OsunDefender Online Version Of March 1, 2019

THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

www.osundefender.com/index.php

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Give Oyetola A Robust Legislative Majority See Page 4

Some of the candidates in the race

e-mail: osundefender.yahoo.com

VOL. 014. NO.5

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

NEWS ANALYSIS

State Assembly Poll:

The Battle Ahead •The Situation In Ife See Page 2

•Bosun Oyintiloye, APC, Obokun

•Funmilayo Olaseinde, PDP, Ifedayo

•Olatunji Olalekan, APC Ife North

•Fayoyin Nasiru, ADP, Ila

•Wale Adedoyin, APC, Ilesa West

•Pelumi Olajengbesi, PDP, Oriade

090571551768

2

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

NEWS ANALYSIS

State Assembly Poll: The Battle Ahead Defender that the state assembly is the financial constituencies which are

By Adesewa Adekunle governor is concerned muscle of the parties traditional APC Sequel to the success recorded by the All about the composition of contending for the seats. dominated areas, the Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s the state Assembly, Findings revealed that other local governments Presidential and National Assembly elections in hence, his commitment some of the electors in are battle grounds for the the State of Osun, the task ahead is the battle for to the victory of the APC the state have resolved to two major political the control of the state legislative chamber. candidates in the March vote for candidates who parties in the state, as It was gathered that from the APC. 9 election. offer them the most they are both poised to However, a source the opposition parties Another factor likely attractive incentive. show their strength in government to in the state were inside determine the Apart from Osogbo, the next four years. told Osun composition of the next Olorunda and other perplexed with the house A party source within performance of the APC in the poll and are battle ready to fight for the control of the Assembly in a bid to give the ruling party a run for its money.

Findings showed that the ruling party in the state, the APC, is committed to ensuring that it mobilises for its candidates, with a view to ensuring it has a majority in the next assembly.

However, with the outcome of last Saturday’s polls, the APC has the edge over the major opposition party and others in the state.

The ruling party won Ila federal constituency which has two lawmakers, in the state •Voters waiting to cast their ballots during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Ejigbo, Ejigbo local house of Assembly government of Osun last Saturday.

Osogbo Federal constituency with three lawmakers, Iwo federal constituency another popular Ife son constituency.

By Sola Jacobs with three lawmakers There was even a and candidate of the and Ijesa-South federal How could the APC have lost in Ifeland during Accord Party was not compilation of constituency with three the presidential and national assembly elections? voted for? This is where unfinished projects lawmakers.

On paper in the immortalised words of the then the issue of the party which he allegedly If the March 9 state Deputy Premier of the Western Region Chief Remi to Ife comes to bear, as the facilitated Assembly election Fani-Kayode during the turbulent Western Region personalities in constituency and they follows the same election of 1965, Ife district should have been a individual parties, are of the opinion that pattern, 14 seats are leadership and the the Election Day is a pay already guaranteed for “sure banker” for the APC. The performance of party as candidates to familiarity of the people day to reinforce their the APC, while it will battle to claim its the All Progressives fly its flag in the federal with a particular party grievances. perceived strongholds Congress (APC) should constituency election. played a significant role.

To ensure victory of in the Federal have been enhanced Furthermore, the In another dimension, APC in the state Constituencies won by with the cross carpeting antecedents of these elite’ conspiracy played assembly, some of the the PDP. These include of former Deputy candidates came to bear a critical role against the party faithful had Ejigbo, Ife North, South regards their major personalities such advocated for sincerity and East among others. Governor of the State, as with as Otunba Omisore and on path of party leaders, The areas PDP is Otunba Iyiola Omisore, relationship the Social groups, individuals and Hon. they should Folorunso that likely to be banking on from are, Ife Federal Democratic Party (SDP) communities. genuinely embrace and Bamisayemi. constituency with four to the APC. Osun Defender It was revealed that compliment effort of the legislative seats, IjesaOsun Defender investigations revealed since the leadership of new leadership in the North federal investigations revealed that the opposition the APC conferred the area. constituency with two that dissension within Also, this party needs party’s candidate a honour of being the legislative seats and Ede federal the rank and file of the young and energetic leader of the party in Ife intensive marketing of candidates Abimbola constituency on Otunba the constituency with four party, as well as self- Taofeek centredness of Ajilesoro, may be a Omisore, some elites are presented the House of legislative seats.

The seats that the individuals, completely green horn in the of the opinion that he Assembly in Ife Central, opposition PDP will be factionalised the party political terrain of Ife, had always favoured East and South Local relying on already with predictably but his consultations non-indigenes against Governments. highlighted above, the disastrous effects. The with the grassroot the wish of Ife people.

According to APC lawmakers are party entered into the earned him the Secondly some investigations, two of currently occupying elections as a house mandate, as voters queried the benefits the candidates are not them, except in Ife Federal Constituency, divided, programmed to ignored party affiliation which Ife as a whole had green horns in the and voted based on derived from the political terrain of Ife where two (Ife East and fail.

I n v e s t i g a t i o n s what they perceived as leadership stance of the Federal constituency but Central) of the four seats are currently revealed that the party merit. former senator since his their antecedents as occupied by PDP primaries divided the The question must be political sojourn till date former councilors are members, and Ede APC, as many of the asked, as to why in terms of attraction of not enough to earn them North, where the followers complained someone like Hon Segun both federal and state the positions. occupants of the seat about the choice of the Fanibe, who is also development to Ife While the third had joined the ADP

the PDP confided in this medium that the party has seen its shortcomings in the just-concluded election and is strategising to make sure the assembly is not dominated by one party in the interest of democracy and the people of the state.

The source added that the party is determined to beat the APC at the game they played during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Another interesting angle is that the election in the state is only for lawmakers as the state is exempted from governorship election, which is likely to influence the voting pattern of the electorates.

However, feelers indicate a lot of the voters are not concerned with who forms the majority but who will do their bidding at the polls.

The Situation In Ifeland

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08062207954, 08061197897

contestants needs to work more and assured voters in his constituency of his genuine intention as his main rival had contested many times and mastered the terrain.

For the APC to overcome its teething problem, the new and existing leadership structure in the land must work together to have a united house ahead of the polls.

Moreso, good relationship and accountability to the people of the constituency will boost the chances of the party in the land, as no member should be seen as infinitesimal, which resulted in the loss of experienced hands in the constituency.

Gone are the era when parties present candidates without strong personal relationship with the people who only depend on party mechanism to coast to victory in elections.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

3

National Assembly: How APC Won 2 Senate, 6 Reps Seats In Osun •PDP Holds 1 Senate, 3 Reps Seats

By Solomon Odeniyi All Progressives Congress (APC) has won two senatorial and six House of Representatives seats of Osun in the National assembly going by the outcome of the last Saturday National Assembly elections in the state.

These are Osun Central Returning Officer for and Osun West Osun Central Senatorial Senatorial districts, as district, Titilayo Adelaje, well as Osogbo/ a Professor at Obafemi Olorunda/Irepodun/ Awolowo University Orolu, Ifelodun/Boripe/ said, the APC candidate, Odo-Otin, Ila/ Ajibola Basiru had Boluwaduro/Ifedayo, 132,821 votes against his I w o / A y e d i r e / O l a - arch rival, Ganiyu Oluwa, Irewole/ Olaoluwa of the PDP Ayedaade/Isokan and who polled 106,779 votes.

The returning officer Ijesa South federal for the Osun West constituencies.

The Peoples Senatorial district also Democratic Party (PDP) declared the candidate of won one Senatorial and APC, Adelere Oriolowo three House of winner of the election Representatives seats. with 102,507 votes his main These are Osun East against Lere Senatorial district as well challenger, as Ede/Egbedore/ Oyewumi of PDP who Ejigbo, Ife South/North/ polled 97,294 votes.

Francis Fadahunsi of East/Central and Ijesa North Federal the PDP was declared winner for Osun East constituencies.

In the results senatorial district. Prof announced by the Olayinka Oladiran of the

Department of Orthopaedic surgery and Traumatology, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe who announced the result said Fadahunsi polled 115,893 votes to beat Ajibola Famurewa of APC who polled 105,720 votes.

Besides, the returning officer for Iwo/Ayedire Olao-luwa Federal constituency, Prof Rufus Adesoji Adedoyin from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife declared Amobi Yunusa Akintola of APC winner having polled the highest number of votes.

Amobi according to Prof Adedoyin polled 29,229 votes against the PDP candidate, Mr Mudasir Lukman who came second with a total vote of 21,608.

Also, Olufemi Fakeye, the APC candidate for I l a / I f e d a y o / Boluwaduro federal constituency was declared winner by the

INEC returning officer in the area, Prof Paul Ogunjiyagbe having scored highest votes of 20,371 to defeat his major opponent, Hon Clement Akanni of PDP who polled 17,247 votes.

Similarly, Taiwo Oluga, the APC candidate for Ayedaade/ Irewole/Isokan federal constituency was declared winner of the election.

The Returning officer, Prof Bamidele Solomon said she polled 36,876 votes while her opponent who contested on the platform of PDP had 31,956 votes.

The INEC also declared Olubukola Oyewo of APC, winner of Irepodun/Olorunda/ Orolu/Osogbo federal constituency.

He defeated Morufu Adewale Adebayo of PDP. Announcing the returning officer, Prof.

Olukayode Asaye said, Oyewo polled 66,933 votes while his closest

opponent, Adebayo had 59,551 votes.

In Ijesa South Federal Constituency comprises of Ilesa West/East/ Atakumosa West/East, Lawrence Ayeni, candidate of APC was declared winner by the returning officer in the area, Prof. Fasansi with 41, 867 votres to defeat his opponent, Adedapo Adelowokan who got 30,760.

Also the APC candidate for Ifelodun/ Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal constituency, Rasheed Afolabi was declared winner with 41,117 votes while his close rival, Soji Adetunji of PDP got 32,389 votes.

In Oriade/Obokun Federal constituency, Hon. Oluwole Oke of PDP was declared winner for the constituency against the APC’s Siji Olamiju popularly known as AKOL. The returning officer for the constituency, Prof.

Rasaki Adebayo of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, who declared the result said, Oke got 25,329 votes to defeat Olamiju who got 19,725 votes.

With his victory in this election, Oke is returning to the lower chamber of the National Assembly

for the fourth term.

Bamidele Salam of the PDP also emerged winner of the Ede Federal Constituency according to the returning Officer of the constituency, Prof Adeniyi Adewusi who declared that Salam polled 46,994 votes to defeat Adejare Bello of APC who got 44,866 votes.

The PDP candidate for Ife Central/Ife North/Ife South and Ife East, Ajilesoro Abimbola defeated his arch-rival of APC, Oladoyin Folorunsho.

The returning officer, Prof. Suraju Ajadi, who announced the result said Ajlesoro polled 52,801 votes, while Folorunsho got 46,373.

However, going by the results announced, only the PDP’s Oke of Ijesa North Federal Constituency is returning to the House of Representatives for the fourth time, while the APC’s Fakeye of Ila/ Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency is returning to the House of Representatives for the third term.

All the senator-elects from the state are first timers, while other seven House of Representatives members-elect are also going there for the first time.

Osun Central Senator-elect Dedicates Victory To Constituents

•Members of Global Girls Network, a non-governmental organization, in a group photograph after their rally against rape in Osogbo recently.

PHOTO: SHOLA ADERINTO

The senator-elect for Osun Central Senatorial District, Dr Ajibola Basiru has dedicated his victory at the poll to the people of the zone.

Basiru thanked his his residence to rejoice supporters across the with him, the senatorsenatorial district, for elect was full of praises to standing by him through the All Progressives thick and thin, which Congress (APC) leaders made it possible for him and members in the state.

He also hailed his to win.

Addressing a crowd of campaign organisation supporters that stormed for a job well done, saying the results worth the efforts, just as he advised them to be humble in victory and Nigerians to join hands humane in jubilation.

The immediate past with the President Buhari-led Federal Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Government in ensuring that the country takes its thanked the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh rightful place in the Oyetunji, Osogbo elders’ comity of Nations. caucus, elites, religious bodies, market men and women, artisans and student body for their the massive infrastructure support throughout the in progress and intensify struggle.

He assured the people fight against corruption”, that his representation at Salaam asserted . the Upper Chamber of He further rejoiced the National Assembly with Senators and would bring fortune to members, House of them, as he would Representative elect in endeavour to fulfill all his Osun, stressing that they promises. have the onerous task of He appealed to the working with the electorates to complete executive, with a view to the victory for APC by expediting action on voting for the party’s pieces of legislation that candidates in the House would fast-track of Assembly election rebuilding plan of the scheduled for March 9, 2017. nation.

Aregbesola Hails Nigerians For Re-electing Buhari

By Sikiru Obarayese

He also saluted all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for working assiduously for Nigeria to advance to the Next Level.

Former Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Wednesday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election.

In tweets on his Nigeria’s Democracy is verified Twitter Handle thriving. @raufaregbesola, the former governor saluted Nigerians for voting the President for another

By Israel Afolabi term of office.

Aregbesola described Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Dr. Buhari’s re-election as a Najeem Salaam has applauded Nigerians for testimony to the fact that rewarding integrity and honesty over corruption as demonstrated in the last Presidential election by reelecting President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the lesson in Butika, asserted that the the outcome of the poll, opposition gave President was to pursue good name, Buhari a run for his decent character, honesty money, but at long last, and accountability while integrity won the race.

While congratulating keeping the collective President Buhari for trust of the people.

Salaam, in a statement securing another term of signed by his Chief Press office, he said the electoral Secretary, Mr. Goke pattern reflected the

The Former Governor however noted that elections have come and gone, leaving the task of Nation Building.

Aregbesola appealed to all well meaning

Buhari’s Victory: Integrity Prevails - Osun Speaker

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

quality of performance in the areas of infrastructure, social investment and attempts on diversification of economy coupled with fight against corruption, urging the President and his team to do more.

“The reward of hardwork is more work and now that the election had been won and lost, I urge our President and his team to put more effort on poverty alleviation, consolidating

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08062207954, 08061197897

ISSUES/POLICY

PAGE

4

The Next Level - What Is To Be Done?

The second term given to President Muhammadu Buhari is well deserved. At a critical juncture, he now has the opportunity to decisively alter the course of Nigeria's history. This is based on his unimpeachable integrity. Using his integrity as a trajectory, he has started to redirect the territory of policy, from Nigeria as a rentier state based on consumption as opposed to production, to a Nigeria based on the optimal development of its productive base for sustainable development. This is the historic task of Muhammadu Buhari and in a very difficult situation, he has defined the territory of the discourse in a positive direction. In the next level, the changes made must be institutionalised in order to become irreversible.

What is to be done?

The second Buhari administration has its work cut out. For a start, the platform with which he came into power has commendably constructed

In the next level, fiscal discipline must go hand in glove with enhanced revenue generation, for the age of fossil resources is over. By placing the emphasis on production, Nigeria will build a proper economy based on a community of tax payers propelled by a social contract binding all stakeholders in national project.

an emerging new national majority, it must now become the natural party of government based on a clear commitment to government as a process which benefits the overwhelming majority as opposed to a privileged few. This means that fiscal

Give Oyetola A Robust Legislative Majority The good people of the State of Osun will once again exercise their civic responsibilities on Saturday 9th of March.

Having gone through so many elections in recent times, we urge them not to suffer from voter fatigue. The legislative election is important in order to consolidate on and institutionalise the progressive initiative which has been so beneficial to the well being of the overwhelming majority of the people. The excellent social intervention programmes emanating from Osun have been used as models at the center and

The legislative election is important in order to consolidate on and institutionalise the progressive initiatives which has been so beneficial to the well being of the overwhelming majority of the people.

elsewhere. They must be defended and strengthened .

This is why Governor Gboyega Oyetola should be giving a solid majority to continue the work. Oyetola has made an inspiring start, a calm, focused and purposeful technocrat, he has a lot to offer the State in the years ahead, he cannot do it alone.

Legislative support is essential in order to constitutionally get things done. They include for example, the confirmation of nominees for various offices as well as bills including crucially the budget. Oyetola needs it because as we know, a workman is as good as his tools. All the candidates of Oyetola ‘s party the All Progressives Congress (APC) must be voted into the state assembly.

We therefore urge all stakeholders in the party machinery as well as progressives in civil society to intensify their efforts and support a Governor who is determined, very well prepared and has shown a promising start.

Congratulations To Mr President Nigerians nationwide went to the polls last weekend after the elections was postponed by a week.

Many had entertained fear that the postponement would lead to voters apathy since many had to travel from one location to another to exercise their civic obligations.

However, the turn out, though was significantly low compare to what was recorded during the most recent past elections held in the country. This is despite recording a quantum leap in the number of registered voters this year which was put at 84 million and the number of Permanent Voters Cards summed at 72 million. But the shift of the election does not seem to have much effect on the turn out.

That aside, we now have winners across the various elective positions in the

elections conducted by INEC on Saturday: 1 president, 360 House of Representatives memberselect and 109 senatorselect. Even though, we had to wait for 3 pressuresoaking days before the eventual winner of the presidential election was

returned elected (a topic for discussion much more latter).

The incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari against all odds got his reelection ambition realised. He will be steering the affairs of the nation for the next four

years as permitted by the law of the land, while Nigerians are hoping to have an improved standard of living under the next level campaign mantra than they had in the last time when the irresistible sonorous song of change swept every

Nigerian off their feet.

No doubt, it remains the most keenly contested elections ever in the annals of the country’s history, as the second placed PDP’s candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar gave the APC’s candidate and eventual

winner a tough fight for the topmost seat in the country. The National Chairman of the APC’s statement laid credence to how hotly the election was contested when he confessed that at a point, he felt his party had lost.

With all these had been laid to rest, the election has been said to be best captured by the New York Times where it said ,”President Buhari has won a second term as Nigeria’s president in an election that was in many ways a referendum on honesty”. This was what dominated the electioneering period. He has won the integrity test and the test must be fully passed by him. Nigerians are expecting much better than he had done in the last three and half years.

•WALE ADERIBIGBE, Ikirun, State of Osun

discipline and macro - economic stability is the only means of achieving social and economic justice. No other public figure in Nigeria's contemporary firmament has the acknowledged integrity to achieve this.

In the next level, fiscal discipline must go hand in glove with enhanced revenue generation, for the age of fossil resources is over. By placing the emphasis on production, Nigeria will build a proper economy based on a community of tax payers propelled by a social contract binding all stakeholders in national project. It is an historical necessity which Buhari is well placed to carry out.

The next level will not work out without first of all securing the legislature. The lack of a strategic imperative which led to the Saraki debacle must never happen again. The composition of the leadership has to be amicably resolved in the next few weeks. Leading on from this, there must be a clear legislative agenda based on consolidating the next level. A special one hundred days legislative session should be explored. Key here is to respect the budget cycle This newspaper believes that the victory of the Buhari/Osinbajo team is a decisive turning point for the nation, it heralds a promising new era, we are delighted with the prospects for a better, more socially just society.

OSUN DEFENDER Publisher

–

Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Editor

–

Kazeem Mohammed

Lagos Editor

–

Kola Odepeju

News Editor

-

Shina Abubakar

Production Editor

–

Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter

–

Sola Jacobs

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

– – –

Kehinde Ayantunji Ismaeel Uthman Israel Afolabi Francis Ezediuno

Photographer Photographer

– –

Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager

–

Murtala Agboola

Graphics Designer – Computer Operator – Computer Operator -

Lukman Ussein Mary Akintola Zainab Olalere

(0806-220-7954)

Advert Executive

–

Nike Adeyemi

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

All correspondence to the above mail address.

ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0806-220-7954, 08061197897 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, osundefenderbank@gmail.com

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2019

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

5

MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

Nigeria Decides:

How The Candidates Fared In Osun The people of the State of Osun have spoken through their votes during the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections, results have been collated and winners have emerged. SOLOMON ODENIYI writes on how the elections were won and lost in the state.

The much anticipated presidential and National Assembly elections have come and gone. Winners have emerged statewide including the presidential elections.

In Osun, the ruling APC is singing a victory song as the party won big in the elections that were keenly contested.

Besides, it is one of the South west states that delivered for the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari who polled 347,674 as against the People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubarka who polled 337,337. Political commentators have said the outcome was a slight increment to what was recorded in the gubernatorial election held in the state last year where the margin between the winner and runner up was 305 votes.

At the red chamber, the APC claimed two out of the three senatorial seats to dominate, with the PDP laying claim to one seat. The APC won in the Central and West Senatorial districts while the PDP won in the East senatorial districts.

The ruling party also clinched six out of the nine House of Representatives slots, leaving the remaining three seats for the PDP. Going by the results as announced by the various Collation Officers, the Osun Central Senatorial district, Titilayo Adelaje, a Professor at Obafemi Awolowo University said the APC candidate, Ajibola Basiru had 132,821 votes against his arch rival, Ganiyu Olaoluwa of the PDP who polled 106,779 votes.

The returning officer for the Osun West Senatorial district also declared the candidate of APC, Adelere Oriolowo winner of the election. Oriolowo polled 102, 507 votes and Lere Oyewumi of PDP polled 97,294 votes.

Francis Fadahunsi of PDP was declared winner for Osun East senatorial district. Prof. Adegbehingbe Olayinka Oladiran of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife who announced the result said, Fadahunsi polled 115,893 votes to beat his arch rival , Ajibola Famurewa of APC who polled 105,720 votes.

In the same vein, the Returning Officer, for Iwo/ Ayedire Olaoluwa Federal Constituency, Prof Rufus Adesoji Adedoyin from Obafemi Awolowo University,

“There were permutations made by some political observers ahead of the elections. The elections in the state lived up to its bidding, as they were keenly contested among the various candidates, except than that there were some failed predictions in some places.”

•Oriolowo, Osun West

•Fadahunsi, Osun East Ile-Ife declared Amobi Yunusa Akintola of APC winner having polled the highest votes. Amobi, according to Prof Adedoyin polled 29,229 votes against the PDP candidate, Mr Mudasir Lukman who came second with a total vote of 21,608.

•Basiru, Osun Central Also, Olufemi Fakeye, the APC candidate for Ila/ Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency was declared winner by the INEC returning officer, Prof Paul Ogunjiyagbe having scored highest votes of 20,371 to defeat his opponent, Hon Clement Akanni of PDP who polled 17,247 votes.

Similarly, Taiwo Oluga, APC candidate for Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan federal constituency was declared winner of the election.

The Returning Officer, Prof Bamidele Solomon who declared Oluga winner said she polled 36,876 votes while her opponent who contested on the platform of PDP had 31,956 votes.

The INEC also declared Olubukola Oyewo of APC, winner of Irepodun/Olorunda/Orolu/Osogbo federal constituency. Oyewo defeated Morufu Adewale Adebayo of PDP. Announcing, the returning officer, Prof. Olukayode Asaye said, Oyewo polled 66,933 votes while his closest contestant, Adebayo had 59,551 votes.

For Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Lawrence Ayeni, candidate of APC emerged winner. The returning officer, Prof. Fasansi declared that Ayeni got 41, 867 to defeat his opponent, Adedapo Adelowokan who got 30,760.

Also the APC candidate for Ifelodun/Boripe/OdoOtin Federal constituency, Rasheed Afolabi was declared winner with 41,117 votes while his close rival, Soji Adetunji of PDP got 32,389 votes.

In Oriade/Obokun Federal constituency, Hon. Oluwole Oke of PDP was declared winner for the constituency.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Rasaki Adebayo of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, who

•Continued on page 6

MAGAZINE

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

6

Nigeria Decides: How The Candidates Fared In Osun •Continued from page 5 declared the result said, Oke got 25,329 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Siji Olamiju who got 19,725 votes.

Bamidele Salam PDP also emerged winner of the Ede Federal Constituency according to the returning Officer of the constituency, Prof Adeniyi Adewusi by polling 46,994 votes to defeat Adejare Bello of APC who got 44,866 votes.

The PDP candidate for Ife Central/Ife North/Ife South and Ife East federal constituency, Ajilesoro Abimbola defeated his major rival of APC, Oladoyin Folorunsho. The returning officer, Prof.

Suraju Ajadi, who announced the results, said Ajlesoro polled 52,801 votes, while Folorunsho got 46,373.

There were permutations made by some political observers ahead of the elections. The elections in the state lived up to its bidding, as they were keenly contested among the various candidates, except than that there were some failed predictions in some places.

For instance, the Osun West and East Senatorial districts were the two senatorial districts where candidates were locked in fierce battle to get the mandate of the electorates, with the west senatorial district said to be where the most interesting stunt would be pulled.

Though, this was because unlike other districts, the battle for the region’s ticket was a straight fight among the candidates of three political parties. However, it ended to be a two-man-horse race between Adelere Oriolowo of the APC and Lere Oyewumi of the PDP whose party represents the district having won the bye election against the APC. Oriolowo’s victory has made him a jinx breaker for the most populated federal constituency in the west senatorial district, Iwo which is yet to produce a senator in the district since the return to civil rule in 1999. This came as a result of the performance of key party leaders in their strongholds.

Votes from Ejigbo, the base of the incumbent speaker, Najeem Salaam, as well as Irewole and Isokan local

•President Muhammadu Buhari

The outcome of the election in the East senatorial district has continued to be a subject of discourse and would continue for a long time. Reason: The fall and rise of some gladiators, who they fondly describe as generalissimo losing to the PDP, even in their local government. government, the territories of the deputy governor, Gboyega Alabi and the former commissioner for Finance, Bola Oyebamiji were where he got most of the votes that saved the day for him.

Another district which went against the prediction was the East senatorial district where the contest was between Engr. Israel Famurewa of the APC and Adenigba Fadanusi who is contesting under the platform of the PDP. The two candidates gave it their all, however, Fadahunsi this

Presidential Election Result STATES 1.

EKITI: 2.

OSUN: 3.

FCT: 4.

KWARA: 5.

NASARAWA: 6.

EBONYI: 7.

JIGAWA: 8.

ENUGU: 9.

YOBE: 10.

KOGI: 11.

ADAMAWA: 12.

KANO: 13.

PLATEAU: 14.

EDO: 15.

OYO: 16.

LAGOS: 17.

KATSINA: 18.

GOMBE: 19.

OGUN: 20.

ONDO: 21.

ABIA: 22.

AKWA IBOM: 23.

BAUCHI: 24.

BORNO: 25.

KADUNA: 26.

SOKOTO: 27.

TARABA: 28.

NIGER: 29.

BENUE: 30.

IMO: 31.

ANAMBRA: 32.

CROSS RIVER: 33.

RIVER STATE: 34.

ZAMFARA: 35.

BAYELSA: 36.

KEBBI: 37.

DELTA:

TOTAL

•Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

APC 219,231 347,634 152,224 308,984 289,903 90,726 794,738 54,423 497,914 285,984 378,072 1,464,768 468,555 267,842 365,230 580,814 1,232,133 402,961 281,762 241,769 85,058 175,429 798,438 841,736 993,445 490,333 374,743 612,371 347,668 140,463 33,298 117,303 213,451 438,682 118,821 581,552 221,292

15,963,080

PDP 154,032 337377 259,997 138,184 238,847 258,573 289,895 355,553 50,763 218,207 410,266 391,573 548,665 275,691 366,720 448,016 308,056 138,484 194,655 275,901 219,698 397,831 209,313 65,414 649,612 361,604 324,908 218,052 355,355 334,923 524,738 295,737 481,121 125,423 197,933 154,282 594,068

11,734,151

time after several attempts in 2011 when he lost in the primary to the eventual winner, Iyiola Omisore and in 2015 when he got the PDP ticket but lost to APC’s Babajide Omoworare.

Famurewa, a serving two term lawmaker representing Ijesa South Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, according to projections, was predicted to sweep the whole of Ife land. Reasons: Omisore is considered to be in control of the zone and his alliance with the APC was predicted to give victory to the ruling party. This is laced with the massive votes he polled in the governorship election last year in the area. However, things turned out to be the other way around. The APC was floored at Ife. The outcome of the election in the East senatorial district has continued to be a subject of discourse and would continue for a long time. Reason: The fall and rise of some gladiators, who they fondly describe as generalissimo losing to the PDP, even in their local government.

However, one of the factors that political observers said has determined the outcome of the poll is that Fada, as he fondly called is in a familiar terrain, being a serial contender for the seat since 2011.

He is rugged and also used to political struggles. So he understands the dynamics of politics, particularly as it relates to his districts.

In Osun central senatorial district, the projections of many observers did go as predicted. The prediction was made based on the popularity of the APC candidate, the eventual winner as well as the trend in the past elections in Olorunda, Osogbo where the ruling party had always recorded a massive votes. However, it was at the least expected area in Ila local government where analysts predicted a woeful performance for the APC that the bloc votes came from.

Gani Olaoluwa, the former chairman of the PDP in the state and the candidate of the party sprang surprises, giving the APC’s candidates who many felt would have a tough rollercoaster heading to the election. All the litany of allegations against him which affected his campaign efforts did not stand in his way as he also pulled his weight at the poll.

On his own, he could have been a major contender, though he is next to the APC candidate but they are miles apart in terms effort put into the election and popularity.

Squaring up with the APC’s candidate who is undoubtedly sure of picking the ticket remains the most unfortunate thing for his senatorial ambition, even though he is quite confident that he could eventually spring a surprise. Secondly, he does not have the same financial war chest as compared with his APC candidates. He has of recent been swimming in one pool of controversy or another, more damming has been the forging of his certificate, an allegation he has debunked.

I Will Serve Dilligently - Salam Pledges The House of Representatives member-elect, Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Barr. Bamidele Salam of the Peoples Democratic Party has thanked his constituents for electing him, promising that they would not regret their decisions.

He promised to make House of Representatives laws that will better the Member representing Ede Federal lives of his people.

In a press release made Constituency.

“I thank the good available to journalists by his media aide, Salam people of Ede North, Ede stated that the victory South, Egbedore and was for the people of his Ejigbo Local Government constituency and called for reposing confidence on other contestants to and sustaining trust in cooperate to heal the me. You are the heroes of divisions that the election the struggle and I shall ever be grateful to you for might have caused.

The press release your faith and sacrifice. I reads: “It is with a deep appreciate you.

“Also, I want to use sense of honour, humility and with gratitude to this golden opportunity God that I accept my to salute my brothers, election as the Federal who answered the call for

democracy and contested for this seat.

This victory is not for me, but the victory is for all Ede Federal Constituents. I believe that together we will heal the division of this contest, for the overall development of our federal constituency.

“To my constituents, I promise not to disappoint you with my representation in the National Assembly. l promise to make laws with my fellow lawmakers that will better our economy. Our redemption is on the horizon and with your support, better days are indeed possible again,” the statement stated.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

7

Ilesa East LG Embarks On Developmental Projects Chairman, Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun, Otunba Akeem Adesoji Olowoopejobori has said the commitment of his administration to development has been responsible for the massive developmental project embarked in the council area.

He made the statement during the

inspection of some ongoing projects with the State Monitoring team for Osun East Senatorial zone, led by Honourable Oguntola Togun.

According to him, fight for the enthronement of democracy cannot be justified until when developmental structures are put in

Irewole North East LCDA Inaugurates O'clean Committee Executive Chairman, Irewole North East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Honourable Adeboye Opeyemi has inaugurated the O’Clean Technical team that will be in charge of communities’ sanitation. to While speaking at the government healthy programme, the guarantee chairman said, it was living among the people the continuation of the of the state.

Noting that the six-point integral plan of the immediate past attitude of the people their administration, being towards is built upon by Governor environment Gboyega Oyetola as worrisome, he said the of the part of the effort consolidation agenda to government towards make environment environment is to change the attitude of clean.

According to him, the the people.

The council boss who intention was to prevent sickness and commended the state disease, saying, it was government for taking part of the holistic proactive measure to healthy approach of the guarantee

living of the people, urged the people to support the government’s efforts.

He also implored the committee to work effectively at the over 200 villages that constitute the LCDA without none untouched, as he promised them necessary support which will make the committee achieve its goals.

Also speaking at the occasion, DirectorGeneral of Osun WES, Mr Femi Ogunbanwo said the main duty of the committee is majorly environmental sanitation, imploring

the committee to be committed to the assignment given to them.

He also requested for dumping site where all the waste gathered at the communities will be dumped.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Baale of Wasinmi, Chief Oyaromade assured the government that everything possible would be done to make the assignment successful.

Among those at the event were, Heads of departments in the LCDA, security officers, Iyaloja and Babaloja among others.

•Chairman, Irewole North East LCDA, Honourable Adeboye Opeyemi (middle) and mmbers of O’Clean committee during their inauguration at the council’s secretariat last week Tuesday.

place, saying this was the essence of embarking on developmental project by his administration.

In a statement by the Information officer of the council, Mr Kazeem Opatunji, the council chairman said despite financial difficulties being experienced by his administration, he was able to embark on massive grading of roads throughout the communities in six wards of the council, such as Oloruntedo, Oke-Iyanu zone A and Close, Oke-Odo, Biladu, Oke-Opo. He said the projects have gone a long way to relieve people of the community hardship being experienced on various roads leading to their homes and offices.

Other projects inspected in the communities include borehole, constructed at Lejoka palace and electricity extension at Bolorunduro area beside Omuni, OkutuOpe, Stadium, Irepodun and OkeAgan.

Besides, on environmental sanitation, the council chairman warned the people living in Sabo Irojo market area of Ilesa against indiscriminate dumping of refuse along water ways.

While inspecting the ongoing removal of heap of waste dumped at Sabo Irojo market area in Ilesa, he said, the warning became necessary to prepare for the raining season and prevent flooding and spread of diseases.

Osun NOA Sensitises Electorates In Atakumosa West Central National Orientation Agency (NOA), Atakunmosa West Central Local Council Development Area recently organised a stakeholders’ ‘interactive forum on voters’ education towards the 2019 general elections.

The sensitisation Saying that vote programme which held trading amounts to at the Adimula Town selling of their future, he Hall, Ifewara dwelt enjoined the electorate to largely on vote buying, let their votes count by vote selling, void votes voting wisely and and peaceful general appropriately. elections.

In his own Speaking at the forum, contribution, the Mr. Oloyede Peters who Divisional Police Officer, represented the Osun Atakunmosa West Local State Director of NOA, Government, SP Saliu Mrs. Remi Olasehinde Aliu admonished all and warned against politics sundry to shun all sharp of bitterness and practices that constitute appealed to youths not electoral offences as to allow politicians to good citizens of Nigeria. use them to fan ember of He stated that the disunity. essence of the presence

of security operatives at election venues is to ensure protection of lives and property and guarantee peaceful election, noting that this could only be achieved with the cooperation of the citizenry in maintaining orderliness on election days.

The Police Officer who reminded politicians that campaigns at election venues and wearing of party vests to voting centres are forbidden also advised people to shun rumour mongering which could trigger political violence.

The Obalufe of lfewara who represented

the Adimula of lfewara, Oba Hezekiah Owolola disclosed that the Oba in -council was favourably disposed to peaceful, free, fair, credible and transparent elections, assuring that the state legislative election would be violence free and better than the previous ones adjudged to be peaceful in lfewara.

The Chairman of Atakunmosa West Central LCDA, Hon. Anthony Adeboye who was represented by the Council Manager, Mr. Taiwo Abegunde thanked the people of the council area for their

support during the last election in the state, urging better support for the APC in respect of the coming legislative elections.

He called on the people to go out and exercise their civic responsibility and also conform with electoral law and guidelines, with a view to ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.

Also present at the forum were representatives of political parties, community leaders, artisans, civil servants and the Seriki Hausa in Ifewara.

He attributed the 2010 flood disaster in the state to blockage of drainage system, caused by refuse and warned that anyone caught dumping refuse in unauthorized places would be arrested and prosecuted.”

Responding, the Iyaloja, Mrs. Olawale Olowoyeye and Iyaloja who spoke on behalf of the traders in the market expressed joy and commended the efforts of the chairman towards the people living in the area.

She promised to assist the government towards achieving success in the collection of revenue due to the council.

Meanwhile, the traders at the Sabo market use the opportunity to express their displeasure on hardship being experienced as a result of demolition of their shops a year back in the name of translating it into modern market without any tangible development since the demolition.

They called on the Governor Gboyega Oyetola and management of Ilesa East to help alleviate their sufferings and save them from impending dangers that may arise from the start of new raining season.

In his response, Honorable Togun sympathised with the marketers and promised that their messages would be fully delivered to the Governor and necessary action would soon be taking to resolve the problems.

Among those on the inspection team were, Secretary to the Local G o v e r n m e n t , Honorable Kofoworola Omole; Vice chairman, Hon. Victor Kolawole; Leader of the House, Hon. Adeoye Olusola; Hon. Busuyi, Hon. Agboola, Hon. Johnson Ajilore, Council Manager, Mr. Yunus Lawanson; Head of Administration, Mr Adegoke Raphel; Head of Finance, Mr. Bayo Oluwayemi; Head of Works department, Engr.

Oyedele Adeosun among others.

8

OSUNDEFENDER

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

www.osundefender.org

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

9

A Cocktail Of Political Happenings How Some Personalities Voted In The 2019 Presidential And National Assembly Elections In Osun

•Former Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola casting his vote at Ifofin, ward 8, Unit 1, Ilesa East local government.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

•Osun East Senatorelect, Francis Fadahunsi casting his vote in Ilase, Obokun local government.

•Governor, State of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola (in glasses) on the queue to cast his vote at Unit 2 ward 1 L.A Primary School, Iragbiji in Osun.

•Wife of Osun Governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola casting her vote at Unit 2 ward 1 L.A Primary School, Iragbiji in Osun.

•Wife of Osun former governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola being accredited by INEC officials at Ifofin, ward 8, Unit 1, Ilesa.

•Osun Assembly Speaker, Dr. Najeem Salaam going through accreditation during last Saturday general election in Ejigbo.

•Osun Central Senator-elect, Dr Ajibola Bashiru while casting his vote at ward 7, unit 4 Odofin, Osogbo.

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 others 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.

•A visually impaired man being assisted to cast his vote at ward 6, Unit 9, Popo Area, Osogbo local government.

•An old woman at Ward 6, Unit 9, Popo Area, Osogbo after casting her vote.

10

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

SCORECARD

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

In Remembrance Of

The Aregbesola Years Agriculture And Food Security As part of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s measures of banishing hunger in the state Osun, he promised to support farmers to attain increased food production, better storage and delivery. He also promised to assist farmers in exploring profitable markets and market opportunities for their produces.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s Approach towards fulfilling the Promise Towards fulfilling his promise of banishing hunger, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola designed Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (OREAP) which is aimed at achieving food security, wealth and job creation, youth empowerment, economic transformation and making the state the hub of agriculture and an emporium of commerce in the South-West. Some of the strategies adopted

by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration in this sector include land acquisition, land clearing, tractorisation and private public partnership as well as provision of enabling environment for farmers to maximize their potential. O-REAP programme also focused on different agricultural initiatives that include Osun Broilers Out growers’ production scheme. The Beef Chain Development Programme, O-REAP Fish Farm Estates, Osun Fisheries Out-growers production scheme, OREAP Youth Academy, Agricultural credit, Farm Service Centres, Provision of storage facilities and seedling production as well as farm settlement scheme.

Impacts of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s Agricultural Initiatives in Osun Source: National Bureau of Statistics, Adiel Associates Limited estimates · Over, 28,000 farmers have been supported and empowered through various agricultural support programmes carried by the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration and now earning their livelihoods from farms. · Diversion and fraud in input subsidy regime eliminated · Over 90% input distribution efficiency resulting from the introduction of private led agro input distribution scheme · Over 20,000 hectares of farm land validated thereby increasing the size of land available for agribusiness · Improved storage facilities for the farmers in the state thereby reducing post-harvest wastage · Improved market linkages for farmers to dispose their produce · Over 2000 agricultural cooperatives formed and supported · Addition of over 30,000 hectares to the available farmlands for agricultural purposes resulting from the creation of Osun Agricultural Land Holding and Planning Authority (Osun Agri Land Bank) · Wider penetration of agro inputs (seeds, fertilizers, etc) across the farming communities hence removing the stress of farmers for travelling to the state capital to procure fertilizers and other agro inputs. · Over 5,000 youths trained in modern agricultural practices · Steady supply of food items for the successful implementation of Osun Elementary School and Health Programme (O-MEALS) · The supports given to farmers’ cooperative societies have attracted a lot of people to venture into

“Some of the strategies adopted by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration in this sector include land acquisition, land clearing, tractorisation and private public partnership as well as provision of enabling environment for farmers to maximize their potential.” agricultural production.

Agricultural projects executed under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s Administration Land Sourcing, Allocation and Validation · Over 30,589 Ha of land sourced for agricultural land bank. · Land validation and perimeter survey in 9 farm settlements using GIS and Remote Sensing Technology, a first in the history of farm settlements in south west Nigeria resulting in the following: · 20,000 Hectares (Ha) of farm land validated in the 9 farm settlements · Discovery of more land areas · 4,211 Ha of land made available for reallocation to small holders Land Allocation: · Over 33,200ha of land allocated to 950 farmers across the state. · 210Ha of land allocated in Kuta for allyear round vegetable farming. · 2,000Ha of land secured for additional cattle hubs in Ede and Ejigbo local government areas.

Over 3,070.3 Ha of land cleared; 6,209.4 Ha of land tractorised across the state.

Two new farm settlements created on a

landmass of 4,012 Ha and have been allocated to 350 small, medium and large-scale farmers Input Supply · Private-led agro input distribution scheme established to ensure penetration of farm inputs across all the farming communities in the state. · Reconstitution of the fertilizer distribution committee to ensure transparency in the scheme. · Over 5,000 MT of fertilizers distributed to farmers at subsidized rate · 65 farm input distribution centres established to ease access across the state. · 1,830 rural farmers in 61 local communities given farm inputs from the state in collaboration with UNICEF. Agriculture Land Bank · Sourcing of 30,000 Ha of land for the creation of an agriculture land bank · Development of an Executive Bill for creation of the land bank and establishment of an Agriculture Land Planning & Development Authority; Bill at the House of Assembly.

Cooperatives Financing · Loans: Over ¦ 2,601,669,532 given to farmers as various loan facilities. · N40million loan disbursed to support pig farmers in the state · 3,645 farmers across the state benefitted from the sum of ¦ 476,350,000 from the Government Guaranteed Agriculture Loan Scheme · 268 farmers benefitted from the sum of ¦ 45,662,065 from the O-REAP Loan Scheme · 66 farmer cooperative groups given ¦ 153.6million agriculture finance loan. · 4 youth cooperative groups consisting of 40 youths empowered and currently engaged in cattle fattening.

Produce Storage · 1(1,000 MT) capacity warehouse in Oyan completed (warehouse abandoned since 1991) · 1 (500 MT) capacity warehouse in Osogbo completed (abandoned since 2009) · 92(10MT) cribs constructed across the state to serve as On/Off Farm Storage Facilities.

Quick Impact Intervention Program (QIIP) Novel in the development of agriculture sector is the implementation of Quick Impact Intervention Programme for farmers (QIIP) designed to promote agriculture financing by granting soft loan to practicing farmers. This programme has been implemented under the thriving cooperative societies. This programme has created a number of direct and indirect jobs for the people of Osun.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

11

NGO Holds Advocacy Rally Against Rape In Osogbo

By Aminat Ahmed A Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, Global Girls Network, on Thursday took over the streets of Osogbo, capital of Osun state to advocate against the alarming but under-emphasized rape cases in the state and across the country.

The organisation relationship with their charged parents and children so that any child guardians in Nigeria to who faces molestation or join hands in waging war rape from the opposite against rape. sex will be bold enough to The group counseled confide in her parent, parents and guardians to adding that prompt be on the lookout for their report of rape cases female children and also would assist the police in plead to every parent to prosecution. create an intimate

However, the group made it known that hardly will a day pass by without an occurrence of a rape case in today’s society but it is saddening that victims find it very hard to report such cases because of stigmatization and condemnation from the society.

The group, populates by youths, also called on Nigerians to join hands against rape and protect the rights of every girl child.

Speaking with newsmen, the team leader, Miss Ibikunle Itunuoluwa, called on government to enact strict and immediate punishment for rapists so as to serve as deterrent to others.

She said since the inception of the organisation in the year 2018, they have embarked on different projects such as career talks and p r o g r a m m e s , sensitisation on female

health hygiene, celebration of the international girl child’s day amongst many others.

More importantly she made it known that the welfare of every girl child in the state and the Nation at large is of keen importance to them.

“We want to make sure that they have a secured environment and also to build them up as a girl.

“We also fight societal challenges and ensure

Yoruba Culture Must Be Protected - Traditionalist

By Israel Afolabi

A traditionalist, Chief Abere Ifa has said, there is need to protect Yoruba culture anywhere in the world in order to help preserve the heritage of the people.

Abere Ifa who is the which destroys most Araba Ogboni Agbaye, traditional ways of doing made this known while things. speaking with Osun He urged all to enforce Defender after teaching of Yoruba participating in Osun language in all grades of State Broadcasting schools to enable Corporation cultural growing up children, week programme held at know how to read and Ile-Awiye premises Oke- write the language. baale, Osogbo, State of According to the Osun recently. traditionalist, “The way He frowned at the and manner things are, ways people handle this is the right time to Yoruba culture protect Yoruba culture nowadays in the name of from going into western civilization extinction for our

children to inherit something tangible”.

“Our culture is very rich in all ramifications, therefore, there is the need to support and lift it up to the task everywhere in the world that is why it must be taught in our various schools,” he added.

Chief Abere Ifa appealed to every parent and to speak Yoruba language to their wards at home in order for such children to master it before they grow up.

He berated those who call Yoruba language a vernacular language while urging them to desist from action capable of tarnishing the

image of the race.

He declared that Yoruba culture is a source of wisdom for those who seek it, especially many of the great philosophers in western Nigeria that excel.

He said, “Great leaders and philosophers like Oba Adesoji Aderemi, Chief Ayinla Omowura, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Chief Hubert Ogunde, Chief Joseph Odunjo, David Fagunwa and others are good example of Yoruba cultural ambassadors”.

He implored writers of Yoruba novels to double

their efforts to write books that will aid children to think better, while urging to give adequate support to those who have passion for Yoruba culture.

He advised all song writers and singers to develop virtuous songs that will promote Yoruba culture and benefit the society, not the ones that will destroy the future of Yoruba youths.

He said, “Yorubas are known for decent dressing wherever they are because we like to put on decent clothes that will promote our rich culture before the world”.

that they have a better life in the society”.

“We discovered that the rate at which cases of rape is increasing is very alarming and most of the cases are not being reported. Immediately a victim is being raped, it ends up a family matter”.

“As an organisation, we want to stand up for this people. What we want is the safety of girl child. Safety comes first for the victim before justice. Rape victims suffer mentally, socially and emotionally. The law should be made effective for the rapists. By the time the law is effective and culprits are punished, it will send signal to others who have the same intention”.

“I disagree that rape is being caused by a girl child who put on small or revealing dresses. If that is the case, what about the monstrous pedophiles who derive pleasure in forcing their way through in under aged girls in the society? We have seen a 44-year old raping a 4year old child, is it because the girl dressed indecently. Nobody has the right to take advantage of our body.

Our body is our right”, she added.

'How Men Experience Domestic Abuse' Olori Tola Bamidele, a Journalist and founder of a men’s right foundation, in an interview with SOLA JACOBS bares her mind on the need for such foundation, having established that men too are victims of domestic violence and abuse.

OSDF: Why did you establish Men's Foundation?

The foundation was established out of my concern and deep love for men because I realised that there are many foundations for women and children and most of the problems these foundations are trying to solve make men agitated too. Our tradition positions men folk as head and they have their own problem as well, of which they feel like crying. Our tradition makes our men to feel that they are superhuman; they should not cry or show any sign that they are hurt.

A Yoruba adage say, “Ako Igi kii soje” and this has boxed men folk to a corner that even, if they feel hurt or angry, they must not show it because they are men.

It even begins in our family whereby, you have a boy of nine years old and her sibling female of 15 years old. When you reprimand both of them and they are crying, you will hear people saying, “But I think you are a man, why are you crying like a woman”.

So, right from the childhood, you have made the boy to know that he is a man and he should not show any sign of being hurt or pained.

When individual is hurt or distressed overtime, there is a limit to which it can be accommodated.

On the health side, you see more men hypertensive at their younger age, more mental disorder cases, more depressed men fighting on the street, they become very heady and irrational. So, when men are not happy, everything around them will suffer.

This is what brought about Olori Tola Foundation, as a structure that men can talk to in addressing some of the issues. It is a home where they have someone to talk to, if they want to cry, they cry and their ego will not be tampered with because that is the major reason why men don’t want to talk, they value their ego and they don’t want it tampered with.

•Discussants at the launching of Olori Tola Foundation

“Our tradition makes our men to feel that they are superhuman; they should not cry or show any sign that they are hurt”.

OSDF: Why did your foundation start from Osun.

First, I am from Osun, I grew up in Osogbo, but I was born in Ilesa, I thought charity should begin at home. Besides, Osun has the highest number of tertiary institutions in the country and that give us the conviction that the level of spreading the awareness will be high here.

OSDF: What has been the response so far?

The foundation started about two years ago but we just had the official launch in Ilesa, recently.

It might be difficult at the inception to get an encouraging response, because we want to break the norms and the silent code which had existed from the beginning. We know we are going to use many platforms to push the message over to the society because the “silent code” must be broken, we must get our men to speak out and explain the situation they are in and get help, so that women and children around them will not suffer.

OSDF: Is it to fight for any man who is abuse by women or how?

It is all encompassing. We know we need to start from counseling first, the people needs to know that there is nothing like men’s heart or woman’s heart so that men will begin to see reason to speak out.

When they want to speak out, the first set of people they will speak with are the counselors, so the foundation will be having many counselors, sociologists, psychiatrist, psychologists.

First, they will meet with the counselors who will take them through the first phase of their therapy who will hand them over to medical doctor.

Sometimes, it could be economic matter that is causing the trauma, hence we look out to governments, international bodies and well meaning individuals to solve those problems.

OSDF: Are there any case of violence against men that the foundation had handled?

Yes, there are, I have spoken with quite a number of men and I realised that a lot of Nigerian men are abused, only that emphasis are on girls and women.

One of the things we are going to emphasise, is that parents should pay attention to their male children and they should know that an abuse on a male child is not different from an abuse on a girl child. Most of the problems in marriages are hinged on men, as women will tell you that there is no serious men to get married to.

12

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

Matchet Cut Scandal: Fountain University Sanctions Dean, Student

By Solomon Odeniyi The Management of Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, has approved an ‘appropriate sanctions” against the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Abdulsalami and one of its students, Kareem AbdulHakeem, for engaging in fisticuff that resulted to the former sustaining injury.

AbdulHakeem, a 300- parents were interrogated, level student of the the student was found to institution, was said to have have violently resisted the argued with Abdulsalami, DSA, who made an attempt who allegedly gave him a to correct him for violating machet to cut grass in the institution’s dress code.

According to the January this year.

It was reported that the statement, AbdulHakeem, student ignored the dean’s in his attempt to evade instruction to cut grass, a correction, pulled down the situation that allegedly DSA and tore his cloth.

The statement read: resulted in the former descending on him and “Sequel to the report of an altercation involving the physically assaulted him.

The dean was accused of Dean of Student affairs Dr. I. O. giving the student a (DSA), matchet cut and was taken Abdulsalami and a 300to the hospital for level student, Kareem AbdulHakeem on 15th treatment.

2019, the However, a statement by January, the university’s Public University Management Relations Officer, Mr constituted a panel to Toyeeb Olayinka, said the investigate the immediate report of the investigation and remote causes of the by a panel of enquiry incident.

“After a thorough constituted by the management on the matter investigation in which 16 including established that the witnesses altercations between the AbdulHakeem’s parent student and the dean gave testimonies, the facts happened as a result of the following former’s attempt to evade emerged: The student (AbdulHakeem) violently correction.

He added that after a resisted the DSA, who thorough investigation in made an attempt to correct which 16 witnesses, his violation of the including AbdulHakeem’s University dress code as

clearly spelt out in the University rules and regulations.

“AbdulHakeem in his attempt to evade correction, pulled down the DSA and tore his cloth (exhibit provided).

“In his violent attempt to free himself from the grip of the DSA, AbdulHakeem sustained a cut on his face and lips. The student was neither ordered to cut grass nor did he sustain injury through machete cut as insinuated by some reports.

“There had been consistent reports of

various acts of misconduct and violation of the University rules against AbdulHakeem in the past.

However, stringent measures/sanctions were not taken beyond mere warning and counselling.

“After a due consideration of the findings and recommendations of the investigative panel, the University Management and Senate approved the appropriate sanctions on the erring student, Kareem AbdulHakeem and the Dean Student Affairs, Dr. I. O. Abdulsalami as contained in the relevant

level of discipline and academic standards amongst our staff in order to produce competitive and resourceful graduates with high moral standard, irrespective of race, tribe, religion or political inclination.”

Meanwhile, the sanctions approved for AbdulHakeem and Abdulsalami were not disclosed.

OSCOTECH Presents 16 Courses For Accreditation

By Joshua Afolabi Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), EsaOke, has presented 16 courses to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for accreditation.

The programmes cut across schools of Engineering, Technology, Multimedia Business and Management Technology, Office Sciences, Pure and Applied Technology and Sciences, and Management, Library and Environmental Studies at Information Science, Agric both the National Diploma B i o - E n v i r o n m e n t a l and Higher National Engineering, Water Diploma.

Resources Engineering, The course include Computer Engineering, Taxation, Marketing, Public Welding and Fabrication A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , Engineering, Arts and Environmental Biology, Design and Photographic M i c r o b i o l o g y / B i o l o g y , Technology.

Biochemistry, Agricultural Rector of the college, Dr.

Does The West Mean Well For Nigeria?

OUR contemporary national life and politics is a continuation of a disastrous trend etched out during colonisation. Why was Africa colonised? The short answer: competition between European nations in the late nineteenth century, juxtaposed with economic depression in Europe. Europe needed both natural resources and markets for its products. For the avoidance of doubt, Africa wasn’t colonised because it was “inferior” or needed to become “civilised” through the “kind” efforts of its colonial masters.

Africa had wealthy cities, traders and infrastructure: British explorers visiting the Benin empire in the 17th century said its streets were safer and better planned than the streets of London.

When Mansa Musa, a Malian king travelled to Saudi Arabia, he brought so much gold with him, the price of gold crashed. Arab explorers visiting sub-Saharan Africa from medieval to early premodern times spoke of cities with drainage and conveniences which disturbingly seem to surpass what obtains in today’s urban dwellings.

Records of colonial policy The erasure of Africa’s past began as a means to justify both slavery and colonisation: hence the centuries old tale about black people’s inability to manage their own affairs. However, the history of how we got here is less well known, yet the records of colonial policy are accessible to the public. In the British library for instance, one finds documents by colonial administrators whose discourse strikingly mirrors today’s politicians’ ethnic chauvinism.

Nigerian leaders, like the colonial powers they replaced, for the greater part of our history have neither had an interest nor a need to build a country unified by anything other than profit for those at the top. By design, or through inadvertent submission to global market forces, our leaders and business people groomed to take over post-independence, embraced a Faustian pact: import dependency was practically written into our economic policy.

Kano, without mechanisation, produced 10 million pairs of sandals in 1851 according to estimates by European explorers; it produced the leather goods used in Europe. Today, how much locally produced leather is deemed good enough to be used by foreign consumers? How many Nigerians wear made in Nigeria shoes? We’ve also forgotten the prosperous 1960s, when Indonesia and Malaysia came to study Nigerian agriculture, our palm oil in particular.

Malaysia created the Federal Land Development Authority, the biggest oil palm planter in the world, with the specific aim to eradicate poverty. Malaysia chose “bottom up” strategies for economic development, focusing on elevating the poorest to move the country forward. Nigeria preferred the “trickle down” approach, using crony-capitalism, creating private enterprises concentrated in the hands of politically exposed persons, who’re given tax breaks and monopolies, or sometimes exempted from paying taxes entirely.

They, therefore, rob the state of income, hoping to create employment, which it does in the short term, while reserving crisis and instability for the long term, when oil prices crash as they have now. We didn’t invest in education or health care when we had the funds, creating an underclass of dispossessed individuals, who had no fair minded, non-discriminatory government to depend on, and therefore turned to supporting

laws of the University.

“However, the University Management wishes to state that her students are treasured and would not condone any act that would infringe on the conducive learning environment and the standards set by the University.

“We reiterate our commitment to maintaining the highest

Samson Adegoke, said the reason for introducing the new programmes was to key into the diversification policy of the Federal Government, designed to move away from “undue reliance on crude oil”.

Adegoke said with the new programmes, OSCOTECH would be able to equip youths with jobcreating skills.

He expressed gratitude to the present and immediate past administrations for supporting the institution to meet its mandate.

According to him, despite the paucity of funds

occasioned by the dwindling prices of crude oil in the world market, the college is “striving hard to meet up with all the requirements of NBTE in providing standard infrastructure that are essential for the accreditation of our programmes and effective teaching of our students”.

“In line with the guidelines by the NBTE, I am happy to inform you that our Entrepreneurship and Vocational Centre, which started in 2012, is highly functional,” Adegoke said.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

•Christine Lagarde

We have a choice, in the coming elections, between two ideologies: one which produced crises at home and abroad by cutting government spending on the poorest, while cutting corporate taxes, privatising strategic assets in favour of the same group of people. violent, parochial interests for survival.

We have a choice, in the coming elections, between two ideologies: one which produced crises at home and abroad by cutting government spending on the poorest, while cutting corporate taxes, privatising strategic assets in favour of the same group of people. This led to frustrations and protest votes which enabled a resurgence of far-right, xenophobic politics in America and Europe.

In Nigeria, pastoralists and sedentary populations lived in relative peace based on integration between the economies of livestock producers and sedentary agrarian populations. Under colonial rule, deliberate restructuring of what would become today’s local government areas, forcing some people out and moving others in, giving power to some and not to others on the basis of ethnicity and religion (a script future politicians had no reason to change given the political, power driven benefits of violence) disrupted historical economic transactions which should have been encouraged and modernised.

The politics of ethnic boundaries and segregation, the “sabon gari”, outsider or foreigner zones which mark out indigenes and settlers, the state of origin and zoning configurations, are throwbacks to the colonial era which can never produce lasting peace and development. The “restructuring” Nigeria needs is more fundamental than reviewing how politicians “share” our resources, after all, without solving the deadly problem of corruption, the same individuals would simply have more leeway to steal our commonwealth. What we need is first of all economic

restructuring: sustainable development won’t be achieved in Africa unless governments focus first on vulnerable groups through their actions and not just their words. After all, who will be the world’s dumping ground if Africans resuscitate manufacturing capacity? Neo-colonialists want to cancel loans for traders and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs. They would rather a system which allows our banks to crash due to the greed and joint irresponsibility of private and political interests. In 2009 Nigeria lost N5.7 trillion to the banking crisis.

When AMCON released the names of 105 debtors owing N906 billion last October, where were the protests? Bear in mind, Nigeria’s budget for education in 2018 was N605.8 billion. Why do we prefer to fight social investments such as a meal a day for indigent school children? Unbridled capitalism has destroyed our society: why are herdsmen not ranchers and businessmen if not because our system only invests in the rich and not the poor?

Why is our agriculture still dominated by subsistence farming?

Violence and poverty are quasi inevitable in such an arrangement.

Strategic interests The Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari recently wrote: “This was the inherited culture of government – ‘to those that have, give more’ – that we have challenged, a culture where every declared reform was in fact a disguise to privatise profit and leave the rest of us with all the risk…they (the West) have their own subsidies to protect key strategic interests, their farmers and steel plants, but condemn our own efforts to protect the poorest and most vulnerable from an unregulated market for food, transport and housing, or to create and protect space for new opportunities and innovation to flourish which begs the question: is there a difference between what suits Nigeria’s real national interest and what suits the interests of the Great Powers?”

Nigerians must reflect on our national interest and vote to save Nigeria from the countries who predicted our disintegration in 2015, who hoped it would happen for their own selfish purposes, and the puppets they’ve used to do their bidding.

Independent National Electoral Commission FAILURE was already written into a process with 93 parties on one ballot. The Commission couldn’t proceed because it was engaged in over 600 lawsuits by parties and candidates who couldn’t agree on their legitimate candidates. Possibilities for sabotage are inbuilt into a process where card readers, virtually every element needed, is imported. Many protested INEC’s budget proposals but weren’t worried when the Senate delayed its passing. We ignore the root of our issues. Our system creates conditions and excuses for repeated failure.

Buhari THE President authorised the police to “deal with” anyone caught snatching ballot boxes, and not “shoot on sight”. But there’s a lot of hypocrisy and deliberate misunderstanding from those who birthed Jibril from Sudan. Perhaps it was Jibril who said it, not Buhari.

Tabia Princewill, the writer of this article, is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

13

Keys To Stress Management Stress can be a challenge for anyone, but it is doubly difficult for people who are already confronting things like the discomfort of symptoms, isolation, financial pressure, strains on relationships and uncertainty about the future.

In addition, some people are more sensitive to stress than before. It is as if the conditions reset a “stress thermostat,” intensifying the effects of a given level of stress. Even moderate amounts of stress can greatly intensify symptoms. Because the effect of stress on quality of life is so great, the use of stress management techniques can produce a big payoff.

It is common for people to report that they use several forms of relaxation such as deep breathing, meditation, listening to relaxation tapes and massage in combination with other strategies, such as having a regular routine and avoiding stressful situations.

Stress Reduction Stress reduction means learning how to respond differently to stressful situations and events. Often, how a person views and reacts to a stressor determines how much stress is experienced. For example, worry in response to an increase in symptoms may lead to muscle tension.

Muscle tension can create pain, which in turn drains energy and causes fatigue. By learning to relax, we can reduce muscle tension and short-circuit the process. This is one example of how to reduce the impact of stressors by changing our response How To Reduce Stress 1) Relaxation: Relaxation offers a profound antidote to stress. Relaxing activities counteract both the physical and the emotional aspects of stress. Through relaxation, you can reduce muscle tension and anxiety.

Relaxation is also very helpful for pain control.

Resting can reduce stress. Combining rest with a relaxation procedure or meditation can be an even more effective means of stress reduction.

2) Problem-Solving: Taking practical steps to improve your situation can also help reduce anxiety and worry. As an analyst said, “I try to work out a practical plan for the things that are bugging me that I feel I can change. Sometimes the problems seem

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

“Stress avoidance is preventive, using self-observation to learn how stress affects you and then taking measures to avoid stressful circumstances. For example, you may notice that when you hit a limit, any further activity will intensify your symptoms. In such circumstances, rest can reduce the stress on your body”. overwhelming, but the advice of tackling one thing at a time really works.”

3) Positive Experiences: Doing things that are enjoyable can be a stress reducer. Positive experiences

counteract the thought that illness means only suffering. Also, pleasurable activities lower the frustration of being ill while distracting you from your symptoms.

Examples of positive experiences include exercise and movement, journaling, talking and being listened to, music and the arts, laughter and humor, and solitude.

4) Mental Adjustments: Our thoughts can be another source of stress. One of such causes of stress is having unrealistic or inappropriate expectations.

For example, we may hold ourselves to housecleaning standards that may no longer make sense. You can reduce stress by changing your expectations.

5) Assertiveness: Speaking up for yourself can be a stress reducer in a number of ways. Saying ‘no’ can help you avoid doing things that would intensify your symptoms. Also, presenting your position rather than suffering in silence enables you to replace frustration with action.

6) Support: Being ill is both stressful and isolating.

Having people in your life who understand and respect you is a balm to the soul. Just being listened to and feeling connected to others is healing. Beyond that, talking may help you clarify your situation or the response you get from others may enable you to see your life in a different and more constructive way.

Family members may provide such support and you may also find it through developing relationships with fellow patients. Support also means practical assistance, which might include such things as shopping, cooking, bill paying or housecleaning.

7) Medications: Prescription of medications may be helpful for some patients as part of a stress management program.

•To be continued

OPINION

Positives In 2019 Presidential Election

By Murtala Agboola The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who doubles as the Chief Returning Officer for the Presidential election, Professor Mahmood Yakubu declared President Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the February 23rd, 2019 election. Buhari scored over 15,191,847 votes to defeat his closest rival, Abubakar Atiku who got 11,262,978votes.

The declaration was made in the early hours of February 27th after all the state returning officers had read out the scores attained by all the candidates and submitted same to the commission’s chairman at the National Collation Centre, Abuja.

INEC had earlier shifted the presidential and national legislative elections from February 16th to 23rd while the state governorship and assembly elections were shifted forward to March 9th from 2nd.

The postponement of the first in the series of this year’s election took Nigerians by surprise even though it was not the first time such was happening.

The change in the date of election was communicated to Nigerians at the wee hours of the day of election when a lot of Nigerians had travelled to their country homes or places they registered to vote.

A lot of Nigerians condemned the action and concluded that INEC was not prepared for the election which it had taken four years to plan.

Logistics challenges was the reason offered for the change in date of voting.

2019 elections is one of the most contentious political activity to take place. Some reasons that it might have been put forward for tension to be doused. The tension, many said, could be attributed to the strong desire and determination of the main opposition political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to wrestle power at all cost while the ruling party also worked hard to retain it.

Former military and civilian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his erstwhile Defence Minister, Lt General Yakubu Danjuma took sides with the PDP. Economic challenges, insurgency and militancy were used as the bases for their support to Atiku whom Obasanjo had earlier condemned in his book, My Watch.

Obasanjo also advised Buhari to retire to Daura, his hometown because he has no capability to steer the

•Prof Mahmood Yakub

Contrary to the heighten fears in the land before the elections, little did we know that everything will go on peacefully. There were pockets of violence though, but that was not enough to vitiate the whole election.

Losers have the right to seek redress in the tribunal. ship of the country.

He wrote open letters to the president condemning him and his government.

No doubt, the build-up to the election was highly tensed-up.

One can only compare the 2019 election with a similar situation that arose in Nigeria firmament after the annulment of June 12th 1993 presidential election by the then military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.

A careful examination of the just-concluded election

shows some positives.

For the first time in elections, some so-called leaders were demystified. Sitting governors wishing to go to the senate lost election. Two examples suffice, Governors Ibrahim Dankwabo and Isiaka Ajimobi of Gombe and Oyo States respectively.

Dr. Bukola Saraki, the senate president lost his reelection bid while other senators like George Akume of Benue, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Shehu Sani of Kaduna and Kwankwaso of Kano all failed to make it to the red chamber.

Political godfathers who openly identified with Atiku such as Obasanjo and Afenifere leaders were completely humiliated.

Another dimension was that first time contestants were able to coast home to victory in the Senatorial election. In Osun State, first time contestants including, Dr. Ajibola Bashiru and Engr. Lere Oriolowo contested election and won among others.

There is hope in the horizon because certain things hitherto impossible was made possible. In the recent past, election figures were just allocated under the door-die election principle of that era.

Dissatisfied candidates were tasked to go to election petition tribunal to contest election results.

Gubernatorial Election results were upturned in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun States. This year’s election is a significant improvement on the past when votes counted.

Prof. Mahmood has been called names but from what transpired in this election, we are on the way to making substantial progress.

We are not there yet but we have certainly left Egypt.

Yes, there is a lot of room for improvement and we can certainly do better. However, it is my considered opinion that we need to sit down and interrogate the current structure and size of INEC. I am of the view that there should be a minimum of four directorates headed by Directors to take care of Security, logistics, prosecution and ICT Professionals should be engaged to head them and be under the chairman of INEC who may be designated as DirectorGeneral.

Contrary to the heighten fears in the land before the elections, little did we know that everything will go on peacefully. There were pockets of violence through, but that was not enough to vitiate the whole election.

Losers have the right to seek redress in the tribunal.

14

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

Osun Govt Introduces Software Solution To IGR Collection

By Kehinde Ayantunji Government of Osun has introduced a multifaced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Credit Software Solution to the state Internally Generated Revenue collection banks, with a view to blocking leakages. which is Supervisor for Finance, solution Mr Bola Oyebamiji said expected to complement the new credit software the existing E-pay

platform will assist intending tax/levy payers to make their payments seamlessly.

A statement by the Information Officer in the state Ministry of Finance, Kingsley Omoyeni, Oyebamiji stated this in Osogbo during a

meeting, put together in collaboration with the state’s consultant on IGR, Infinity Systems Enterprise, where the new credit software solution was introduced.

Oyebamiji explained that the new software is for the purpose of

making payments convenient for the payers as well as collectors.

He said while the new software which is expected to commence full operations from 18th March has been developed to make the job of IGR collecting

Plank Sellers Count Losses, As Fire Destroys Goods, Equipment •Oyetola, Wife Sympathise With Victims

By Joshua Afolabi Plank Sellers at the popular Alekuwodo Plank Market in Osogbo, the Osun State capital have continued to count their losses sequel to the fire outbreak that gutted the market at the early hour of Tuesday.

No fewer than 10 goods worth millions of shops, equipment and naira were razed by fire

the on Tuesday at a section of the market.

An eye witness said the inferno started at about 12 am.

It was however, gathered that the inferno would have burnt the entire market and some

•Wreckage of the market gutted by fire.

surrounding houses but for the swift intervention of the Osun State Fire Service.

One of the plank sellers who spoke on condition of anonymity suspected that the inferno must have been caused by arsonists, noting that there was a law that every shop must close by

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

My Victory Is God’s Doing - Fadahunsi Fadahunsi who also Senator-elect for Osun East Senatorial District, Chief Francis Fadahunsi has said that he was able promised to assist members of Peoples to win the Saturday’s election because of his Democratic Party (PDP) steadfastness and vigilance.

Fadahunsi, a PDP customs attributed his whose properties were destroyed before the candidate who lost the success to the Senatorial seat to Senator commitment, service and election, warned his against Babajide Omoworare of support to the progress of supporters attacking anyone. the All Progressives Ife/Ijesa Senatorial According to him, Congress at the 2015 Constituency. elections noted that if he had stayed away from the collation center, it might be difficult for him

By Sikiru Obarayese to monitor the process.

Reacting to his victory, African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Fadahunsi who won on for the Osun Central Senatorial District in the just the platform of PDP concluded National Assembly elections, Olubiyi acknowledged God’s Fadeyi has rejected the result as announced by the hand in his victory and promised to work with Independent National Electoral Commission the APC to achieve the (INEC).

Fadeyi, in a statement results of the poll. desired goal, because some of the APC issued by his media “Some staffers of members also office in Osogbo, cited INEC and security contributed to his success cases of open vote- agencies strangely in the Saturday election. buying by the agents of collaborated with those Besides, he promised two major contending buying votes and to work with APC political parties. compromised the entire candidate that won the The statement reads: process.”

House of Representatives voter He added that the in Ife/Ijesa zone, so as to ‘Violence, and entire process of the unanimously develop the intimidation harassment formed basis election should be zone.

The ex-Assistant for my call for the cancelled and a fresh one Comptroller General of cancellation of the ordered, if INEC would

those who were involved in the destruction of properties in Igangan in Atakumosa East local government were predominantly unemployed youths, adding that he would do his best to get youths in the district engaged.

7 p.m.

He said, “We have a task force that usually goes out on patrol at the close of the market to ensure that no electrical appliance or machine is left connected to power supply.

“We also have night guards. I don’t think this fire disaster was from power supply and our machines”.

Another trader in the market said, it was painful to see their goods destroyed by fire, lamenting that if help do not come, the incidence might wrecked some of the traders completely.

He said, goods and properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed by the inferno, appealing to government to come to their aid.

Meanwhile, the Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola had visited the market and sympathised with the traders for their losses, describing the incident as pathetic and painful.

During the visit, he urged the people of the state to be careful in handling power supply and other things that could cause fire outbreak with a view to preventing future occurrences.

He then assured that the government would review the incidence and do the needful in helping the victims of the fire outbreak.

Also, the governor’s wife, Kafayat Oyetola who also visited the scene described the incidence as a great loss and sympathised with the victims.

Osun ADC Senatorial Candidate Calls For Cancellation Of Result be fair to him and others that suffered as a result of the manipulations that characterised the poll.

“With the support of the people that I had enjoyed, coasting home to victory was sure, if the process had not been manipulated.

“INEC also failed in her responsibility of monitoring spending which is against the law that stipulates budget limit for elections.

“This has been a major impediment for people with ideas, but without deep pocket to participate in politics.

The situation on ground in the country presents opportunity to buy votes for politicians with deep pocket,” Fadeyi said.

He subsequently called for the cancellation of the poll in the Senatorial District and enjoined his supporters to remain calm, while he seeks redress.

He also assured that despite the setback, all e m p o w e r m e n t programme he initiated would continue even with more vigour.

banks easier, it comes with an added advantage as it will not restrict the banks to just collecting payments from within Osun alone.

According to him, “we are working and we will continue to work on better and more efficient application to boost our revenue in Osun. This is for the purpose of boosting the IGR in Osun and we shall continue to strive to improve it.

“This is the focus of government for the benefit of everybody and the growth of our state.

As technology is improving, we don’t need to restrict willing tax payers to visit banking halls before they make their payments.

“We want a seamless way of making payments to the state, we want to reduce bottlenecks on the part of the collecting banks, this will enable taxpayers to pay from anywhere and not necessarily visit Osun.

“This new system will also put an end to double posting and also assist the payer to get his/her receipt reference directly through the email or phone number”, Oyebamiji stated.

In her remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Adebimpe Ogunlumade called for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to block leakages and improve the state’s IGR collection for the benefit of the entire state.

She commended Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration for always striving to improve the welfare of the people in the state.

Also speaking, the Osun Project Coordinator for Infinity Systems Enterprise, Mr Akeem Amusa said the new credit software solution being introduced will no doubt go a long way in blocking leakages and further boost the IGR of the state.

ODEWALE ARAMIDE TITILAYO

That I was formerly known and addressed as ODEWALE ARAMIDE DESOLA, but now wish to be known and addressed as ODEWALE ARAMIDE TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ALI KAZEEM BABATUNDE

That I was formerly known and addressed as ALIU KAZEEM BABATUNDE, but now wish to be known and addressed as ALI K A Z E E M BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank and General public should take note.

15

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

CRIME

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

Three Suspects In Court For Assaulting Police Officer

By Adesewa Adekunle Three suspects were arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate court for allegedly assaulting a police officer.

The charge sheet breach of peace, having disclosed that the invited thugs to beat up suspects, Alabi Asimiyu, one Ajiboso Seyi after 27, Lawal Abiola, 24, and hitting and damaged his Tobiloba Jolaoso, 25. vehicle with his own car, It stated that they an offence contrary to conspired among and punishable under themselves in a manner section 249 [d] of the likely to cause breach of criminal code cap . peace by having in their According to the possession hard drugs, charge sheet, the suspects that is, Tramadol and attempted to escape from weeds suspected to be the police custody and in Indian hemp and thereby the process beat up GII committed an offences Kehinde Oyeleke, a contrary to and Police Traffic Warden by punishable under section inflicting injury on his 249 [d] of the criminal head at Ota-Efun police code cap34 vol ii laws of Station and thereby Osun state. committed an offence The charge sheet stated contrary to and that the first accused punishable under 356[i] person, Alabi at about of the criminal code cap 10:30am at Sammya area, 34 vol ii laws of osun state along Ikirun road on of Nigeria 2003.

February 15, behaved in The suspects pleaded a manner likely to cause not guilty to the charges

Teenager In Prison Over Theft

By Adesewa Adekunle

preferred against them.

Defence counsel, Barrister Saheed Elewu prayed the court to grant the suspects bail in the

most liberal terms.

The presiding Magistrate, O.T Badmus admitted the suspects to

bail in the sum of N300,000 each with two sureties, saying the sureties must be resident

in Osogbo and must be their blood relatives.

The case was adjourned to March 12, 2019 for hearing.

•A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Apaede, Atakumosa West Local Government who was shot by political thugs during the Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. Inset is the lap of the victim with bullet holes.

Middle-aged Woman Arrested For Pant Theft In Ikire

For allegedly breaking into a shop, a 17-yearA middle-aged woman, who confessed to earn a old suspect, Ojo Oluwatosin has been remanded living through pant theft has been apprehended in in Ilesha prison custody.

Ikire, Osun State.

An eyewitness said the pants for a living in According to the most liberal terms and promised the court to lady confessed to steal Ibadan, Oyo State, charge sheet, the suspect conspired with provide reliable surety two others at large to if granted bail.

The prosecutor, commit felony to wit stealing and thereby Inspector Jafani Muslim committed an offence opposed the bail on the contrary to and excuse that the accused punishable under person is having similar section 516 of criminal case at Ilobu police code cap 34 vol ii laws station and he is of Osun State of Nigeria wanted.

The presiding 2003.

A.O The charge sheet Magistrate, stated further that the Ajanaku ordered the accused persons broke prosecutor to provide and entered the shop of the other two at large Mojeed Faponda, Jamiu within two weeks.

The case was later Ayisat, Yetunde Popoola and Adegoke adjourned till March 6, Oluwakemi and stole 2019 for ruling on bail •Suspect motor vehicle spare application. parts, complete motor engine, electric pressing iron, electric standing fan, cosmetics, twenty of Nigeria 2002.

By Adesewa Adekunle pair of shoes and cash The accused person sum of N15,000.00, total A 33-year-old man, Udofia Lawrence has been pleaded not guilty to valued N2,179,900.00 an arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate court for the two count charges offence contrary to and punishable under stealing. preferred against him. section 413 [1 and 2] of The charge sheet person with intent to Defence counsel, Mr. criminal code cap. disclosed that on defraud, obtained the Sulaimon Akao prayed According to the November 5 and sum of N1,202,000.00 the court to grant his charge sheet, the offence was committed December 7, 2018 at from one Adewuyi client bail in the most with the liberal and affordable obtained Ganiyu on February 16, 17 and Osogbo 18 2019 at about 1:00am, money under false pretence of purchasing terms.

2:00am, 2:30am at pretence and stealing Toyota Corolla car for The presiding Agowande and BCGA which is contrary to and him, which he knew to magistrate, O.T Areas, Osogbo. false, thereby Badmus granted bail to punishable under be However, the accused pleaded not section 516 of the committed an offence the accused person in guilty to the charges criminal code cap34 vol contrary to section 418 the sum of N100,000.00 ii laws of Osun state of and punishable under with two sureties. preferred against him.

Defence counsel, Nigeria 2002. section 419 of the He then adjourned Okobe Najite applied The charge sheet also criminal code cap 34, the case to March 22, for the bail of the stated that the accused vol ii laws of osun state 2019 for hearing. accused person in the

Suspect In Court Over Fraud

because she was hopeless and never want to depend on anyone to survive.

“Earlier today, as I was almost waking, some people rushed in to inform us in my hostel that someone has been stealing pants overnight in our street”, the source said.

“At first, I didn’t believe it, because I’ve been a bit sceptical about those cases of some yahoo boys stealing used

pants. But seeing was believing today.

According to source, a man spotted her walking around aimlessly amidst two hostels and challenged her, only for the suspect to flee and caught the attention of passersby who ran after her and catch up with her.

“One of the boys gave her a resounding slap and she began to confess that she was from Ibadan and she was on her way back”.

Drunkard Allegedly Assault Woman With Knife

By Adesewa Adekunle A suspect, Sikiru Akintunde, 30, has been remanded in Ilesha prison custody for allegedly assaulting one Ajani Simbiat. area The charge sheet ,Ita-Olokan revealed that the ,Osogbo.

The suspect pleaded suspect assaulted his victim by using a sharp not guilty to the twoknife to inflict injury on count charge preferred against him. her head.

Defence counsel, Mr. The accused person was said to be heavily Okobe Najite prayed the drunk and the victim court to grant his client was sleeping in the bail in the most liberal corridor of their terms.

The prosecutor, building when Sikiru Inspector Olayiwola came back and stabbed Rasaq opposed to the her on the head, bail on the ground that committing an offence he would not jump bail contrary to and and that there is no punishable under prove yet that he caused section 355 of the a grievous injury on the criminal code cap . victim.

The charge sheet The Presiding shows that the accused Magistrate, O.O person committed the Oladoke adjourned the offence on February 17, case till March 5, 2019, 2019 at about 11pm at for ruling on bail Okoko’s Compound application.

CRIME

.

.

THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

Osun House Of Assembly Polls: The state of Osun Assembly polls is very much around. The journey has been long and filled with thorns and pebbles. Democracy is a process, not a destination. The oldest and most perfect democracy on planet earth today is the United States of America.

Despite that, it is still going through changes as well as domestic and constitutional challenges. For example, issues of racism are still contentuous in their socio-political existence. While our Laws have been able to deal effectively with the strange habits of homosexuals, the west is still yet to. One can go on and on, which demonstrates that no democracy is perfect.

The State of Osun, just like Nigeria as a whole, is gradually going through a significant rebirth after November 2010 when the Ogbeni took over the mantles. The recent reelection of sitting President Muhammadu Buhari is a vivid testimony that majority of Nigerians are ready to sacrifice whatever it takes, despite the state of our economy, to support honest leaders.

The destroyers are always lucking in the corners, ready for disguised mayhem on our collectivity. And despite their veiled deceit during election campaigns, the people’s sense of reasoning has been activated and popular will prevailed in the reelection of Muhammadu Buhari. The Struggles by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to claim his mandate between 2007 and 2010, and to get reelected in 2014 as well as the struggle to ensure continuity in the workaholic Adegboyega Oyetola are the major problems which the Progressives had to contend with to take us to where we are today. The struggle, as they say, continues.

This brings one to the issue at hand which is the need to elect and re-elect credible people into the Osun State House in the oncoming assembly election. It was a very narrow win for Oyetola in September last year, but as it sometime is, the Will of the majority of the people, represented

.

Woman Arrested For Pant Theft In Ikire PAGE 15

.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 - THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019

The Need To Vote The Progressives OBSERVATION

BY AYO AKINOLA

This therefore underscores the need for Osun electorates to vote in all Osun APC legislative candidates on the 9th of March, 2019 which co-incidentally falls approximately on the hundredth day in Office of the Oyetola/Alabi administration in Osun.

Let us all make it, therefore, a Hundred Days Special Gift for Good Governance for the government. by the teeming masses, always prevails. This underscores the need for the progressives, represented by the All Progressives Congress, to be on guard and not allow the modest gains and solid foundation already laid by the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola government to be eroded or uprooted.

World over, the legislature is always the icon of democracy. How? Other forms of government could normally operate without a legislature but the same thing couldn’t be said for a democratic government. What this means is that no democracy is worth the name without the legislature. The legislature is actually the House of the people, occupied by those either elected or selected into it. It is a body of persons having the power to make laws for a political unit.

One can reasonably say, therefore, that the legislature is at the heart of good governance and democracy.

This is because social, political as well as economic lives are all guided by the rule of Law. In fact, what separates man and animal is the application of the rule of Law, which absence could make life brutish, short and chaotic. This therefore underscores the need for Osun electorates to vote in all Osun APC legislative candidates on the 9th of March, 2019 which co-incidentally falls approximately on the hundredth day in Office of the Oyetola/Alabi administration in Osun. Let us all make it, therefore, a Hundred Days Special Gift for Good Governance for the government.

There are definitely areas where the progressive party needs to work hard on, especially the East Senatorial zone

where the opposition party had some wins in the last Presidential/ National Assembly elections. In the East zone, we appeal to our good people not to put themselves into the Opposition. With the latest win of APC at in the Presidency, the signal to anyone who wants to swim in the Opposition waters is like a canoe trying hard to swim against the torrent tides of a fast cascading river.

Let the truth be told: Tiny opposition is only justified in a polity where good governance is apparently lacking. But in our situation here in Osun, it is different ball-game and all hands must be on deck to back the government of continuity which we have voted for and which is definitely in place.

Apart from voting massively for the progressive party, it is also very pertinent to guide and guard against rigging. This statement may be taken with a pint of salt with the defense that our security agents are on the watch. But the PDP rigging machine has gone scientific and malfeasance such that everyone that knows the value of his or her one vote needs to be watchful. For instance, in the last gubernatorial election, the percentage of void votes recorded against the APC was very massive.

This was a deliberate rigging plan to make sure that the areas of strength of the APC were decimated. A whopping 42,000 voided votes against APC, i.e 89% of total voided votes of 48,000, was deliberately meant to wrestle power from the party. That was what brought about the controversial re-run which ought not to be in the first place.

The above is an enough reason why all well meaning individuals, the APC party, uncompromised security and INEC agents need to be very watchful on Saturday, 9th of March, 2019. This will guarantee us a happy 100 Days celebration of the Oyetola/ Alabi Administration in Osun, Land of the Virtuous.

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 Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,