election. Kolawole said well, whatever it is; I would want to listen to you. He listened to me. We did it pro bono in the sense that the APC hasn’t paid us. Nobody even wrote a letter to say thank you. Then thereafter, he wrote a ruling and granted stay of proceedings 48 hours to the election. The Supreme Court later held that, though the card reader was a good innovation, it was not yet in the law. Would Buhari have been President if we had not done that? What could be more technical than that? They filed action against Buhari, we looked at it; we raised objections and we were dragging that. Is that not technicality? And some people will now accuse me when I do it for other

•Continued on page 11

5 11

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Buhari, Also A Beneficiary Of Legal Technicalities - Olanipekun •Continued from page 10 people that I’m defending looters. But when you do it for them, it is right; that is double standard. And what baffles me is that some high lawyers, who should know better, also accuse some lawyers of defending looters? To hell with anybody who has looted the treasury. I believe in my profession and I thank God for what I am. I am a fulfilled person and don’t want any position from any government, but then government should allow those of us who are privately engaged to do our work. In our offices in Lagos and Abuja, we have over 75 members of staffprofessionals and supporting staff. We pay more than what the government pays and don’t owe workers. A cleaner in my office earns far more than what government calls minimum wage. And when you say someone is a looter, who is a looter? NYBODY who loots will have his day in court and God will punish looters, but at the same time, judge not, so that you are not judged. And let the accused person defend himself. All religions give room for fair hearing. I grew up to know that when people came to my father to settle disputes, he would say ‘e je ko so tie, agba ti o gbo ejo enikan dajo, agba osika ni’ (let him say his side of the story; an elder who bases his judgement on only one side of the story is wicked). I grew up to know that. So you don’t want people to be heard? If that is the case, change the constitution. So once someone is accused, he is arrested and taken to prison. Then, abolish the courts. That is my position. And what goes around comes around. You may be the accuser today, tomorrow; it may be your turn to face accusations. Let the law take its course. It is tyrannical, dictatorial and smacks of militarism when you start accusing lawyers who defend people. You cannot have democracy without free speech and people having access to courts. You cannot be the accuser, the lawyer and the judge. They say lawyers and judges delay the prosecution of looters, then if they have already been adjudged looters, don’t prosecute them. It is only a court of law that can come to the conclusion that someone has looted the treasury after evidence has been produced. So where does a lawyer find balance? How do you decide who to defend or who not to defend? A lawyer is at liberty to defend any case and once he takes up the case, he must do it uncompromisingly to the best of his ability. No lawyer can be condemned for defending any person. But as for me, at times, I might decide not to take some cases because of the extenuating circumstances. Today, I have rejected a particular brief, but I won’t mention names because of the parties concerned. I cherish my independence. A lawyer must not be under the control of any person. My clientele cuts across tribal, ethnical, religious boundaries. Once I take up a case, I take it that there is an unwritten covenant between that person and myself supervised by God and I must not compromise his interest. That is at the bottom line for me. I don’t care what anybody says, I owe a duty to that client just as I did to Gen. Buhari as a candidate without seeing him. Some people briefed me on his behalf

•OLANIPEKUN and I loyally served him. Some people will wonder how you are able to handle briefs from people from opposing sides like when you defended Tinubu at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and by 2.30pm on the same day, you were defending former President Goodluck Jonathan in another court. How do you quickly shift allegiances? What I give my clients is my knowledge, I don’t sell my conscience. I retain my conscience and independence. I cherish my liberty. I keep it. No client will tell me not to represent others, I will tell that client to go. Let me give you an example. Tinubu is not just my client, he is also my friend. I respect him and he respects me but he cannot say he wants to control me. He does not even discuss my professional jobs with me. The day you just referred to, I was at the CCT in the morning in a suit. Jonathan’s election petition was stood down till about 2 pm and immediately I finished addressing the CCT on Tinubu’s matter, I had to go and change for Jonathan’s matter. Jonathan would dare not ask me why I was defending his foe. But one thing I knew then was that there was no Nigerian that Jonathan’s government feared more than Tinubu. Why do you think so? I know. In fact, his camp believed they were contesting election against him, that he was the arrowhead of the opposition but they dared not ask me anything about his case. One thing I also noticed was that Jonathan’s team started withdrawing from me gradually because of the Tinubu factor. And I won’t go to anybody to beg for briefs. A lady, whose name I don’t want to mention, called me one day and said these people are in trouble, why are they running away from you? Who cares? I can be very committed to my clients. Former President Umaru Yar’Adua is dead; I was his lawyer since his days as Governor of Katsina State. He was a gentleman per excellence; he would have been the best president Nigeria ever had but he was overwhelmed by his illness. He was so humble, intelligent, honest and frugal. He was the one who appointed me as Pro Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and he told me, Wole, I know you are going to help me revive and revamp that place. Thank God we did that eventually. We changed the entire face of the university. Anytime Tinubu wants to make jest of me, he will say when it comes to law, nobody talks to you, I will say thank God you know that. He

knows that when it comes to his case, I will not compromise his interest. Also, I defended Tinubu when the late Funsho Williams took him to the tribunal. He has been my client over the years. And if you are talking of technicality, we had a plan when we handled his CCT case. We had even planned against the ruling and ahead of the ruling. I had already prepared notice of appeal. I had prepared a notice of appeal, a motion for stay of proceedings, and that if the ruling went against us, we would say okay, let’s take a short adjournment, argue that motion for stay of proceedings. Would you say that is technicality? Is that not allowed in law? Today, if I do it for somebody else, would you now want to shoot me down? When people are in government, they appropriate all knowledge to themselves. And it is only they that are patriotic; that can’t be right. It is only God that is always right. I see a lot of us now, who believe that government is always right, that can’t be right. We must objectively critique the government, not to bring it down but to make it perform. Nobody has the divine right to govern over me, you do so through democratic means, therefore, you owe me a duty to do well and listen to me and my complaints. When government says 2 plus 2 equals 10, we clap. We don’t take the government up any longer; we must not be like robots. It is not in the interest of the government, it is not in our own interest and it is not in the interest of our children. The Federal Government recently proposed the sale of some assets, which was largely condemned by Nigerians. What is your take on it? I’m not an economist but I think I have some rudimentary knowledge of economics and what is commonsensical, reasonable and just and not hasty and scandalous. I’m a bit worried about how it came to the national front burner as a discourse. Who first hinted the idea? It was the business mogul- Aliko Dangote. Later, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, supported it and later on, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. As someone who has a stake in this country, I ask, was it accidental or were they acting in concert? ’m not happy with the way things are going on in my country. Dangote is a successful businessman but what is his leverage in economics? Saraki is a medical doctor by training but now a politician by vocation and practice. The Yoruba will say the witch cried yesterday, the child died today, who would not know that it was the witch that killed the child. Is it not a case of people trying to position themselves to buy the assets? We must not allow it to happen. We must not behave like prodigals. Does it make any sense to say you have kidney problem, someone now advises you to remove your brain to solve your kidney problem. Does it make any sense? Is it not nonsensical? Is it not stupid? We are talking about core national assets that are not even failing like the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, which fetches us billions of dollars annually. May the time not come when they will sell off Aso Villa and lease it back to us. I hope

the time will not come when they will be selling off Nigerian citizens. I read that Obasanjo said that he agreed that they should sell off the assets but not to the cabals. Who constitute the cabals? They should let us know the beneficiaries of the assets that they have sold in the past. Let us have the list; let us know those who bought directly and those who bought through proxies. They are cheating this country and taking us for a ride. And I heard someone saying government will put a repurchase clause in it; they are insulting our intelligence. What an insult? Is there no law again? I sell this building and put a repurchasing clause that after 10 years, I will buy it back. Who will buy that from you? And which court will enforce it? Enough is enough. They are selling dummies to us every day and insulting the mentality of Nigerians. The CBN governor also said recently that the worst was over as regards recession; that is also insulting. People are hungry and angry and you are saying the worst is over. I have some questions to ask when you say that: are you now saying that before the end of the year, the naira will be restored to the position it was before the crisis? Are you going to give people, who have lost their jobs, the jobs back? Obasanjo must reveal the members of the cabals. And let government stop talking about corruption every day. Don’t you believe in the anticorruption fight? believe in anti-corruption, you know, I said earlier that woe betide anybody who has looted the treasury or any person who uses his position to amass wealth. But when you keep on describing Nigeria as a country that is corrupt, investors will stay off. And if you know some judges are corrupt, deal with them, but don’t go to another country to say that the judiciary in your country is corrupt; nobody will come there because it is about investment and the rule of law. And when you talk of corruption among lawyers, who are the people? It takes two to tango. Let every politician in Nigeria swear by the god of thunder that he has not tried to induce a judge. Let the President take a cue from the United States President, Barack Obama. George W. Bush squandered American funds on the Gulf War as President of the US because he wanted Saddam Hussein by all means –dead or alive- after the September 11 attack. The economy of the US was comatose when Obama took over, but did you hear him say any bad thing about Bush? He had his own agenda. He started issuing presidential orders and proclamations and within two or three years, the economy was revived without him condemning anybody. To me, government is a continuum. I’m not in the Peoples Democratic Party or the APC; I don’t even see any difference between the two of them when it is so easy for the PDP people to move to the APC and immediately become progressives. You don’t sell that to me. Mr. President should have an inclusive government. •Culled from PUNCH

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

What It Means To Be Ooni's Confidant - Brother

A business mogul and elder brother of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Prince Adegboyega Abimbola Ogunwusi is today installed as the Sooko Laekun of Ile Ife. He speaks with TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE on his growing up days with the Ooni, the responsibilities of the title and the changes he desires in Ife.

OU have been chosen as the Sooko Laekun of Ile Ife, how does it feel being a chief of His imperial majesty? When I was told about the post, I was elated. I feel it’s an honour and great responsibility on my shoulder. I thank God and appreciate kabiyesi for giving me the honour. I feel more excited that I have been given a role in collaboration with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan to achieve his role and leave a legacy. I pray that God will grant me the wisdom and support from necessary quarters to carry out my duties in order to boost kabiyesi’s legacy and impact the community. What responsibilities does this title confer on you? Sooko means head of princes. In the olden days, in each of the ruling families there is a sooko. These then were referred to as Soroko because people didn’t have easy access to them. In Ile Ife, one of the ruling house is Giesi and this has pockets of princes and leaders. Ogunwusi family belongs to this ruling house. To see kabiyesi, all the princes must go through someone and that is Laekun. To be Sooko Laekun, you must be someone kabiyesi can trust, confide in and discuss with on daily basis on issues that has to do with the progress of the community among other things. You are an eye of kabiyesi. It’s actually a significant role. And how do you hope to combine these responsibilities with your chain of businesses? That is the simplest task in front of me. In business and life, you have to prioritise things. I place premium on community life and will be closer to kabiyesi and Ife now. I have businesses within and outside the country and they can run themselves easily. Tell us about yourself? I was born over 50 years ago to the family of Prince Oluropo Ogunwusi and my late mum, Madam Magaret Wuraola Abegbe Ogunwusi. I won’t say we were born with silver spoon but I thank God for the kind of upbringing we had. We are six in number-I’m the first, followed by Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, Princess Folashade Fadairo, Princess Adesola Olojede and then kabiyesi Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife and Princess Adebimpe Daudu. Another sister of ours is Princess Folusho Adepemi Kolawole. I was born in Ile Ife and spent some time there before we relocated to Ibadan, Agodi-Gate precisely. I attended Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Ibadan, Fatima College, Ikire and later OSCAS, Ile Ife. I studied Geography at the University of Ibadan. I later did ICAN and before I traveled out of the country with my late wife,

•Prince OGUNWUSI

Tinuade Ogunwusi, I worked in the bank and mortgage industry. I am one of those who started Access Bank in Apapa. On getting to England, I retrained myself on IT and worked with British Telecommunication, Cap Geminine and Super Drug. I was there till I lost my wife. I relocated to Nigeria after this incident and joined my brother who was into real estate management. What did your parents do for a living? My dad was a broadcaster and worked with the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) and Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), and Osun State Broadcasting Corporation. My mum worked at the Medical Records Unit of the University College Hospital (UCH), before she retired and went into trading. We lost her in 2012. How was growing up like especially as a prince? We all grew up in love and had respect for one another. We didn’t throw any air around as princes and princesses. Our parents were disciplinarians and inculcated in us the fear of God and humility. We never displayed arrogance. Our parents always sounded it in our ears that what was worth doing at all was worth doing well, so they ensured we put in our best in all that we did. What was the Ooni like as a young person? Our Kabiyesi was born an entrepreneur and was very inquisitive. Our grandfather used to carry him on his laps and was fond of calling him Obalola. He always showed that trait that he could look after himself and he also loved to help people and share whatever he had with them. He

was always bringing friends home to eat. What fond memories do you have of your childhood? I earlier told you Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi was inquisitive as a child. In the house then were wall sockets and we used to cover them to avert danger. Kabiyesi in a bid to know what was inside the socket, one day unscrewed one of them and got shocked as he touched the wires. He shouted,”Adesola pami o, Adesola pami o (Adesola has killed me).” HE funny thing is that Adesola, his sister, was at that particular time miles away. I also remember my school days at Fatima College. Being a boarding school we had to adapt to any condition to survive. Since we had bushes around us, we would sneak out of the school premises and hunt for food. We would say,” we are going on jungle”. Anyone caught by the school authorities was in trouble. It appears our culture and traditions are being jettisoned for foreign ways of life. For example, Yoruba our mother tongue is gradually going into extinction as people dialogue more in English Language. What can be done to address this? I quite agree with you that this practice is becoming very rampant and that is one of those things kabiyesi is looking into right now. He recently initiated a programme, ‘So Ede Yoruba Si Omo Re.’ This is to create an awareness and encourage parents and guardians to teach their children as they grow up in Yoruba Language so that the language will not go into extinction . People are already looking into that and this is expected to be implemented in Ile-Ife community and the society at large. He’s also

looking at how the government can introduce this in the school curriculum. In the past the traditional institution was viewed with awe, but today the situation has changed. Three monarchs were reported kidnapped in Lagos, Delta and Jos. Those of Delta were killed while a ransom was paid for the release of the third. What has happened to the royal institution to necessitate this occurrences? I won’t say people don’t have regards for royals anymore, but what we are experiencing in our society today is what is happening in the whole world. Cultural awareness matters, we have to educate people about our culture. As you become a chief, what changes do you plan to see in the town? ’m very positive that in few months time and with the goals and foresight of kabiyesi, Ile Ife will become a tourist center. One other area kabiyesi is focusing on is youth empowerment. We have to do more in this regard to boost Ife community. In our clime, many times chieftaincy titles go to the highest bidder, what’s your take? Fortunately for me, this is a post that has to be occupied and that which Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi feels he needs someone he can trust and the choice of me was made by our amiable kabiyesi. So there is no need for any highest bidder in this case. What’s your hobby? I love to play tennis and travel a lot. I also love meeting people and driving. Do you mean leisure drive? Can one really do a pleasure drive with okada drivers around? I drive long distance and I enjoy it. What’s your favourite attire? It was shirt and trousers –English cut, but now with my new responsibility, it’s our traditional attire-agbada with cap and beads because I will be representing my kingdom. Are you a designer freak? No. But I love good shoes and love to dress well. Which is your best colour? White. What drink is your favourite? I’ve stopped drinking coke, now I take water I thought you would say wine? No, it’s water. How do you relax? I listen to music. What type? The old school, that is jujuOrlando,King Sunny Ade; Micheal Jackson for pop music and jazz. I also listen to up and coming Nigerian musicians and Christian music.

•Culled from Nigerian Tribune.

FOR THE RECORD

51 3

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Arrest Of Judges: Full Statement Of NJC'S Reaction •Continued from page 7

On the directive of the Council, Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga responded to the allegations against him by DSS. Thereafter, a Committee comprising Members of the Council investigated the allegations of corrupt practices. OTH Parties – The DSS and Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, together with their witnesses and counsel appeared before the Panel set up by Council in compliance with the National Judicial Discipline Regulations and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, on the Right to Fair Hearing. The DSS was represented by a Director, S. U. Gambo, Esq. who is also a Legal Practitioner in the Department and Hon Justice Pindiga was represented by Joe Agi, SAN. At the end of the investigation, the DSS could not substantiate any of the allegations of corrupt practices either by documentary or oral evidence against the Hon. Justice Pindiga. Consequently, at its Meeting of 15th July, 2016, Council decided to exonerate Hon. Justice Pindiga of the allegations of corrupt practices levelled against him by DSS. The Council’s decision was conveyed to Hon. Justice Pindiga in a letter Ref. No. NJC/HC.GM/5/1/ 132 of 9th August, 2016 and copied the DSS. 8.8. RE: HON. JUSTICE NNAMDI DIMGBA OF FEDERAL HIGH COURT ABUJA DIVISION Council is aware that DSS had written a complaint alleging corrupt practices and professional misconduct against Hon. Justice Dimgba by a letter Ref. No. LSD.158/ 2/31 dated 5th August, 2016. At its Meeting of 29th September, 2016, Council constituted a Fact Finding Committee comprising its Members to investigate the allegation. During the last Emergency Meeting of the Council, it received a Report from Hon. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba that his Residence was also raided and ransacked; and in the process, his nephew and driver were man-handled, using a wrong search warrant which was not meant for the search of his house. The Committee has commenced the process of investigating the allegations before the recent unfortunate raid and search of Hon. Justice Dimgba’s Residence. 9. Council meticulously considered the entire unfolding events that led to the arrest of the Judicial Officers and the misinformation and disinformation making rounds in both Electronic and Print Media that the DSS acted thus because the National Judicial Council was shielding the Judicial Officers from investigation and prosecution for corrupt practices and professional misconduct. 10. Council noted particularly, that from the available records, the DSS forwarded only two(2 no.) separate complaints containing allegations of Corrupt Practices against Hon.

•MAHMUD MOHAMMED

Justice Pindiga; and corrupt practices and professional misconduct against Hon. Justice Dimgba. 11. The impression created and widely circulated before the public, that the DSS forwarded a number of petitions containing various allegations of corrupt practices and professional misconduct against some Judicial Officers to the Council, and they were not investigated, is not correct. The Council urges the DSS to make public the particulars of such petitions to put the records straight. 12. Given the above background facts, on behalf of the Judiciary, Council is constrained to inform the general public that all petitions and complaints forwarded against Judicial Officers bordering on corrupt practices and professional misconduct, have been attended to and investigated, where applicable, by Council since year 2000 to date, within the powers conferred on it by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. 13. Therefore, any Judicial Officer that was reprimanded by Council or recommended for removal from

office by compulsory retirement or dismissal to the President or Governor, was done in compliance with the Constitutional power, Rule of Law and Due Process. 14. From year 2000, when the National Judicial Council held its inaugural Meeting to 2016, 1808 petitions and complaints against Judicial Officers, including Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justices of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal were received by the respective Honourable, the Chief Justices of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council. Eightytwo (82 No.) of the Judicial Officers were reprimanded (suspension, caution or warning), by Council, in the exercise of its exclusive Constitutional Disciplinary power over Judicial Officers. HIRTY-eight (38 No.) of the Judicial Officers were recommended to the President or Governor where applicable, for compulsory retirement from office; while twelve (12 No.) were recommended to the President or Governor as the case may be, for dismissal from office. In conclusion, Council wishes to state as follows:That it maintains its earlier decision that no Judicial Officer shall be invited by any Institution including the DSS, without complying with the Rule of Law and Due Process. That explains why when the DSS wrote to the Council by letter Ref. No. LSC.960/4 dated 14th September, 2016, to direct Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga to appear before it, The Hon. The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council directed the Hon. Chief Judge of Gombe State to ask Hon. Justice Mu’azu Pindiga to report to DSS, which His Lordship did. That the National Judicial Council has never shielded nor will it shield

any Judicial Officer who has committed any misconduct. 3) That the Department of State Services is an Agency in the Presidency and its functions as specified in the statute establishing it, is primarily concerned with the internal security of the Country. 4) That the action of the DSS is a denigration of the entire Judiciary, as an institution. 5) That by the act of the DSS, Judicial Officers are now being subjected to insecurity, as criminals might take advantage of the recent incidents to invade their residences under the guise of being security agents. 6) The Council vehemently denounces a situation whereby the Psyche of Judicial Officers in the Federation is subjected to a level where they would be afraid to discharge their Constitutional judicial functions, without fear or favour, intimidation, victimization or suppression. 7) The Council will not compromise the integrity and impartiality of the Judiciary. 8) The Council wishes to reassure the public that any person who has a genuine complaint against any Judicial Officer is at liberty to bring it up to the Council for consideration, after following due process vide its Judicial Discipline Regulations. 9) At the end of the Meeting, Council unanimously agreed to recommend Hon. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, CFR, as the most senior, suitable and competent Justice of the Supreme Court to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria to succeed Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed GCON who retires from office on 10th November, 2016. Soji Oye, Esq Ag. Director (Information)

Full Text Of Lai Mohammed’s Speech On Release Of 21 Chibok Girls

ENTLEMEN of the press, good afternoon. We have called this press conference at a very short notice to brief you on the latest development in the saga of the abducted Chibok Girls. We can confirm that 21 of the girls were released, safely, to us by 5.30 this Thursday morning and they were flown to Kaduna from the location of their release. This is the most glaring manifestation to date of the unwavering commitment of Mr. President to secure the safe release of the girls and reunite them with their families. It is also a result of the roundthe-clock efforts by the Administration to put a closure to the sad issue of the kidnap of the girls. We expect the released girls to land in Abuja shortly. Ahead of their arrival, we have assembled a team of medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, trauma experts, etc to properly examine the girls, especially because they have been in captivity for so long. They will also be adequately debriefed. We have the list of the 21 girls but we are now

•LAI-MOHAMMED contacting their parents as part of the necessary verification exercise. As soon as that is concluded, we will release the names to the public. Gentlemen, as we have always said, we have been working on the safe release of the girls and following all the leads available. In this instance, the moment we had a credible lead, Mr President gave the green-light to the DSS

to pursue it. We can confirm that the DSS pursued the lead in collaboration with a friendly European country and a renowned international humanitarian organization. The DSS was supported by the military. As soon as the necessary confidence was built on both sides, the parties agreed on the date and the location of the release of the 21 girls. Please note that this is not a swap. It is a release, the product of painstaking negotiations and trust on both sides. We see this as a credible first step in the eventual release of all the Chibok Girls in captivity. It is also a major step in confidence-building between us as a government and the Boko Haram leadership on the issue of the Chibok Girls. We want to thank all Nigerians for their support and for never losing confidence in the ability of Mr. President to secure the safe release of our Chibok Girls. Gentlemen of the press, I thank you all for your kind attention.

OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Subsea Controls Quality Inspector · Rivers, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Oil & Gas · Posted by ELPER Oilfield Engineering Nigeria Ltd on Friday, October 14, 2016 · Reference: 217303 Job Details Employer: ELPER Oilfield Engineering Nigeria Ltd Provide Quality Control support to the SNEPCo Subsea Controls team and Subsea Vendor in the manufacture of subsea controls components including but not limited to HPU, SCM, MCS, Sensors and Subsea Meters. Position description - Special Challenges · This position will require substantial experience in the manufacturing and testing of Subsea Controls equipment. · Supervision during manufacturing & testing of the subsea controls equipment will require planning, coordination and communication effort · Interface with subsea vendor and sub-contractors will require knowledge of contractor management Position description - Accountabilities Deliverables will include: · Ensure that all work is done in a manner consistent with Shell’s minimum HSSE standards and policies. · Ensure subsea vendor compliance with SNEPCo Quality Management System requirements. · Ensure product integrity and compliance with functional specifications requirements through the performance of receipt, in-process and final release inspection activities. · Interface with Subsea Vendor and other Third Party Quality sub-contractors to ensure alignment with SNEPCo objectives · Ensure control of non-conforming product and maintain records which confirm compliance with SNEPCo Quality Management System requirements. · Ensure adherence to approved work procedures using calibrated equipment · Verify and sign off test reports and manufacturing data books · Carry out project learnings and/or after action reviews to document problems and prevent reoccurrences. · Provide technical mentoring & transfer learnings to less experienced SNEPCo staff who may also be assigned to the work activity. Candidate Requirements · Post high school diploma or equivalent · 10 years experience supervising manufacturing and testing of Subsea Controls equipment. · Knowledge of global standards and ability to develop and interpret work procedures and processes. · Familiarity with major Subsea vendor(s) controls equipment · Excellent communication skills and able to work with and influence multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams Apply before Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - 61 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. …………………………..end………………………………. Community Liaison Officer · Abuja, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Admin · Posted by British High Commission on Friday, October 14, 2016 · Reference: 217302 Job Details Employer: British High Commission The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. Job Description · To ensure that all new arrivals (single officers, couples, families and officers on temporary duty) are welcomed and supported into the community; that advice on living in Abuja is provided in advance both proactively and on demand; and to guide new arrivals through the arrival process, including orientation and induction briefing, with due care and attention. Specifically to engage in information gathering and providing advice on spouse/ partner employment at Post and children’s education. To remain actively engaged with new arrivals by following up after a period of time to ensure that people have settled in well. (40%) · To contribute fully and actively to a strong sense of community cohesion by ensuring that all members are encouraged to contribute and share relevant information on social events and amenities/restaurants/shops etc. · To facilitate events, coordinate volunteers, and liaise/network with other missions’ CLOs and local expat groups/organisations. (40%) · Advocate for UK-based staff and dependents in addressing issues of importance with Post management, including as their representative on the Joint Post Management Board, Post Housing Committee, and evacuation/contingency planning, and as the chief link between Post and DSFA in London. (15%) · Resource management of CLO Imprest, book and DVD library, keeping updated the CLO Welcome Pack, and, with Post Management, coordination of update of the Post Report. (5%) Candidate Requirements · Bachelor’s Degree/HND · Previous experience as CLO Apply before Thursday, December 15, 2016 - 63 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ……………………….end………………………… Multidiscipline Inspectors FPSO Topsides and Subsea(Oil and Gas) · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Oil & Gas · Posted by ELPER Oilfield Engineering Nigeria Ltd on Friday, October 14, 2016 · Reference: 217301 Job Details Employer: ELPER Oilfield Engineering Nigeria Ltd ELPER Oilfield Engineering (Nigeria) Limited specializes in engineering and technical services for the offshore oil and gas production industry including Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Quality Management. We support projects in Nigeria and world-wide procurement, design and construction. With our partner companies, Elektrint Nigeria Ltd. and Horatio Nigeria Ltd. we share more than 60 years of operation in Nigeria. Our expert staff is recognized for quality performance, responsiveness and the know-how to get the job done right. FUNCTIONS · Perform discipline quality inspection activities in accordance with the Sub-Project Quality Plan. · Keep Site Quality Lead updated with status of discipline quality issues. · Perform witness inspections and monitor production processes. · Review and evaluate Contractor’s records. · Review Contractors and Suppliers completion files for accuracy and adequacy. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES · Perform Construction Assessment as determined by Surveillance Program · Perform inspection during fabrication activities as planned on Inspection and Test Plans. · Provide expertise to site team to avoid/resolve quality problems. · Attend and contribute to site and project technical meetings as necessary.

· Responsible for monitoring and appraising Instrumentation construction work for conformance. · Responsible for ensuring Contractor procedures are followed as required by contract. · Witness Contractor’s activities and endorse Suppliers’ and Contractor’s quality records as appropriate. · Witness acceptance tests and perform final quality check prior to acceptance of equipment and materials. · Monitor Suppliers’ and Contractor’s quality assurance and quality control activities. · Provide early warning of potential quality problems. Candidate Requirements · years minimum recent experience in Quality Inspection; multi-discipline related to fabrication, hook-up, commissioning and start-up of process plant(s) and pipelines, onshore or offshore, with: · Required 2 years construction / operation experience (Such as electrician, welder, mechanical or instrument technician, discipline foreman, field engineer) related offshore FPSO Topsides or Subsea scope. · A degree in a related field is preferred. · Technical qualification and certification in assigned discipline(s) is preferred. · Knowledge of industry discipline codes and standards. · Knowledgeable in reading P&ID’s, PFD’s, Single Line Diagrams, Loop Diagrams, etc. · Must be proficient in common PC software (MS Word; MS Excel; Lotus Notes; etc). · Read, write and speak fluent English. Apply before Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - 61 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ……………………….end……………………………. Business Development Manager · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Business Management · Posted by WEB Nigeria on Friday, October 14, 2016 · Reference: 217298 Job Details Employer: WEB Nigeria We are a full service digital media think tank offering paid search, search engine optimisation, display and social media from offices in Lagos, Accra and London. Our people think creatively across channels, using state of the art technology to drive significant commercial results for our clients. Job Description · Present new products /services and enhance existing relationships. · Achieve business development targets and goals · Work with other staff and other internal colleagues to meet customer needs. · Arrange and participate in internal and external client debriefs. · Prospect for potential new clients and turn this into increased business. · Cold call as appropriate within Nigeria to ensure a robust pipeline of opportunities. · Identify potential clients, and the decision makers within the client organization. · Research and build relationships with new clients. · Set up meetings between client decision makers and WDTC’s Principal leaders or trainers. · Plan approaches and pitches. · Work with a team to develop proposals that speaks to the client’s needs, concerns, and objectives. · Handle objections by clarifying, emphasizing agreements and working through differences to a positive conclusion. · Use a variety of styles to persuade or negotiate appropriately. · Present an image that mirrors that of the client. · Enhance existing and develop new relationships with national marketing/ branding organizations, businesses and private universities where WDTC’s potential students are found. · To make approaches to and receive enquiries from a range of external organisations to facilitate collaboration with the Webnig Digital Center. · Promote WDTC’s research excellence (both overall capabilities and specific inventions or expertise) to third parties to develop sustainable partnerships and help secure more knowledge transfer outcome. · Carry out due diligence on intellectual property of WDTC’s research unit to establish a protection and exploitation strategy to achieve a commercial end point. Advise on alternative commercialization strategies including licensing and business creation. · Contribute to the generation of promotional material for areas of training and research activity as directed by Webnig Digital Center’s objectives. · To undertake other duties as may be reasonably requested by WDTC. Candidate Requirements · Bachelor’s Degree/HND Apply before Thursday, November 10, 2016 - 28 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ………………………end…………………………. Front Desk Officer · Abuja, ¦ 50 000 - ¦ 70 000 Per Month (Negotiable) Benefits: Medical Aid, Pension, Training · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Construction · Posted by Eden Solutions & Resources Limited on Friday, October 14, 2016 · Reference: 217293 Job Details Employer: Eden Solutions & Resources Limited Our client, a leading investment holding company based in Abuja, Nigeria. With over 30 years high-level experience and investment success in several companies, requires for immediate employment the service of a competent Front Desk Officer Responsibilities · Keep front desk tidy and presentable with all necessary material (pens, forms, paper etc.) · Greet and welcome guests · Answer questions and address complaints · Answer all incoming calls and redirect them or keep messages · Receive letters, packages etc. and distribute them · Prepare outgoing mail by drafting correspondence, securing parcels etc. · Check, sort and forward emails · Monitor office supplies and place orders when necessary · Keep updated records and files · Monitor office expenses and costs · Take up other duties as assigned (travel arrangements, schedules etc.) Candidate Requirements Requirements · B.Sc or HND from any accredited tertiary institution · Proven experience as front desk representative, agent or relevant position · Familiarity with office machines (e.g. fax, printer etc.) · Knowledge of office management and basic bookkeeping · Proficient in English (oral and written) · Excellent knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel and Word) · Strong communication and people skills · Good organizational and multi-tasking abilities · Problem-solving skills · Customer service orientation · Based in Abuja Apply before Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - 61 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. …………………….end……………………….

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OSUN DEFENDER Sunday, October 16, 2016

Man United's Wayne Rooney Should Consider Yoga, Cryotherapy - Defoe

ANCHESTER United and England striker Wayne Rooney should consider yoga and cryotherapy to prolong his career, according to Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe. Rooney, 30, has come standing in a sub-zero under pressure in chamber which can recent weeks following i m p r o v e r e c o v e r y a perceived dip in form, times. He said of his former with the United captain dropped to the bench England teammate in for both club and the Daily Mirror: “Is country. age an irrelevance? 100 Defoe, 34, feels the percent. Ryan Giggs criticism of Rooney is [who made his last harsh, although he Manchester United believes the former appearance at age 40] Everton player could showed that. It was benefit from adopting well documented the certain techniques to things he was doing, aid his ageing body, like yoga and pilates. including cryotherapy Teddy Sheringham which involves played until he was 40.

I think Les Ferdinand was 38. “I just think, if you do it right, if you look after yourself like I always have then you shouldn’t have a problem. “It’s unbelievable [the criticism of Rooney]. People obviously forget what he’s done and how much football he’s played. Look at his record — the highest goalscorer — it’s a little bit harsh in my opinion. “Obviously there comes a point in a player’s career where you can’t get to the

same level that you’ve been at before — and you set such high standards it’s hard to be the same. “But people can’t forget what he’s done and the amount of goals he’s scored, not only for England but for Man United as well.

“At one stage, he was the wonder-boy playing for his country and now people are getting frustrated and the phones are burning. But he’s one of the best talents England have ever produced. It’s harsh. “I’d say get him in

the cryo! “He’s 30 and some of the things he’s achieved in the game are unbelievable. He’s a goalscorer and when he gets the chances he can finish and he can create goals as well. But I’m not the manager of Man United or England.”

Arsenal Missed Out On Cristiano Ronaldo Due To Money - Comolli

RSENAL were close to beating killed them and Sir Manchester United to the signing of a Alex Ferguson said, ‘He young Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting has to go to United, Lisbon, but did not have the money to complete he’s coming home with the deal for the Real Madrid superstar, the club’s us.’” •Cristiano Ronaldo went on to win three Premier League titles with Manchester United. former scout has revealed. Manchester United had Damien Comolli worked for seven years a partnership with as a scout for Arsenal Sporting, played a from 1996 during which friendly in Lisbon. He time he spotted the potential of Ronaldo, now 31, at Sporting. ARCELONA coach Luis Enrique says the B o r u s s i a challenge of doing well The fledgling talent week’s great news is that Lionel Messi is back Monchengladbach and without them is an from Madeira even to full fitness and is set to make his comeback the defeat to Celta Vigo, attractive one. came to the Gunners’ “When a player is from a groin injury against Deportivo La Coruna on but returned to training training facility at several days ago and is injured he’s still around, London Colney and •Alejandro Moreno and Saturday. to his Messi has been September’s draw with set to be handed some relating was awed to meet his Mark Donaldson predict minutes ahead of teammates,” the Barca then-hero, Thierry week 8 action around La sidelined since hurting Atletico Madrid. He missed the wins W e d n e s d a y ’ s boss added. “Any injury Henry, as the club Liga, including a possible his groin for a second time this season in over Sporting Gijon and Champions League clash is important and if you’re attempted to sign him. upset by Leganes. talking about, in my with Manchester City. Though those France defender opinion, the best player in methods appeared to Samuel Umtiti, who history, anyone would work, however, injured his knee in notice his absence and it Arsenal were not training in September, is makes things difficult. willing to meet “But the team’s also available again and Sporting’s asking price Enrique says both players challenge is to overcome and the player moved along with rivals Atletico could play when La Liga that, as we did last EAL Madrid are monitoring Borussia to Old Trafford a few after the season, too. So the Dortmund teenager Ousmane Dembele, a Madrid, lost their appeals resumes months later for £12.24 to FIFA against one-year international break this situation is still the same, source has told ESPN FC. million. he’s still around, just not Dembele, 19, signed for day I will play for transfer bans for breaking weekend. “He came to the Dortmund rules protecting underage from Rennes Barcelona.” “The great news is that taking part, so in that training ground twice. this summer for a fee in the players. However, Barcelona players are coming back sense, no [his absence No-one knows that,” region of €15 million on a could face competition The Madrid clubs are Comolli, who was also five-year deal after being from their La Liga rivals blocked from registering [from knocks], such as doesn’t affect the dressing Tottenham Hotspur’s linked with a number of Real Madrid, who have new players in the next Samuel Umtiti and Leo,” room].” As well as Messi and he told a news conference director of football top European sides. made an enquiry two transfer windows — on Friday. “Messi has Umtiti, Luis Suarez will between 2005 and 2008, This week, the France regarding Dembele winter and summer in also be available for Depor been with the team since told RMC. “He met winger said in Mundo although they have not 2017. If Real do not manage Wednesday now. He on Saturday. There were Thierry [Henry], who Deportivo that he would made a formal offer. Dembele has scored to get their appeal to the came back [to training] reports the Uruguayan was his idol. And when be tempted by a move to one Bundesliga goal and Court of Arbitration of looking good, at a good was carrying a knock, but it came to the transfer, Barcelona in the future. Enrique dismissed any He said: “Not now, assisted two in six Sport (CAS) overturned level. we didn’t have the “When you come back fears over the striker’s because I want to grow appearances this season. they will have to wait money. until January 2018 before In September, Real, from an injury you need health. “A few months after, and be a protagonist they can register new minutes, in both training every Sunday. But one “Luis Suarez is players. Barcelona were hit and in games. I’ll speak to available, like everyone else,” he explained, “he him about [Depor on with a similar transfer ban but signed Arda Saturday], but in principle didn’t say he’s injured to Turan and Aleix Vidal he’s ready to play, as is me when I spoke with him. Yes, players have to despite being unable to Samuel Umtiti.” Despite the 4-3 loss to make transatlantic flights register them. Turan and Vidal waited six months Celta without Messi two and have to recover, but before being able to make weeks ago, Enrique said he looks good, he’s their debuts. that the 29-year-old’s trained well and he is in Real could attempt to do absence does not have a condition to play.” something similar with negative effect on the However, Jasper Dembele if they were to dressing room. Cillessen, Sergi Roberto make a move for him over He acknowledged it and Jordi Alba will be the summer transfer window and they would can be difficult to deal missing, although it’s be able to loan him out for with the absence of your hoped the latter two will best players on the pitch, be back in time for •From his dribbling to his attitude, the qualities that make up Ousmane Dembele's six-months to another but was adamant the Manchester City next club until January 2018. game thrill Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel. week.

Lionel Messi's Barcelona Return Delights Coach Luis Enrique

Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele Tracked By Real Madrid - Source R

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016

T is stating the obvious to say that Nigerians are indeed growing through harrowing times. Like the maxim goes “no condition is Permanent” which simply means that the current experience would not last forever. However, what is important is the lessons we as individuals and the country can learn from it. Some otherwise wealthy individuals are withdrawing their children from some private schools, universities inclusive. Others who sent their children abroad, have asked them to come home because they could no longer afford the fees payable. As a country, it has now dawn on us that we should rely on our home-made goods and refrain from depending solely on petroleum. If we are able to utilise the lessons inherent in the current challenges, we would be better for it. Our legislators have of recent been at the receiving end of people’s wrath for some obvious reasons. The country expects them to be pro-active in certain areas which they are yet to do. A very clear example is the issue of their salary and remuneration. For some time now the critical section of the populace, the media and civil society organisations have been in the forefront for the legislature to disclose their remunerations. This, they have failed to do for sometime. The only response from them is that, their salary and other allowances is not determined by them, hence agitators should see the body statutorily empowered to do so. Unfortunately, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) constitutionally assigned with determining the salary of public workers has not helped matters. Nigerians would have expected that as public servants or masters whichever is appropriate should have their salary in public domain as done all over the world. Our social media is now awash with the salary and other perquisites of senators and members of the House of Representatives. Whether it is genuine or otherwise, it is available and there is agitation that masses should revolt at the humongous salary they receive. Some have even gone further to analyse that if each Senator receives half of his current salary and a member of the House of Representatives does the same the unemployment graduates

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Expectations From Our Legislators

•SARAKI

roaring the street could be engaged. Our leaders are generally considered to be insensitive to national issues. There are certain issues that can be nipped in the bud if our leaders are proactive. With the benefit of hindsight, if our past leaders have critically looked into the Niger-Delta challenges, may be the issue of bombing and kidnapping would have been averted. Today, we are the losers. The country deploys its Armed Forces to counter the militants, yet there are occasional damage to our national assets. In spite of the deployment, our production of petroleum is less compared with what it ought to be. The insurgency in the North-East festered because the leaders that ought to have engaged them either in schools or productive ventures preferred to squander our common wealth while the children took their fate in their hands. Today, we are licking our wounds. The parliament is an invaluable organ of a democratic government hence, it cannot be neglected.

Giving the seemingly minimal role being performed by that organ, people are beginning to ask questions like what do we lose if we do away with it? Or better still, can’t we have a unicameral legislature, meaning, one house at the national level? It is a fact that in all federal states, two houses of law-making are required so that the states with higher population would not use it’s numerical strength in the representatives house to get their policies passed easily at the detriment other states. OME have equally suggested that we should reduce the composition of both houses. In the Senate, some people have suggested one person can do, while we do not need more than 200 people in the House of Representatives. One would have thought that with the agitation for the opening of their accounts, the House would have made it bare and make a sacrifice in terms of the reduction of their salary. Incidentally, their salary remains

the same and being paid promptly contrary to the fifty percentage salary slash in some cases or delay in its payment. I am of the view that the parliamentarians would always see themselves as being set for criticism or condemnation even when members of the executive earn more and get away with whatever they do. I think, the set of legislators with this mindset should be reminded that they are the true representatives of the people. They are the most accessible to the electorate and should be responsive to the needs of their constituents. By now, the issue of Lagos State asking for special status should not arise if we are practising true federalism. Lagos, by every standard deserves a special status in our present system given that the state is not being given her proper due. The Lagos state government incurs a lot of expenses on infrastructure, waste management and public institutions because of the influx of people into that state. It harbours the seaports where imported goods berth and are discharged, yet no special provision is made for it. The country still depend or tankers to discharge and distribute fuel across the country hence the Lagos roads are filled with tankers, yet no compensation is made for the damages caused. ECENTLY, Senator Oluremi Tinubu moved a motion for Lagos to be given a special consideration which was shot down in the Senate. Whereas it may be plausible to reject the request on the basis that in future other states can, given similar circumstances demand for special status, the Senate should have tried to advance the cause of true federalism. Fiscal federalism or true federalism, if not given legal backing would certainly create problems if not now, then certainly, in the future. Fiscal federalism would engender competition and healthy rivalry. The immediate past government of Mr Raji Fashola took certain steps which were roundly condemned by other states like the repatriation of some people to the East. However, if the truth is to be told, the present system cannot last forever. It retards progress, kills initiative and brings about despondency. This is certainly a wake-up call to the members of the National Assembly.

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