Osun Defender Online Version Of September 28, 2018

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VOL. 013. NO.36

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

Osun Poll: How The Votes Fragmented

•Analysis By Mariam Ajetunmobi

•Reactions To APC’s Victory - PAGE 3

•Co-contestant Speaks Out - PAGE 2 •Intrigues, Rerun Controversy And The Popular Choice - PAGE 5, 6 & 7 EDITORIAL

•A Tryst With Destiny PAGE 4

‘Cometh The Hour, Cometh The Man’

Governor Elect - Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola

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NEWS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28 - FRIDAY OCTOBER 5, 2018

APC’s Oyetola Wins Osun Gubernatorial Election

By Solomon Odeniyi The Independent National Electoral Commission (APC) has declared Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor-elect in the State of Osun.

He won after the Democratic Party (ADC) supplementary election candidate, Fatai Akinbade held in the seven polling had 7,681 votes. units on Thursday where On the whole, the total results were cancelled votes cast was 769,495, during the first ballot held total valid votes was last week.

721,621 and total votes Oyetola scored 255,505 rejected was 47,874. to defeat his arch-rival Recall the electoral Ademola Adeleke of the umpire last week declared Peoples Democratic Party the election inconclusive, (PDP) who scored 255,023 due to the 3,498 cancelled votes. votes which was higher The Social Democratic than the difference Party (SDP candidate, between the votes of the Senator Iyiola Omisore leading candidate. who came third had This, the commission 128,053 votes, Action stated was in accordance Democratic Party (ADP) with Section 153 of the candidate, Moshood Electoral Act 2010 as Adeoti had 49,743 votes amended. while the Africa Eventually, the APC

candidate was returned elected by the returning Officer, Professor Adeola Afuwape having garnared the highest number of valid vote cast in the election.

Reacting to the INEC declaration, the Governorelect said the election primarily a victory for democracy, rule of law and due process, a victory for the right of every citizen to participate in their own governance which democracy represents.

According to him, it was an affirmation by the people of Osun in the APC government that has been on the saddle in the past eight years; and the acceptance of its ideology, commending everyone who had participated in the poll to make it successful.

Oyetola said he regards the mandate given to him as sacred, saying, he would continue on the glorious path on which he has been familiar with.

I will run an inclusive and participatory government. I will consult with the party, workers, communities, traditional rulers, the civil society and the people of the state in their heterogeneity.

“It is a new beginning for me. I am committing myself the more to the good governance of Osun and the welfare of the people.

“I will run an inclusive and participatory government. I will consult with the party, workers, communities, traditional rulers, the civil society and the people of the state in their heterogeneity. I will engage the youth, tap into their ideas and enable them to unleash their creative energy in a positive way”, Oyetola stressed.

Meanwhile, the agent of the PDP candidate, Dele Adeleke vowed that his principal would take the next line of action to get back what he called his stolen mandate.

He said: “Some group of

persons have decided to subvert the will of the people of Osun. What we have all witnessed is a daylight robbery. Ahead of the 2019 elections Nigerians should be wary of the election. Our next line of action is obvious and we will take it with the hope of getting back our mandate”.

Engineer Muhammad Asiru, the National president of the National Committee of Patriots, one of the Civil Society Organisations accredited to monitor the election commended the commission for a successful conduct of the election, describing the election as free, fair and credible.

He urged the aggrieved persons in the election to accept the result in good fate.

Reactions Trails Victory Hit The Ground Running - AD Candidate Urges Gov-elect the state, this could be

By Solomon Odeniyi developed using private Osun governorship candidate of the Alliance for funding to attract Democracy, Olugbenga Akintola has charged the development to these Governor-elect, Adegboyega Oyetola to hit the unique mountains so as ground running as soon as he is sworn in and to attract fun and holiday address germane issues like backlog of salaries seekers within and among others. outside the country.

“The water falls in the Congratulating the robust. When our governor-elect for the economy is robust, there state should also be given victory, he said, his will be a lot of same attention. We also government must make opportunities; we will need to work with sure everything needed have alternatives for job UNESCO to see how Ife to be done for the opportunities that are not and other places in the payment of workers’ just teaching or the state are marked as heritage sites which will entitlement is put in normal civil service. place.

“Tourism is an avenue attract people from other “There are that can assist us to countries to our state.

“When you do this, germane issues people achieve this. We have cannot but see solution very interesting you are bringing in a lot of foreign exchange, to. These are issues like mountains scattered in e m p l o y m e n t the backlog of salary and pension arrears. He must make sure everything needed to be done for the payment is put in place.

By Sola Jacobs “He must understand The Iyaloja-General, State of Osun, Alhaja that the civil service is the biggest employers of Awawu Asindemade has congratulated the state labour in the state. One of Governor-elect, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola on his the ways he can do this is election, saying the victory was well-deserved. to look at the possibility C o n g r a t u l a t i n g state. of restructuring the Oyetola on behalf of “The continuous existing terms and Iyalojas in the state, construction of road payments of loans, so we Alhaja networks around the Asindemade can have some money to implored him to continue state should be his pay up the loans as well with the developmental priority, especially the as see to the payment of stride of Ogbeni Rauf state and local salaries. government roads. If Aregbesola.

“Another aspect he let the Iyaloja said: “The possible, must look into is the government should be all government make it 30 0r education sector, inclusive and know that 40 km road networks especially the same there is no victor or within each local uniform for the pupils. It vanquish, as he is government to facilitate must be review, so that governor of the state of easy movement of appropriate step can be Osun and not of a party. human and goods. taken.

“In the area of “Also, the Iyalojas “Most importantly, we should be given sanitation, the waste have a lot of prominence in the collection and opportunities staring us government and priority management needs to be in the face. We have a lot should be given to improved on, as there is of mineral deposit, women welfare in the need for smaller vehicles tourism is there. The state, as they form largest or tricycle to collect governor-elect needs to percentage of voters in wastes from nooks and look at means of the state. crannies of the state. generating income for the “Our educational “More elective posts state without depending should be given to system should be on FAC. reviewed to women, especially in the “This will ensure that administration of the accommodate vocational our economy becomes

opportunities. Basically, I want him to look at the economic development of the state and also the human capital investments. I believe when this is done, it should be uhuru in our state.

“I’m willing to help out if called upon; I have done it for states other than my state of birth where my expertise has been put to use.

“I have gone through the Manifesto of the APC and I see it is quite similar to ours, and I have weighed the two candidates.

•AD governorship candidate, Akintola

Iyalojas Urge Gov-elect To Ensure Continuity Of Development training, while abandoned public schools across the state should be maintained, to ensure that they are not turned hideouts for criminals in some of the community they are located.

“The government could as well use those facilities as government

vocational centres across the state.

“There should be consultative forum inform of town hall meeting where governor, member of House of Assembly, local government chairmen, councilors and other stakeholders would discuss issues that affect

•Alhaja Awawu Asindemade, Iyaloja-General

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the people and the government.

“This will facilitate unity and understanding between the government and the citizen of the state.

“Also, it is important for the government to review the issue of customary court. This is an important aspect that facilitates peaceful mediation among our people.

“While we commend the effort of the state government on issue of civil servants in the state, we urge that the government should strive to ensure that full payment of salaries, pension arrears as and when due is guaranteed, as it has been started now.

“We also implore the government to patronize local artisans and traders as done in school uniform sector, where the government contracted tailors in the state”, Asindemade said.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28 - FRIDAY OCTOBER 5, 2018

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Reactions Trails Victory Govt Should Focus On Job Creation - Activist Education Sector Should Get The incoming governmnet in Osun has been tasked to focus on job creation and reduce restiveness among youths across the state.

This admonition was our common given by a human right heritage that must activist, Comrade be protected by all Emmanuel Olowu in irrespective of Osogbo. political, ethnic He said, the rate at and religious which thuggery is differences. growing in the state is “Another issue becoming alarming and it that is of should be curbed as early paramount is that as possible through of the tertiary provision of decent job institution across across local governments the state, the new of the state. administration “It is imperative for must find a •Emmanuel Olowu political parties across common ground to would be faced with the the state to bury their resolve the perennial consequences of differences and focus on crisis permanently. insecurity, hence, the governance and the “Education is an area need to tackle this issue issues that unites the that must be given holistically. Also, the state than those that adequate attention issue of LAUTECH must divides it. Osun is bigger because any government be dealt with than everyone and it is that fails the youths permanently.

Adequate Attention - Teacher

Trust in the capacity of the Osun Governor-elect, Gboyega Oyetola to meet the expectations of the people has manifested through his election, a Secondary School Teacher in Osun has said.

“As a professional and stakeholder in the education sector in Osun, the area that needs urgent attention is education.

“Although, the outgoing administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has done massively well in the provision of the state-ofthe-art infrastructural facilities and conducive environment for teaching and learning in our schools, but the incoming administration has a lot to do in many areas to boost the performance of

Clergyman Advises Governor-elect On People’s Welfare

A Clergyman of The Truth Living Evangelical to complete all Church of Christ, Pastor Phillip Olaniyi has charged ongoing projects the incoming government of the All Progressives that are yet to be Congress [APC] to focus mainly on people’s welfare completed by programmes so as to justifying the mandates of the o u t g o i n g administration people.

The man of God made to calls of his people across the state.

“No doubt, the this observation during a during their time of need, chat with Osun Defender so as to justify the o u t g o i n g government has mandate given to it by at his church auditorium in Osogbo State capital in the majority of the built a foundation for development reaction to the people.

He then called on the in several areas, declaration of the winner even though there head of the incoming of the poll.

Gboyega Oyetola of government to remember are shortcomings his campaign in some areas. the APC defeated his all arch-opponent, Ademola promises to electorates That structure and fulfilled it, to clear must be built Adeleke of the Peoples upon and •Pastor Olaniyi Democratic Party (PDP). his conscience.

He said: “People so c o r r e c t i o n s He said that regardless should be made where Aderemi Bypass road, of the few hitches that much rely on the capacity MKO Abiola characterized the of the APC to address necessary”, he added.

He noted that the International Airport at election, the people of the issues bordering them uncompleted road like Ido-Osun and others that state have spoken, and and that is why the party Gbongan- Osogbo-Ila- are ongoing should be their mandate must not has the majority votes.

Kwara State completed across the be toyed with.

“So the incoming Odo According to him, the government must be able boundary, Oba Adesoji state. issues of unpaid salary arrears of workers must take priority, saying, it is an issue that must be addressed appropriately.

He advised that as “The declaration is a relief for the teeming expect that the ruling reflected in the last few populace of the state and democracy is about party would find a means month, the idea of majority, as the party with the majority votes forms of resolving its internal modulated salaries the government, so, the state would have to move crisis as a means of should be stopped forward”. driving the state to permanently and ensure This was the what one would expect greater heights in the payment of the several from the incoming next four years. months arrears to state expectation of of an government “Besides, the people is to civil servants to ease their artisan based in Osun, continue with the good are expecting a lot from Mr Shina Muideen. pains. the incoming He said: “At this point legacy of infrastructure.

He said government of “However, a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , progressive agenda one would especially in the area of should not let the citizen expect the new job creation and creating down in any form. government to an enabling environment According to him, “It is take into for the teeming populace on record that government of cognisance the to excel in their various progressive fold always undoings of the businesses, hence, the put its people first in all for the p r e s e n t need things no matters the g o v e r n m e n t , administration to balance situation they might find gap between especially in the the themselves. This tenet area of workers’ infrastructure and social must also be followed by welfare as well welfare. the incoming “It is also pertinent for as the issue of administration of the alienation of every stakeholder to APC”. party members understand that Osun The clergyman also across the state. belongs to us all and its urged the incoming Politically, one survival must remain government to respond •Shina Muhideen would also paramount”.

Declaration Of Winner, A Relief For Osun Populace - Artisan

teachers and students.

On Opon Imo, the outgoing administration has good intention of introducing it to students. This is to make the students have all the textbooks in a single compact and this will also makes them to be ICT compliant, but this laudable project has been abused, because many of these students turned it into a viewing tablet by infusing pornography films and all sorts of musical videos into the tablets.

“Therefore, the incoming administration should review the project, and compliment it with the provision of textbooks to the students, which at the end of every term will be returned.

“The administration of Aregbesola has done a lot in boosting the morale of teachers in the state, and among these initiatives are the opportunities for teachers to reach level “17” in their career like their counterparts in the civil service.

The Government also appointed three tutors general which is an equivalent of permanent secretary among teachers and many other incentives.

“The incoming administration is expected to build on this by providing regular seminar, in service and periodic training for teachers like their counterparts in the civil service. Apart from this, teachers are not exposed to any gratification whatsoever from any quarters but their only source of income is their salary and if this salary is OLADIPUPO BRIDGET OPEYEMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as OLADIPUPO OPEYEMI SOLA , but now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO BRIDGET OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank and General public should take note.

OLORUNFEMI TIMILEHIN AYOMIDE

That ILESANMI TIMILEHIN AYOMIDE & O L O R U N F E M I TIMILEHIN AYOMIDE are the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as O L O R U N F E M I TIMILEHIN AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank General public should take note.

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not paid on time, they become demoralised.

“Another important expectation from the incoming administration to address squarely is the issue of indiscipline and thuggery among students.

“Some students have seen thuggery as a flourishing venture. This is because in their immediate environment, they can see some notable thugs that are thriving in this dastardly act without check. The incoming administration should urgently look into it.

On School uniform, although, the outgoing administration has done well by providing school uniform for students free of charge. This noble idea is good, but the idea of using the same school uniform for all the school is a thing that the incoming administration should look into. This is because it is now difficult to clearly identify the students of a particular school from some students of unknown school who can come around to foment trouble “Also, some miscreants who are not students sometimes use the uniform to gain access into schools to forment trouble.

DAHUNSI BENITA ABOLADE

That I was formerly known and addressed as YETUNDE ABOLADE DAHUNSI , but now wish to be known and addressed as DAHUNSI BENITA ABOLADE. All former documents remain valid.

Ecco Bank General public should take note.

PAGE

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Oyetola's Tryst With Destiny “Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. “ Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, to the Indian Constituent Assembly in The Parliament, on the eve of India’s Independence, towards midnight on 14 August 1947.

The progressive cause in the State of Osun a while back made a covenant with destiny; much of which it has redeemed. Unique about the sequences of the cause of enlightenment in Osun is that progressive governments led by Chief Bisi Akande and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have reignited the cause of social democracy. The main theme of their achievements has been that government must be for the benefit of the majority as opposed to feathering the interests of a privileged elite. Much of the critically needed initiatives have taking place in turbulent economic waters in Nigeria’s boom and bust mono- crop dependent economy. A stultifying quasi - federal structure has also made life extremely difficult for state governments to marshal their own resources.

Nevertheless, the interventions have been magnificently executed. If anyone seeks to know the effects, one only needs to come to

Osun and look around. With his victory in this week’s keenly contested election, Governor-elect Gboyega Oyetola will consolidate and build upon the gains in continuing tortuous economic waters. It is going to be a long and hard run. Luckily, cometh the moment, cometh the man. Oyetola has the emotional comportment of a man who has straddled many worlds. Solid intellectual preparation has been burnished in the private sector before his entry into public service. He comes in to steady the ship at the right time.

The capacity is there and it is proven.

Oyetola will essentially be at the head of a government of popular unity uniting the

Observation...

A Progressive Construct A perfuntory analysis of a dominance of the progressive current in the State of Osun with data interpretation by OSUN DEFENDER’S Data Analyst, MARIAM AJETUNMOBI

T

HE winning candidate of the APC, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola received 35.41% of the vote in addition to the required spread of 25% of the votes cast across two-thirds of the local governments.

In actual fact he received 25% in all the local governments, which is quite a feat in a crowded race.

In 2015 Oyo State governor was re-elected with 32.70% of the total votes cast. What

matters is the way that outgoing Governor Rauf Aregbesola has decisively shifted the terrain in favour of an enduring progressive majority in the state.

The parties who ran on a progressive platform between them harnessed 60.05% of the total votes cast. This is virtually the same amount of votes received in the state by the Presidential candidate of the APC General Mohammadu Buhari in 2015. It is an

‘ ’

Luckily, cometh the moment, cometh the man. Oyetola has the emotional comportment of a man who has straddled many worlds

indication of the likely trend of the voting pattern in the f o r t h c o m i n g presidential elections in 2019.

It is a lasting legacy of the Aregbesola

intervention that he has so decisively consolidated the conventional wisdom in Osun State in a progressive direction.

progressive tendencies in the state of Osun.

The result of the election reflects the dominance of the progressive tendencies in the state. If the votes of the APC, SDP and the ADP are totaled up, it is an unambiguous confirmation of the fact that the progressive tenor is dominant in the state. It is a time of good cheer in the state of Osun, the state is transiting into safe hands. Much is expected, on our part we are certain that the incoming governor will deliver.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28 - FRIDAY OCTOBER 5, 2018

Osun Gubernatorial Election:

Intrigues, Rerun Controversy And The Popular Choice From the Adeleke's certificate scandal, the gale of defections, the secret vote-buying, to the rerun controversy and eventual emergence of the winner, SOLOMON ODENIYI writes on the intrigues that greeted the just concluded gubernatorial election in the State of Osun.

Osun gubernatorial election has come and gone. The Osun people have spoken, but just like other elections held in the country, it has brought questions begging for answers to the lips of people within and outside the state. It is however not surprising, as analysts claimed that the Osun poll would act as a compass for the 2019 general elections which explains the keen interest on the Osun election.

At the end of the day, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 255,505 (35.36) votes as against the opposition People’s Democratic Party’s 255,023 votes (Representing 35.32% of total valid vote cast). The SDP’s Iyiola Omisore, ADP’s Moshood Adeoti and ADC’s Fatai Akinbade coming a distant third, fourth and fifth with, 128,053 (17.78%), 49,743 (6.9%), and 7,681 votes (1.07%) respectively.

Recall that after the first ballot, Adeleke could not be returned, as the 353 votes’ difference between him and Oyetola is not enough to declare anyone the winner.

Section 153 of the Electoral Act stipulates a rerun if the margin of victory in an election is lower than the number of voters in units where elections are cancelled.

In all, 3,498 votes were cancelled, giving the green light for the commission not to declare any party the winner on the September 22 gubernatorial election until after a rerun was held.

The returning Officer, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Professor Adeola Afuwape stated that from Osogbo, Unit 017, where 884 voters were registered, was cancelled because the presiding officer absconded with electoral materials. In Orolu, the election was cancelled in three polling units due to ballot box snatching and other irregularities. It is the same for Ife North where result of one polling unit was cancelled and Ife South where results of one polling units each were cancelled.

Afuwape said: “Unfortunately as the returning officer, it’s not possible to declare anybody as the clear winner of the election on the first ballot.”

This was because the 3,498 cancelled ballots were higher than the difference between the votes of the leading candidates; hence a re-run election had

The total cancellation, without a second ballot would amount to denying the electorates in the affected areas their right to exercise their civic duties.

to be conducted.

“To that effect, as the returning

officer, it is not possible to declare any party as clear winner of this election

on the first ballot. But I must commend the people of this state for being peaceful.

“The INEC, therefore, declared September 27 as date for a rerun election. On the basis of this, I, declare the election inconclusive. I, Joseph Adeola Fuwape, hereby, declare this election inconclusive”, he said.

Another reason cited by the electoral commission was that the total cancellation, without a second ballot would amount to denying the electorates in the affected areas their right to exercise their civic duties.

However, the rerun has since been heard and the winner has emerged.

Pre Election Drama Before the cast of the ballot, no one knew where the pendulum of the election would swing. But there were issues that played out which many thought had a ripple effect on the outcome of the election vis-avis the voting patterns. Some ended a hoax, others happened as predicted.

The Gale Of Defections Of the major parties that contested the election, quite a low number of them didn’t feel the billowing heat of defections. In fact, three of the five •Continued on page 6

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Intrigues, Rerun Controversy And The Popular Choice

•Continued from page 6 major contenders for the topmost seat in the land of the virtue had aggrieved persons who fell out from their parent parties to actualise their governorship dreams in another. For instance, Adeoti who was once the chairman of the Alliance for Democracy as well as the Action Congress contested the primary of the APC before opting out, alleging the party of imposition. He resigned his position as Secretary to the State Government to join the relatively unknown ADP on the eve of the INEC’s deadline for submission of candidates’ name. He did leave with some of his loyalists, which included the former Commissioner for Information, Sunday Akere and some former local government chairmen. That of the Ikire born politician, Elder Peter Babalola alongside his followers wouldn’t go unnoticed. His reason was the West and no other senatorial district must produce the governor. Long before this, were the defection of Alhaji Fatai Diekola, and the former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

For the People Democratic Party, Senator Iyiola Omisore having seen that the odds were against him to run in the party, left for the docile SDP in the state with his loyalists where he thought he would have it soft, although, he ended up the party’s flag bear not without a long battle. Also, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade resigned his membership of the PDP to team up with his former boss Okuku Prince at the African Democratic Congress where he contested the gubernatorial election. The APC was the beneficiary of the last. The Ede born politician, Adejare Bello defected from the PDP to the ruling APC. Analysts are of the view that the defection witnessed in the two parties affected a great deal the garnered votes for the major political parties that contested the election, as such, there would have been no need for a rerun if they had not gone to the election with divided houses. The rerun made Iyiola Omisore the beautiful bride whom the two parties went after to get the mandate handed to them. The rest is now history

•OYETOLA

•OMISORE

Adeleke’s Show Down Before the cast of the first ballot,

•ADELEKE

Before the cast of the first ballot, Adeleke was swimming from one pool of controversy to another which could have put a paid to his governorship aspiration.

His certificate saga filtered the state’s political space.

Adeleke was swimming from one pool of controversy to another which could have put a paid to his governorship aspiration. His certificate saga filtered the state’s political space. He had his day in the temple of justice based on this before he was let off the hook after the WAEC board confirmed he sat for the exam where the only result he had was an F9 in English language. It cast a doubt, on his capacity to govern the state. The incumbent governor was quoted to have said that Adeleke wouldn’t have been considered for the state’s youth empowerment programme. Also, save for the president intervention, he could have been detained for accusation of forgery.

His abscondment from the various election debates also get him soaked in controversies.

Oyetola and the Ajele Rhetorics Oyetola had his fair share of the pre election jibes. On many occasions, he was called an Ajele. Ajele is a Yoruba language with which a foreigner is identified. He defended this so well, stating to those who cared to know that he was born and bred in Iragbiji but his defence did not sink with some people who have made up their minds to use it as a campaign point. Some analysts were of the view that this also played a crucial role as some in his party never

gave their all working for him. They are however of the view that as an Ajele, he would bring a foreigner to steer the affairs of the state once he gets the mandate. Also, he was accused of being the brain behind the government on the payment of half salaries to workers in the state; a major point the opposition rooted their campaigns on. His believed imposition did not also help matters, hence the major reason why the gale of defection materialised. But now, the rest is history.

Vote Buying The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had vowed to curb the menace of vote buying in the state election, threatening to prosecute those involved. One of such steps by the commission was banning the usage of mobile phones around the cubicle.

Despite the stern warnings by the independent commission, politicians from different parties engaged in votebuying in Osun state.

Party agents devised another method of vote buying. Some had been paid on Friday, a day to the election. On the Dday, some party agents did it openly, others concealed theirs. They wrote down names of those who voted for their candidates in order to be given money after the election. Unlike in •Continued on page 7

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28 - FRIDAY OCTOBER 5, 2018

Intrigues, Rerun Controversy And The Popular Choice

•Continued from page 6

practice in Ondo, Anambra, Edo, Kogi and Ekiti where the usage of smart phones at cubicle served as evidence before payment were made to electorates who voted for any of the candidates. One of the major parties, PDP in some units allegedly damned the consequences, paid between 3,000 and 15,000, while some others, it was learnt by our reporters paid between a meager of 200 and 2,000.

Some agents took to making the electorate swear to an oath to be double sure they voted for or would be voting for their party before handling to them the money. Arrest were made, two agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were wrapped up in this shameful act.

The failed forecast During the heat of the campaign, political commentators predicted how the September 22 election would be a departure from the election narrative in the country where elections are centered on two major parties. They described the Osun poll as a five man horse race between Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Ademola Adeleke, Fatai Akinbade, Iyiola Omisore and Alhaji Moshood Adeoti. Though, it was keenly contested by the listed candidates but the margin between Oyetola, Adeleke and other contenders showed to many it was still same old story. Adeleke had been written off by many but at the end he was able to pull his weight.

The Rerun controversy Residents have placed themselves on the side of the divide as regards the declaration by INEC. So also have legal luminaries and political pundits.

While some were heaping the allegation of conspiracy on the electoral umpire, others were of the view that such act was not new to our system. They cited the cases between: Obianio of APGA and Tony Nwoye of the PDP during the Anambra guber poll. Obiano in the said election had 174,710 as against Nwoye’s 94,956 and the cancelled votes was 113, 113. The Imo 2015 gubernatorial election between Okorocha (APC) had 385, 671 and and kicked against a rerun in the 1(2), 69 and 179 (2 ) of the 1999 Ihedioha of the PDP 306, 142 the affected units in line with Sections constitution, while INEC came to its margin was 79, 529 and cancelled votes was 144,715. The 2011 Anambra Senatorial election between Dora Akunyili (APGA) 66,273 and Chris Ngige (ACN) 65,576. The margin was 697. The recent is the Kogi election where Abubakar Audu (APC) polled 240,867 and Wada Idris (PDP) 199,514 with 41,353 as margin and 49,953 votes as cancelled votes.

Most of the mentioned elections were conducted under Athairu Jega and the PDP then hailed and celebrated this as bold move. The same •AKINBADE party has made a u-turn •ADEOTI

The rerun has been conducted, the election has been concluded and a winner has emerged. The onus is now on the agrieved political gladiators to allow peace to prevail in the state. This is what is needed for development to take place.

defence with Section 68(c), 69 and 153 of the electoral act 2010 as amended.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, particularly before it was declared inconclusive, the poll has been adjudged by many as peaceful, as INEC was commended for the peaceful conduct of the poll.

House of Assembly member representing Egbedore State Constituency, Honourable Abiodun Awolola; Chairman, Egbedore South Local Council Development Area, Mr Kola Ajao, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Honourable Rasaq Salinsile and Commissioner for Special Duties, Honourable Oguntola Toogun lauded the people of the state for being peaceful and orderly during the election.

According to them in separate interactions shortly after casting their votes, the INEC gave all parties level playing ground to participate in the poll, saying the conduct of the election has shown what the 2019 election would look like.

However, the rerun has been conducted, the election has been concluded and a winner has emerged. The onus is now on the aggrieved political gladiators to allow peace to prevail in the state.

This is what is needed for development to take place.

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Folashade And Samuel Assemble Families For Introduction

Hiqmat Celebrates Her Birthday

By Sikiru Obarayese

It’s was glorious day in Olomide’s family as Hiqmat Olomide celebrated her 10 th birthday in a joyous mood Hiqmat who turned 10 on Wednesday 26 th September 2018 was celebrated at Olomide’s Compound in Osogbo, Osun State.

Family, friends and relatives joined her to celebrate the unique occasion with her.

Mr Damilola Olomide described the celebrant as a vibrant and very wise girl and he pray to celebrate more in good health.

•Mr\Mrs. Ashiyanbi blessing their daughter during the introduction.

By Sola Aderinto

Recently, the family of Ashiyanbi of Osogbo received the family of Babalola from Ibadan, Oyo State with love and heart of appreciation, as their children brought family members, friends and associates together for their introduction programme.

Samuel Babalola decided to bring forth his family to meet the family

Twins Brothers Celebrate Birthday In Low-key

of his love, Folashade Ashiyanbi.

The programme started with praise and worship, led by Sister Esther Ashiyanbi after which Babalola family members introduced themselves.

•Celebrant, Hiqmat Olomide cutting birthday cake with her •Hiqmat with her Mother, Mrs Alimat Olomide.

After the main purpose of the visit to friends.

Ashiyanbi family was made known, the duo of Folashade and Samuel were invited by both families for advice and they committed their journey into the She is an alumnus of the University She became the first female board Yomi’s wealth of experience spans hands of the Lord, after which the date over three decades working within the director of PZ Cussons Plc and has of Ibadan with a BSc degree in of their wedding was fixed. held the positions of Marketing Pharmacology and Diploma in

Mrs Oluwayomi Tokunbo Ifaturoti Inaugurated As LASUTH Governing Board Member FMCG / Pharmaceutical industry in different organizations – Hoechst, Jagal, Sollatek and PZ Cussons. She is an exceptional team leader and member of the board credited with expertise in corporate strategy, administration, marketing, sales, project/product development and responsibilities as a government liaison.

Director, Sales Director and Corporate Services & Admin Director during her career. She is passionate about charitable works, doing good and giving back; having managed the PZ Cussons Foundation as its Executive Secretary for over ten years.

Sales and has served on the Council and Board of National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and •Taiwo and Kehinde Ibraheem cutting their birthday cake during their birthday recently.

The celebrants were advised Advertising Association of Nigeria

By Shola Aderinto (ADVAN). She is currently a board A gathering of friends and fam- by Mr Taiwo Adeniyi, to put member of the Lagos State Teaching their studies first in all their doHospital (LASUTH) Governing ily members it was when Taiwo ings and they should not mingle and Kehinde Ibrahim celebrated Council. their birthday. The birthday was with bad friends.

Their parents thanked the celebrated in a low key in their compound while friends and family and friends that graced the events. family graced the event.

•Some family members of Ashiyanbi Family in a group photograph with the groom to be.

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.

•The Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris administering the oath of office on Mrs Yomi Ifaturoti, (wife of Mr Femi Ifaturoti, Director General, Bureau of Social Services, State of Osun) as a member of the newly inaugurated Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Governing Board.

•Friends in a group photograph with the celebrants

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Osun Speaker, SSG, Others Commend INEC Over Gov. Poll Meanwhile, the Elejigbo 1 Unit 2 and he He commended

By Israel Afolabi security operatives for situation is the same at described the process as the polling Unit where their roles and added that transparent.

Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly Dr. He said,” people Najeem Salaam has said the peaceful atmosphere people adhered to the the Special Adviser to that greeted the Gubernatorial election in the state rules and regulations of Governor on Wealth conducted themselves Creation Mr. Adetoyese INEC, as the Card Reader well while the process was an indication that Nigeria democracy has come Ademola cast his vote at was effective because the also function well. of age.

Dr. Salaam stated this while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER shortly after casting his vote at voting point B of Unit 6, Ward 4 of Ilupeju area, Ejigbo.

He commended the electorates for what he described as the will to exercise their franchise as demonstrated by turnout in their large number just as he lauded security agencies for maintaining law and order and being civil with the voters.

According to him, “the election is organised, orderly and the electorates turn out is very impressive because people presented themselves peacefully”.

•Long queue of voters at ward 5 unit 17 Adewale Street, Alekuwodo, Osogbo during the 2018 governorship rerun in He described election Osun on Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. as a game of majority where those with the highest figure have the day.

Aregbesola who the commitments and

By Israel Afolabi However, the described Osun students’ seriousness of our Secretary to the State Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf performance in external administration to Government, Senator Aregbesola said his administration’s efforts in the examination as exemplary education in the state of Mudasiru Hussain who education sector has been yielding positive result due compared to previous ones Osun”. also cast his vote at to the performance of Osun students in the just released lauded the achievement on “N500million is used by Beulah Baptist School, West African Examination Council [WAEC] results. the present our government to pay Ejigbo confirmed that Ogbeni Aregbesola by State Universal Basic administration’s efforts in gratuity every month for electorates came out disclosed this on recently Education Board [SUBEB] education. our retired workers According to him, “I am without enmasse and behaved at excluding 2018 Omoluabi at Aurora Conference and diligently during the Educational Excellence Event Centre Osogbo State proud that our efforts so teachers,” he added. far in education has shown exercise.

He also gave kudos to Merit Awards, organized of Osun.

physically challenged people were given privilege to cast their votes”.

In the same vein, former Speaker of Osun Assembly, Hon. Adejare Bello who cast his vote at ward 4 unit 2 Olokun Agba Ede observed that there is improvement concerning election in Nigeria, INEC performed very well while the security personnel did their best.

An accredited election observer, Mr. Kelvin Huge also observed that the exercise was conducted in free and fair atmosphere while things went on well in the State.

“The security situation was also perfect as combined personnel of Police, Civil Defence, DSS and Army were seen around the polling units with their presence instilling sense of security in the people”.

Osun SUBEB Rewards Hardworking Teachers

Adeoti, Omisore Commend Supporters The senator condemned

By Sola Jacobs vote-buying that he Governorship candidate of the Action Democratic claimed characterised the Party (ADP) in the just-concluded governorship just held election, saying he election in Osun State, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti has has solutions that would expressed his deep appreciation to all members of the address the new trend party, religious leaders, Iwo community at large, and permanently.

According to him, “On many others for their support for his governorship the 22nd of May 2018, I ambition. took the bold decision to He stated this in a supporters of his party special message issued and towards the just concluded seek election to the office of the Governor of Osun signed by his media aide, election.

Mr Kayode Agbaje and In a statement he state under the platform made public in Osogbo, personally signed and Social Democratic Party the state capital. made available to (SDP). The past four According to Alhaji journalists on Sunday, months have been very Adeoti, he was particularly prior to the rerun election exciting. I am delighted gladdened by the show of held in some polling units, that our message of good affection by all his teeming he said “we shall continue governance and dignity supporters across nooks to be commited to social has reached every corner and crannies of the state as justice and equity until we of the state. reflected in the votes he can be assured that our “Over the past four garnered at the poll. electoral processes are months, I have worked “I want to specially sanitized and give us the with committed people express my deep state of our dreams.” who have given time and appreciation to all resources to our shared members of my party, ADP, religious leaders and Iwo community in particular for the massive A coalition of Civil Society groups have said the support they expressed for my candidature at the poll. Independent National Electoral commission declaration of the election inconclusive and the subsequent “I am further moved by of the poll was in order and to a large extent your calls and personal conclusion visits to my residence to helped doused political tension and predicted violence in the state. further show your The accredited domestic moment ahead of the 2019 support,” Alhaji Adeoti observer groups who noted elections, saying such stated further. that such declaration was people are enemies of the The ADP flagbearer however urged all his not new in Nigeria political country. experience said, rather than “It’s unfortunate that supporters not to be disturbed or discouraged lamenting, political parties reputable individuals who should accept and understand the workings of by outcome of the election but to rather continue to appreciate the commission. the law in Nigeria including According to the team some political parties will pray that Osun State leader, Victor Kalu, it be calling for the would be better for it.

Similarly, Senator Iyiola would be sad if anyone resignation of INEC could called for the sack of Kalu who spoke on the Omisore, the governorship candidate of the Social the commission chairman, rerun elections held in the Democratic Party has Prof. Mahmoud Yakub or seven polling units, decried appreciated the dedication the Resident Electoral the unwarranted crowd of of members and commissioner at this critical unauthorised individuals in

agenda for restoration. I am happy that we have won the greater victory; the clarion call by all our people for good governance and accountability has been heard. We have positively impacted on electoral campaigns and elections in Osun state promoting inclusion, people centeredness and shield completely away from vote buying, voter intimidation and thuggery.

Our campaign was factual, informed and inclusive.

“We shall continue to invest on democratic education and political awareness of our people, so vote buying is totally eliminated in the most peaceful and democratic ways.

Why INEC Deserves Commendation - Group around and the polling units during the just concluded rerun election in the state.

He commended the electoral umpire for holding a free, fair and credible election, the people of the state for the maturity as well the security agents for ensuring there was peace throughout the electioneering processes.

Congratulating the winner of the election he urged him to be magnanimous in victory, adding that the leader should show a good spirit of sportsmanship as there is always another chance in democracy.

teachers who teach in the various schools of Osun while promising them that their efforts would not be in vain, adding that they would be rewarded accordingly.

He urged all teachers to continue working diligently in their various classrooms with sincerity so as to satisfy their conscience.

Ogbeni explained that in this year, May\June 2018 Osun Students scored 53.56% in English Language, 70.3% in Mathematics, 100% in PHE and Auto mechanics, 50% in Economics, 61% in Government, 63% in History and 70% in CRS respectively.

He also used the opportunity to present bond certificates to retired civil servants who have served the State of Osun very well.

In his address, the Head of Service, Dr. Festus O l o w o g b o y e g a appreciated the State governor for the payment of full salary since last month while urging the administration to continue with its legacy in education.

He said”47 officers were awarded for their good efforts to civil service”.

He described Osun civil servants as obedient servants in the federation while urging them to continue with their loyalty and commitment to the present administration in the State.

Meanwhile in his goodwill message the

Chairman Osun SUBEB, Prince Felix Awofisayo appreciated the governor for this new innovation brought to the education sector in the state.

He disclosed that over 40,000 teachers have their promotion letter prepared for now.

The Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole while addressing journalists appreciated the g o v e r n m e n t ’ s commitment to education and assured that Osun SUBEB will not relent on its efforts to lift education to greater height.

Earlier, in their different lectures, Dr. Niyi Oginni, Dr. Bosun Awoniyi, Dr. Bukola Aluko and Dr. Kayode Afolabi urged every parent to look after their wards and safeguard their future.

They said the 2018 Education Merit Award is the first of its kind in the history of the state and advised that the programme should continue as a means of enhancing performance among teachers.

A middle School Principal, Mrs. Wosilat Akinwale from Muslim Middle School Modakeke went home with the star prize, a brand new car while other hardworking teacher, went home with different categories of awards and other prizes.

A grade four pupil of Agbonran Elementary School Ede, Olaniyi Afeez Israel went home with special gift from the State Government.

Three distinguish civil servants Mr.Wale Idowu (OSBC), Mr. Tunde Oyesiji (Culture and Tourism) and Prof. Labo Popoola (Uniosun) were given award for their excellent service to the public respectively.

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CSDP Executes 406 Projects In Osun

By SIkiru Obarayese Chairman, Board of Osun Community and Social Development Project (Osun CSDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Musa has disclosed that the government of the state of Osun has through the agency, completed 406 gender-sensitive and social inclusive micro-projects in eight sectors across 331 communities on the state.

He made this known Electricity 135 and while inaugurating Transport 77, Socio300KVA transformers for economic 66, Natural and communities in Akinjole Resources community Gbongan, Environment 9 and Oke-Alafia community in Gender & Vulnerable 8.

The projects, according Owode-Ede, Ibiyemi community in Ede and to the Osun CSDP is in compliance with the six Jagun community in Idopoint agenda of Osun respectively.

Governor Rauf The agency also Aregbesola to support commissioned two Motorised Borehole for the empowerment of Apaso Community in communities and Local Ede, and Apata Aseyori Government Authorities sustainable community in Ika-Ejigbo for development, increase in the state. access of poor people to Musa said projects completed include; 27 in improved social and Education sector, 14 natural resource, as well Health, 70 in Water, as infrastructure services.

While speaking, the Representative of the governor, the Special Adviser to Governor on Water Resources and Rural Development, Hon

Babatunde Ibirogba said Osun has paid a total sum of N700 Million as counterpart fund for CSDP, adding that the prompt payment of the

contribution has enabled the state to access over N2.6 Billion credit from the World Bank.

He urged the beneficiaries of the

•One of the newly commissioned transformers.

projects to continue paying taxes for the continuation of the good work.

Representatives of the communities, Samson Akinola, Abdulsemiu Ayanloye and Kayode Akande while speaking on the projects, commended the state government and the World Bank and promised that the projects would be effectively utilised.

They noted that the new transformers would enable them enjoy electricity, enhance their living conditions and improve their socialeconomic activities in the communities.

They commended the state Governor, for providing the transformers for them through the CSDP.

OSPOLY Management Releases Admission List •Holds Combined 6th Convocation October 11

activity has been designed for the programme.

The release explained that the activities will commence with Facility Tour and a World Press conference on Tuesday 9th October in the institution.

A lecture entitled, “Addressing the Crises of Skill Gap and Mismatch of Polytechnic Graduates: InstitutionIndustry Collaboration will be delivered by Mr. Muda Yusuf, DirectorGeneral, Lagos

In a release signed by Management of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, State of Osun has released the list of newly-admitted Media Relations Officer of the institution, Mr. students into the institution.

A statement from the 2018.

Tope Abiola, a three-day institution's management said the admission list was released sequel to the screening exercise Chambers of Commerce conducted earlier. and Industries and It directed all chaired by Professor Olu candidates who Aina, former Registrar of participated in the National Business and screening exercise Technical Examinations conducted by the Board (NABTEB) on institution to check their Wednesday, 10th admission status.

October, by 11.00a.m.

In checking their The grand finale of the admission status, the management said all applicants should purchase a result Checker Card at Ospoly •Management To Commence Degree Programmes run in the campus of the approved the affiliation polytechnic, effective from Microfinance Bank, Iree

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin arrangement and the the 2018/2019 academic or its branches at Management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara establishment of the full- session: Computer Science Ayetoro, Osogbo or Mechanical Isokun round about, Ilesa State has published the first batch of the names of time mode of the under B.Tech., Engineering B.Tech., to access their admission students who have been offered admission into the listed programmes to be status on the National Diploma programme for the full-time 2018/ Polytechnic's portal @ 2019 academic session.

Admitted students were A release by the Deputy h t t p : / / applications.ospolyiree.com/ Registrar of admission, also advised that whoever failed to pay his or her Oyesola A.A said, that the student/Default.aspx.

The management also list of prospective students acceptance fee within the stipulated date which is noted that prospective who have been offered students who have been admission have been October 8, 2018 will have the admission forfeited. offered provisional released online..

The students, according The school management admission are to pay to the management are to advised the newlyacceptance fee of N15,000 admitted students to check print their admission letter and print necessary their admission status on online and present it to the documents online in the school admission office for preparation for the pre- portal www.fpo.edu.ng, signing at the main

By Joshua Afolabi registration screening at by imputing their campus and also come the admission office.

Some students of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, registration detail and if along with their original According to the admitted, the admission results and certificates. have lamented how choices of some students were school management, any status will change to Besides, the influenced through inducement of voters by political applicant who fails to pay admitted and followed p o l y t e c h n i c ’ s parties during just-conducted governorship election in Acceptance Fee within with a congratulatory management has the state. announced that the school the stipulated time given message.

They said those who election.

Mosebolatan said, may forfeit the offer of It said the fee to be paid will commence degree have intention of voting for admission. for the acceptance fee is programmes from the a particular candidate student minds were changed on queue by changed their minds at the academic M e a n w h i l e , N15,000 for each student. 2018/2019 point of voting when they leaders of various political All admitted candidates session. management of Osun parties who bought them The Head, Public were induced.

State Polytechnic, Iree have been told to make A Computer Science over. has declared that the payment of acceptance fee Relations and Protocols, In her words: “Many Mr Olayinka Iroye, stated student of the institution, of the amount indicated Combined 6th Mosebolatan Margaret, students, particularly Convocation Programme with the use of ATM card this in a statement. those that voted at Iree who registered and voted Iroye said: “I am for graduands of the that is Inter switch town, voted money not print directed to inform you that in the school environment their choice”. institution for 2015/2016 compatible, located at Boripe Local Management Another student, and 2016/2017 academic acceptance fee receipt the during its Government said, vote Faramade Martins noted sessions would hold on online and change to Committee, meeting on Friday, August buying before and during that about 70 per cent of official receipt at the Thursday, 11th October, the election caused much 31, 2018, considered and

programme according to the release is Thursday, 11th October, 2018 at the institution’s Pavilion.

The Visitor to the Institution and Governor of the State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola is expected as the Special Guest of Honour.

FEDOFFA Publishes First Batch Of Admission List

Electrical Engineering B.Tech., and Food Science & Technology B.Tech.”

He revealed that the approval was contained in a letter signed by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof.

Abubakar Rasheed and delivered to the two institutions involved: the Federal University of Technology Minna and the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, recently.

Osun Poll: How Poly Students’ Choices Were Influenced By Inducement

institution’s Bursary.

harm than good to the

students that registered in

the town came back to perform their civil duties of voting.

Faramade said, time to time calling of student by some political leaders persuaded the students to voluntarily travel back to the campus without considering the risk and strike action.

Aremu Boluwatife, another student lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the poll, saying the system adopted made the process faster and gave all qualified electorate opportunityto vote within a very short time.

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How Observers Adjudged Osun Election

By Sikiru Obarayese The body also said that expressed ignorance of standard, it is an election, two leading parties. that Nigerians can be However, the Public International and local observers have described polling units were not Braille materials or its proud of, and I’m very Relations Officer of the Osun Governorship poll as free and credible as accessible to physically availability. sure that INEC will run National Council for The Centre for there was little or no report of violence or challenged persons, an incredible election in Women, Comrade (Mrs) intimidation at the polling units during the election. adding that some PUs Credible Leadership and 2019.”

Ibraheem was against the were sited in difficult Citizen Awareness, after They commended the collation system.

“The declaration of the inconclusive election as Independent National He said making it open places such as buildings the announcement of the election being declared by INEC outcome Electoral Commission would create an without ramps/handrail poll’s inconclusive is in line asserting that the (INEC), and the people of understanding of the across gutter or staircase. commended the electoral with the provision of organization observation It called on INEC to umpire for conducting a the state of Osun for the system in the election electoral act 2010 as is a disgrace to peaceful manner they process and win support train all cadres of its Staff free, and credible election amended. The total democracy. on equal voting access for in the state of Osun. conducted themselves for its use.

She said: “Inconclusive He said: “The poll is numbers of registered during the election.

“To further increase persons with disabilities, as we credible, it is in line with voters where election election is a push back to Nigeria Civil Society the credibility of election especially were cancelled is far Nigerian Women, and Situation Room in its results, INEC needs to approach 2019 general the provision of electoral more than the score of the push back to Nigerian. reports commended the return to its previous elections frowning at the act 2010 as amended, its party that has the INEC should do anything to the people of the state for the practice of immediate situation where some acceptable best difference between the possible to make it work. adhoc staff international peaceful manner they publication of polling INEC conducted themselves unit election results, as before, during and after well as publishing all of the comprehensive the poll.

The Convener of the details of collated results, Situation Room, Clement including the Form Nwankwo, in his EC60E, on its website and statement, said there was to be accessible to all”.

Meanwhile, Campaign need for INEC to change the trend on collation of for Equal Voting Access results and use of in its own commended (INEC) for early opening electronic method.

He called on INEC to of polling units as high prioritize and address the number of the polling problem of secrecy of the units were observed to ballot paper and votes have opened as early as which will help in 8am.

Chairman of the group, curtailing vote buying.

Nwankwo said the David Anyaele, said the issue of vote buying is promised Braille voter’s now reducing, as the guide and Braille ballot announcement of INEC paper by INEC for easy and law enforcement access of Election Day officials that suspects instructions, guidelines would be arrested and and ballot paper by blind charged to court, helped voters were nowhere to be found, as Polling Unit •Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Deputy Chief of the US Mission in Nigeria, David significantly. do not Young (2nd right); Consul General, Mr John Bray (2nd left); Political and Economic Chief, Mr Osman Tat (left) and He said: “there were officials issues of accessibility of understand what Braille Director of Public Affairs, Mr Russell Brooks, during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Chief of the US Mission in ballot paper is.

PUs by Person with Nigeria and Consul General, at the Government House, Osogbo on Friday.

Disabilities (PWDs).

INEC had promised that Braille would be used for the visually impaired He stated that Journalists Social Media and Elections: voters. Situation Room Hate Speech and Fake

By Francis Ezediuno Giving Practical Effect to can provide political parties News, Imperatives of Ethics could not verify that this with the information they Conflict Sensitive Reporting As the 2019 General Elections approaches, online and Professionalism in was the case, with most polling staff expressing journalists have been tasked to set a standard of Online, the Editor-In-Chief, need to make wise decisions Online Reporting, was also managing and resolving examined where Dr. ignorance of the braille or credibility in order to challenge fake news and hate Premium Times, Mr. in Musikilu Mojeed, pointed conflict and educate parties Ruqayayah harped on the speech on their different Platforms. its availability”. out that journalists should about ways of managing necessity to apply ethics Nwankwo also This formed the emerging consensus explore better ways of and resolving conflict as and professionalism in expressed concern that submission of speakers at a therefore is that online telling stories in such a way well as making it possible order to counter the spread the result collation took two-day workshop for journalists and bloggers that conflict is mitigated in for parties to trust each of hate speech and fake online journalists and need to strive to do better so the country. place mostly at night. other. news.

“On collation of bloggers in Abuja organised they could be part of efforts results, Situation Room is by International Press that seek to remove hate concerned that the Centre (IPC) and supported narratives from political EU on Democratic communication as a way of process of collation is by Governance in Nigeria for making the electoral The Education Support Service unit of Phillipanna foundation is desirous of delayed and appears to thirty journalists. environment healthier. complementing the efforts of Osun State Ministry of Education, by sponsoring happen mostly at night.

In his welcome address, In her presentation, a an independent English language teaching programme, which intends at its “This is when the the Director, International lecturer from the inception to concentrate on Reading and writing proficiency in Primary 3, 4 and political parties, Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Department of Information candidates, observers Lanre Arogundade stated Studies Bayero University, 5 classes in government owned primary schools in Osun State. The goal of this and other election that the training became Kano, Dr. Ruqayayah Aliyu scheme is to enhance basic reading and writing abilities in the primary schools. spoke on stakeholders may have necessary because the who depleted away from online environment is Understanding Conflicts: Job Title: Literacy Coach, observation of the occupying a central place in Its Nature and Character, process, especially with the media and it has offered noted that journalists must Job Contract: Full Time a converging point for adopt strategic and ethical fears of insecurity. media and principle to fight fake news.

“This trend needs to traditional Location: Osun State provided access to millions Dr. Ruqayayah change and INEC should of internet users in the maintained that being an consider an country. online reporter is not a Qualification improvement and Represented by the guarantee to violate Bachelor of Art (education) / National Certificate Education in English (not less innovation in its Programme Manager, Mrs. professional ethics and than second class lower) processes that will enable Stella Nwofia, he stated that charged journalists to keep Post Graduate diploma in Education would be added advantage the collation of results in development in the name of to public expectations of on such their credibility by being as much of daylight as journalism Requirements: possible and thus reduce platforms could not be accountable to their readers, Excellent Knowledge of Jolly Phonics night time election ignored as there is a listeners and viewers.

Excellent reading and writing skills The Executive Director, activities”, the statement perception that hate speech flourishes in the online CITAD, Kano, Dr. Yusuf Possession of imaginative and creativity skills reads. environment.

Yau who spoke on Excellent communication, presentation and Motivation skills Nwankwo called on She said that it is feared Contemporary Conflicts in Minimum of two years teaching experience would be added advantage INEC to open up its e- that in the realm of politics, Nigeria and Possible Impact collation method to violent conflicts occur on Media Coverage of 2019 HOW TO APPLY: independent observers during elections if online Elections revealed that the Qualified candidates should send their curriculum vitae to and other stakeholders in journalists and bloggers do way the media reads, philipannaf@gmail.com the electoral process to away with conflict sensitive understands and interprets conflict would affect the eliminate the present principles.

The Programme way news is reported. suspicion that becloud Please note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

In a presentation on the use of the said e- Manager stated that the Contact Phone Number: 08081753608 or 08080367505

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CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Man In Prison Over Alleged Armed Robbery

By Aishat Oyebamiji

A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo has remanded a middle-aged man in prison custody over alleged armed robbery.

The charge sheet read himself with a locally in the court disclosed made pistol and robbed that the suspect armed one Ajayi Peter of his

Toyota Camry car.

It added that the suspect also robbed the victim’s wife and two sister in laws of their valuables.

Among the properties he carted away were; a

Samsung S8+ phone valued N260,000, a Samsung touch phone valued N35,000, a wrist watch valued N75,000 and Gold Bangles valued N600,000.

if the suspect is sent to prison, the wife and the unborn baby will suffer alot.

He submitted that, the prosecutor do not have enough evidence to prove that the suspect committed such offence

last month.

Presiding Magistrate, Mr. O.O. Oladoke ordered that the accused should be remanded in Ilesa prison custody.

She later adjourned the case to November 3, 2018 for judgment.

Court Remands Suspect Over Alleged Stealing

By Sukurat Adewumi A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo has remanded a 22-year-old, Akanmu Waheed in prison custody over alleged stealing.

The charge sheet read However the suspect in court disclosed that the pleaded guilty to the suspect stole one Tecno charges preferred against phone valued N7, 500, him. property of Azeez Lawal The prosecutor, and one hand bag Inspector Rasaq containing the sum of Olayiwola said the N22, 500, property of accused was charged for Ajimotu Olalekan. a similar case at the The offence magistrate court 5 last committed, the charge month. sheet revealed is contrary He said, if the accused to section 390 (9) of is not properly punished, criminal code 34 VOL. II he will repeat the same Law of Osun State thing.

Nigeria, 2003.

Defence counsel, Mr. According to the Okobe Najite said the charge sheet, the suspect court should temper committed the alleged justice with mercy, that offence at Oke-baale, the suspect’s wife is Osogbo on September 20, pregnant and she is about 2018 about 2am. to put to bed, adding that

Man Docked For Theft Sukurat Adewumi

Other items are earrings, two Nokia phone, Ipad, an Infinix phone and cash sum of N260,000 with total venue of items stolen put at N5.8 million.

The offence committed, the charge sheet revealed is contrary to section 6(b) and punishable under section (1) of the robbery and firearms (special provisions) Act cap R11 vol.14 laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004.

According to the charge sheet, the suspect

committed the alleged offence at Osu junction along Ilesha road on April 12, 2018 at about 10:30pm.

However, the suspect’s plea was not taken due to the nature of his offence neither was he represented by any counsel.

Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Fatimat Sodamade ordered that the accused person should be remanded in Ilesha prison custody.

She later adjourned the case to November 26, 2018 for hearing.

•Some of the thugs caught with charms at ward 5 unit 17 Alekuwodo, Osogbo on Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Court Issues Bench Warrant Against Suspect

For allegedly stealing a sum of N70,000, the Osun State Police Command has arraigned a 25-year-old Oyedele Jayeola before an Osogbo magistrate court.

The accused was docked on two count charges appear when the matter

By Sukurat Adewumi came up for hearing. bothering on stealing. present three years tax An Osogbo Magistrate Court has issued a bench However, when the The Prosecutor, clearance certificate. warrant against a suspect, Temitope Sekoni, 45, for suspect later arrived the Assistant Superintendent The case was adjourned refusing to appear before the court. court, he was arrested of police, Fagboyinbo for hearing.

The suspect was court in a charge, MOS/ and docked for the Abiodun told the court 34c/2017 and fails to standing trial before the alleged crime against that the accused him. committed the offence on September 15, 2018 at The accused pleaded Pavillion Bar, Osogbo. person bail in the sum of guilty to the count charge Aishat Oyebamiji And Sukurat Adewumi Fagboyinbo said the N100,000 with one against him that the court accused stole one Osun State Police Command has arraigned a 24- surety, adding that the should forgive him and handset valued N14,000 wouldn’t do such again. and stole the sum of year-old man, Olusegun Lukman before an Osogbo surety must swear to an The offence committed, affidavit of means, and N70,000 by transferring the charge sheet revealed the money from one magistrate court over Mrs. Fatimah Sodamade present three years tax is contrary to section 133 granted the accused clearance certificate.

Dudupariola Opeyemi alleged abduction. of the criminal code cap Lukman who was account to his account without the owner’s docked on a single count consent. charge pleaded not guilty Presiding Magistrate, He submitted that the to the charge preferred Miracle Imohimi And Josephine Eyimofe Mrs Fatimat Sodamade offence is contrary to and against him.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo has remanded ordered that the accused punishable under section The Prosecutor, a 24-year-old Oluwadamilare Olusola in Ilesa prison person should be 390 (9)of the criminal Assistant Superintendent over alleged stealing of tricycle. remanded in Ilesha prison code cap 34 Vol. II laws leveled against him. of Police, Fagboyinbo custody.

The charge sheet made of Osun state Nigeria Abiodun disclosed that available to journalists said 2003. the accused person The accused pleaded abducted one Adeleke that the accused and others not guilty to the two Eniola by taking her out at large stole a tricycle machine (keke Napep) count charge against Toyosi Fafolahan and Mistura Oladele N450,000 of the custody of her valued him.

A 38-year-old man, Tiamiyu Abdul Rasaq has been to one Mr. The defence counsel, father and mother belonging arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate court for Ganiyu Adetoro.

Mr. Bola Abimbola without their consent.

The offence committed, fraudulently obtaining the sum of N4.5million.

Fagboyinbo explained applied for the bail of the The accused was docked punishable under section charge sheet revealed, is that the accused accused person in the contrary to and punishable on four count charges 419 of Osun State Nigeria most liberal and committed the alleged under section 516 of bothering on fraud, stealing 2002. crime on September 10, criminal code CAP 34 vol and attempted murder. affordable terms.

It was also disclosed that The charge sheet read in the suspect and others at He said the accused 2018 at Okinni.

II and under section 390(9) He said the offence is of the state criminal code court disclosed that the large also threatened to kill will provide a reliable accused person and others one Adekale Afeez through and credible surety to contrary to section 225 of law 2003. stand for him. the criminal code cap 34 According to the charge at large fraudulently text message and thereby The Magistrate, Mrs vol. 11 law of Osun state, sheet, the suspect and obtained the sum of N4, committed an offence 000 from one Adekale contrary to and punishable Fatimoh Sodamade Nigeria 2003 others at large committed 500, Afeez with a pretence of under section 86(1) (2) of granted the suspect bail The defence counsel the offence on September organizing spiritual prayer Criminal code CAP 34 VOL in the sum of N200.000 prayed the court to grant 21, 2018 at about 5;00 am to avert his death II laws of Osun State with one surety. the suspect bail in the at church street, Ayetoro revelation, a pretence he Nigeria 2002.

She said, the surety most knows to be false and liberal and area of Osogbo.

The charge also said that The accused pleaded thereby committed an the suspect stole the sum of must swear to an affordable terms. guilty to the charges offence contrary and N4, 5000, 000. affidavit of means and Presiding Magistrate,

Man In Court Over Alleged Abduction

Alleged Keke Napep Theft:

34 vol. 11 law of Osun state of Nigeria, 2003.

According to the charge sheet, the accused committed the alleged offence at chief magistrate court 1 on September 24, 2018 at about 9:00am.

Presiding Magistrate Mrs. Fatimat Sodamade granted the accused bail with the sum of N5,000 or should be remanded in prison custody for a month.

Court Remands Suspect In Prison She later adjourned the case to September 28, 2018 for mention at court 3, claiming that the accused is not in his right state of mind at the moment.

Suspect Docked Over N4.5m Fraud The accused person pleaded not guilty to the four counts charge leveled against him.

The Defence counsel, Mrs. Julius Okonkwo prayed the court to grant her client bail in most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Fatimat Sodamade granted him bail with the sum of N500, 000 with one sureties, she added that the sureties should swear to an affidavit of means, produce 3 passport photographs, 3 years tax clearance and their address should be confirmed by the police.

The case was adjourned till October 22, 2018.

CRIME

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Victory At Last OBSERVATION The eventual emergence of the Iragbijiborn financial expert cum public administrator turned politician, and erstwhile Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Adesoji Aremu Aregbesola, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Governor-elect of the State of Osun to beat his closest rival in the race, “Jackson” Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, did not come on a platter of gold right from the days of the primary election that brought him up. Democracy was actually at play in Osun because that is the best known form of political choice in any modern society.

If enviable career combined with strong certificates, robust degrees and public administration experiences are all that are needed to mount the coveted saddle of a state governorship position, perhaps Oyetola would have had no serious contender in the race. But because politics is a game of numbers to be won through the ballots, Oyetola still needed to go through the rigours of an election. If everyone thinks alike on the best criteria to be possessed to mount the saddle, perhaps each and everyone in the state would have begged Oyetola to carry on with the good works on ground and build on the foundations already laid by the iconic Rauf Aregbesola. But because of whom we are and whom we choose not to be, it was a tortuous race to the Bola Ige House for the quiet, unassuming Isiaka Oyetola which climaxed into a narrow victory on Thursday, September 27, 2018 run-off supplementary election following the inconclusive one of Saturday, September 22.

How does one situate an Oyetola, who has been a solid pillar of governance during the almost eight years of Rauf Aregbesola’s government here, labouring days and nights to assist in getting things done in policy and its implementation, to be paired with an Ademola Adeleke, battling with credibility problem, not for PhD or Masters degrees but that of a school certificate forgery and examination malpractice? How does one explain an Oyetola being put in same relay race with someone whose highest educational attainment is the base West African School Certificate through which his highest achievement in education is just one F9 as if its stand-alone status can fetch the owner a Messenger job in a local council?

Discussing this with a colleague, it soon came to limelight that the whole contest is not about an Ademola but about a party, representing a reactionary mindset of certain collectives in the southwest that

BY MOSHOOD AYO AKINOLA

•

The greatest winners in this race are the people of Osun, not just Oyetola or the APC. They’ve been saved from an ominous doom which awaits them if PDP had been able to get the day. Osun people would need to go to their worship centres and praise the Deities which they worship for saving them from the ravaging locusts looking for where to perch, after having been rejected in several other states and even at the centre. has once held sway, dictating the pace and having all things going well for it in times past, whose wings have been scraped through series of electoral defeats in all states of the region, sinking deeply in the sea of oblivion, wanting to hold on to the last opportunity of relevance in a state whose government has for long been terribly misrepresented in the eyes of the entire nation; a party that, having recently lost Ekiti State with its icon brutalized by unknown corps in a disgraceful manner not befitting of even a school Principal, may want a revenge in a nearby state having misread the mood of the citizens.

In all these, resources were pulled together from bourgeoisies which the party’s candidate’s family crudely represents and with few other uncanny sympathizers outside and within the geographical enclave to unleash cash-backed electoral bash on unwary citizens of the state.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018 Osun citizens went to the polls to choose their next governor only to be confronted, at the poll centers with bags and sacks of cash

all across the state: their magic wand for a pyrrhic but short-lived “victory”. Their undoing, however, was the orchestrated violence and electoral malpractices which could not escape the notice of the umpire in at least seven polling centers. The criminologist theory that the undoing of any criminal often lies on his or her carelessness in leaving behind traces of such criminality which leads to eventual detection. The Saturday polls that raised Ademola’s votes a little bit above that of Isiaka is ominous enough in the eyes of the discerning public insisting that the party that was disgraced out of power in Osun some eight years ago, and still sinking deeper through loss of power in the centre and many other states uncountable could maneuver a comeback in a progressive state still begs for explanation. Investigations will sooner or later reveal that ballot-stuffing enabled through few compromised umpires and unscrupulous security men looking away provided that leeway for the election riggers.

CARTOON

A politically savvy APC soon saw the rescheduled re-run as a window to regain its stolen victory of Saturday. The party therefore opened discussions with some opposition parties, reassured the citizens, blocked the loop-holes through which the PDP had hitherto gained the Saturday’s pyrrhic victory, and ensured strict security of its votes throughout all concerned polling centres which the opposition claimed to be intimidation and harassments. These moves, which were neglected in the initial polls, were what actually saved the day on Thursday. My poser has been that if the PDP had had a true victory last Saturday as they claimed, there wouldn’t be the need for them to protest a rerun in less than 1% centres. But because they knew that the game was up, had to cry wolf by rejecting a re-run, which it eventually participated in and expectedly lost.

The election has been won and lost.

Gbeyega Isiaka Oyetola has been pronounced elected as the governor of the State of Osun. But certain pertinent lessons are obviously learnt. APC leaders in Osun and elsewhere will learn not to relax on their guards relying solely on their sterling performances. The enemies are always around the corners. They will be blind to your performance and pretend you haven’t really performed; they will try to paint white (your efforts at uplifting peoples’ lives) into black (a means to hoodwink the people) and even outwit you in convincing the vulnerable electorates not to want you around. Worst is that they will also make attempts at compromising the umpires and security forces when all has failed to work for them as they did on Saturday, September 22nd.

The greatest winners in this race are the people of Osun, not just Oyetola or the APC. They’ve been saved from an ominous doom which awaits them if PDP had been able to get the day. Osun people would need to go to their worship centres and praise the Deities which they worship for saving them from the ravaging locusts looking for where to perch, after having been rejected in several other states and even at the centre. Another set of winners in this race is the entire southwest. I sincerely congratulate the Oduduwa sons and daughters home and abroad for rejecting the doom called PDP in their various states. Our cultural heritage as an Omoluabi nation has been restored wholly by this rejection of a party known for nothing other than feeding fat on our collective resources.

Finally, let me congratulate the O’YES and Apalara cadets, Agba Osun beneficiaries, as well as others too numerous to enumerate here. What would have been your fate if the dancing locust had carried the day? In order to recoup their illegal investments into the polls, most of these social interventionist funds would have instantly found their way into their individual filthy pockets and the schemes uprooted through disbandment.

Finally, I have no apology in using this medium to go spiritual, thanking God for, once again, showing us His mercies, after the near-calamitous events of September 2014 when hooded fake and real mercenaries stormed Osun for ignominious reasons.

God!...we aren’t perfect but we thank Thee for giving us the Day.

•Ayo Akinola, a public affairs analyst writes from Osogbo.

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

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