Osun Defender Online Version Of April 05, 2024

Uproar Over Drop In Power Supply In Osogbo

•Continued from Page 1

stakeholders in Osogbo to rise in protest against the development.

The stakeholders bemoaned the Ibadan Electricity Distribu on Company (IBEDC) for the drop in the power supply, calling for an immediate rec fica on of anything that is responsible for it.

This is just as the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun summoned a stakeholders mee ng involving indigenes of the town and officials of the IBEDC and Na onal Control Centre.

The mee ng which was held at the Ataoja’s palace on Tuesday witnessed large turnout of people who were embi ered with the erra c electricity.

Oba Oyetunji expressed his displeasure on the irregular power supply, calling on the IBEDC to fix whatever is responsible for the poor supply.

Speaking at the mee ng, a prominent indigene of the town, Alhaji Muniru Raji who is a Special Adviser to the Governor on Polical Affairs, berated the IBEDC, accusing the company of sabotage and deliberately reducing the power supply to the state capital. He alleged the IBEDC of sabotage, sta ng that the company wanted to deliberately destroy the economy of Osogbo.

Raji, who spoke in Yoruba language, said: “We donated land and transformers to you (IBEDC) without collecting a dime, if you do not want to incurred the wrath of God, do not tamper with the electricity supply in Osogbo.

“The only thing le for Osogbo is (stable) power supply. Our fathers didn’t collect a dime when they dashed the defunct Na onal Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

“Those of you who are Yorubas (among the IBEDC staff) should behave well. Do not allow the electricity supply in Osogbo to slide. It is worrying that the power supply in Osogbo has dropped dras cally, please address that. It is like you want to deliberately destroy the economy of the state capital. You want to destroy the only pride of Osogbo.” The erra c power supply is affec ng

•Ataoja Summons Meeting, As Indigenes Warn IBEDC Against Sabotage

•We’re Not Responsible For Unstable Power Supply – IBEDC

smooth running of business in the state capital.

Business owners, traders and ar sans who need stable power supply for their ac vies have lamented the absence of stable power

supply and the high cost of diesels and petrol used in powering their power genera ng sets.

We’re Not Responsible For Erra c Power Supply – IBEDC

However, the IBEDC management has absolved the company of any culpability in the unstable power supply, saying it was distributing the available energy to its franchise.

According to the management, several factors which were not in the company’s control were responsible for the irregular power supply.

Addressing Ataoja

Criminals May Be Using Ife/Modakeke Feud To Commit Crime – Police

THE Osun State Police Command has alerted the general public that some criminals might be using the fading feud between Ile-Ife and Modakeke to perpetrate crime.

The police spoke following the killing of some farmers around Toro, Aba Panu and Wanisani villages belonging to Ile-Ife.

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday, the Public Rela ons Officer of the Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, said the police have arrested one person in connec on with the crime. Opalola noted that the suspect could not be idenfied as either an indigene of Ile-ife or Modakeke, saying those behind the a ack may be from other towns.

She said: “The police has arrested one person in connec on with the crime but the suspect cannot be confirmed as either an indigene of Ife or Modakeke.

“But the police are working round the clock to arrest the perpetrators. However, those people may be outsiders who want to use the opportunity of the feud between Ife and Modakeke to commit crime.

“The CP has said those behind the crime would be declared as criminals. They are trying to turn the back of the two towns against

each other. They know when the killings con nue; the two towns will start accusing one another.”

Group Condemns

Killing

Meanwhile, A nonaligned group, Ifeland Peace and Development Movement, has condemned the ‘tragic deaths of the farmers’.

The group, in a statement signed by its Conven-

er, Chief Soji Awogbade, on Wednesday, urged the law enforcement agencies to locate the offenders and prosecute them in order to address recurrent criminality in the community.

It noted that the Ife Development Board and Modakeke Progressive Union should persist in denouncing criminal ac vi es and promote harmony.

The group said, “The Ifeland Peace and Development Movement, a voluntary non-aligned group

of professionals, businessmen, and women who are indigenes of Ile-Ife and Modakeke, has condemned the recent killing of farmers last week in Ifeland villages around Toro, Aba Panu, and Wanisani villages by criminals pretending to be represen ng community interests.

“IPDM totally condemned these acts of criminality and called on law enforcement agencies to flesh out the criminals and bring them to book.”

Hunter Shoots Man Dead In Iwo

THE police have confirmed the arrest of a hunter, who allegedly shot dead a resident of Iwo in Osun State in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to sources, the incident occurred around La co area of Iwo at about 3am.

The hunter, whose iden ty was not disclosed, was said to be a emp ng to evacuate the corpse before daybreak when a resident of the area arrived at the scene and contacted the police.

The police officers responded to the distress call from the scene and arrested the suspect.

OSUN DEFENDER

learnt that residents of the areas trooped out to protest the killing of the deceased.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, Kehinde Adeleke, said mely interven on of security agencies stopped the protest.

She said, “On the 2nd of April 2024, informa on reached the NSCDC Office, La co Area Iwo, that a local hunter at a junc on in the area around 03:00 am on Tuesday, shot a man dead.

“The hunter was believed to be planning to evacuate the corpse before daybreak. But another resident met him at the scene and alerted

the police. The police arrested the hunter which led to some boys in the area to start se ng up bonfires in protest.

“The NSCDC, Iwo with other sister agencies were deployed in the area in a bid to bring the situa on under control.”

Police Public Relaons Officer for Osun Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, while confirming the incident, said an inves ga on team had been put in place to unravel the circumstances that led to the shoo ng of the deceased.

Opalola, in a statement on Tuesday, said: “The Osun State Police Command is miffed with the report/

•Continued on page

and other stakeholders at the mee ng, the Chief Key Accounts Officer of the IBEDC, Mr. Johnson Tinuoye, maintained that the company could not deliberately reduce power supply to its customers, urging residents of the state to exercise pa ents as the power is improving.

Tinuoye said: “Several factors have contributed to the current state of the power supply within our franchise, resul ng in disrup ons and inconveniences for residents and businesses.

“One of the primary factors is the low supply of gas to generating companies (Gencos) which has led to a gradual decrease in available genera on into the grid. This has significantly reduced the power available on the transmission grid for onward supply to IBEDC, and in turn, greatly hindered our ability to provide power to customers within our franchise namely Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Kwara and partly in Kogi, Niger and Eki states.

“Secondly, scheduled maintenance ac vi es conducted by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in January and March, 2024 necessitated planned outages in specific areas of our network. While these measures are essen al for ensuring the longterm reliability of electricity infrastructure, we recognize the inconvenience they may cause and sincerely apologize for any disrup ons experienced by our customers.

“Furthermore, vandalism and the of electricity infrastructures remains a major issue nega vely impac ng power supply.

“An example is the unfortunate vandalism of TCN towers in Ogun state in May 2023 which resulted in over seven months of darkness for many of our valued customers.

“At IBEDC we are par cularly confronted with the escala ng cases of vandalism, with over 40 incidents recorded in 2024 alone. The the of valuable assets such as transformer oil, cables and aluminum conductors pose a significant challenge to our operaons, as communi es affected are thrown into extended periods of outage depending on the severity of the act.

Yusuf Oketola

Kazeem Badmus

•Environmental Health Officials asking traders around Awosuru area of Osogbo to clean the drainage around the area Photo Shola Aderinto

TIME flies, and we are s ll trying to reconcile the fact that Yinka Odumakin transmi ed three years ago. He now belongs to ages, joining an illustrious litany of ac vists, na onalists, and patriots who contributed immensely to a be er society. They include Alao Aka: Basorun, Gani Fawehinmi, Baba Omojola, Actor Nwanko, and Yusuf Bala usman. The list is long. We salute their courage, warts all their life was a blessing.

The ques on is What on earth has happened to ac vism in Nigeria?

The ques on needs to be answered. For at a me of an excruciating cost-of-living crisis, the response to the crisis has been, to say the least tepid.

Disconcer ngly, there has been known “Alterna ve Perspec ve” to crisis. we are remembered here once again of the o en-quoted observaon of the Italian philosopher, Antonio Gramsci in his “Prison Notes”. At a similar me of societal dysfuncon, Gramsci noted “The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear. “WEARE IN AGE OF MONSTERS”

An End To Activism?

“The old methods have failed. The country needs a new form of ac vism to get out of the crisis and there is an urgent need for a fresh perspec ve”

The “morbid symptoms” reveal themselves almost daily with deadly decisions. For example, the gruesome murder of 17 valiant officers of the Nigerian Army is s ll too painful to forget; kidnapping, banditry, and adop ons of the defenceless are no longer the head-shaking “Breaking News”. Indeed we are in the age of monsters!

The ques on has to be asked, “What is to be done?” The dearth of ac vists reveals a contemporary weakness of civil society. There have been honorable excep ons of course such as SERAP, BUDGIT, and so forth, but never the less, civil society needs to reimpose it exigencies.

Too o en, a democra c civil society should have a domineering strength over poli cal society. But this is not, as a result of the weap-

oniza on of poverty by poli cal society as a means of social control. The mountain that will fight back to reimpose the authority of civil society will be difficult, but it has to be done.

Civil society and ac vists must find new ways of redirec ng the territory of discourse. Social and other media must be used as an organizing tool to proffer new solu ons and perspec ves. A country with 133 million people needs to look at alterna ves to the crisis, another guide to the government and poli cal society.

In every area from Agriculture, Health, Educa on, Defence, and so forth, we must break away from jaded ideas. The old methods have failed. The country needs a new form of ac vism to get out of the crisis and there is an urgent need for a fresh perspec ve. We remember fondly the ac vists of old and we salute their courage.

The Discourse

Cultism: A Path to Destruction

By Dare Eluyemi

Asecret cult is an organiza on where individuals come together, pledging their allegiances under oath and forming a social bond of commitment and dedica on to the group’s objec ves. These ac vi es are shrouded in secrecy, hence the name “Secret Cult,” hidden from the rest of society or non-members.

Some young people join these groups to gain notoriety, ins ll fear, and amass wealth. It is believed that cult members often have wealthy and influen al sponsors, making membership an avenue to connect with affluent individuals in the country.

Many youths, including students, are lured into secret cults by their thirst for power and authority. This is par cularly prevalent among those who aim to fight for their rights. In Nigerian society, the primary mo va on for joining a cult is o en to confront oppressors, which can include corrupt lecturers, school authori es, or rival cult members.

Cul sm is a malignant tumor afflicting Nigerian society, its detrimental effects spreading throughout every corner of the na on. Alongside issues like drug abuse and internet scams, Nigerian youth can easily fall prey to the nega ve influences of cul sm. Origina ng in Nigeria in 1957, this menace has proliferated, infiltra ng various strata of society. Nigerian cults are notorious for their extreme violence, leading to disrup ons in academic ins tu ons, loss of lives, and property damage. Other societal consequences include vandalism, rape, gambling, bullying, and drug abuse. The most tragic outcome of cultism is premature death. The alarming

“

Sta s cs demonstrate that individuals involved in cul sm and indiscipline usually end up leading miserable lives and mee ng un mely deaths”

rate at which young people are losing their lives due to involvement in cult acvi es is distressing. Minor disputes that could be resolved amicably o en escalate into calamitous events within society.

Engaging in cul sm and indiscipline leads to a reckless disregard for life and values, resul ng in bullying fellow students and disrespec ng teachers. Sta s cs demonstrate that individuals involved in cultism and indiscipline usually end up leading miserable lives and mee ng un mely deaths. There have been numerous cases of cult members engaging in violent clashes and deadly missions against their rivals.

Cul sm’s grip on Nigeria’s ter ary instu ons has been a longstanding challenge. These ins tu ons are increasingly becoming breeding grounds for cul sm, violence, and criminal ac vi es. While the government has made efforts to combat this threat to na onal security, democracy, and development, it remains impera ve for individuals to resist the lure of cult groups. The end result is always disastrous. If you have friends or rela ves showing interest in cult ac vies, it is your duty to dissuade them and make them realize that there is no gain in

joining a cult. Show them that their worth exceeds was ng their me in such groups.

Cul sm and indiscipline pave the way for drug addic on, leading to eventual insanity. Associa ng with bad company corrupts morals and exposes individuals to various forms of immorality.

Cul sm has infiltrated many ter ary ins tu ons and social sectors in Nigeria, affec ng not only students but also teachers and other staff members. This social ill, characterized by violence, extor on, and in mida on, has persisted for decades and has become increasingly deadly due to the prolifera on of weapons. Cul sts are seen as rebels or vigilantes figh ng against an unjust society, but they also engage in criminal ac vi es such as kidnapping, robbery, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.

FROM THE SOCIAL MEDIA

THE Nigerian broadcast industry is in turmoil, with the challenges becoming increasingly life-threatening.

Many broadcast ou its have either shut down or are opera ng sporadically. When I ventured into broadcast entrepreneurship in 2015, I had high hopes, energy, and convic on. I aimed to redefine the broadcast landscape in my space and contribute to the GDP. However, it seems that Nigerian policies are thwar ng my efforts.

I never imagined that a liter of diesel would cost close to 1,600 naira in a country plagued by power shortages. With a popula on of over 220 million people genera ng less than 5 MW of power, it costs an average of 400,000 naira to stay on air for twelve hours for a small 2kW transmitter powered radio sta on opera ng on a 100kVA generator. How can such sta ons be profitable or sustainable?

I understand that this crisis isn’t unique to the broadcast industry; it affects all sectors of the economy. However, as storytellers, we o en neglect to share our own struggles. We are like the butcher’s son who feeds on bones.

I expect the Broadcas ng Organiza on of Nigeria (BON) to defend our industry. I see representa ves from other sectors addressing their challenges daily. We provide them pla orms for advocacy and help set agendas that spark public discourse. Other sectors benefit from our pla orms, yet we remain silent and pretend to be strong.

The broadcast space is youth-centric and youthdriven. If the government con nues to undermine the sector, more young people will join the already overcrowded job market.

it. We must act before they s fle our industry and deprive it of oxygen.

Cul sm can result in the death of innocent family members linked to cul sts. Rivalries between cult members o en spill over to target the families of adversaries, resul ng in death and severe injuries. It can also hinder individuals from realizing their full poten al and achieving success.

However, no problem exists without a solu on. Some poten al solu ons to this menace include parents enforcing discipline on their children, adop ng effec ve paren ng styles, ac vely engaging with their children, visi ng them at school, and closely monitoring their ac vi es. Parents should also lead by example and abstain from secret organiza ons. School authori es should maintain strict discipline and implement severe penal es for cul sm, serving as a deterrent.

Addi onally, schools, religious ins tuons, parents, students, government bodies, nongovernmental organizaons, and society as a whole should wage a collec ve ba le against cultism through seminars, workshops, campaigns, and discussions. The dangers associated with cul sm must be highlighted to educate and dissuade young people from ge ng involved.

Prince ‘Dare Eluyemi is a graduate of the pres gious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and a Fellow of the Cha ered Ins tute of Leadership and Governance USA(Nigeria Chapter).

Chapter).

Osun Begins Full Implementation Of Teacher’s Tenure Elongation Policy Guideline

OSUN State Government has begun full implementa on of policy guidelines for the Teacher’s Tenure Elongaon Policy.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, approved the enforcement and implementa on of a new re rement age and length of service for the teaching profession in the state, in line with the police guidelines.

This is coming a er a human rights group, the Commi ee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) had challenged Adeleke on the need for the full implementa on of the policy.

CDHR had accused Adeleke of unwillingness to fully implement the teacher’s re rement elonga on policy, sta ng that the state government wasted N837m within 20 months of the domes caon of the policy.

The human rights group claimed that most of the beneficiaries of the policy in the state were not medically fit and did not return to the classroom to teach as required by the policy guidelines.

The Chairman of the CDHR in the state, Comr. Emmanuel Olowu, disclosed that 145 level 16 secondary school teachers and 105 primary school teachers have benefi ed from the policy.

However, Adeleke, according to a press stateIsmaeel Uthman

•A cross section of attendees at the 7th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by Oranmiyan Worldwide, on Tuesday

ment signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has approved the enforcement of the guidelines.

Rasheed said: “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the immediate enforcement and implementa on of new re rement age and length of Service for the teaching profession, direc ng acon to restore normalcy across schools in Osun State.

“According to a Circular issued from the Office of the Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, all those interested in enjoying the new re rement age must

comply with the guidelines as s pulated.

“Consequently, the Ministry of Finance and the State Universal Basic Educa on Board (SUBEB) have been directed to stop forthwith, the payment of salaries to those who have been enjoying the new re rement age without fulfilling the condi ons attached.”

A copy of the circular sighted by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads: “I wish to refer to our Circulars Ref. Nos. SMD.61/ VOL.III/36 dated 31st May, 2022 and SMD.61/Vol. IV/52 dated 20th October, 2023 on the above sub-

ject, and reiterate that the condi ons stated in the aforemen oned Circulars s ll subsist.

“Consequently, all those who have been enjoying the new re rement age and length of service without fulfilling the necessary prerequisites have, by this circular, ceased to enjoy such benefits un l their compliance with the extant circulars.

“For the purpose of emphasis, for any officer to enjoy the new re rement age and length of service, the concerned officer is requested to ensure that the guidelines are strictly adhered to.

“The full guidelines to be fulfilled by those interested reads as follows:

“The Officer must be within the educa on cadre recognised in the Scheme of Service. The officer must be registered with the Teachers Registra on Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

“The officer must be medically fit as ascertained by a qualified medical doctor. The officer must not be under any disciplinary ac on.

“All successful applicants will be deployed to serve as teachers in schools; all unsuccessful applicants will be advised to re re immediately

Criticism As Osun Assembly Proposes Establishment Of New Agency

thority for Sustainable Development.

Tunder the 60/35 years scheme.”

Commending Adeleke on the enforcement of the police guideline, Olowu, the CDHR Chairman, said: “CDHR sincerely commend you on your stance in ensuring that the beneficiaries of the teachers elonga on policy are eligible and ready to follow the guidelines of the policy.”

One Dead, 600 Displaced In Osun Rainstorm –Report

ONE person has been confirmed dead while about 600 people were displaced by a rainstorm that ravaged Iloko-Ijesa community in Oriade local government of Osun State.

OSUN DEFENDER had in March reported that residents and traders of Iloko-Ijesa lost property worth millions of naira to a heavy rainfall that wreaked havoc in the town.

HE Osun State

House of Assembly has proposed the establishment of an agency to be in charge of rural roads across the state.

According to the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, the bill which is an execu ve proposal named State-Wide Road Authority for Sustainable Development, seeks to create an authority for the sustainable development and management of Class C and Class D roads.

Egbedun, in a post on his Facebook account, noted that the bill aims to enhance connec vity and improve overall living standards for communi es throughout the region.

He wrote: “Osun State House of Assembly, today deliberated on the Establishment of State-Wide Road AuYusuf Oketola

“During the plenary session, Hon. Elisha Oderinwale, Chairman of the House Commi ee on Rural Development and Community Affairs, presented a report on the Osun State Urban & Rural Access Road Authority (Establishment) Bill, 2024.

“The bill, an execuve proposal, seeks to create an authority for the sustainable development and management of Class C and Class D roads in collabora on with local government areas, local council development areas, and area councils across Osun State.

“This ini a ve demonstrates the 8th Assembly’s commitment to fostering intergovernmental coopera on and promo ng development for the benefit of the people of Osun State.

By priori zing rural and urban access roads, the proposed authority aims to enhance connec vity

and improve overall living standards for communi es throughout the region.

“The Osun State House of Assembly under my leadership will con nue to work closely with other branches of government, ensuring that essen al infrastructure projects are implemented effec vely and efficiently. Through these efforts, the 8th Assembly remains dedicated to driving progress and prosperity for all citizens of Osun State.”

Reac ng to the development, an entrepreneur, Dare Eluyemi, argued that exis ng agencies such as the Osun Road Maintenance Agency could handle such project through proper restructuring, saying establishing a new agency in the current face of economic reali es is not the best.

Eluyemi wrote: “Mr. Speaker, contrary to what you posted, this I feel one of the exis ng agencies such as Osun

Road Maintenance Agency could handle through proper restructuring.

“Establishing a new agency in the current face of our economic reali es isn’t the best decision to manage government resources. This is an overlap of responsibili es. Local Government should be given autonomy and be financially equipped to manage their own roads.

“I disagree with you establishing a new agency that would have another budgetary pro-

vision, new DG, new running cost while the exis ng agencies are also running same responsibili es.

“Osun State Road Maintenance Agency is meant to handle state roads and the developmental ac vi es around it while LG works departments which are expected to have Councillor for works and Super for works are meant to handle LG roads. I do not see the economic viability in the idea Mr Speaker. Kindly equip and restructure the exis ng structure”.

Giving a report on the assessment of the damage on Wednesday, the Na onal Emergency Management Agency, in a statement posted on its X handle wrote, “NEMA Southwest Zonal Office, in collabora on with Osun State SEMA and community leaders, assessed the rainstorm disaster in Iloko, Oriade LGA of Osun State.

“The team, led by AZC Olanrewaju Kazeem, was warmly received by Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe.

“The Oba and community leaders appreciated the quick response and briefed the team on the situa on.

“The assessment revealed extensive damage, including property destruc on, loss of livelihoods, and one fatality. Over a thousand people were affected, and 600 displaced.”

Hunter Shoots Man Dead...

•Continued from Page 2 news of the shoo ng/ killing of a man in Iwo despite con nuous warnings/sensitisation of members of the public, especially hunters and other local security ou its on the use of guns (firearms).

“The command is using this medium to appeal to members of

the public, especially the family of the deceased and residents of Iwo, to remain calm and not to take the law into their hands as the command has set up a team of crack detecves to inves gate the circumstances that led to the shoo ng/killing of the man in the town.”

Opalola, who said the suspect had been iden fied, arrested and was in police custody, cau oned members of the public, especially hunters and other local security ou its against firearm misuse, urging them to abide by the rules governing the use of arms to avoid killings of innocent ci zens.

Yusuf Oketola

5 Education

1,000 Students Receive N50m Osun Central Bursary Award

Sodiq Yusuf

NO fewer than 1,000 students from terary ins tu ons in Nigeria benefited from the N50m bursary award provided by the Senator represen ng Osun Central Senatorial District at the Na onal Assembly, Olubiyi Fadeyi.

The programme accommodated students from public and private ins tu ons who are indigenes of the 10 local governments of the senatorial district. The beneficiaries are students in 100 level, final year undergraduates, Masters’ Degree Students and Ph.D. researchers.

Each of the Ph.D students who benefited from the award was given N70,000, Medical Students N50,000, Law stu-

dents N50,000, Final Year students N50,000 and newly admi ed students N20,000.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Senator Fadeyi, popularly known as Ajagunnla, said the bursary ini a ve was borne out of his passion for educaon.

Ajagunla stressed the need for the judicious u lisa on of the bursary, urging the youth to focus on their educa on, as it is the most powerful force to drive change in the society.

He commended President Bola Tinubu on the signing of the Amended Students’ Loan Act, stressing that efforts are on to make the programme seamless and impac ul.

The Senator said: “It is about giving back to the

society, through human capital development for the students, which we started last year. Last year, we had a ter ary bursary award for fresh students,

final year undergraduates, Masters and Ph.D. students, as well as about 650 students whom we gave scholarships. We can see that our Governor

has been doing tremendously well in the area of educa on and this is to support him.

“The programme is out of my passion for the development of the students. I grew up in an environment that valued educa on and this is why I am deeply commi ed to educa on. I want to urge the students not to divert this financial support but use it exactly, for the intended purpose.

“The truth is that educa on will forever remain golden and we must all, as young people, take it seriously.”

In their separate remarks, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, and the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Oluwole, called on the students to priori se their

OAU Students Honour Odumakin As Falana Knocks NANS

Kazeem Badmus

THE Students Union of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State on Wednesday, honoured the late acvist, Comrade Yinka Odumakin with the maiden edi on of Comrade Yinka Odumakin Inter-Faculty Debate Prize and Public Lecture.

The event was to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the death of the former Afenifere Spokesperson.

Speaking during the event held at the Oduduwa Hall of the University, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, described the current leadership of the Naonal Associa on of Nigerian Students (NANS) as the mouthpiece of the government, saying it has strayed from the mo ve of establishing the union. Falana noted that

•Participants at the event

the student leaders ought to realise that NANS was not set up to defend government but to fight for the students.

The SAN who was the Guest Speaker said, unlike the me of Odumakin, the current student leaderships defends the poli cians as against what they were there for.

Falana who was represented by a lecturer in the University, Professor Wumi Raji, said:

“In recent mes, NANS leadership has become a mouthpiece of reaconary governments. It has joined the Federal Government to fight ASUU and NLC.

“Permit me to cite two instances. During the ASUU strike of 2022, NANS raised the alarm that the incessant strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universi es (ASUU) was no longer for the interest of ter ary educa on but “an act of

educa onal terrorism economic sabotage.

“On February 16, 2024, the NLC announced a 2-day naonwide protest against hardship facing Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, NANS claimed to have backed out of the protest even though it was not involved in planning the protest.

“As if that was not enough, NANS stated, “The looming threat of strike poses a sig-

nificant risk of further exacerba ng the economic challenges facing the na on and disrup ng the lives of ordinary ci zens, including students.

“The current crop of student leaders ought to realise that NANS was not up to defend governments but Nigerian students.”

He urged NANS to defend the interests of Nigerian students, home and abroad.

“Henceforth, NANS should prosecute and defend the interest of Nigeria students at home and abroad.

“NANS should take up the case of the two students who lost their lives in a stampede which occurred at the Nassarawa State University during the distribu on of bags of rice. NANS should campaign against the abduc on of students and payment of ransom”, he added.

educa on. They commended Fadeyi for providing the bursary, no ng that there is no greater investment than being educated.

Oba Abolarin said: “We should appreciate the Senator. He is inves ng in the future. I admire investments in the future. The future of Nigeria, Osun State, and Osun Central Senatorial District are students and I am advising that nobody should deceive you. You hold a special place in the future. Always aspire to be great and be commi ed to your educaon.

“Dis nguished Senator Ajagunla, you are plan ng a seed. Some of the li le problems the students are facing will be resolved. This is quite a laudable ini a ve that should be applauded by all.”

Corrobora ng the monarchs, the Chairman of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) in Osun State, Hon. Sunday Bisi, lauded the federal lawmaker for the ini a ve aimed at augmen ng the efforts of Governor Adeleke in the educa on sector.

Bisi emphasised the need for well-meaning individuals in the society to take pride in the educa on of the people, stressing that it is the best legacy.

The event featured the presenta on of cheques to the students, among others.

The beneficiaries commended Fadeyi for suppor ng their educaon career through the bursary award.

Of the beneficiaries, Fatai Oladimeji, a final year student of Obafemi Awolowo University, said the financial support has lessen the burden of paying tui on fee and buy books for him.

•Some traditional rulers in Osun Central Senatorial District, the State Chairman of PDP, Hon. Sunday Bisi, Sen. Olubiyi Fadeyi and other diginataries with the symbolic N50m bursary award cheque

•Bisi presenting cheque to one of the beneficiaries

Religion

AISHAH (RAA), his wife also relates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) was regular in re ring to the mosque for prayers during the last ten days of Ramadan up to the last day of His life. A er His (SAW) demise, His (SAW) wives con nued the prac ce. Bukhari and Muslim.

Lastly, Abu Hurayrah (RAA) says that the Holy Prophet (SAW) re red to the mosque for ten days every year in the month of Ramadan, but in the last year of his life he re red to the mosque for twenty days. Bukhari.

Whenever the Prophet (SAW) exempli-

fied an act like this, it served as an impetus for his companions to follow suit. Apart from the fact that He (SAW) persuaded us of doing it because of the derivable benefits and spiritual growth therein.

JUMAT SERMON JUMAT SERMON

By IMAAM MUSA OLADAPO RAJI

By IMAAM MUSA

Importance Of (Laylatul Qadr)

The Night Of Decree (II)

Aishah (RAA), His (SAW) wife says that the Holy Prophet (SAW) used to endeavour (in worshipping) during the month of Ramadan more than He strove in any other month, and He prayed harder and more earnestly in the last ten days of the month of Ramadan more than He did in the first twenty days of this month. Aishah (RAA) says further that she asked the Holy Prophet (SAW): “O Messenger of Allah, if I come to locate the Blessed Night, then how should I pray in this night? The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “ALLAHUMA INNAKA ‘AFUWWUN TUHIBUL ‘AFWA FA’AF’ANNI” (Allah thous art Most Forgiving and Love forgiveness then do thou forgive me).

With all these explanatory quota ons above, it suffices to say that it is part of religion to embark on ‘I’ kaf during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan. However, there are condi ons that govern this act of Ibaadah, parts of them are as follows: (i) Retreat with fas ng; Retreat does not count without fas ng. (ii) It must be done in a mosque where five daily obligatory prayers and Jum’ah are observed. Allah says: “And do not have sexual relaons with your wives while you are in ‘I’ kaf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invoca ons leaving the worldly ac vi es) in the mosques. (iii) If a person gets sick during the period, he should go home and when he gets well, he should take up where he le off. The same holds for a woman who menstruates while she is on retreat. (iv)A willing Muslim should enter his place of retreat before sunset of the night he wishes to begin his retreat. (During the period) He should not go out to visit the sick,

of the most common staple foods of the people. Head of the household pays for himself and for all his dependents and make sure that the food items reach the beneficiaries before they leave for the praying ground. Because the main aim of the act is for the poor and the needy to have sense of belonging. If it is not done that way, the reward may no longer be there.

What marks the end of it all is Salatul I’dul Fitr. This fes val is an established Sunnah. The Imam and Muslims Faithful (male and female) would leave for a praying ground earmarked for such, just a er sunrise to observe a two Raka’at. The Imam is expected to recite Suratul Fa hah and other chap-

ter aloud. A er the prayer, he is expected to deliver a sound and meaningful sermon.

The feast has a member of e que es. They are so numerous that this piece can’t take them all. But let us look at few of them. (1) It is Sunnah to eat before going to the eid (Ramadan feast only). (2) Glorifica on of Allah while going to the eid. (3) Taking bath before going to the eid. (4) Wearing of one’s best cloth. (5) Applica on of scent on one’s cloth (men only). (6) Congratula ng one another on e‘id. by saying; “TaqabalaIlahu mina waminkum” i.e. May Allah accept it from us and from you.

to do Salat over the dead, or to trade. Someone on retreat should not leave the mosque except to take care of nature where the facili es are not. (v) Someone on retreat ll the last day of Ramadan should not return home un l he spends the night before the eid in the mosque then he leaves in the morning for the Salat praying ground.

At this juncture, it is per nent to state here that Zakatul Fitr (otherwise known as JAKA) is paid before going to the praying ground. It is an established Sunnah, prescribed by the Prophet (SAW) for every Muslims, young or old, male or female, free or slave. Each person must give a SA’I (or 12 ns of milk) as the standard of the Prophet (SAW)

Community Alleges Monarch Of Land Grabbing,

Kazeem Badmus

RESIDENTS of Ijaregbe, a community in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, on Tuesday, protested what they described as ‘wicked ac on of the monarch of the town’ towards his subjects.

The monarch, Oba Edward Adedayo Ade mo, was accused of taking over the land and farms belonging to his subjects.

The aggrieved residents who protested at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osogbo, also alleged some police officers of complacency, adding that the monarch had been using the officers to threaten and in midate them.

The protesters noted that Oba Ade mo’s ac ons have led to the death of some people.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, an 80-year-old man, Amos Ojo, urged the state Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, head of security agencies and other stakeholders to wade into the ma er before it degenerated into a crisis.

Ojo alleged that he was detained on the instruc on of the monarch for over a week at AKAD Police Sta on, Obokun, because he asked

the monarch to stop selling land that belong to indigenes of the community.

He said: “The current situa on in Ijaregbe is not good at all. Our monarch, Oba Edward Adedayo Ade mo has turned himself into a god and if prompt ac on is not taken to curb his excesses, there might be violence in the community.

“The King has virtually taken over all the land and farm in the community and whenever the owners challenged him, he used police officers from Akad police staon, Obokun and Zone XI, Osogbo to harass them.

“No one dared to challenge him. I as a person have been taken to the police staon where I was detained for over a week because I told him not to sell my land.

“People are deser ng the community for fear of being arrested by the police who we believe are working in cohort with the king to cause mayhem in the town.

“We are appealing to the state governor, the Ooni of Ife, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, the senator represen ng Osun East and other stakeholders to come to our aid.

“We also call on the Director of DSS and the Inspector General of Police to come

The Prophet (SAW) recommends that after the feast of eidul fitr we should endeavor to fast for six days during the month of Shawwal. (tenth month of lunar calendar). As narrated by Abu Ayub (RAA), the Prophet (SAW) said: “One who observes this fast throughout the month of Ramadan then followed by fasting six days in shawwal, is as good as if he observed the fast throughout the year. (Muslim) to

Police officers who were supposed to be our friends are the ones they were using to in midate us.

“Oba Ade mo should be called to order. The government should not wait un l the crisis brews up due to

Finally, the Prophet (SAW) recommends that a er the feast of eidul fitr we should endeavor to fast for six days during the month of Shawwal. (tenth month of lunar calendar). As narrated by Abu Ayub (RAA), the Prophet (SAW) said: “One who observes this fast throughout the month of Ramadan then followed by fas ng six days in shawwal, is as good as if he observed the fast throughout the year. (Muslim) My esteem readers, I enjoin you all to take solace in doing all the recommended acts of Ibaadah during all the last lap of this glorious moment: one for our spiritual growth and two for the be erment of the society because if we (all of us) take its advantage to repent sincerely and turn to Him (The Most High) for assistance, Allah is ever ready to come to our rescue. He is our Waliy (protector). I say all that you are listening to and I seek forgiveness of Allah from my sins and yours.

•Concluded •Imaam Musa Oladapo Raji, the Chief Imaam of Telemu, Ola-Oluwa LGA, Osun State.

Intervention

the monarch’s ac ons before wading into the ma er.”

Meanwhile, counsel to some of the aggrieved resi-

Cleric Reveals What Qualifies Aregbesola Above Other Governors In Osun

THE Osun State Missioner of the NasrulLahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Dr. Kamorudeen Busari, has stated that immediate-past minister of interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is quite different from other governors the state has had.

Busari disclosed that Aregbesola’s vision in transforming the state stands him out among other former governors.

He made the disclosure at the 7th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by Oranmiyan Worldwide, a socio-poli cal group in the state.

The cleric stated that all other governors who had governed the state before Aregbesola only had missions but could not achieve much during their tenure because they lack the vision to execute some of their missions.

Busari, however, attributed Aregbesola’s success in his eight years to pa ence, hardwork, focus, piety and generosity.

He said: “All former governors in the state came with mission without vision but Aregbesola came with mission and vision. That made him succeed as governor.

“Aregbesola became a household name in Osun because of his achievements throughout his eight-year tenure in Osun.”

The lecturer who spoke on the topic, “As-Sobr (Paence) and the Theme: ‘A ributes of a true Muslim” said the former minister of interior was able to reclaim his mandate in 2010 because of his perseverance.

He therefore commended all Aregbesola’s loyalists for their steadfastness and con nuous

support while admonishing them not to relent as they will come out victorious at the end.

“Aregbesola’s perseverance made him to reclaim his mandate in 2010. He wouldn’t have achieved that if not for his perseverance. He was always op mis c that he would reclaim his mandate back then. He was firm on that.

“I urge all Aregbesola’s loyalists to remain steadfast during the me of trial and hardship. Meanwhile, I can authorita vely say you are all loyal to him because you are steadfast in all the difficul es and tragedies faced in the past.

“A leader must be paent to be able to lead his subjects, if not, he will destroy what he has built and destabilise the people he is governing. Almighty Allah said he is always with those who are pa ent”, said the cleric.

dents, Mr Moses Obaditan, has sent a pe on to the state governor.

A copy of the pe on dated April 02, 2024 which was cited by OSUN DEFENDER was received by the office of the A orney General and Commissioner for Jus ce of the state.

The pe oners urged the state government to look into the allega ons levelled against the monarch.

Obaditan, in the pe on, “urge the state government to set up a special commi ee to inves gate all the allega ons levied against Oba Ade mo.

“We are also sugges ng that Oba Edward Adedayo be put on suspension pending the outcome and recommenda on of the commi ee’s report. This will enable the commi ee to carry out their du es without Oba Edward Interrup on.”

Responding to the allega ons, Oba Ade mo in a telephone conversa on with OSUN DEFENDER on Thursday, said the land in ques on is a royal family land. The monarch noted that there was a case pending in court on the affected land asking the pe oners to wait for the outcome of the case and stop blackmailing him.

Yusuf Oketola

Reported Threat To Aregbesola’s

THE poli cal differences between the camp of the immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the former governor of Osun State, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, took a new dimension during the week, following a reported threat to Aregbesola’s life and freedom.

The Omoluabi Progressives, a caucus of the APC, alleged that some chie ains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were having an evil plot against Aregbesola.

According to the group, there was a clear threat to Aregbesola’s life and freedom, saying it was evident in an arcle released by Ismail Omipidan, the media aide to Oyetola.

The caucus quoted Omipidan as saying, “Yet with the feeling of self-importance, he con nues to wage war against the structure which brought him into limelight. But let me say for the umpteenth me that if Aregbesola connues his poli cal war against the party and persons that brought him to poli cal reckoning, he may not survive it.”

Organising and Publicity Secretary of the caucus, Comrade Abosede Oluwaseun.

Made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, the peon reads partly: “The Omoluabi Progressive Caucus expressed serious concerns about statements made by Mr. Ismail Omipidan, spokesperson for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola. Mr. Omipidan’s remarks, as quoted in a widely circulated ar cle, implied a poten al threat to the life of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

“Therefore, we have urged the security agencies to conduct a thorough inves ga on into Mr. Omipidan’s statements and to invite him for ques oning regarding his intent behind the remarks. We believe that such clarifica on is necessary to ensure the peace and security of our state and to prevent any further escala on of tensions.

Subsequently, the caucus has pe oned the Department of State Security (DSS), Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), urging the security agencies to invesgate Omipidan’s statement and prevent any a ack on Aregbesola.

The pe on which was submi ed on Tuesday was signed by the

“As representa ves of the Omoluabi Progressive Caucus, we take the safety and security of our members and leaders very seriously. We cannot ignore any statement or ac on that may jeopardize the well-being of individuals within our community.

Man Uses Charm To Lure Housewife From Her Husband’s House, Rapes Her For 3 Weeks

OPERATIVES of Osun State Amotekun Corps have arrested a 35-year-old indigene of Modakeke, Babalola Abayomi, for allegedly kidnapping a married woman through diabolical means.

The suspect was arrested on Monday, at Sekona town, for allegedly kidnapping 35-year-old Sofiyat at Ode-Omu with a magic ring.

The State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Brgd. Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi rtd said the suspect used a magic ring to control the woman from her husband’s house in Ode-Omu to his residence in Modakeke where he held her hostage for three weeks and randomly sexually assaulted her.

Adewinmbi, while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Osogbo, said: “The suspect, on the 29th of March, 2024 took the woman to Ile-Ife and dropped her along the road where the woman raised an alarm which alerted Amotekun operaves who swung into ac on immediately

and trailed the suspect to his hideout in Sekona where he was arrested.

“The suspect confessed that on September 2023, the vic m, Sofiyat approached him to help her sell her palm oil because that is the business he does, and along the line, he asked her out but she refused, saying she was married.

“He later approached one Alfa Ilorin, a herbalist in Sekona who gave him some charms. Since then, he claims that the woman has been listening and following his command. He controlled her using the charm to leave her husband and she did. He changed her sim card and they moved to Modakeke from Ode-Omu. All this happened within three weeks and has been sleeping with her randomly.”

Adewinmbi added that upon invesga on, the suspect confessed to commi ng the act.

The Osun Amotekun boss revealed that the suspect has been transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for subsequent interroga on and prosecu-

on. Adewinmbi also advised residents of the state to be security conscious and be careful with the individuals they deal with.

Uproar Over Drop In Power...

•Continued from Page 2

“Energy the through illegal connecons, meter bypass and illicit meters are also major issues affecting adequate supply of power to customers, because they result in revenue losses and liquidity problems for the electricity value chain. We have also no ced an alarming upsurge, with over 1,450 iden fied cases of energy the between January and February 2024.

“Payment apathy from customers is a major challenge to adequate supply of power.

Unfortunately, across our customer segments we have different mindsets that electricity is a social service and should not be paid for; some only pay part of the bill, while others don’t pay because they haven’t received their preferred hours of supply.

“Despite these challenges, we remain opmis c that poor supply will soon become a thing of the past as the Honorable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has taken urgent steps to address the gas supply issue. On energy the and vandalism, we are currently partnering with security agencies to reduce this vice.”

“Furthermore, we want to assure the public that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, our former Governor of Osun and immediate past Minister of Interior, is in good health and high spirits. We stand by him unequivocally, and we are confident that the security agencies will take appropriate measures to guarantee his safety and that of all ci zens.

“We call on all stakeholders, including the media and the public, to remain calm and vigilant as the security agencies inves gate this ma er. We are committed to upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and we trust that jus ce will prevail.”

Reac ng to the allega on, Omipidan said it was malicious and unguarded to accused him of any plan to a ack Aregbesola.

Omipidan said he does not have history of violence, wondering why a group would accuse him of threatening the life of the former governor.

He said: “Only an unstable mind and character would accuse a person of my standing, who in the last two decades has no record of poli cal violence of an alleged threat to the life of a former governor, a former minister.

“As a journalist, my records of service in all the states that I have prac ced are open books. Those accusing me are only trying to dress me in a borrowed robe. They know those who are in the habit of using extrajudicial means by deploying non-state actors to deal mercilessly with perceived opponents.

“Finally, let me enjoin security operaves to be on the alert because my accusers might be the ones actually plo ng something sinister against themselves and might just be looking for an alibi.

•Aregbesola

Kazeem Badmus

MY opinion in this piece on the poli cal rela onship between Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola who was his Chief of Staff and successor in office as Governor of Osun State is neutral and objec ve. This is because I am unaligned with any of them and none of them benefited me directly. I therefore owe none of them any loyalty at all.

Let me begin by saying that I don’t know what makes Mr. Ismail Omipidan to unveil such subjec ve idea on the feud between Aregbesola and Oyetola in his recent ar cle tled “What does Aregbesola want from Oyetola?’ The en re writeup unveiled by Mr Omipidan is full of subjec ve opinions and specula ons.

It was barely two years into the administra on of Oyetola as the Governor of Osun State when some of us saw it clearly that Oyetola would not stay beyond four years in office. Our highly respected leader called us to a mee ng to deliberate on the possibility of saving a ship that may sink only a er one term in office. We deliberated on ways to assist Oyetola and his administra on to enjoy a second term that seemed unrealis c. At the mee ng were Barrister Abdulganiy Shaid Ezera, Abdulfatai Olabanji and also Mr. Ismail Omipidan. The convener was our highly revered Uztaz, Abdulwaheed Kolapo.

At the mee ng which was held at one of the leading hotels in Osogbo, I told Omipidan loudly that the crisis between his boss and Aregbesola is like holes below their poli cal ship, unless they find a way either sincerely or preten ously to dilute the poli cal crisis, their administra on will not extend beyond four years.

In another similar instance, one day, Sheikh Daood Imran Molasan came to my office in his white Toyota SUV. Then, Oyetola was just two years plus in office, he told me that Oyetola deserved our support for a reason but I replied him that the reason will not save him from a looming poli cal loss. I told SHEKH, ‘if you go with him, you will surely lose together.’ I am sure it later became clearer to the SHEIKH.

The implica on of above pillar of words is that I don’t know why and how he didn’t know that the tyre of the vehicle of Oyetola’s second term was already deflated. It was obvious, we said it farfar before it happened.

We therefore don’t need to be told that it was Oyetola that needs to tell us what Aregbesola did to him to warrant such a level of hatred he displayed towards him. It is as if those who were close to Aregbesola were not APC members, as Oyetola in person and his commissioners and allies demonstrated rejec on of anybody who is close to or has worked closely with Aregbesola as if his victory was not jointly achieved.

“No good and intelligent politician would establish such hostile political bond with Ogbeni Aregbesola the way Oyetola did at such a crucial time, no matter the influence of Banik, Omowaiye and Famodun that might have been on him. Such is a sure ticket to political coma.”

BY ABDUL FATAI ABDULSALAM PERSPECTIVE

What Does Oyetola Want From Aregbesola?

How do we know Oyetola and his men hate Aregbesola? It was unbelievable how Oyetola’s administra on was fully out to change almost all the legacies of Aregbesola without any jus ficaon.

In my opinion, as at the me Oyetola was busy altering the legacies of Aregbesola, I was wai ng to see what his administra on will offer Osun as brilliant and sophis cated programmes in replacement. If the home-grown school feeding programme, Opon Imo, single uniform, OYES, etc were not good, what was Oyetola able to present to Osun as alterna ves?

The point here is that the manner Oyetola’s administra on deconstructed Aregbesola’s legacy shows we need to face Oyetola and ask for Aregbesola’s offence.

As students of leadership, we took out me to understudy these promi-

nent poli cians and as good students, we should have know their strength and weaknesses. Oyetola is s ngy and created big enemies for himself. Also, his sense of crea vity and flexibility as leader is weak.

I have had opportunity to be with Aregbesola in his residence in Abuja for about four mes and I was with Oyetola once in the Government House at the me their poli cal crisis was tense. The basis of the visit to them was a highly sensi ve case I handled which was connected to their interest. I had discussion with them and I inferred sincerely that Aregbesola had no issue with Oyetola.

I was in the same parlour with Aregbesola in 2022 when he was being told the news of the intolerance of Oyetola against him. As human being with ego, I expect Aregbesola to u er remarks of hatred and condemna on. But, Aregbesola displayed an unusual calmness,

“Oyetola is stingy and created big enemies for himself. Also, his sense of creativity and flexibility as a leader is weak”

resilience and felt less concerned about how his legacies were being recklessly pulled down by Oyetola.

Aregbesola, like I used to say, I owe him nothing but as a sincere student of leadership, he forms a significant part of our study. He is highly courageous, dynamic and a generous giver. He is also a bridge builder and a grassroots polician. That does not mean Oyetola cannot improve on himself and become better than Aregbesola.

No good and intelligent poli cian would establish such hos le poli cal bond with Ogbeni Aregbesola the way Oyetola did at such a crucial me, no ma er the influence of Banik, Omowaiye and Famodun that might have been on him. Such is a sure cket to poli cal coma.

It is in all reality a frank one. It is be er for Oyetola not to think of re-contes ng for Governor in this state, as being speculated. The reality is that he is never the people’s choice and he had the opportunity to sell himself when he was governor but rather, he was sparking dangerously like a singing thunder.

If I have a boss, I will never support him in any mission that will wreck him, even if it benefits me.

•Chief

STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Parties As Private Properties

THERE is a consuming poverty that is ravaging the souls of Nigerians, especially the rank and file of those involved with poli cs; and it is simplis c to a ribute it to hunger and chronic material depriva on widespread in the land. A poli cal party is supposed to be an assemblage of members who have similar vision and an ac on plan for a be er society than what currently obtains. It is among these members that leaders of the party emerge through dedica on and sacrifices in pushing the manifestoes of the party and placing them in good standing in their quest for power and government. This is far from the case in Nigeria. Par es have become the personal proper es of select founders; in the big par es, basically the proper es of the men and women with the big money. As private proper es, they are now managed for private interests by the handpicked stakeholders and associates of the imperial money lords of the par es: no room for debates, no room for ques ons or contrary views, and no room for internal democracy – it is obedience of the last given order. The rank and file are played as pawns in the power game, and for the crumbs from the masters’ tables they are happily compliant and ready to do in anyone standing for propriety. In or out of power, state of na onal level, there are rare excep ons.

Of course, concrete issues of prevalent poverty, hardship, misery and ignorance

have to be fought with concrete means. Nevertheless, the job is clearly cut out for Nigerian patriots, be they ac ve in poli cs or not, to imbue the majority of the people (and democracy is all about the people) with fresh and upli ing ideals on nobility and supremacy of the party; its organisaon on the basis of internal democracy, self-sacrifices for the pursuit of its manifestoes, and the accountability of one and all – from the highest leadership to the lowest office manager – to the clearly defined principles and ethics of the party. Once the par es are in bad standing in principles and prac se, nothing good can be expected from any government they form; and the only way to power and cons tu ng government today in Nigeria is singularly through party poli cs.

Rather than obsession of young people with self-centred and self-gra fying ideals (money poli cs, money CSOs and NGOism, religious and ethnic extremism, ritualism and violent crime), the ac ve leadership and patriots among the youths have their jobs cut for them as things stand today – to propagate and mobilise around refreshing, upli ing ideals that can become concrete tools for redemp ve ac ons, while sustaining their interest in produc vity (engagement in deliverable goods and services) as the wealth and wellbeing means.

We don’t have to go as far as Nelson Mandela, Nkrumah and Nyerere, people

like Awolowo, Aminu Kano, Enahoro (and many that space cannot permit men oning) are not angels or super humans; they are simply selfless beings with humanis c ideals and disposi on. They inspired and helped build poli cal par es in the best tradi on. Are there none in Nigeria anymore?

For poli cians (leaders and the led), for ac vists, progressives and patriots across the land, and the people in general, the quote of the Avatar, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while reflec ng on how lowly the a tude of Nigerians has become, is worth repeating again and again: “As long as Nigerians remain what they are, nothing clean, principled or ethical and idealis c can work with them. And Nigerians will remain what they are, unless the evils which now dominate their hearts, at all levels and in all sectors of our poli cs, business and governmental ac vi es are exorcised. But I venture to say that they will not be exorcised, and indeed they will be firmly entrenched, unless God Himself imbues a vast majority of us with a revolu onary change of a tude to life and poli cs or, unless the dialec c processes which have been at work for some twenty years now, perforce, make us perceive the abominable filth that abound in our society, to the end that an inexorable abhorrence of it will be quickened in our hearts and impel us to make dras c changes for the be er.”

He said this in 1986! A word is enough for the wise.