Osun Defender Online Version Of January 15, 2021

COVID-19: Health Workers, Vulnerable, Others To Receive Vaccines First - Isamotu Page 7

Police Arrest Herb Seller Over Sale Of Sister’s Baby Page 7

Sen. Bayo Salami (1953 - 2021) “Senator Salami was a principled politician and one of our worthy leaders in the progressive fold in Osun. He was reliable and dependable and never let down his friends” Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 VOL 16 NO 01

HOODLUMS, CULTISTS ON THE PROWL IN OSUN Page 2

Residents Express Fear Police: We’ll Pay Criminals Back In Their Coins

By Solomon Odeniyi

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IOLENT activities of hoodlums and cultists in the State of Osun are gradually shattering the peaceful atmosphere of the state.

The hoodlums and cultists of various gangs and confraternities have embarked on attacks on one another since November last year.

Ever since, the attacks have continued unabated with casualties running to 12 people.

Investigations by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that

members of Aiye and Eiye confraternities are involved in the frequent cult clashes that have been threatening the peace and safety of the people of Osogbo, the capital of the state.

The medium gathered that the persistent clashes between the two confraternities were traceable to a fight between the Asiri Eniba gang and Emir group cum Egbatedo boys, which occurred at Osogbo Township Stadium on December 2, 2020.

Credible sources informed OSUN DEFENDER that Asiri Eniba gang has

sizeable number of Eiye fraternity as members, while the Emir group and Egbatedo boys were in alliance with Aiye confraternity.

It was gathered that a member of the Eiye fraternity in the Asiri Eniba gang was injured in the December 2 attack. He was said to have died some days afterwards.

Following the attack, a combined team of soldiers and officers of the Department of State Service raided Egbatedo, the base of the Egbatedo boys and arrested some of the thugs with dangerous weapons.

Suspected members of

the Eiye cult group, while holding candlelight procession for their departed member allegedly unleashed attack on some Hausas at Sabo Area, Osogbo on the night of Thursday, December 24, 2020.

The attack, which continued the following day, December 25, 2020, left two people dead while scores were injured.

Motorcycles and wheelbarrows belonging to the Hausas were burnt by the hoodlums who later laid siege to their houses behind

Osun CP, Olokode

One Killed, Other Injured As Herdsmen Attack Farmer In Ijabe Page 4

Continued on page 2

Osun Panel Summons former CP, Area Commander,2 Others

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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News

Hoodlums, Cultists On The Prowl In Osun

Continued from page 1

Abaku area of Osogbo.

The attack later snowballed into a fresh clash between the Eiye and Aiye confraternities, excluding the Asiri Eniba, Emir and Egbatedo boys gangs.

On January 2, members of the Aiye and Eiye cult groups engaged in a freefor-all, which reportedly resulted into the killing of Azeez Tajudeen at Laro Grammar School.

Tajudeen was said to have been shot three times before he was hacked.

One person was also said to have been killed on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Kolawole Street, around Atelewo, Area, Osogbo by the cultists who reportedly fought during the night.

Pandemonium also broke out on Tuesday at Ota-Efun, Osogbo, when hoodlums attacked residents of the area, particularly the motor park in the area.

The hoodlums, who were said to be mourning the passage of their leader, Ismaila, notoriously known as Daduro, attacked the passengers and drivers at the park with broken bottles and stones.

According to sources, the hoodlums were protesting that the motor park did not honour their deceased leader, who was a friend of the park by closing the garage to honour his sudden departure.

The thugs had a free day before men of the Mobile Police Force dislodged them and restored peace.

Three people were said to have been injured, while four vehicles were destroyed in the attack.

There have been consistent attacks by hoodlums and cultists in some parts of Osogbo. Areas like IsaleOsun, Sabo, Oke-Baale, Sasa, Kolawole, Ota-Efun, Obate, among other places, are among those that were such afflicted.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that another in the long list of issues causing spates of unrest among the hoodlum societies in Osogbo is usurpation and supremacy.

It was gathered that some hoodlums who were under the control of some particular gang leaders before they were sent to prison had, on

regaining freedom, become lords in their own various domains, threatening the authority of their masters.

Upon return from prison, the said gang leaders wanted to reclaim their authority, a situation that resulted into attacks in some parts of the state capital.

Incidents of snatching of phone, extortion and harassment of residents by both the

cultists and hoodlums have become rampant in Osogbo.

Besides, the hoodlums have consistently been extorting different people at construction sites in the state capital.

The hoodlums are in the unchecked habit of storming sites where houses are being built to demand for money from the owners of the buildings.

They harass, intimidate and sometimes attack workers at various construction sites to extort money.

The violent activities of the thugs were also recorded in Ejigbo, where three persons were reportedly killed in an attack among Oju Ilu, Isale Agoji and Big Hammer gangs who were in supremacy battle.

Among the people killed

was Abeeb Abifarin, whose left hand was cut off. The crisis happened at Ori-Eru, Ejigbo on December 28, 2020. The two other persons were said to have sustained injuries in the attack and died few days later.

Also in Ile-Ife, cultists have reportedly been terrorising the people of Agbedegbede, and Igbodo, Ita-Osa, Ondo road area of the city.

OSUN DEFENDER

Osun residents jostling for National Identification Number (NIN) at the NIMC office in Osogbo, in defiance to all COVID - 19 protocols on Thursday. Photo: OLUSHOLA ADERINTO

gathered that while members of Aiye and Eiye were said to be having clashes in Agbedegbede and Igbodo, members of other cult groups were said to be having free day at the Ita-Osa, Ondo road axis of the Source.

Residents of the affected areas have been living in fear as a result of incessant attacks of the cult groups.

In Ede, the Apete boys led by one Rosko and members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) of the Gani Adams faction were said to be responsible for the frequent breakdown of law and order in the ancient town.

Though, the attacks have been suspended in Ede, following the arrest of the key actors in the crisis, there are fears that members of the groups could resume anytime as witnessed in the past.

Members of the Eiye confraternity were said to be responsible for the disturbance of public peace in Ilesa.

Residents Express Fear Residents of the state have been expressing fear over the spate of attacks and other criminal activities of Continued on page 4

Akande Demands National Prayers Against COVID-19 As Birthday Gift

By Ismaeel Uthman

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s the Pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi

Akande turns 82 tomorrow; the elder statesman has asked Nigerians to pray fervently for a quick end to the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic.

The prayers, accord-

ing to Chief Akande, will guarantee a prosperous and healthy nation which will be his preferred birthday gift other than visitations or merrymaking.

Symbol’s Quote

“Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business.

Our democracy is working, even if incremental.

We must all work together through uncommon sacrifice and commitment to its ideals for it to be consolidated in our land.”

He urged Nigerians to strictly abide by all safety codes and procedures against COVID19, stressing that recent increase in the number of those who have contracted and died from the pandemic should be sufficient to convince all hitherto doubting persons that the disease is real.

The former Governor of Osun sympathised with those who have lost their loved ones to the dreaded disease, prayed for the quick recovery of those undergoing treatment, congratulated those who had been successfully treated and prayed for an end to the pandemic.

To thank God for gift of life, he wished that the Chief Imam of IlaOrangun, Alhaji Salaudeen Àbdulamid will lead Muslims in a special prayer at the Ila-Orangun Central Mosque on Friday, while the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ila Local Government branch, led by Rev. Father Joseph Oxhonogoh

Akande similarly acts in churches on Sunday as may be convenient for them.

He said it is wise to observe COVID-19 protocols and live than to celebrate in one day with dire consequences, minding the possible repercussions, saying he would wish to have 200 million Nigerians hale and hearty at all times, if it’s possible.

The octogenarian called for more strategic thinking that would make Nigeria a world leading light, where ability to make things work overrides selfish interests, noting that it is the surest path to growth and development.

PEOPLE FIRST

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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By James Asipa Getting The Best From 2021

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RAYERS and best wishes have been offered as essential ingredients to usher in the brand new 2021 Calendar Year, especially by adherents across faiths and beliefs.

For either good or bad, “As government and people, let us Year 2020 has given full ac- be the best role models and offer count of itself as one year too the very best of ourselves on our many. Needless recounting beats. We dare not renege or shirk the events, happenings and in our roles, responsibilities, duordeals of the outgone year, ties and obligations as citizens the lessons learnt must, and as leaders.” however, be internalised and put to good use.

While wishing for a better year in all ramifications, we entreat us all to be more sincere and fairer to ourselves and do things better with more realistic approach. As time awaits no one, we should invest the best of every resource into the year, on time.

As government and people, let us be the best role models and offer the very best of ourselves on our beats. We dare not renege or shirk in our roles, responsibilities, duties and obligations as citizens and as leaders.

We saw it all through the challenges, thick and thin of the past year; the first wave of COVID-19 and the nationwide #EndSARS protests in particular. We are implored to tread with caution this year, especially in the face of the second and tougher wave of the deadly Coronavirus, abiding by all laid down protocols, so that we could effectively bid it a final bye in good time and carry on with our normal lives.

We come in peace, resolved to offer you the best in Year 2021. Happy New Year all!

Awaiting The Vaccines

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RUMBLINGS from some states including Oyo, Ogun, Cross River about the allocation of the expected COVID-19 vaccine indicate that a lot of coordination and risk management has to be done.

It is unfortunate that unlike India and South Africa, we were not involved in any way in the research and production processes leading to the vaccination breakthrough. So much for the self-acclaimed Giant of Africa!

Logistics in distribution, storage facilities and safety measures will be decisive right from the point of entry at the ports all the way down. We have to put our best foot forward here

and assemble the best coordinating team imaginable. Transparency at every facet will in addition be essential for effectiveness and to build trust both at home and internationally. In view of the huge trust deficit, this might not be as simple as it sounds. Nevertheless, it has to be done.

Finally, we urge that the health workers and everyone remotely connected to the health sector be given priority. They have sacrificed greatly and must be protected, we must avoid our self-defeating “as man- know - man” been introduced into this existential crisis.

The Critical Role Of The Power Sector In Economic DevelopmentA Dispassionate Review Of The Downstream Sector

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HERE is no gain-saying the fact that the power sector plays a critical role in the economic development of any nation and the dream of the Federal Government to lift 100,000,000 people out of poverty in 10 years is realisable if the power sector becomes effective and efficient in delivering affordable and accessible electricity to Nigerians. To lift 100,000,000 people out of poverty in 10 years, our GDP must grow at 10% annually for 10 years, which is not rocket science if we consider the fact that China achieved an annual GDP of over 6% for 27 years before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

The value-chain in the power sector is made up of Gencos, Transmission and Discos with Gencos and Discos privatized while transmission is wholly owned by the Federal Government. The downstream sector was broken into 11 private companies of Ikeja, Eko, Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, PortHarcourt, Jos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Yola distribution companies although Yola disco was later taken over by the Federal Government after the Nigerian Senate approved the payment of N26.9 billion on the 5th of December, 2019 as a refund to private investors who declared force majeure.

It is a fact that the entire value-chain has experienced a lot of technical and commercial challenges ranging from shortfall in revenue collection for services rendered as most government MDAs default in defraying their debts; unstable and fluctuating exchange rates that makes it difficult for them to fulfil their financial obligations; inadequate gas infrastructure resulting in low gas pressure to the thermal stations; absence of cost-reflective tariff; energy theft by customers; ageing and obsolete equipment, et al.

In the face of these challenges, service delivery has improved since the introduction of a service-based tariff by the sector regulator. Under this scheme, customers are divided into 5 bands on the basis of the number of hours they enjoy electricity daily and billed accordingly.

This scheme has exposed the insincerity on the part of the downstream operators as being obsessed with only revenue collection and NOT improvement in their services because empirical evidence clearly shows that the gap between peak and off-peak loads have reduced, unlike what obtained prior to the introduction of the tariff scheme. This is because they have reduced the noxious practice of load rejection.

Therefore, this piece is an appeal to them to change this negative ATTITUDE by using a more friendly business model.

Considering the nature of electricity, which is capital-intensive and requires long-term investment, Discos must be patient in wanting to recoup their investment and make profit. They can learn this virtue from the oldest private electricity utility in Nigeria, Nigeria Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) that is based in Jos and has been in the business since 1929.

With regards to customers purchasing materials like fuses, cables, insulators and replacing faulty equipment such as transformers, feeder pillars etc, Discos should know that this negates ‘Consumer Rights and Obligations’ in Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) Rule 15, ‘It is not the responsibility of electricity customer or community to buy, replace or repair transformers, poles and related equipment used in the supply of electricity’.

Their investment efforts should be relevant to our realities. In this light, one must commend Eko Disco for commissioning a state-of-the-art SCADA system for network monitoring instead of investing in the purchase of software in a system that is not smart. They have to act like true and responsible investors who are genuinely keen in playing according to the rules of the game.

On the issue of providing standard and safe working tools, our dear Discos should do the needful. It is shameful to be using commercial mini vans, popularly referred to as ‘korope’ in Osogbo and motorcycles to convey staff and tools like ladders to work sites. In the past, district offices were sufficiently equipped with work items like cranes, shift vehicles, tool boxes etc but the case is different today.

OSUN DEFENDER IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER, Read full article on www.

MAGAZINE OR ANY PUBLICATION WHATSOEVER osundefender.com

“Therefore, this piece is an appeal to them to change this negative ATTITUDE by using a more friendly business model”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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News

Controversies As 4 Osun LG Workers Resign Over Non-Payment Of 25 Months Salaries

By Sodiq Yusuf

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ONTROVERSIES have surrounded the resignation of four staffers of Ede North Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun over nonpayment of 25 months arrears of salaries.

The staffers, Tunde Adeoye, Aminu Ghasali, Ibrahim Tiamiyu and Micheal Dipo Laoye said in a letter that they resigned their appointments after several efforts to get their 25 months’ salary arrears paid proved abortive.

Dated 1st December, 2020, the letter addressed to the Chairman of the local government, Barr.

Daud Akinloye, noted that the total amount of the arrears was N1,264,000.

The letter reads: “We were engaged on temporary appointment on 1st April 2011, 1st January 2021, 14th October 2015 and 24th July 2015 respectively. We have been performing our duties diligently by providing adequate security for the properties of the Ede North Local Government, but to our dismay, the Authority of the Local Government has not been paying our stipends of N10,000 regularly.

“The Authority is owing to us twenty-five months’ stipends each, with our overtime enti-

tlements, which accrued during the strike action embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress between 26 May 2015 and 28 July 2015, totalled sixty-six days,” the letter reads.

“Our accrued stipends and allowances for January 2015 to January 2017 totalled N1,264,000.

We are now informing you that due to the unbearable conditions we find ourselves because of

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23-year-old house mistress, Lawrence Olayemi has been remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre for allegedly breaking into the house of her employer, Mrs. Eunice Abike Fateye and stealing valuable items.

Olayemi, according to the charge sheet made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday, stole two mobile phones valued at N150,000 and an Automated Teller Machine card belonging to her boss.

The suspect allegedly withdrew a sum of N305,000 from her boss’s account with one of the first generation banks.

She was also accused of intimidating Fateye by threatening to set her house on fire if she refused to send her the sum

Responding, Chairman of the local government, Daud Akinloye said the allegation was not true, saying that it was only made to injure the emotions of people.

Akinloye, in a chat

Some Old Students of St. Mark’s Secondary Commercial School, Osogbo 1979 set in a group photography after their Annual General Meeting held recently in Osogbo.

with newsmen said: “The government that we run is government of records, not of social media and there are procedures to enforce any citizen’s rights that are violated.

“Assuming the allegations are correct, the Ministry of Local Government supervises the activities of local governments and Local Government Service Commission is also there to investigate and give directions of what to do.

“Where we are not following direction, the court is the other proper venue to compel the alleged payment. I think that is the advice that we are expected to be given, not my response to the allegations. What I know is that my local government didn’t owe any salary of its staff. If anyone is owed, let him go to finance department to find out why he is not paid.”

Hoodlums, Cultists On The Prowl...

Continued from page 2 the hoodlums and cultists in the state.

The convener of Dialogue 360, Comrade Waheed Saka, said residents of the state capital are being terrified by the daily violent activities of the thugs and cultists.

Saka called on the State Government and security agents to rise up to the task of checkmating the activities of the hoodlums and cultists in the state, saying that the peace of the state capital is being threatened.

Also, the Chairman of the Committee for the Defence

House Mistress Remanded Over Theft, Threat To Kidnap Employer

By Yusuf Oketola

the inability of the Local Government to pay our salaries, we wish to inform the authority that we wish to tender our resignation with immediate effect, since we are daily-paid workers.”

of N500,000.

Olayemi was also said to have threatened to kidnap Fateye through series of text messages, if she fails to send the sum of N500,000.

The defendant allegedly committed the offence in December, 2020 at about 2:00am in IlaseIjesa, Obokun Local Government Council Area of the state.

Police prosecutor, Mr. Abiodun Fagboyinbo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the alleged offence contravened Sections 410, 383, 390(9), 86(1) and 509 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State 2002.

But the accused person pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge bordering on burglary, stealing, unlawful intimidation and intent to kidnap.

Defence counsel,

Okobe Nagite prayed the court to admit the accused person to bail on a liberal term, saying that reliable sureties would stand for her.

According to Nagite, the suspect is presumed innocent until contrary is proven in a court of law as stated in Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

However, the bail application was opposed by the prosecutor on the ground that the suspect was on the run before she was arrested by the police, saying that she would jump bail if granted.

The Magistrate, Mr. Adebayo Ajala ordered that the suspect be remanded in Ilesa Correctional Centre.

Ajala transferred the case to Ibokun Magisterial Court, where the defendant will be re-arraigned on January 18, 2020.

of Human Rights (CDHR), Osun Branch, Comrade Wahab Akinriande called on the police to work on mopping up arms and ammunition in ‘wrong hands’ in the state.

According to Akinrinade, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER in Ilesa yesterday, the police and other security agencies should tame the hoodlums and cultists through a productive approach that will ensure lasting peace in the state.

Police: We’ll Pay Criminals Back In Their Coins Reacting to the criminal activities, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wale Olokode, said: “Policemen

will be made more visible in the state through adequate protection of key and vulnerable points, intensive patrols of neighbourhoods, business districts, and roads; constant surveillance and regular raids of black-spots and criminal hideouts.

“The command will take the battle to the den of kidnappers, cultists, drug dealers, sea pirates, traffickers, indeed criminals of all hues and their sponsors, procurers, counsellors and accessories in and outside the state. Our war mantra will be “criminals, here are your own coins”. We will pay criminals back in their coins.

By Ismaeel Uthman

herdsmen for destroying his farm in his presence, and as a result he was attacked.

Jamiu was hacked to death in the attack and one of the herdsmen was also seriously injured.

When the news of Jamiu’s death was broken in the town, the youths went on rampage, searching for the herdsmen. Three young herdsmen were reportedly apprehended, beaten and taken to the palace.

“Under my watch, Osun State is going to be a no-go-area for criminals as nowhere in the state will be conducive for them to fester or hibernate. We are going to roll out all in our arsenals to wage war against any form of violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings and other sundry crimes.

“To the law-abiding citizens of the state, rest yourself assured that your safety is guaranteed all the time, as the command will do everything possible within the ambit of the law to protect you and your property.”

One Killed, Other Injured As Herdsmen Attack Farmer In Ijabe

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food crop farmer identified as Jamiu of Eesa Compound, Ijabe in OdoOtin Local Government of the state has been reportedly killed by Fulani herdsmen.

Jamiu was allegedly attacked and killed by the herdsmen who invaded his farm with cattle on Tuesday afternoon.

The farmer was said to have challenged the

Police Public Relations Officer, Osun Command, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident, saying that a yet-to-be-identified man was hacked to death and three nomadic herdsmen were apprehended by villagers on the allegation that they were responsible for the attack.

Opalola said the police rescued the nomadic herdsmen, saying that investigation was ongoing on the matter.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Feature Year 2020 In Retrospect

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An admixture of the good, bad and ugly: that is what Year 2020 was all about. ‘NIYI OLASINDE documents in a mixed grill the events of that past year.

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EARS roll in and out as a matter of natural order. Since the existence of time, events define times and times are reckoned through events.

It is also a statement of truth that we define, tag, stigmatise and place on record particular years with the events that played out during those time spaces. For instance, the World War I branded and labelled years 1914 to 1918 permanently. Year 1920 remains labelled with the great plague. Depression set toga for years within the range of early 1930s, while 1939 to 1945 got archetyped with the events of World War II. We have other symbolic events which have set precedence for naming years and have given them their rites of passage in history. Some notable occurrences, depending on their importance to the individual, organization, institution or nation involved are, year or date of birth/establishment/political independence, wedding anniversary and other strategic events.

Nigeria has some dates and years that are either of positive or negative significance in her checkered history.

While we have years like 1862 (year of arrival of first white missionaries), 1894 (year of establishing the first financial institution), 1900 (year when the Union Jack was first hoisted and Nigeria became British protectorate, full-fledged), 1914 (year of amalgamation of Nigeria’s Northern and Southern protectorates into one national entity), 1921, 1945,

1954 1957, 1960 were years of great constitutional milestones. 1960 doubled as watershed in Nigeria’s history, and as the year of its political independence.

The crowning to that was 1963, when the nation assumed its republican status. 1966, 1975, 1976, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1990 were years of military coups (successful, phantom or foiled). There are years in the nation’s history that are remembered on a dampening note. An instance are years 1966 to 1970, which were years during which the Nigerian Revolution and the Biafran/Civil War. 1967 was once described by Daily Times as “Nigeria’s Most Agonising Year”. We can go on and on.

Year 2020, the just-concluded year, stands tall in history as odd-out year globally in many respects. The world has not witnessed such a year in a long while. In 2020, there were calamitous events which held people spellbound and brought systems to their knees.

These sad disasters ran economies aground, as they rolled in, in horrendous turns. Nigeria and the State of Osun were not spared. And as is visible all around us, especially with the realities brought to the fore by the second wave of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, the sad events of 2020 have neither subsided nor lost their harsh grips.

The Year 2020 opened with the sad news of reported attack by suspected hoodlums on the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola at the annual crossover event, organised by the State Government to herald in every New Year. This had been the traditions since the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola years in office and it had remained a joyous delight and a thunderous rallying point for residents to get properly acquainted with wonders the New Year would bring.

In January same year, the State of Osun came alive, when on the spur of the Federal Ministry of Interior, the first-ever Ministerial Retreat for its service chiefs, staff and other stakeholders, designed to upscale service delivery, effectiveness and efficiency, was hosted in the ancient city of Ilesa.

Aside being the ministry’s affair, this was an event that brought all shades of dignitaries in the state together and brightened potentials of bringing positive goodies to the State.

After a long and contentious debate, the bill for the establishment of the South-West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun saw the light of day. With its signing into law, the coast became clear for residents of the geopolitical zone to know some respite, security-wise.

Read full article on www.osundefender.com

Entertainment

Simi And Adekunle Gold Celebrate 2nd Wedding Anniversary Stories By Odunola Akinbode

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IGERIAN singers and celebrity couple, Simi and Adekunle Gold this week celebrated their second wedding anniversary.

The couple got married in January 2019 at a private wedding ceremony.

On her Instagram page, Simi celebrated her husband and professed her undying love for him.

Simi wrote: “Well, 2 years on government paper and 7 years since I agreed for you, you lucky man. Through a pregnancy. With a baby, we’re both unashamedly obsessed with each other. Through a pandemic.

And it’s still you. I have never had to wonder if you are in my corner.”

“You are still the best

man I know. You should have been your own best man (don’t leave me).”

“One of my favorite things about you is that you are a really, really good person. I like you a lot. I am so proud to know you and be your wife. I pray that God continues to be the foundation of our marriage and home.”

“I love you Kunle Kosoko. Now, forever and one extra day, and then another, and then another, and then another, ati bębę lo...Happy Anniversary Baby. My wedding was totally the best wedding party I’ve ever been in my life.”

On his part, Adekunle Gold wasn’t short of words as he recounted their beautiful grass-tograce journey.

Alaafin Of Oyo Celebrates 50 Years Ascension

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BBNaija Cindy Okafor Survives Terrible Accident On Her 25th Birthday

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BNAIJA Cindy Okafor Said She Recently Survived A Motor Accident.

Cyndi stated that she and her friends were involved in a terrible accident, while she uploaded a video of a badly-damaged black Toyota Camry car on her social media.

The reality star took to her social media page to share a huge testimony with her fans and followers.

According to her, she was involved in a terrible accident that could have

cost her life. The reality star noted that there was no major injury. However, she said she sustained a few bruises.

On Wednesday, January 13, Cyndi shared lovely photos to mark her 25th birthday as fans and followers wished her well.

She seemed to have gone out to celebrate with her friends when the incident happened.

In the caption that accompanied her post, Cindy stated that her new age will not be the end of her.

LAAFIN of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, yesterday clocked 50 years on the throne.

Celebrating his 50th anniversary as a king, Oba Adeyemi thanked his people for their love and support, stating that ascending the throne was a dream come true for him.

Oba Adeyemi’s youngest wife, Queen Dami, also took to social media to praise and eulogise

Oba Adeyemi

her husband.

The paramount ruler stated in a post on Instagram that ascending the throne was a dream come true for him and noted that God and posterity have been favourable to Oyo since he became king.

Noting how hard it was to get to the point Oyo is as at today, Oba Adeyemi appreciated his people on behalf of himself and his family for their unflinching support.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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Religion

HEN the persecution by the idolaters in Mecca was no longer bearable for the Muslims, the Prophet (SAW) directed a number of them to embark on a lesser migration to Abyssinia (known presently as Ethiopia), where they sought for asylum under the rule of the Abyssinian king, the Negus, who, as a non-Muslim then, granted them asylum. Then in search By for a more conducive environment for his mission, the Imam Ibrahim Messenger of Allah (SAW) went on a trial trip to Taif, a nearby town, in anticipation to find some listening ears Oladejo Raji or enlightened minds that would probably reason with him. But unfortunately, the people of Taif were also very hostile. They woefully rejected him, even incited the hoodlums to mock him and stoned him with pebbles to the point of bleeding. When all the oppressions of the Meccans failed to hinder the Prophet from propagating his deen (religion), the infidels attempted to lure him with some attractive incentives. They approached his uncle and said: “0 Abu Talib!

We had concluded a plan to grant your nephew a unique offer, provided he would desist from condemning our gods, and put an end to ridiculing the rock, they finally resorted to a grand resolution. That was to eliminate our ancestral religion. They went on thus: “If he is interested in mate- him once and for all. Allah said: “And (remember) when the disbelievers rial wealth, we shall provide him with every available resources no one plotted against you (O Muhammad SAW) to imprison you, or to kill you, among us possesses. Besides that, we shall select the most beautiful ones or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Mecca); they were plotting and among our daughters for him as brides; furthermore we shall install him Allah too was planning, and Allah was the Best of the planners”. Quran as the paramount monarch in the Arabian Peninsula and subject our- 8:30. As a result of that, Allah granted Him the permission to leave His birthplace. The Prophet (SAW) who had previously granted some of his selves to his rule”.

This offer apparently moved Abu Talib, who zealously presented it to his companions a permission to secretly move one after the other to Yathrib nephew. But out of disappointment, Muhammad (SAW) instantly stood in advance eventually proceeded to join them. As the Muslims were just up, looked straight into the eye of Abu Talib and said: “O Uncle! If they settling down in their new abode, which seemed a fertile land for His can afford to bring down both the sun and the moon from the sky, place mission, the enemies were not comfortable with that, so they resorted to the former in my right hand and the latter in my left hand all in an attempt planning for a war against them (the Muslims) in faraway Medina. It was to silence me from what I have been preaching, I would never succumb then, Allah gave Him permission to fight them back, as stated in Quran to their pressure till the decree of Allah comes to pass”. A little while later 22:39: “Permission to fight is given to those (i.e. believers against disbethey invited the Prophet and said: “O Muhammad! Since you are hell-bent lievers), who are fighting them, (and) because they (believers) have been to continue your preaching while we also are not prepared to abandon wronged, and surely, Allah is able to give them (believers) victory”. So the religion of our ancestors, we intend to reach a compromise with you; the Jihad in Islam was a necessity meant for protecting the weak Muslims whereby we join you in practising the tenets of your religion for a whole against the aggressiveness of the enemies and also to grant them freedom year, on condition you do same with us in the subsequent year as regards to choose the religion they liked. However, despite the fact that Islam has practising our own rituals too. This suggestion was also turned down by a zero-tolerance for shirk (polytheism) Allah still instructed the Prophet the Prophet (SAW). And in sequence to that, He received a divine revela- and by extension all Muslims to protect the polytheist when the need aristion thus: “Say (O Muhammad) to the unbelievers! I worship not that es as stated in Quran 9:6: “And if anyone of the mushrikun (polytheists) which you worship. Nor will you worship that which I worship. And I seeks your protection, then grant him protection, so that he may hear the shall not worship that which you are worshiping. Nor will you worship word of Allah (the Quran), and then escort him to where he can be secure, that which I worship. To you be your religion, and to me my religion”. that is because they are men who know not”. Another relative verse is: Quran 109:1-6. As all the efforts of the idolaters to silent Muhammad hit “And insult not those whom they (the disbelievers) worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge. Thus we have

JUMAT SERMON

Al-Islaam: The Misunderstood Religion (Part Two)

made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord (Allah) is their (final) returning and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do. (While on earth)”. Quran 9:108.

A story that is worthy of narration here is that of Asma’u bint Abu bakre, the step-sister of Aisha the spouse of Allah’s Messenger (SAW). One day, Qutaylah the mother of Asma’u came all the way from Mecca to visit her daughter in Medina. She brought with her some foodstuffs as a gift, but Asma’u did not only reject the gifts but denied her mother entry into her house simply because she was still a pagan. Aisha reported this case to the Prophet (SAW) who immediately ordered Asma’u to allow her mother to enter the house and also accept her gifts. To this effect, a divine revelation came thus: “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly to those (unbelievers) who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.” Quran 60:8. Another aspect where the magnanimity of Islam stands out among its peers is that, it is the only existing law which maintains that it is mandatory for believers to recognise the previous Prophets e.g. Musa (Moses AS) and Isa (Jesus AS) to mention but few, as well as to believe that they were bearers of Divine Scriptures i.e. Taorah (Torah) and Injeel (Gospel). Failure to do that renders one a non-Muslim. Allah says: “The Messenger (SAW) believes in what has been sent down to Him from His Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers”- and they say, “We hear, and we obey. (We seek) your forgiveness, our Lord, and to you is the return (of all).” Quran 2:285. When it comes to argument with people of other faiths like the Jews or Christians in particular, the Quran said: “And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner) except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to them): “We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilaah (God) and your Ilaah (God) is One, and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims).”Quran 29:46. With this brief illustration, it hopefully will be crystal clear to non-Muslims that Islam is far from being a hostile religion; Islam is by nature a very accommodating system which strictly abhors injustice. Hence there should be no cause at all for Islam-phobia; and the concept of Islamisation agenda is just a fictitious idea invented by those who are aliens to the teachings of Islam. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon Whom was sent as a blessing for mankind.

• Sheikh Ibrahim Oladejo Raji, Imaam Kosemani Jum’ah Mosque, off Iwo Ibadan Road, by Adetoro Shopping Complex, Mercyland Area, Dada Estate Osogbo, Osun State. irajoladejo1951@gmail.com

News Osun Panel Summons former CP, Area Commander,2 Others

By Ismaeel Uthman

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HE Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, Extra-Judicial Killing, and other Related Matters in the State of Osun has summoned former Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Johnson Moronike and three other police officers over allegation of extortion.

Other police officers summoned by the panel are Mr. Joshua Atunise, Inspector Muyiwa and Mr. Omoyale, a Superintendent of Police.

Chairman of the Panel, retired Justice Akin Oladimeji issued the summons yesterday during the panel’s sitting in Osogbo.

Oladimeji stated that the panel has the power to invite anybody to appear before it.

He said: “The law provides for such power and anyone who is either indicted in a petition or in evidence led by witnesses, the panel will be interested in hearing the side of such person.”

The Chairman explained that there are some of the cases where the image of the police in particular has been badly damaged, saying that it was important for the officers to appear, so that the image of the Police will not be completely damaged.

Muyiwa and Omoyale were summoned for alleged

extortion and violation of human rights against a petitioner, Chief Adanku Oyinlola, who is the head of Olobedu Community, Ota Efun, Osogbo.

Atunise and Omoronike were summoned for refusing to obey court order to implement the payment of N30million and releasing the corpse of Daniel Babatunde, a final year Mechanical Engineering student of Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, that was killed by the police.

Babatunde was said to have been killed by the police for allegedly being an armed robber.

Both cases were adjourned till February 18, 2021.

the Independent Students’ Electoral Commission between January 5 and 13 and ends with the election slated for January 28.

It reads in part: “This is to inform you that the Directorate of Students’ Affairs in conjunction with the leadership of the students’ union resolved to prepare a time table for the 2020 /2021 SUG Elections, in accordance with the reviewed Academic Calendar for 2020/2021 Session as indicated below: Request for nomination of ISEC members: 5th -13th of January, 2021 Constitution of ISEC members: 14th January 2021

Lifting of ban, notice of election and commencement of campaigns by aspirants: 15th January 2021 Sales of election forms by the ISEC for Students’ Representatives Council: 18th January to 21st January, 2021 Sales of election forms by the ISEC for Students’ Union Executive: 18th January to 22nd January, 2021 Publication of the lists of eligible voters for the election, Manifestos day and campaigns: 27th January, 2021 , while the elections will hold on the 28th of January, 2021.”

OSPOLY SUG Elections To Hold Jan 27

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HE Students’ Union Government of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree will hold its 2020/2021 elections on January 28, 2021.

This is contained in a time table signed by Paul Olawoyin on behalf of the Dean of Students’ Affairs of the institution.

The time table was said to have been drawn in conjunction with the leadership of the SUG, in accordance with the reviewed Academic Calendar.

According to the time table, the exercise is expected to kick off with the selection of the members of

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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Sports

Tribute

Swedish Club, Norrkoping Sign Ex Osun United Player

Condolence On Senator Bayo Salami

By Solomon Odeniyi

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W E D I S H club IFK Norrköping have announced the signing of former Osun United player,Samuel Adegbenro, from Norwegian club Rosenborg.

Adegbenro, 25, played for Prime FC now Osun United in 2012.

He has spent the last six seasons in Norway top league sides, first with Viking and later Rosenborg.

Expressing his delight after signing Adegbenro, the Head coach, Rikard Norling, said he would bring the needed spark the team need.

“We are very happy to have been able to connect with Samuel.

He is a player who has played for a long time in Norway and has achieved national and international success.

Samuel is an offensive player who will give us the edge,” he stated Norli ng.

Adegbenro also said he looks forward to playing for the team.

“IFK Norrköping is one of the biggest clubs in Sweden and I look forward to this challenge. I am very happy to be here,” the pacy winger told the club’s official website.

Adegbenro

By Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

tween 1999 and 2003 when civil democratic government was returned after prolonged military. He offered quality representation and pursued progres-

Inna Lillahiwainnailayhiraji’un received with shock and unspeakable grief the news of the death of your father and our leader in the progressive fold in Osun, Senator Bayo Salami. I write therefore to commiserate with you SEN. BAYO SALAMI (1953 - 2021) and the family on his deSenator Adebayo Ayoade Salami who parture.

Senator Salami was a died on January 7, 2021 represented sive causes while he was principled politician and the Osun Central Senatorial District at in the upper chamber. one of our worthy leaders He was a philanthroin the progressive fold in the start of Nigeria’s fourth Republic pist and lover of the massOsun. He was reliable and on the platform of the Alliance for De- es. His house was a haven dependable and never let succour for the downmocracy from June 1999 to May 2003. of down his friends. trodden and hoi polloi He was one of the After taking his seat in the Senate in where he gave of his time leaders of our party I con- June 1999, he was appointed to com- and substance and tended sulted before I contested to their needs. the governorship election mittees on Public Accounts, Labor His death is an unquanin Osun in 2007. He sup- (vice-chairman), Power & Steel and tifiable loss for the masses ported my candidature he daily served. In him I and worked hard for my Water Resources. have lost a friend, an ally winning the election and In a May 2001 debate over importing and confidant. Osogbono eventual inauguration beans from Burkina Faso, Bayo Sala- doubt has lost an illustrinearly four years later. ous indigene. His shoe He supported and mi was in the minority when he argued will be hard to fill. campaigned for my re- that whatever could be done to feed NiBut as a Muslim, I (and election in 2014 and nevwe should all) take solace gerians and make food aff ordable to er flinched in the face of in the Quran, Surah Baqathe persecution visited the people should be done. rah ayah 156: “Who, when on my supporters and disaster strikes them say, leaders of our party by “Indeed we belong to Althe security agencies, including an armed assault on lah, and indeed to him we will return.” his home on the eve of the election.

It is my prayer that Allah will comfort you and Need I add that he was part of our eight-year glo- the entire family on the demise of a father, husband, rious progressive administration in Osun. He availed grandfather and a patriarch. us of his wisdom, depth and experience in politics, May Allah forgive his misdeeds and grant him public administration and life generally.

AljannahFirdaus.

He represented Osun Central in the Senate be-

I

Police Arrest Herb Seller Over Sale Of Sister’s Baby COVID-19: Health Workers, Vulnerable,

By Yusuf Oketola before an Osogbo magistrate’s Awokunle, prayed the court to Others To Receive Vaccines First - Isamotu

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38-year-old herb seller, Ganiyat Oladapo has been arrested by the police for alleged child trafficking.

Oladapo allegedly sold her sister, Mariam Oladapo’s baby for N150, 000 to a person in Anambra State.

The suspect and her younger sister, according to information at the disposal of OSUN DEFENDER, had gone to the state to hawk herbs in June, 2020.

While there was no verifiable information on how Oladapo was able to detach the boy from her mother and subsequently sold him, the mother of the boy was nowhere to be found as at the time of filing this report.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that Oladapo’s younger sister reported to the police when she discovered that the boy and his mother did not return to Osogbo with the suspect.

The medium learnt that the worried sister had gone to Oladapo’s house to ask why her sister was yet to return.

According to findings, the younger sister was not satisfied with the response of the accused person, which made her to report to the police.

Subsequently, Oladapo was arrested and allegedly confessed to the police that the baby was sold to a wife of a chief in Nawala, Anambra State.

The suspect was arraigned

court on Tuesday on a twocount charge of conspiracy and child trafficking.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Jacob Akintunde said the alleged offence contravened Sections 17 and 14(2) of the Trafficking in Persons (Provision) Laws Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003.

But the suspect pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against her.

Defence counsel, Taiwo

admit the suspect to bail on a liberal term.

However, the bail application was objected by the prosecutor, who stated that the accused person would jump bail if granted.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Modupe Awodele admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1, 000,000 with two sureties.

Awodele adjourned the case till February 9, 2021, for hearing.

Court Remands Man Over N6.4m DSS Job Scam

A

magistrate’s court sitting in Osogbo, State of Osun, has remanded an average-aged man, Kehinde Adelabu in police custody for allegedly defrauding three persons of the sum of N6, 460, 000.

Adelabu, according to a Motion Exparte filed by the police on Wednesday, obtained the sum on the pretence of securing State Security Service job for his victims.

Inspector Alayande Muritala, who deposed to an affidavit in support of the motion exparte, stated that the defendant collected the sum of N5,000,000 from one Francis Adelabi, N1,350,000 from Ojo Afolabi and N110,000 from one Suliyat Lawal.

Muritala stated: “The defendant absconded immediately after collecting the money from the nominal complainants

and block all means of communication between them.

“The respondent was later tracked and arrested in Ilorin, Kwara State, and he claimed that he gave part of the money to his associates who offered him the job slot and is assisting the police in the investigation of the case.

“Releasing the respondent who was arrested on January 10, 2021 without concluding the investigation will hamper proper investigation and I promise to arraign the respondent as soon as investigation is completed.

“Except this application is granted, there is no way to conclude investigation and recover exhibits.”

Ruling on the motion, the magistrate, Ishola Omisade, ordered that Adelabu be remanded in police custody for 14 days.

By Solomon Odeniyi

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HE Commissioner of Health in the State of Osun, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu has said that health workers in the state would be first considered for the COVID-19 vaccines when it arrives the state.

Part of the prioritised people, according to Isamotu, are the elderly, as well as those with underlying health issues.

Isamotu stated that the government needed to make its priority list to achieve the purpose of the vaccines in line with the limited number of doses that would be given to the state.

The commissioner for health said other categories of people would be considered as the vaccines arrive.

According to reports, the Federal Government had said it was expecting 100,000 doses of Pfizer / BioNTech Coronavirus vaccines before the end of January.

However, in a document that contains the sharing formula of the vaccine by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, which OSUN DEFENDER is privy to, the State of Osun is expected to get 1 ,032 doses

of the vaccines.

Speaking on the preparedness of the State Government to receive the vaccines, Isamotu said there is a mechanism in place for prompt dispensation of the vaccines when it eventually arrives.

He said: “We have our own Cold Chain refrigerators on ground to store the vaccine we are expecting from the Federal Government, which is said to arrive at the end of the month. We will ensure immediate dispensation of the vaccine once it arrives. The set of people we would first consider to receive the vaccine are the health workers, followed by the elderly people, the middle aged people who are diabetic, hypertensive and those with other ailments.”

Asked if Osun would follow Lagos and Oyo states which planned to buy COVID -19 vaccines to complement that of the Federal Government , Isamotu said: “For now, the Federal Government is procuring the vaccine but as time goes, private individuals or organisations may begin to procure and donate to governments.”

CHANGE OF NAME AFOLABI ADEOSUN DAMILOLA ADEOLA That I was formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI

DAMILOLA ADEOLA now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI ADEOSUN DAMILOLA ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AFOLABI ADEOSUN IYANUOLUWA TEMITAYO That I was formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI IYANUOLUWA TEMITAYO now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI ADEOSUN IYANUOLUWA TEMITAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AFOLABI ADEOSUN OLUWATOSIN FEYISOLA That I was formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI

OLUWATOSIN FEYISOLA now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI ADEOSUN OLUWATOSIN FEYISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MURTADOH JELEELAH OYEBIMPE That I was formerly known and addressed as MURTADOH JELEELAT with former date of Birth, 07 - 11 - 1992 now wish to be known and addressed as MURTADOH JELEELAH OYEBIMPE. With correct date of Birth, 24 - 11 1995. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021 VOL. 16 NO 01 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

Swedish Club, Norrkoping Sign Ex Osun United Player

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political party is an organised group of people who have same ideology or political orientation and seek to capture political power via an election so as to implement its set of principal goals also known as programmes and policies in public office. In a democracy, with the exception of where independent candidature is allowed, political parties are the players. They are the ones being voted. Their candidates are mere policy executioners in government. Hence, the party is supreme, if only theoretically in Nigeria’s distorted scheme of things.

Consequently, political party formation, composition, ideology, commitment and orientation, among others, have great importance for the kind of government, dividends of democracy, and indeed social reality as a whole that are eventually delivered. Apart from its constitution and manifestos, one of the tests of true democratic credentials of a political party is its membership composition. Membership of a political party is not subject to its whims and caprices but to the supreme constitution of every democratic society which permits unhindered freedom of conscience, association and choices. To that extent, membership of a political party must be open, without hindrance, to all who subscribe to its ideology and programmes and are willing to promote its interest.

There are only two basic instances where membership could be denied: if a prospective member is a proven member of another political party; if a prospective member could not pay a membership registration fee demanded by the party. It is however instructive to state that no popular, progressive and democratic party will impose a membership registration fee that will be prohibitive to students, artisans, market women and men and low income earners. Whenever a procedural provision other than the above seeks to bar entry into any political party, such a party can no longer claim to be a political party but a fraternity or a cult as it violates the rights of individual and the constitution of the society and as such, the procedure must be challenged legally.

In February 2013, as a result of merger of biggest opposition parties like the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and a New People Democratic Party, a brand new party - All Progressive Congress (APC) - emerged.

APC was so formidable in terms of its alternative progressive programmes and policies and tested leaders that it wrestled power, in 2015 general election, from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level. Before the takeover of power from it

“A political party like APC, which lays claim to progressive tendencies, cannot afford to fumble or mess up with the party membership registration and revalidation exercise”

Party Membership And Democratic Ideals in 2015, PDP was fond of saying it was the biggest political party in Africa with largest traditional membership and would rule Nigeria for 50 years. The truth of the matter is that there is no political party in Nigeria that actually knows its numerical membership, spread and strength as party chieftains - accompanied by their loyal members - do defect to various other parties to fulfil personal political ambition. When and how long has any of them called openly for membership or audited their membership? Here is the bottom-line.

At its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of 20 June, 2020, the ruling APC inaugurated a 13-man Caretaker Committee/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee with the mandate to conduct the convention of the party within 6 months. The Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State Governor, led committee however stated that

STRIKER

membership registration and revalidation at the wards is a precursor for the conduct of a credible National Convention for the election of new National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. The proposed nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercise earlier slated for December 2020 had to be postponed till second week of January 2021 because of Charismas and New Year festivities and holidays, which could affect the smooth running of the exercise.

To avail it enough time to actualising its target, the NEC met again to extend the Buniled committee’s tenure by another 6 months and dissolved all the party executives at all levels. This is a right step in the right direction as this will afford most adults who have never witnessed such an exercise in their lifetime the opportunity. Again, it will serve as a guide to other political parties, especially those who lay claim to having highest mem-

Page 6

bership strength in Africa.

Ahead of the membership registration and revalidation, some political hawks and vultures that have no distinct democratic credentials have been scheming to hoard membership cards for their followers alone on the one hand and edge out mass of the people under the guise of insufficient cards on the other hand. Their political calculation is to largely restrict influx of mass of the people to the party so that they could easily control and manipulate party members especially during direct primary elections. This anti-democratic antic is against the content and the spirit of Section 40 of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. Any politician, from Local Government Chairman to the State Caretaker Party Executive and the Governor who tries to use cultist procedural approaches to limit open membership registration should prepare to contend with legitimate resistance from those entitled to membership but are being unfairly denied. In the final analysis, it would have to contend with series of litigations in the Court of Law as the last theatre where membership entitlement and procedures will be clarified.

A political party like APC, which lays claim to progressive tendencies, cannot afford to fumble or mess up with the party membership registration and revalidation exercise.

To write its name in the sand of time, Mai Buni-led Committee must apply iron-cast design to prevent these anti-democratic elements who vainly claim to be democrats and progressives from hijacking open registration procedures with intent to alienating mass of the people from joining the party that they love and to which they are dedicated; which will consequently make it infamous before the people with damning consequences in future elections.

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

A Year For Political Hygiene

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HE sun rises and sets, as the earth rotates around its own axis in its inexorable journey around the sun.

Every complete rotation heralds a new day as every complete journey around the sun heralds a New Year. The sun itself moves on in our galaxy, patronised by every object in our solar system, as our galaxy moves on in this universe of uncountable galaxies: everything in eternal motion, oblivious of the landmarks and timelines allotted to that motion by Man. As timelines go, the Gregorian calendar, willy-nilly, has come to stay in our small corner of the Globe, impacting social orientation and development agenda.

And so, the Yuletide songs are gone for now and a New Year heralded. Striker wishes its readers a productive, peaceful and blessed year 2021AD. It is precisely that time of the Year again when the fabled “New Year resolutions” come into operation! For improved personal lives, individuals begin to commit themselves to their resolves on lifechanging steps. Likewise, at communal level, major players and decision makers, especially the elites and politicians, have a New Year Resolution to which they are duty-bound in the interest of all: to return politics in our land to a state of hygiene.

Generally speaking, hygiene is “conditions or practices that guarantee good

health and wellbeing and freedom from diseases, especially through cleanliness.”

In 2021, everyone who seeks to come to political equity must pledge to come with a clean hand and good conscience. Hygienic politics is the ultimate and superguarantee for smoothness, wellness and progress in every other sector of human endeavour, simply because politics determines government and governance, which in turn determine everything: be it economy, corruption, security, et al!

Politics is the highest concentration of economics; it is at that level of decisionmaking that all aspects of life are invariably touched. Messy politics not only under-develops nations, it does ruin them.

The almighty democratic champion and ultimate “Rule of Law” lighthouse, the United States of America, is currently suffering the greatest setbacks in its centuries old democratic and political history, simply on account of inordinate commitment to unhygienic politics by powerful minority politicians. It is an omen like no other to forward-looking people and nations to make their best political New Year resolution a need and commitment to political hygiene. Attaining power and retaining it, as well as service to the people, cannot and must not be at all cost or a “do-or-die” matter!

From primal intentions all the way

to statesmanship, the thoughts, plans and actions of our elites and politicians, across all divides, need to be for the common good; that must be their New Year political resolution, for which history will look at them kindly. Recession, pandemic, insecurity, crime and violence, infrastructure can all be turned around for good if all concerned come to equity with a hygienic political mind and commitment. There are no political ideologies or parties that openly canvas poverty, violent crime, illiteracy and misery as their cardinal programmes; certainly no religion does.

It is nonsensical for us to raise our voices that “O God of creation, direct our noble cause... Guide our leaders right...” when ab initio our “leaders” have come to equity with soiled hands and poisonous minds. A clean political mind will direct clear and forthright governance decisions and actions. With such leadership sending good governance signals right from the onset this year, followership and citizenry across the nation will very likely pick it up for their own duties and responsibilities. It is the only way we will not come back in 12 months singing the same songs of lamentation like a broken national record. The earth, the sun and the galaxies move on in the universe.

Time will tell.

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

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

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