Osun Defender Online Version Of January 26, 2018

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VOL. 013. NO.3

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

Osun LG Election:

71 Councillorship Positions Up For Grab •Closely Fought Contests Expected In Ife, Others •318 Candidates Unopposed - Page 2 EDITORIAL COMMENT

Why It is Important To Vote ELECTIONS are fundamental in the democratic process so much so that in leading countries such as Australia, Brazil and the Seychelles voting is regarded as a part of the social contract and is compulsory. In line with this, we enjoin all registered voters in the State of Osun to excise their civil responsibilities and vote in tomorrow’s local government •Continued on page 4

Aftermath Of The Ooni’s Installation: Cold

War In Ile-Ife

Page 3

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NEWS

FRIDAY JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY FEBUARY 01, 2018

Osun LG Election: 71 Councillorship Positions Up For Grab representing •Closely Fought Contests Expected In Ife, Others •318 Candidates Unopposed unopposed candidates who satisfy

By Francis Ezediuno The Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) has revealed that out of the 389 wards across the state that elections will be held, actual voting will hold in 71 wards, as 318 councillorship positions have been presented unopposed.

This was disclosed by Chairman, Otunba the Commission Segun Oladitan, during

a press conference held to sensitise the public on the level of preparedness for the council polls that will be held on Saturday across the state.

Otunba Oladitan also noted that after the first press conference, the

Commission registered 36 political parties for the upcoming polls and only 18 returned their forms.

“Also, 38 parties registered at the initial stage out of which only 18 signified their

•OSSIEC Chairman (with microphone) addressing the press men and other dignitaries on the high table during a press conference for upcoming LG election on Saturday.

intention to participate”.

He also revealed that, 12 of the political parties that had earlier submitted their forms also withdrew from the race leaving the space for Labour Party, All Progressive Congress, Accord Party, Social Democratic Party and Allied Congress Party of Nigeria.

“I can reliably tell you that 12 political parties have withdrawn from participating in the election, leaving only six (6) political parties in the race”.

Stating further, Oladitan related that the issue of unopposed candidature presented a problem but the Commission resorted to the Electoral Act (2010) as amended.

“Furthermore, of all the candidates representing the participating political parties in the 389 wards across the state, 318 councillorship candidates in 318 wards have been presented

LG Polls: An Acid-Test For OSSIEC - Osun Accord Party Chairman on our own have been

By Shina Abubakar going round to mobilise The Chairman of the Accord Party in the State of people and also go on Osun, Mr. Segun Fanibe has disclosed that mass media to alert them Saturday’s local government election in the state of their responsibilities. would make or mar the reputation of the State But we would be waiting Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC). to see the organisation He disclosed this in an “As you can see most and the outcome of the interview with OSUN of the populace are not polls to measure the DEFENDER on the even aware of the local credibility of the body”, party’s preparedness for government polls for this he added.

Speaking on the Saturday local Saturday, which is part government election of the responsibility of litigation before the Federal High Court in across the state.

OSSIEC to enlighten the which was He said the party does people but as a party we Abuja pending during this chat, not have any confidence in the state electoral body to organise a free and fair poll because it has not hold any such election in

By Ismaeel Uthman the past and there is nothing to hold as a A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has vacated qualitative measure of its order stopping the conduct of elections into the their ability to do a good Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and job. withholding Local Government Allocations in the Fanibe disclosed that state of Osun.

Accord hopes that The court had on approached the court OSSIEC would prove to December 4, 2017 with an application for be independent and ordered the Central Bank the stoppage of monies organise a free and fair for the local government poll so that the populace, of Nigeria, Accountant in the state. especially stakeholders General of the Federation Contesting the court and Ministry of Finance would begin to have trust order, the state in it, as well as attest to to warehouse statutory government filed an the credibility of the allocations to the local application before the government councils in election. court with a prayer for “OSSIEC has never the state, as prayed by the vacation of the order. organised any election in three members of the In his ruling on the past and you cannot Peoples Democratic just put any trust in such Party in a Motion Wednesday, January 24, 2018, Justice John Tosho Exparte. a body to be free and fair The PDP members, of the court held that the or even independent but interim order earlier Kolawole this Saturday would go a Chief long way to prove Osunkemitan, Chief granted restraining the Adeyinka holding of elections into whether the body has Douglas LCDAs and credibility or it is just Oyinlola and Prince the Local Aderemi Adeniran withholding organising a charade.

Adelowo had Government Allocations

he disclosed that the party believed in the rule of law and whichever way the decision of the court goes, the party would abide by the decision, but added that it would no longer be forced to stay away from any election in the state.

According to him, the party has 59 candidates for the election and is hopeful that if the election is free and fair and allow the will of the

people take priority, all its candidate would return elected.

“Accord party is fielding 59 candidates across the state and we are working hard to return all of the candidates because we rely on the electorates to decide their fate and not on the power of incumbency and we are hopeful we will triumph”, he added.

the requirements of the law with reference to Section 41 of the Electoral Act (2010) as amended. Therefore, there shall be elections in only seventy-one (71) wards of this state”.

The Commission Chairman revealed that the spread is as follow: Osun-Central, 6; OsunWest, 13 and Osun-East; 52 wards, while the spread for the unopposed candidates was Osun-Central, 128; Osun-West, 117; and Osun-East, 73.

Going by the analysis, the election would be keenly contested in Osun East particularly in IleIfe and its environ where voting would be conducted in 52 wards.

Meanwhile, the Government of the state of Osun had earlier declared yesterday, Thursday, January 25 and today, Friday, January 26 as public holidays.

Local governments where the election will hold includes: Boripe, Atakunmosa East, West and West Central, Ife Central, Ife Central West, Ife East, Ife East Central, Ife North, Ife North West, Ife SouthWest, Ilesa East, IlesaWest, Obokun, ObokunEast, Oriade, Oriade South, Ayedaade, Ede North, Ede North Area Council, EgbedoreSouth Administrative Office, Isokan Local Government, Iwo Local and Iwo-East.

Fed High Court Vacates Restriction Order on Osun LG Elections has lapsed by effusion of time.

Justice Tosho also upheld the contention of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Dr. Ajibola Basiru that the orders were made upon the earlier ex parte application heard on November 27, 2017.

The court further held that they were caught by the provision of Order 26, Rule 12 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules which provides that an order granted upon an ex parte application will lapse where a person affected by the orders filed as application to discharge and/or vary the orders and the application is not heard within fourteen (14) days of filing.

According to the court, Osun State Government being the 7th Defendant filed an application to discharge the orders made on 4th of December 2017 and it was not in contention that the application has not been heard within 14 days.

Justice Tsoho therefore held that that the interim orders of injunction has lapsed and therefore there is no extant court order.

The court disagreed with the plaintiffs lawyer, Chief Clarke, SAN that the motion ex parte had been converted to motion on Notice.

The Court held that the term of its orders and Order 26, Rules 10 and 17 is against the argument of plaintiffs’ counsel.

In view of the pending objection to service by the

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Osun House of Assembly and Osun Independent Electoral Commission sued respectively as 8th and 9th Defendants, the Court ordered that the Plaintiff properly serve the 8th and 9th Respondents.

In consequence, counsel to the 8th Respondent, Rachel Ojimi and 9th Respondent, Dr. A.I. Layonu SAN withdrew the preliminary objection earlier filed to complain about improper service.

The plaintiffs’ counsel also applied to withdraw Motion on Notice for orders of Interlocutory injunction it filed and the court struck out the applications.

The court adjourned to 12th March 2018 for further hearing.

FRIDAY JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY FEBUARY 01, 2018

NEWS

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Aftermath Of Ooni’s Installation: Cold War In Ile-Ife Fresh crisis is looming in Ile-Ife as a notable of Adedoyin in the past Akintunde (A.k.A Sango circulated on the internet, indigene of the town who contested the crown with months relating to his of Africa), warned Dr. the joint traditional rulers the present Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi, Dr Rahman behaviour with the Adedoyin to refrain from in Ile-Ife and its environ Adedoyin was alleged to be on war path with the palace, believing such act any action that can through a statement Findings in Ile-Ife amount to disrespecting directly or indirectly signed by the Alara palace.

I n v e s t i g a t i o n s revealed that illustrious the Yoruba traditional subject the revered royal Oodaiye of Araland in revealed that the indigenes of the ancient authority which the Ooni stool of Ile-Ife and its Ife, Oba Adebisi Segun Layade advised the occupant to mockery”. business mogul was town both at home and in represent.

In a swift reaction to people to disassociate A press release issued fingered in smear the diaspora have been campaign launched condemning the actions by Prince Ayodeji the smear campaign themselves from the against the Ooni of Ife on the internet in the first week of the New Year by an unknown author maligning the person of the monarch.

It was gathered that Adedoyin still has grudges against the process that led to the emergence of the monarch last year as he perceived himself to be the anointed candidate of the late Oba Sijuwade hence had since been keeping records of the supposed mistakes of the present monarch ever since his inauguration.

Checks showed that on different occasions, the business mogul had shown his dislike for the Ooni even on social •Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (middle); Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Mudashiru media platform where he Toogun (left); with Libyan returnees, during their handing-over by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafhas mentioned his ficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to the State Government, in Osogbo. reservation for some of the actions of the monarch.

One of the issues the business mogul had with authorities of UNIOSUN halls for the safety of the

By Israel Afolabi the monarch is the resort to take urgent action and students. the monarch is building The State of Osun House of Assembly has create The committee later additional on a land he (Adedoyin) directed the management of the state owned entrance and exit route visited the hospitals believed is his exclusive right and had plans of university, UNIOSUN to embark on adequate in the affected lecture where the affected students were rushed to expanding his business measures to further guarantee the safety of lives room. and property of students and the entire University According to him “We in order to commiserate empire on it.

Community. thank God there is no with them and their It was gathered that Chairman, House observed the affected fatality; we did not lose parents with assurance the mogul is having a strange relationship with Committee on Education Fire Extinguisher which any student to the that the institution Folorunso was found to be genuine incident. indigenes of a Hon. It is would always guarantee neighbouring town, Bamisayemi gave the contrary to insinuation unfortunate that such their safety. which is likely to cause a directive on Friday after on Earlier, the Deputy its expiration incident happened to communal dispute inspection of the scene of attributed the incident to our students “he added. v i c e - C h a n c e l l o r between the peaceful gas leakage that injured poor handling of the fire He also charged the Academic and Research communities in case the a number of students. equipment. school management to of the institution, Prof cold war escalates.

Adebooye The chairman who He directed the decongest the lecture Clement regretted the incident and explained that measures have been to forestall further, the taken

By Ismaeel Uthman a sum of N2000 per help i n f r a s t r u c t u r e reoccurrence.

Government of the State of Osun has refuted the annum. This sum, if development drive by Prof Adebooye who rumours that pupils and students of public schools divided by three, would A r e g b e s o l a ’ s had conducted the in the state were being sent out of classrooms for give us N666.6 per term.” administration”. committee round the “Students in the new non-payment of school fees. expressed He alleged that while scene The government government has also Middle schools (of which the levy is being gratitude to God that it “School 25 have been completed) misconceived by some was claimed that it does not introduced not beyond charge school fees in any I n f r a s t r u c t u r e are expected to pay people, members of proportion as he lauded Levy N3000 per annum, which opposition have built public schools in the state Maintenance since inception of Ogbeni (SIML)” with a view to gives us N1000 per term “propaganda and lies CHANGE OF NAME Rauf Aregbesola taking care of the if divided by three.”

“For the newly around it to atrociously facilities in the newly government in 2010.

That OPALEYE constructed High misinform members of ADEGBOYEGA AKANJI This was disclosed in a constructed schools. the public and cause and OPALEYE “With the completion schools, students are to hatred statement signed by the for the ADEGBOYEGA SODIQ are pay N6000 per annum; if of the state-of-art Commissioner for government”. the same person, but now wish Information and elementary, middle and this amount is divided The Commissioner to be konwn and addressed as schools, the into three, it means each said that “Political OPALEYE GBENGA. All Strategy, Adelani high student would pay Baderinwa, saying that government introduced sentiments should not be former documents remain the pupils are only School Infrastructure N2000 per term as School placed above genuine valid. First Bank, Access I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Bank, G.T. Bank, Skye Bank Maintenance Levy charged “Education interest of the State, and General public should Trust Levy (ETL) of N500 (SIML), the circular of Maintenance Levy.” particularly when it take note.

Adelani said that the which was issued in per term. comes to securing He said: “To set the January 2017. The SIML levy just serves as assured future for the CHANGE OF NAME record straight, what is is payable by pupils/ commitment and sense of pupils and school That I formerly known as obtainable in Osun students in the newly belonging for the parents children through DR. (MRS.) ALAO SULIAT education system is the constructed elementary, of pupils in the new provision of qualitative ADEBIMPE, but now wish payment of Education middle and high schools schools as the levies are and functional to be known and addressed as inadequate to maintain Trust Levy (ETL), which only”. education” while further DR. (MISS) ADEBIYI “For pupils in the the facilities, urging reassuring is N500 per term for the SULIAT ADEBIMPE. All pupils/students in both newly constructed or parents and guardians to government’s resolve to former documents remain see it as their “civic valid. The Medical and rehabilitated elementary public and private provide “free, qualitative Dental Council of Nigeria and schools which are 20 in responsibility to pay and and schools in the state”. functional General public should take support the promotion of He further stated that number, they are to pay note. functional education and education.”

circulated material and urged all the traditional rulers in Ifeland, as well as the people to continue to support Ooni Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. Also, a former member of the House of Representatives and a member of Osun Judicial Council, Hon Rotimi Makinde, in a statement said “the person who sponsored the alleged Ewi audio against Ooni is a mischief maker and enemy of progress”.

He added that the rapid development the Ooni is embarking upon both at home and abroad which keep increasing his profile is bound to attract envy and definitely sadist must react”.

However, in a paid advertorial in a broadcast media, the alleged mastermind of the Ewi exponent Dr Abdulrahman Adedoyin had disassociated himself from the circulating maligned audio material, as he said that he did not sponsor or circulate the materials.

Osun Assembly Charges UNIOSUN On Students’ Safety

Osun Govt Denies Charging Fees In Public Schools

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the University community for the prompt response and the Nurses in various hospitals as well as members of the public for showing solidarity with the school.

It would be recalled that students of Anatomy/Physiology Department were receiving lecture when a fire extinguisher inside the lecture room started to leak.

It was revealed that one of the students was said to have sat on the fire extinguisher and the safety valve accidentally released when he stood up causing the leakage.

However, the leaked poisonous gas inhaled by the students caused many of them to slump and become unconscious.

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as KAZEEM ADEKOLA ADEWUYI, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWUYI KAZEEM HADJI. All former documents remain valid.

UBA and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as AKIODE FATIMO OLAIDE, but now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRAHMAN FATIMAT OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A Bank and General public should take note.

PAGE

4 Why It is Important To Vote •Continued from front page

election, for elections have consequences. Vote in the right candidates and there will be an advance in the quality of life through the elevation of living standards.

This is because amongst other things, in the words of a former speaker of the United States federal house of representatives, Thomas O’ Neill “all politics is local” The local governments are the closest in proximity to the populace.

Furthermore, the issues entailed in a municipality engage greatly in the everyday well being of the citizens. It is also a victory for democracy that the long delayed local government elections in Osun are coming up now after eleven years due to one litigation or the other. Very sadly, another set of politicians are still struggling to truncate democratic representation at the grassroots, this must be and is strongly condemned. We are happy that once again out of the state of Osun there is always something new. In this light, the innovation of the parliamentary system which will be entrenched in the

‘

It is noted that a major political party is not participating in the election which is a strong reflection of the factionalised dissension in the party, but the participation of the other political parties like APC, Accord, LP, SDP and others is an indication that the process is acceptable.

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local governments after tomorrow’s election is well appreciated and is commendable.

Once again Osun is blazing the trail, as this is the first time a state government will be entrenching such an acceptable system in the councils in Nigeria.

The system makes the election to be more grassroot as each ward elects their representatives and after the inauguration, they converge to elect the chairman from amongst themselves.

Supervisory councillors elected

Media And Others To The Rescue In expressing my feelings about the returnees from the Libya, I commend the effort of the state government for responding to the prompt evacuation of Osun citizens who just returned from Libya: the modern day slavery camp, especially the warmth welcome given by the Osun State Emergency Maintenance Agency (OSEMA) and the reassurance that the state government is ready to give them a new lease of life through skill/ acquisition programmes, empowerment, as well as help those who still wish to return to schools for learning.

The government gesture shows the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of its citizenry.

However, it is important for the

government to take proactive stance to migration the illegal importation of our citizens under the guise of enrolling them for job in Libya and some other

countries.

According to the testimonies of some of the returnees, they are being deceived by assurance of availability of lucrative job in the Middle East enroute Libya, not only greener pasture in Europe.

Some of these agents of recruitment who later trade in the lives of the unsuspecting individuals

sometimes went on broadcast media to advertise that their agencies could link prospective job seekers with appropriate agency in North Africa and

Middle East. So, there is need for media organizations to desist from allowing those agents of slavery to use their medium.

Media houses in general should scrutinize such “travelling agents” as they only recruit for some individuals who later sell their brothers/ sisters into modern day slavery.

Aside, the unemployment issue should be tackled by all and sundry as more emphasis should be on productivity rather than seeking office jobs.

Parents too should be enlightened that sending their wards overseas is not the remedy for their joblessness, as money expended on such travelling could be used to settle such individual to establish small scale business.

In conclusion, if mass migration of our youths to slavery must stop, the media should not collaborate with evil agents who disguise as travelling agents and all must help to tackle unemployment of the youth that had plagued our nation.

•ADESANYA ADEOTI, 28, Mosafejo Street, Ile-Ife.

from within themselves contrary to the presidential system whereby the chairman and supervisory councilors are different from the elected councilors, which engenders acrimony and rivalry as well as encouraging waste in governance.

It is noted that a major political party is not participating in the election which is a strong reflection of the factionalised dissension in the party, but the participation of the other political parties like APC, Accord, LP, SDP and others is an indication that the process is acceptable.

As the OSSIEC Chairman said, 18 political parties are participating in the election. We also commend the electoral body for the thoroughness with which they have prepared for and will no doubt conduct the elections.

We therefore urge all citizens to go out and vote tomorrow in what we pray will be a celebration of democracy.

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INTERVIEW FRIDAY JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY FEBUARY 01, 2018

Why We Are Going Ahead With Osun Council Polls - OSIEC Chair On Tuesday, the Chairman, Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Otunba Segun Oladitan was taken on by Seun Okinbaloye of the Channels Television on “Politics Today”, one of the popular programmes of the station. Excerpts.

Question: There is an injunction stopping you from having the election, why are you still going ahead with the election?

Oladitan: Truly, there is an injunction purportedly stopping us from conducting the election, but starting from the elementary issue, the case was instituted in the Federal High Court in Abuja and they obtained leave to serve us outside the jurisdiction of the court, but they claimed to have served us at the Osun State Liason office in Abuja. If they got leave to serve us outside the jurisdiction and they did within the jurisdiction, it is contradictory and faulty.

Question: (Cut in) Have you seen the injunction at all, may be transmitted to you by the state government?

Oladitan: I have not seen it. You should understand that OSIEC is a creation of the constitution. It is independent from the state government according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, we should not be served in Abuja or saying you are serving us through the state government and say that is an appropriate service Question: How did you know you were served in Abuja?

Oladitan: This is because the Attorney General informed me that there was a purported injunction against us and I said I shall not subject myself to the jurisdiction of that court, because ordinarily, issues concerning local government elections are for the State High Court, not the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court lacks jurisdiction as regards the geographical location and jurisdiction as regards the law concerning it.

Question: If you are not comfortable with a court injunction, should you not go to court to challenge it instead of saying that you will not subject yourself to it?

Oladitan: Yes, we did. We had representative who had filled papers in the court to say that we are protesting the injunction and once you go to court to say you are protesting, it becomes a fundamental issue. But let me tell you this, the injunction was obtained exparte and if an injunction was obtained exparte, it can only last for 14 days. After 14 days, the Supreme Court had said that the injunction becomes void. It

•OLADITAN

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The last local government election was held in Osun 11 years ago because, it has been one litigation or the other stopping OSIEC from having the election.

means that there is no any court injunction subsisting as at now, because this injunction was obtained on December 4 2017. They further shot themselves in the legs, because when they obtained the injunction, they now sought an adjournment to come on the 24th of January, few days to the election. If you now calculate it, you will agree with me that the 14 days has lapsed and as we speak there is no any subsisting injunction.

Question: You are supposed to be an independent umpire, but it seems you have tilted towards the ruling party, should you be looking at the grievances of those who have taken you to court?

Oladitan: I am wearing three garments as I am sitting. One, I am a citizen of Osun; I am the chairman of OSIEC and thirdly, which is very fundamental is that by vocation, I am a legal practitioner of more than 37 years and I should not because of position forget my calling. I’m not in support of

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any government. Don’t forget, the last local government election was held in Osun 11 years ago because, it has been one litigation or the other stopping OSIEC from having the election. So, it is not an issue of tilting towards a political party, but I am the OSIEC chairman and I have a duty which solely is to defend the workings of the commission.

Question: The PDP which is a major political party said they are boycotting the election, are you not concerned about that?

Oladitan: As an umpire, I should only be concerned about the election I am going to conduct; the moment you are getting concerned, then you are getting biased and I shouldn’t be.

Question: But the issue of the new Local Government created by the Osun Government, is it constitutional?

Oladitan: Don’t belabor yourself. In law, we talk about precedence. When the Lagos established more local

governments, some people challenged them by going to court and the then President stopped the allocation to the state, but the Supreme Court said the decision was wrong because the creation is in accordance with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution. If the state government has done everything they should do, it is now for the National Assembly to do the rest. So what Osun had done is legal and very constitutional.

Question: But how come it has not been included as part of the local government in the constitution?

Oladitan: Even as we speak, those of Lagos State are not in the constitution yet, but the constitution says, once the state government has done its part, it is for the other party, which is the National Assembly to do the rest and the National Assembly cannot be forced.

Question: The constitution says local government must be created through a referendum, that was not done in Osun state, am I right?

Oladitan: Who told you that? OSIEC conducted a referendum in 2015 whereby every local government participated. Of the 30 local government, only one local government voted no that they didn’t want it.

Everything that should be done for such exercise was rightly done.

Question: The issues of parliamentary system might not just be the issue of words …?

Oladitan: Let me go to the constitution. Section 7 (1) says, “The system of local government by the democratically elected local government council is under this constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every state shall, subject to Section 8 of this constitution ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils”.

You don’t need a PHD holder in English to interpret this.

Question: You are saying that the state government has the prerogative to change the system of government in a local council?

Oladitan: No! No! No!, not to change; but to evolve the system.

Question: Does it make any sense where we have a Presidential System and a constituent unit now saying it does not want to operate the system?

Oladitan: It makes a lot of sense.

What you have to do first is to change Section 7 of the constitution, because that is what empowers the states to do so.

Question: How much is this election going to cost the OSIEC? Oladitan: It will be nearing about N600 million.

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FRIDAY JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY FEBUARY 01, 2018

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY FEBUARY 01, 2018

Ede East LCDA Opens New Roads, Grades Others The Caretaker Management Committee of Ede such products to nearest East Local Council Development Area, Sekona in towns for marketing. the State of Osun has opened up a new road that The council boss then could be referred to as bye-pass linking Ede road to enjoined the people of the Olodan/Palace road to Ife road in Sekona.

LCDA to always perform The Executive said the grading of the their duties to the Secretary of the LCDA, road would guarantee government, just as he Fatoki Rafiu during the easy transportation of sought their unalloyed flag off of the road said, their farm produce to the support for the present he took the step so as to nearest cities and administration at the give the town, being the markets. This he said Federal, State and Local headquarter of the LCDA would encourage them to level. a befitting road network have increased farm While appreciating which would eventually outputs and in turn boost the kind gesture of the give the town a new look. the economy of the administration of Noting that many LCDA. Honourable Fatoki, some other roads were being He said: “Grading of of the residents of the opened up in the town, roads in the rural c o m m u n i t i e s he said apart from communities will go a commended the Sekona ward, other four long way in motivating administration for wards that constituted the residents, mostly bringing dividends of Ede East LCDA were not farmers to put more democracy to their door left out of the massive efforts in farming once step with the promise to grading, stressing that they are rest assured of always support the the graded roads include; easy transportation of administration.

Alajue to Olodan in Olodan ward, Palace road to Olode village in Alajue ward, Ota Gere to The Caretaker Management team and staff Egbeda Loogun in Loogun ward and members of the Olorunda North Local Council Ologobi Palace to Development Area (LCDA) have relocated to the Ologobi Oja in Oloki/ newly-constructed secretariat for the council in OtaAkoda ward among Efun, Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun. others. a new At a prayer session for building According to a the commencement of secretariat complex for statement by the operations in the newly- the council, both the Information Officer of the constructed secretariat caretaker management council, Hammed the Executive Secretary, team and the career Oyeniyi, Fatoki said his Honourable made Quadri officers administration embarked Owonikoko lauded the commendable sacrifices on massive grading of caretaker committee by letting go of their roads in all the members and the staffers imprest approved by the communities of the for their perseverance, state government, just as council to prevent mass love and cooperation to he lauded the effort of the rural-urban migration. make his dream a reality. Baale Ota-Efun, High Stressing that the Tijani Sheu Owonikoko said that to Chief majority of the people in Olatunji for allocating the LCDA are farmers, he realise the dream of

•One of the newly graded roads.

Olorunda North LCDA Moves To Permanent Site

Ayedire Council Boss Seeks Traditional Rulers Support Over Tax Payment The Executive Secretary of Ayedire Local r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s Government, Otunba Oladejo Mukaila has effectively. charged residents of the various towns in the He also charged council to make payment of rates a duty towards community leaders, developing the local government. opinion moulders and The council boss while communities to reach religious leaders to speaking at a gathering out to the people on the always rally round the disclosed that some of need to support the local government in its the projects embarked council by discharging bid to make life better for civic the populace. upon by the local their government are suffering as a result of lack of funds, saying the The Executive Secretary of Ife-North Local local government needs the support of the Government, Hon. Taiwo Hassan has lauded residents of the various communities in the Local populace to thrive.

He said the shop Government for the tremendous support given to owners in major towns his administration since its inauguration. are not cooperating with He assured the people and to help educate the the council officials who populace on the need to are on the field to receive of the area of more perform their civic payment, adding that developmental projects r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s such attitude is inimical in the coming year, effectively. to the progress of the saying the council is “When our people to deliver communities in the area. poised pay their taxes and other “Dues such as dividends of democracy rates, we would have tenement rate, tax, to its people.

The council boss enough funds to embark Hackney permit for on developmental vehicles and motorcycle disclosed this while projects that would are the major sources of receiving a youth group impact on their lives and revenue available to the from Ipetumodu on a as youth, we want you to local government and it courtesy visit to his reach out to the people in would be a disservice for office.

He sought the support various communities on our people not to comply the need to pay tax. with the payment”, he of the traditional rulers, “If we fail in our duty Chiefs and community said. to provide for the people He then sought the leaders in the various after discharging their support of the traditional communities to help civic responsibilities rulers in the various evangelise tax payment then we can be called to

land for the construction of the secretariat free of charge.

According him, several consultations were made to the wealthy people in the council area for the allocation of land for the secretariat all to no avail, until the traditional ruler of the council came to their rescue.

While reiterating the commitment of his administration towards the development of the council, he charged residents to also be supportive so as to guarantee the desired development.

Speaking at the occasion, the House of Assembly member representing Olorunda S t a t e Constituency, Wasiu Adebayo said that the construction of the secretariat did not come to him as a surprise, saying, “APC is noted for setting pace in the developmental projects and for this reason, H o n o u r a b l e

Ife North ES Lauds Residents For Support account for our actions and inaction at the appropriate times”, he added.

He also charged the youths to live a decent life and stay away from acts capable of truncating their lives or destroying their future, especially, he urged the youths to steer clear of indiscriminate use of drugs as a means of association in the society.

According to him, a virile and healthy youth is a blessing to any society but when youth resort to drug abuse as a means of socializing, it becomes a menace to the wellbeing of such society and the drug users as well.

•OWONIKOKO Owonikoko’s team is the first caretaker committee to build and complete a secretariat during their regime”.

He commended the council boss for the commitment, urging him to sustain the vision for the new council.

Also, the APC Chairman, Olorunda North LCDA, Alhaji Ahmed Bolarinwa said, the progressives launched their various developmental trends during Chief Adebisi Akande regime, saying, since, no government has been able to beat the record until the inception of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, another progressive government.

While making her contribution, the Executive Secretary, Ayedaade South LCDA, Chief (Mrs) Ogunfolaju Olusola said Owonikoko is an exemplary leader that should be emulated, maintaining that apart

from his responsibility in his council, he is always active and responsive in the Executive Secretaries forum.

Appreciating the leadership skills of Owonikoko towards developing Olorunda North LCDA, the Baale of Kobo, High Chief Oyebode Moronkola through a community representative commended the council for the unprecedented development which they have been enjoying in their community.

The prayer was led by Pastor Alaba Micheal and Ustadh Adebiyi Ismail who both prayed for peace, tranquility, security, development and love in the LCDA. The Council Manager, Mr. Jide Ekundayo thanked God for giving the council boss the wisdom to run the affairs of the council, advising his followers to emulate his leadership style.

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY FEBUARY 01, 2018

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Osun New Era Lions Club Holds Free Formal Opening Of FOMWAN Mosque, Donated By Alhaja Ademinure Awofisayo, Mother Of Eyes Test, Surgery For Osun Residents The Chairman, Osun SUBEB, Prince Felix Awofisayo, In Ife On Sunday.

A 5-Day Envisioning Capacity Building Workshop For Stakeholders In Osun Economic Development Held At Iloko Ijesa, Recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•Osun State New Era Lions Club President, Oluomo Sunday Akere (right) and some members of Lions club.

•A cross section of State of Osun Commissioners at the programme.

•SUBEB Chairman in the State of Osun, Prince Felix Awofisayo (2nd right); Alhaja Ademinure Awofisayo (3rd right) and others during the programme.

M •One of the beneficiaries receiving his treatment from a Doctor.

THE New Era Lions Club in Osogbo last Saturday conducted free eye screening test for the visually impaired persons in the state.

The exercise which was held at the Galaxy Hotel Hall in Osogbo include the administration of drugs, distribution of free reading glasses to different categories of patients, while those with serious cases were referred to Our Lady Lourdes Catholic Hospital in Ipetumodu for surgery on the bill of the club.

Over 200 persons attended the screening out of which over a hundred were given free reading glasses and drugs, while over ten persons were referred to the Hospital for surgery to correct different types of defects in their

eyes.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Club, Oluomo Sunday Akere disclosed that the main objective of the exercise was to give those with one form of eye defect or the other an opportunity to take control of their lives by restoring their visions.

He said many young people are becoming blind due to issues that can be corrected adding that it is unfortunate that once these categories of people go blind it affect many others who depend on •A cross section of FOMWAN members at the programme. them for survival.

He also disclosed that the club, apart from bearing the cost of surgery for those referred to the hospital, it would also bear the cost of transporting them to the hospital.

•A cross section of beneficiaries at the programme.

•Building of Mosque built by Alhaja Awofisayo.

OTHER of the Chairman, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prince Felix Awofisayo, Alhaja Folashade Awofisayo has donated an already-constructed mosque to the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) in Ife Central Local Government.

Prince Awofisayo, who spoke at the handing over ceremony said, Alhaja Awofisayo gave FOMWAN land free of charge and she sold one of her houses to build the mosque.

Awofisayo urged the Muslim to use what they have for God and promised to continue their support for FOMWAN. Alhaja Awofisayo also showed her appreciation to God Almighty and she thanked her children for their support and therefore enjoined Muslims to use what they have for work of God. Members of the Awofisayo’s family, FOMWAN members, Chief Imam of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Sheik Taofeek, Chief Imam of Ife land and others were among those who witnessed the programme.

•(L-R) Members of Civil Society Organisations, Comrade Abiodun Agboola (left) and Comrade Waheed Lawal (right).

•A cross section of participants at the programme.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among other for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

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Aregbesola’s Performance Attracted Us To APC - Ex PDP Members

By Kehinde Ayantunji Hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Boripe North Local Government Development Area (LCDA), State of Osun last Sunday joined the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

The defectors were Central Senatorial Leader received by the APC Hon Adeoye Adelakun State Chairman, Prince during the party local Gboyega Famodun, State government general Secretary, Hon Rasaq meeting held at Salem Salinsile, and Osun Primary School, Iree,

headquarters of Boripe North LCDA. Former PDP members led by Alhaji Liad Olaifa, a former Supervising Councillor in the council area said they dumped the PDP as a result of noticeable development in their community and the state at large in the last seven years.

According to Olaifa,

•(L-R) Osun APC Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famoodun, Osun Central Senatorial leader, Honourable Adeoye Adelakun and Honourable Dejo Osunolale, while receiving the defectors into the party.

the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Argbesola has demonstrated uncommon leadership in the state with massive infrastructural development and provision of social services in the state.

He said: “our philosophy of politics is development and we have found that in the capacity of governor Aregbesola and APC leadership in the state, the social and infrastructural developments are unprecedented in the history of the state”.

“In our local government here, the achievements are visible, we can see global standard schools, good roads while many of our youths were empowered, all these giant strides attracted us to the APC to support the governor and the party leadership.

While receiving the defectors, Famodun said the present government in Nigeria and state will continue to do its best to make life better for the citizens of the state and the country at large.

Famodun said: “our party covenant with the people is to eradicate

Special Duties Commissioner Charges Libyan Returnees

By Sola Jacobs

with the golden opportunities that abound in the State.

In their response, the returnees who comprised of eight females and a young man with five months baby thanked the state government for the

Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Mudasiru Toogun has charged the Libyan returnees who are indigenes of Osun to see their return as an opportunity to renew their strength and energy towards the development of their fatherland.

Toogun made this administration, charging remark while addressing them to avail themselves the returnees at the Heritage Hotel, Osogbo where they were lodged after the State of Osun Emergency Agency

By Abdullahi Omotayo (OSEMA) had brought them from Rivers State in A convict, Surajudeen Adebayo on Tuesday was the early hours of sentenced to 18-months imprisonment by an Osogbo Magistrate’s court for fraud of N53,000.

Saturday.

He congratulated the The police prosecutor, Sarah also stated that nine returnees with a five Sunday Ajayi, told the months old baby on their court that the convict the convict then willingly turned the money for his safe return despite the defrauded Sarah Abosede own use. inhuman treatment Alabi with a pretence to The convict who has no against them in Libya. buy her life cow and counsel, has already been He said the report and chicken. arraigned in court on 19 visuals on social media The convict was said to December, 2017. revealed how fellow have committed the Meanwhile, he was Africans are maimed, offence on 23 October, previously on bail of 2017 at Olorunda Local battered and killed by N50,000 with one surety other Africans in their Government Secretariat, and was unable to perfect Osun. his bail, when he pleaded land.

The prosecutor told the not guilty.

The Commissioner On Tuesday 23 the said Ogbeni Rauf court that the convict Aregbesola is passionate committed the offences adjourned date, the contrary to and convict changed his mind about the welfare of the under and later pleaded guilty citizenry both at home punishable 419,390(9) of the before the court. and in diaspora hence the Sections criminal code Cap.34 vol.

He then, prayed the reason why he ordered II, laws of Osun State court to temper justice OSEMA to bring Osun Nigeria, 2003. with mercy and also have indigenes back home.

Sarah, the complainant, over his innocent He then assured them claimed that Surajudeen mercy children, since his wife that the greener pastures is one of her client that she had died in a car accident they were looking for in borrowed money. recently. the hostile country would She also added that he The Magistrate, O.T be available to them in promised to help her in Badmus then acceded to their State with the purchasing live cow for the request of the convict enabling socio-economic her daughter’s wedding over the innocent environment that has when coming back from motherless children. been provided by Ogbeni Maiduguri where he He ordered that the A r e g b e s o l a ’ s travelled to buy his Eid-il- convict be put in prison kabir festival ram.

welfare package provided for them and especially for turning around the state in all ways.

Meanwhile, another set of Libya returnees are expected before the end of the month.

poverty, create job, enhance security of lives and property to make life more abundant for our people, we are not going to relent on the promises, I can assure, you we are going to deliver”.

Deputy Leader, State House of Assembly, Hon Bello Osuolale in his remarks congratulated the defectors for joining APC and assured them that they will have equal rights and privileges in the party.

Osuolale who is the Chairman APC Elders Forum in the council area

announced that the general meeting of the party would be rotating monthly in the four towns that comprises the LCDA and urged the members to rally support for the governor.

State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Eng Kazeem Salami said the priority of the governor at the moment is the completion of all the ongoing projects in the state saying no effort will be spared in ensuring that the present administration delivers on its promises.

Osun LG Polls: Adeoti Counsels Electorates

The Secretary to the Government of the State of Osun and a frontline member of the ruling party in the state, Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti, has advised voters ahead of the council poll in the state on the need to adhere to all electoral laws.

He gave this advice in setting.

“I therefore want to a statement issued and personally signed by him advise the residents of the ahead of the Saturday state to continue to imbibe the Omoluabi ethos for council polls.

According to him, which we are known for residents and indigenes of in the state with a view to the state who are of sustaining the current voting-age and have peace being witnessed in registered should make it the state.

“The council poll a point of duty to ensure should be held in an a peaceful exercise.

“I want to personally atmosphere devoid of appeal to the voting rancour,” Alhaji Adeoti population in the State of prayed.

While also charging all Osun on the need to comport themselves and the candidates of various political parties ensure that the whole electoral process holds participating in polls to without rancour”, he call all their supporters to order, the APC leader in stated.

He further stressed that the state prayed for a the Saturday council polls peaceful conduct of the should not be seen as a council poll.

“As a political leader, I do-or-die affair as nothing productive can ever be cannot but pray that the achieved in a violent council poll be violencefree for our state to continue to move on in the current path of developmental strides of the current or pay an option of fine of administration in the N10,000. state’, he said.

55-years Old Trailer Driver Sentenced In Osun custody for 18-month due to the offence committed

Osun Lawmaker Distributes Delivery Incentives To Pregnant Women

By Abdullahi Omotayo

Member, State House of Assembly representing Irewole /Isokan state constituency, Hon Olasunkanmi Adufe Akinola has donated over 250 pregnancy and delivery kits to expectant mothers in his constituency. said School for the He charged the Handicapped in Apomu expectant mother to would also receive food adhere strictly to all items and educational medical counsellings materials. during pregnancy and Akinola, who also after delivery. gave out crash helmets The women drawn to commercial from the 22 wards that motorcyclists and make up the notebooks to over 5,000 constituency received public secondary schools the packs during an students in his e m p o w e r m e n t constituency, said more programme held in Ikire. of such poverty Hon Akinola, while alleviation programmes donating the packs said would be done. the society must do more The lawmaker then in taking care of women called for financial because of the critical autonomy for state position they occupy in assemblies to enable the society. members effectively Apart from the discharge their duties, delivery packs, Akinola adding that beside

making laws, parliamentarians should also be allowed to cater for petty needs of their various constituents.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman, All Progressive Congress in Irewole Local Government, Alhaji Arimiyau Owoade and the West Senatorial Chairman of the party, Alhaji Yinusa Amobi , called on wealthy Nigerians to do more in assisting the less-privileged in the society.

“Whatever we can do to protect and cater for the needs of the vulnerable and women in our society, we should all do it. Nigeria can only be more secured when the wealthy ones assist the less-privileged”, Amobi concluded.

FRIDAY JANUARY 26 - THURSDAY FEBUARY 01, 2018

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Why We Are Going Ahead With Osun Council Polls - OSIEC Chair .

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Osun Politics: Intrigues, Facts And Fallacies It is always better to tell the truth even when it is difficult to state. No doubt, Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration in Osun has brought transformation to the state in virtually all areas of lives. They can be clearly seen even by the blind.

Ordinarily, one does not need to bother responding to people who may want to rubbish these accomplishments, but to set the record straight, issues must be clarified especially for those who may be living outside the state.

For the attention of Mr. Rasheed Kunle Adegoke, a governorship aspirant in the forthcoming election in the state, he was quoted by the Nigeria Tribune Newspaper of the 14th January 2018 that “It’s tragic Osun lags behind Borno in education”. Although, it could be a media sensation, but facts must be stated.

Barely three months into his administration, Aregbesola convoked an Education Summit, chaired by Prof.

Wole Soyinla, to look at various problems confronting education in the state with a view to finding a way forward. The communiqué of the Summit, consequently, became the pivot of Aregbesola Education Policy Direction.

Over 253,000 Elementary School Pupils are fed nutritious meals – chicken, fish, beef, eggs and fruits – on every school day. This has been a strategic tool to enhance primary school enrolment from 155,318 to 252,793 – 60%.

Despite the economic hardship confronting the state and pressure from left, right and centre that the school feeding should stop so as to save some money, Governor Aregbesola insisted that school feeding must not suffer, as quality education is the only legacy a responsible government can give the sons and daughters of the poor. He believes that investment in today’s children and youth would yield the best return in not too distance future and that governance should be a tool to develop society via human being.

This initiative has won international accolades and has been adopted by the Federal Government. He believes that poverty can be banished via conscious education of the mind towards productive engagement which will trigger creativity and productivity that will meet basic needs of a man.

750,000 School Uniforms were distributed free for student of Elementary, Middle and High Schools.

Omoluabi Scholars Buses were provided to ease transport at N20 per trip. The school children are taught the act of calisthenics – an exercise display aimed at building new generation of students who are physically robust, mentallysound and socially well-adjusted. SSS3 students are given Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) which makes learning simple and interesting. The devise contains all books required for the SSS3 Syllabus with the last 10 years past questions of WAEC, NECO and JAMB. Ogbeni is the first to implement UNESCO recommendation on digital education in Nigeria which is being understudied by all states in Nigeria.

Aregbesola administration pays for External Examination Fee of every SSS3 student who justifies the need to spend taxpayers’ money on him/her by having credits in four subjects including mathematics and English Language in a mock examination organised before

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Observation

BY YAYA ADEMOLA

governorship election should concern themselves on how to consolidate and build on the s o l i d foundation Ogbeni Aregbesola has laid.

Ogbeni investment i n education will manifest sooner than later. If he cannot be commended on this huge achievement, he should never be castigated.

It is also instructive to react to Alade Bashir Lawal, Secretary-General, Association of Senior Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) who viewed that there is no economic reason that should warrant a State Government to owe workers salaries. Alade was quoted in a feature story/ interview in Sunday Guardian Newspaper of the 14th January 2018, page 14-17, “ ........ go to Osun State for example, the whole place, including its economy is dead. The state is a civil service state and once workers are not collecting salaries, the artisans, food vendors would not make sales, and schools that supposed to be taking care of children would send the children back home. It is quite a vicious circle, and the workers are having it very rough”.

Yes, workers deserve their salaries and that had always been until the middle of 2015. Before then, on or before 25th of every month, salaries and pensions were paid. Again, Governor Aregbesola had introduced and paid 13th month salaries of 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% workers basic salary as a gesture to motivate workers in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. The workers were paid their leave bonus either on their birthday or date of joining the service, as chosen by each worker.

He increased beneficiaries of Car Loan from 2,189 to 10,000 and also increased by 100% government monthly subvention to this loan from N10 million to N20 million. He increased the rate available to workers on Grade Level 13 from N100,000 to N170,000; workers on Grade Level 9-10 increased from N250,000 to N400,000; and Grade Level 16-17 increased from N500,000 to N750,000. Same increment applied to Housing Loan. Working place and its environs were renovated and beautified.

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the real examination.

Ogbeni Aregbesola administration, realising that teachers as the souls of education, decentralised Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) into three districts headed by a TutorGeneral – an equivalent of Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service – to ease implementation of welfare policies of teaching and non-teaching staff.

Teachers Establishment and Pension Office (TEPO) was established for training and retraining, promotion and taking care of teachers’ pension after retirement.

Over 100 of the targeted 170 magnificent and functional Model Schools with all facilities that promise conducive environment for teaching, learning and culture have been built and commissioned across the state while the remaining are awaiting completion.

Aside, over 100 dilapidated Elementary and Middle Schools have been renovated throughout the state.

Members of the National Association of Private School Proprietors of Nigeria, Osun Chapter, have confirmed that Aregbesola education policy has drastically reduced pupils’ rate of enrolment into private schools and increased withdrawal from Private Schools to Public Schools in the last few years.

The tertiary institutions are not left out. 65 UNIOSUN Medical Student under the State sponsorship to Ukraine have completed their studies and returned last November. They are now qualified Medical Doctors. Without being prompted until when economic challenges forced it to be suspended, Aregbesola increased Bursary Award to Osun indigenes in recognised tertiary institutions in Nigeria from N2,000 paid to final year Students to N10,000 while the final year Law and Medical Students bursary increased fromN3,000 to N20,000.

Mr. Rasheed Kunle Adegoke and other aspirants in the forthcoming

Opinions are free, facts are sacred.

Accordingly, writers should get their facts well before making malicious comments on other people’s works.

’

The Pensioners were not left out.

Osun has 11,000 pensioners and their bill per month is N600 million, the highest in the South-West except Lagos. In 2015 and 2016 , despite financial difficulties, Aregbesola committed N5,426,720,195 and N3,981,312 respectively to payment of pension. In December 2016, N1,539,227 was committed to pension.

In November 2016, Osun received the first Paris Club Refund of N11,744,237,793 and paid N8,519,437, 233.43 for September, October November and December salaries; N924,676,305.24 as leave bonuses for September, October, November and December; N2,496,605,100.64 for Pension of September, October, November and December and N1,704,828,033.73 was transferred to Ministry of Local Government for the LG salaries. Osun Government added N1,901,308,879.48 to make up.

In July 2017, Osun received the second tranche of Paris Club Refund of N6,314,106,340.62 and paid N3,768,669,258 for workers salaries; N503,908,457.4 as leave bonuses; N791,074,280.8 as Pension and N934,841,306 for LG Salaries.

This same pattern applies to last tranche of Paris Refund in December 2017, with N1,000,000,000 set aside to pay pension.

A labour leader like Alade Bashir should not talk flippantly. An iota of fact should not be entirely missing in his interview.

In summary, as it is usually said among writers, opinions are free, facts are sacred. Accordingly, writers should get their facts well before making malicious comments on other people’s works.

•Yaya Ademola writes from Alekuwodo, Osogbo.

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

All correspondence to the Acting Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., E-mail: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,