VOL. 9. NO.077 NNNNN5050505050SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014

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Front Page Comment

- See StoryOn Page 2

Who KilledChief Bola Ige,former Attorney-

General andMinister of

Justice? IGE

My Administration ‘ll NeverSack Any Worker - Aregbesola

•A mammoth crowd at the 8th edition of lnteractive Public Feedback Programme (Gbangba D’ekun) in Ijesa-North Federal Constituency held at Ijebu-Jesha, last Thursday. INSET:(L-R) Otunba (Mrs) Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Jide Omoworare and Honorable Nathaniel Agunbiade.

The allegation ofplanning to causeviolence duringthe coming guber-natorial election inthe state of Osunby the PDP gov-ernorship candi-date,

Omisore's figmentof imagination

former SenatorIyiola Omisoreagainst the stateGovernor, OgbeniRauf Aregbesola,

is to say the leastridiculous. Com-ing from Omisorewe see this as themost irresponsible

and prepos-terous allegationto levy againstO g b e n iAregbesola, ap e r s o n a g ewidely knownfor his pacificinclination.

Continue on pg5

2 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014News

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

•A mammoth crowd during Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s 2014 re-election rally in Ikirun last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Come Out And Campaign - Osun APCChallenges PDPTHE All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown an

open challenge to the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the State of Osun to hit the campaign trail

and demonstrate its grassroots support for the public tosee how credible its claims are to unseat Ogbeni RaufAregbesola in the August 9 election.

The APC claimed it iscurious that 45 days to thecrucial election, the PDP andits governorship candidate,Senator Iyiola Omisore, arenot visible on the campaigntrail, saying they are onlyloud with the lies theypropagate in the media, andthe false claims of supportthat is non-existent in citiesand towns of Osun.

However, in contrast tothe disappearance of thePDP from the campaign trail,the APC stressed, OgbeniRauf Aregbesola is roaringwith unprecedented crowdsthat demonstrate massivegrassroots support, which isonly reminiscent of ObafemiAwolowo’s politicalcampaigns of the 70’s and80’s.

According to the APC,Aregbesola’s campaignshave been swelling in crowdparticipation right from Ile-Ife to Ikire, to Iwo and Ikirunwith such enthusiasticmultitude of supporters thateven the media is takingparticular notice.

“We challenge them tocome out of their coven offraud, lies and false claims”,the APC said, adding thateven with theencouragement they havefrom APC’s loss of Ekiti, thePDP still cannot summonthe courage to hit thecampaign trail “running and

smoking.“That is because they

know they lack the supportto mount a challenge againstOgbeni Rauf Aregbesola,”the party claimed.

The APC said the PDPshould recognize that Osunis a different ball gamecompletely. “That ithappened somewhere else inthe West doesn’t mean it canhappen in Osun. At least, wedemonstrated that in 2011,when the rest of the Westvoted for Jonathan but Osunvoted for Ribadu.

“Ekiti may have fallen butOsun stands firm; and we aredemonstrating it already inthe campaign trail,” the APC

stressed.“What the PDP made

possible in Ekiti will beimpossible in Osun, becausethe circumstances aredifferent in every materialparticular,” the APC said,challenging the PDP “toabandon its back-door andsinister campaigns, whichrely more on a rigging planthan an open contest.

“If the election was notrigged in Ekiti, it cannot berigged in Osun,” the APCdeclared.

Obokun, Oriade Residents Turn GbangbaD’ekun To Carnival

RESIDENTS of Obokun and Oriade LocalGovernment Council areas of the State of Osun,host of the eighth edition of Gbangba D’ekun,

turned the interactive programme into a carnival to garnermore support for governor of the State of Osun, OgbeniRauf Aregbesola.

As early as 10.00am onThursday, residents of thevarious communities in thearea thronged the Ijebu-JesaHigh School, venue of theprogramme, to wait forgovernor’s arrival.

Stakeholders and opinionmoulders in the variouscommunities also troopeden masse to the venue witha view to making theirimpulse about governanceknown to the state’s

helmsman.Traditional rulers in the

two council areas wereamong the first set of peopleto arrive the venue andpatiently waited for thegovernor to register theirviews about governance intheir respective domains.

The venue was filled tocapacity, as various groupsstrived to outshine oneanother, in a bid to registertheir unfailing support forthe All ProgressivesC o n g r e s s - l e dadministration in the state.

They were all led to thevenue of the programme bythe President of Ijesa-NorthTraditional Council, theArakeji of Ikeji, ObaAdebayo Ogunmokun,while openly declaring theirsupport for the governor’ssecond term bid.

He also urged othermonarchs in the state tocontinue to support thegovernor and pray for hissuccess regularly in a bid to

turn the state into a paradisefor all.

It was evident that thepeople, particularly partyfaithful and supporters atthe venue were there torekindle their passion for thegovernor in the face ofdampened morale, as aresult of the outcome of EkitiState gubernatorial poll.

Part of their objective,according to leaders ofvarious groups, was toshow the people of Osunthat the state is differentpolitically from Ekiti andwould not revolt against thegovernor.

Various groups in the areaadded glamour and glitz tothe event, as the popularhighlife musician known asBuga entertained the crowd.

Members of the StateExecutive Council,lawmakers from both stateand federal levels, ExecutiveSecretaries in the area werealso on seat to listen to thegovernor’s intention for theirareas.

My Administration ‘ll Never Sack Any Worker - AregbesolaBy KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

THE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni RaufAregbesola, has assured the people of the state hisadministration’s resolve never to sack any worker

despite the falling allocation from the federation account.The governor accused

the Federal Government ofNigeria of deliberatelyweakening the federatingunits, especially the statesunder the opposition AllProgressives Congress(APC) with a view tostrangulating themfinancially for politicalreasons.

Aregbesola stated thiswhile answering questionsduring the eighth edition ofGbangba D’ekun, a stategovernment publicinteractive programme, heldin Ijebu-Jesa, headquartersof Ijesa North FederalConstituency on Thursday.

According to him: “Mypact with God and thepeople of the State of Osunis not to sack any worker. Ifwe can retain the glaringenemy, why are we going tosack workers, who neveroffended us or neglectedtheir jobs. Those peddlingsuch rumour are ignorant ormischievous.

“It is important to knowthat it was never thecharacter of ouradministration to delayworkers’ salaries, but thedelay started since theFederal Government messedup the federal allocation.

Before, we used to get N4.6billion monthly, but now,they give us N2.6 billion orbelow and they will noteven pay us on time.Sometimes, they pay by thethird or forth week of thefollowing month. However,by God’s grace, we havepaid May salary toworkers,” he said.

Aregbesola said despitethe falling allocation , hisadministration will continueto pay the workersregularly.

The programme wasattended by over 60traditional rulers in IjesaNorth Traditional Council.

On the four state-ownedtertiary institutions’ strikinglecturers, the governor saidas a government, hisadministration has offeredthe best to the workers,adding that the state lacksthe financial capacity of theclose to N90 billion pensionfund they are requesting forand urged the stakeholdersin the state to appeal to thelecturers in the generalinterest of the people.

The governor alsoassured the people ofIpetu-Ijesa that the OsunState University campus atIpetu-Ijesa would not only

remain, but equally beupgraded to Aeronautic andAviation School contrary tothe relocation rumour.

He assured the people ofImesi-Ile, Esa-Oke, Ira of thecompletion of their roads andbuilding of new elementary,middle and high schools intheir various communities.

The royal fathers, whothrew their weight behind thegovernor on behalf of theircommunities, while speakingat the programme, includedthe Akeji of Ikeji-Ile, theOlura of Ira-Ikeji, Oba JuliusOlukayode, and Oba FelixTaiwo Aribisala, the theElekuruu of Ijebu- Ijesa, whowas represented by Odofinof Ijebu Ijesa, High ChiefOlutola.

The Owamiran of Esa-Oke,Oba Akanbi Adediran, saidOsun election would never

be like that of Ekiti,stressing: “We are gratefulpeople. We are stronglybehind the governor and Iurged the people to alsoreplicate the good gestureof the governor by votingfor him on August 9.”

He urged the governor toresolve the industrial actionembarked upon by lecturersof the state-owned tertiaryinstitutions, whichaccording to him, hasaffected the economy ofEsa-Oke, neighbouringtowns and otherinstitutions hostingcommunities.

The monarch alsoexpressed concern over thelow pace at which thecontractor handling theOtan-Ile, Esa-Oke to Ijebu-Jesa road and urged thegovernor to liaise with the

contractor on how to fast-track the road project.

Earlier in his address, theState Commissioner forInformation and Strategy,Mr Sunday Akere, said theeighth edition of GbangbaD’ekun in Ijebu-Jesa waspostponed on severaloccasions as a result ofcircumstances that beyondthe control of theorganisers.

He saluted the traditionalrulers, opinion leaders,religion leaders and politicalleaders for trooping out en-masse for the programmeand promised that thecurrent administration in thestate will continue to makelife better for the people ofthe constituency.

Akere said Aregbesola’sgovernment would continueto create a platform for the

people to interact with thegovernment on ongoingdevelopmental projects andother areas of improvement.

Dignitaries at programmeincluded deputy governor,Otunba (Mrs) Grace Laoye-Tomori, Secretary to theState Government, AlhajiMoshood Adeoti, theSpeaker, State House ofAssembly was representedby Honourable TaiwoAdeyemi.

Others were HonourablesYinka Ajayi, NathanielAgunbiade, members of theFederal House ofR e p r e s e n t a t i v e s ,Honourable MBO Ibraheemof the State House ofAssembly, Mr TaiwoFatiregun, ExecutiveSecretary of Oriade LocalGovernment Council, amongothers.

3 News OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014

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•The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign bus crushed by an articulated vehicle at Iba Junction near Inisa, inIba, State of Osun, last Thursday. Photo: ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN

By SOLA JACOBS

Popularise Gender Instrument For Development - Osun Women Urged

WOMEN in the State of Osun have been urged topopularise gender issues for their developmentin the state as the administration of Ogbeni Rauf

Aregbesola, since its inception, had designed the issue togenerate employment, improving efficiency andparticipation of women in planning and decision-makingin the state.

The State Commissionerfor Women and ChildrenAffairs, Mrs MofolakeAdegboyega, disclosed thisat a-day awarenessprogramme organised inOsogbo, the state capital onWednesday.

She stated thatA r e g b e s o l a ’ sadministration is taken giantstrides towards therealization of the MDG goalsas regards to gender

equality through its six-point integral action plan.

Mrs Adegboyega saidsteps taken in ensuringgender balance in the stateinclude promulgation oflaws towards abolition of allforms of discriminationAgainst Women, such asProtection AgainstDomestic Violence Law2013.

The Child Right Act 2007,which stipulates that 18

years is the minimum age formarriage and betrothal, aswell as Matrimonial CausesAct and many more for thebetterment of the women inthe state.

Presenting a paper at theworkshop, the guestlecturer, Professor AnthonyOladoyin of the Departmentof Public Administration,University of Ilorin, in hispaper titled: ‘GenderEquality: Core Value ForTransforming The Society,’posited that despite thesignificant number ofwomen in the country andtheir abundant intellectualendowment, the country’sdevelopment process isonly being slowed down bytheir marginalisation in the

decision-making processand it is general belief thatthe Nigerian women areexploited and marginalised.

Dr Oladoyin affirmed thatsince the nation’sindependence till date, thestory of Nigerian women inthe political scene has beenthat of struggle, as they arefairly represented in keypositions as partyexecutives, elected officersand political appointees.

According to him,Nigerian women haveencountered a number ofproblems while venturinginto politics as a result of thepatriarchal nature ofNigerian society, as menoften than not, constitute alarger percentage of

membership in all theexisting political parties inthe country and this tendsto affect women, when itcomes to selecting ofcandidates for electoralprocess.

The guest lecturerhowever did not fail tomention that the Nigeriangovernment equallyprovided some stimulus tothe education and self-development of women, aswomen are expected to besensitive to governmentalpolicies, react positively tonational issues and makesignificant contributions tonational issues and nationbuilding strategies but theirresponse has been low.

In his word: “Womenhave continued to beaudibly and visibly silenton key national issues.Only a few have come outto participate politically atthe transitional andgladiatorial level.”

He concluded the lectureby calling on women to riseup to the challenge andpopularise the genderinstrument among theirfolks for self-development,so as to contribute theirquota to the development oftheir nation and the

betterment of themselves.The awareness

programme providedparticipants at the differentsessions to exchange ideason issues affecting themgenerally.

In one of the sessionstitled: “Elimination of allforms of genderdiscrimination, Mrs BolaAdeniji educatedparticipants how to seekredress in civil matters, as itaffect their rights in marriage.

A participant at theworkshop, Mrs MuboAkinyemi, stated that it isneedful to have suchseminars as the nation isgearing towards election oftheir leaders, especially atthe federal level and thatwomen should endeavour toselect credible leaders withtheir votes, knowing thattheir vote is potentialweapon to effect positivechange in the country andabove all, they should seekelective posts, with a viewto contributing togovernance in the nation.

Personalities at theworkshop included thePermanent Secretary of theministry, Mrs AdebimpeOgunlumade, directors in theministry and various womengroups across the state.

Osun Tertiary Institutions’ Staff RetirementAge Bill Passes Second Reading

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

THE State of Osun Tertiary Institutions Retirement AgeBill has passed through the second reading before the

state House of Assembly as lawmakers gave their backingto the quick passage of the bill.

The governor, OgbeniRauf Aregbesola, had in aletter dated March 18, 2014,forwarded a bill to the stateparliament, seeking theextension of retirement ageof the academic staff of thestate-owned tertiaryinstitutions from 60 to 65years.

The state legislature, hadduring a meeting with Non-Academic Staff Union of thestate-owned tertiaryinstitutions, promised thatthey would be included inthe bill.

At its plenary onTuesday, the Leader of theHouse, HonourableTimothy Owoeye, moved amotion for the second

reading of the bill and wasseconded by the ChiefWhip, Honourable IpoolaBinuyo.

The Speaker, HonourableNajeem Salaam, said thespeedy passage of the billwas germane towardsmeeting the demands of thestaffers of the state-ownedtertiary institutions.

He was optimistic that thestriking teaching and non-teaching staff of theinstitutions wouldappreciate the passage ofthe bill and call-off the strikeas soon as the bill is passedinto law.

He urged his colleaguesnot to do anything thatwould foot-drag the

passage of the bill in theinterest of the state and itspeople.

Owoeye, while movingthe motion earlier, said thequick passage of the billwould go a long way inmeeting some of thedemands of the teachingand non-teaching staff,who are presently on strike.

Other members, includingKamardeen Akanbi (Ede-North), Wasiu Adebayo(Olorunda) and FolorunshoBamisayemi (Ife-South) alsospoke in favour of speedypassage of the bill.

According to them,experience on any job getsbetter with age, saying thebill would assist the staffersto do better on their jobs.

With its second reading,the Assembly is expected tomove into the considerationof its provisions before itsfinal passage into law.

We, Moremi PublishingHouse Limited, Publishersof Osun DefenderNewspaper, do not demandor accept gifts orgratification to publisharticles or photographs,neither do our journalists.Therefore, we implore you

not to offer any to ourreporters. In the event thatany journalist from ourestablishment demandssuch, kindly incident thereport atosundefender@yahoo.comor 08033927286 and08033880205.

ETHICAL ISSUES?

Trailer Crushes Omisore’s Supporters In Odo-Otin

TRAGEDY has befallen the camp of the Osunchapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) on Thursday, as six commercial

motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders, whowere supporters of Senator Iyiola Omisore, theparty’s governorship candidate, were injured in anaccident involving a trailer.

The Okada riders withOmisore’s branded vests,were waiting for theirprincipal with a view tobeing part of his campaigntrain in Inisa, when theaccident occurred.

According to an eyewitness, Mr. OyekanmiPaul, the victims werewaiting to welcomeOmisore when a Dangotetruck, loaded with cementand paints veered off theroad and hit about ten ofthe waiting motorcyclists.

Six of them wereinjured, while othersescaped unhurt.

He added that the injuredmotorcyclists were laterrushed to an undisclosedhospital for medicalattention.

When OSUNDEFENDER visited thescene of the accident,policemen and FederalRoad Safety Corps(FRSC) officials wereseen on ground managingthe situation.

While speaking withnewsmen at the scene ofthe accident, the IkirunUnit Commander of theFRSC, Mrs. OlayiwolaTitilayo, confirmed theincident, but claimed that

nobody died.She cautioned

pedestrians to beconscious and urgedmotorists to be carefulwhile driving, especiallyduring this election period.

By ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN

Women Determine Men’sSuccess - Mrs Aregbesola

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

WOMEN have been described as powerful tools used byGod in shaping the lives of their husbands.

This was disclosed bywife of the Governor of theState of Osun, Mrs SherifatAregbesola, in the State ofOsun at the grand finale ofthe 2014 Osun Province 1Good Women Conventionof the Redeemed ChristianChurch of God held at thechurch’s BreakthroughCathedral in Osogbo, thestate capital.

She said the success ofany man lies in the tongueof his wife, charging womennot to relent in their effortsin being the strong pillarsand efficient planners thatshape the lives of theirhusbands’ positively.

She advised that wivesshould complement theefforts of their husbands intheir respective homes.

Mrs Aregbesola, whowas at the event with thestate Deputy Governor,Otunba (Mrs) TitilayoLaoye-Tomori and wives ofother political office holdersin the state, stressed thatthe roles that women playat home and in public lifeare crucial to thedevelopment of the homeand the nation at large.

Mrs Aregbesola, whodescribed herself as afulfilled woman, said

whatever any man willbecome in life lies in thetongue of his wife and GodAlmighty.

She added that womenshould always rally roundtheir husbands at all times,while further charging themto always pray for theirchildren and husbands inorder to allow the dreams ofthe respective families to befulfilled.

In her goodwill message,the deputy governor, saidthe current administration inthe state is a productivegovernment and not adestructive one, dispellingthe rumour going round inthe state that the presentadministration would sacksome teachers after theelection.

She urged Christians topray for the safe returns ofthe kidnapped Chibok girlsby the Boko Haram sect.

Highlight of the Goodwomen Convention was thepresentation of gift items tooutstanding good women inthe church, presentation ofspecial numbers, cutting ofcake and thanksgivingsection led by MrsAregbesola and Mrs Laoye-Tomori.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 20144 News

•State of Osun deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titi-Laoye Tomori (2nd left); wife of Osun governor, Mrs. SherifatAregbesola (middle) and wife of the Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Osun Province 1,Mrs. Olagboye (4th left), during a programme titled: “Fulfilled Women” in Osogbo, last Sunday.

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

Osun 2014: Protect Your Voters’ Cards,Monarch Urges Osun Electorate

THE electorate in the State of Osun have been advisedto protect their voters’ cards, which representedtheir weapon in their choice of who governs them.

Osun 2014: Electorate Charged Not To Be IntimidatedBy KAZEEM MOHAMMED

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) hasadvised the people of the state not to allowanybody to intimidate them in the cause of

choosing their desired leader during the August9 governorship election in the State of Osun.

The lawmakerrepresenting Orolu/Irepodun StateConstituency in the StateHouse of Assembly,Honourable KamilOyedele, gave the adviceat the APC rally in Ifon-

Osun, headquarters ofOrolu Local GovernmentCouncil Area of the stateon Monday.

Members of the partyand people of the councilarea defied the rains andtrooped out en-masse to

be part of the campaign.He pointed out that

Governor RaufAregbesola hasperformed excellentlyduring his first tenure andthe only way the peoplecan make him do more isto vote for him for asecond term, so that hecan continue hisdevelopmental projects inthe state.

The lawmakersappealed to theIndependent National

Electoral Commission(INEC) to ensure a free,fair and crediblegovernorship election inthe state.

He also urged INEC toremain an unbiasedumpire during theelection, saying thatwould rekindle theconfidence of theelectorate in thecommission’s ability toconduct a free and fairelection.

Also speaking, the APC

Chairman in Orolu LocalGovernment CouncilArea, Alhaji IbrahimGaniyu, said the partywould not allow riggingduring the election,charging INEC to ensurethat all stakeholders playthe game according to therules.

While appealing toINEC to allow theelectorate vote through anorganised free, fair and

credible election, he urgedthe security operatives toensure adequateprotection for theelectorate during theelection and preventelectoral malpractices.

He also urged theelectorate to go out en-masse and vote forGovernor Aregbesola,stressing that their vote istheir right to elect theleader of their choice.

Speaking while receivingthe Ijesa North AregbesolaRe-election Campaign Teamled by Dr. Wale Bolorunduroin Ibokun, headquarters ofObokun Local GovernmentCouncil Area of the state,the Alademure ofIbokunland, Oba FestusAwogboro, urged thepeople to ensure that theirvotes count.

The monarch, whopledged the support of hissubjects for Aregbesola’ssecond term re-election bid,said his community hadbenefitted immensely fromOgbeni Aregbesola’svarious developmentalprogrammes and projects.

He speciallyacknowledged the efforts ofthe governor at ensuringthat peace reigns supremethroughout the State ofOsun, adding that underAregbesola, Osun remainesthe most peaceful state inthe country.

He told the team that hispeople were fully preparedfor the election, adding thatthey were politicallyconscious of the essence ofdemocracy.

Speaking earlier, DrBolorunduro, who is also

the State Commissioner forFinance, Budget andEconomic Planning,enjoined the people not tobe intimidated by thepresence of securitypersonnel at polling booths

but rather to come out enmasse to vote for GovernorRauf Aregbesola.

He added that it was onlyby voting for OgbeniAregbesola that the goodworks he had embarkedupon would continue andongoing projects would becompleted.

PARENTS have been advised to attend to welfare oftheir children by ensuring that their wards attendschool in neat and smart school uniforms, together

with necessary writing materials in order to give themright sense of belonging with their mates, so as not tohamper their learning ability, which might emanate fromsuch denial.

Deputy Governor andCommissioner forEducation in the State ofOsun, Otunba (Mrs.) GraceTitilayo Laoye-Tomori, gavethis advice recently whilefielding questions fromnewsmen after shesuccessfully distributednew school uniforms toindigent pupils in publicElementary and MiddleSchools in Osogbo andOlorunda Local GovernmentCouncil areas of the state.

Mrs. Laoye-Tomori, whodescribed the gesture as herpersonal contributiontowards the enhancementof the educational policy ofthe current administration inthe state and a quickintervention to reducingburden of parents, whocould not afford financialcost of replacing their wards’tattered school uniformswith new ones, said thedistribution was targeted atpupils from poor homes.

The deputy governor saidthe move became imperativeto her so as to save theaffected pupils from

unusual embarrassmentthey might be exposed tofrom their mates, adding thatthe motive behind the movewas to complement effortsof the state government,which distributed over750,000 school uniforms topupils of public elementary,middle and high schools inthe state.

She said the gesture wasdevoid of any political,ethnic or religiousaffiliation, but one aimed atsustaining the good of thepeople of the state.

The visits, which wereunscheduled but with thesole purpose of bringingsuccour to indigent pupils,were turned to carnival-likeoccasions, as both teachersand pupils could not hidetheir joy when thebenefitting pupils wereadorned with their newuniforms.

About 150 elementaryand middle school uniformstogether with numerous 60-leaved exercise books weredistributed during theexercise.

Manage Pension Fund Properly – Osun HOS Charges ConsultantSTATE of Osun Head of Service, Mr Olayinka Owoeye,

has observed that pension matters is an issue of lifeand death to an average civil servant, hence,

whosoever is put in-charge of the fund must possess therequired knowledge and skill to manage it effectively.

Owoeye made theobservation in Osogbo, thestate capital, while declaringopen a three-day workshopfor Pension Desk Officersunder the New ContributoryPension Scheme.

Speaking on behalf of theState Head of Service, thePermanent Secretary in theMinistry of HumanResources and CapacityBuilding, Mr SundayOlajide, posited that ifnothing had not been wrongwith the old pensionscheme, there would nothave been the need for thenew one.

Among other things, heidentified the need toaddress the cause ofbacklog of pension arrearsowed workers, as anecessity for the newpension scheme.

While admitting that the

new pension is not withoutteething problems, the Headof Service disclosed that acommittee, comprising ofrepresentatives of laboursunions and relevantgovernment officials, hadbeen set up in the state toaddress the challengesarising in theimplementation of thescheme.

He then charged theNational PensionCommission to be seriouswith its duty of routineverification of the variousBureaux of Public ServicePension in all states of thefederation in order tosmoothen the rough edgesof the scheme.

Earlier in his welcomeaddress, the Director, PublicService Pension in the state,Pastor Yemi Oyeleye, who

advised the workshopparticipants to approach itwith all seriousness, pointedout that the programme wasdesigned to impactparticipants with the basic

skills needed for effectivepension administration.

The workshop, whichwas organised by theBureau of Public ServicePension, in collaboration

with the National PensionCommission, had allPension Desk Officers, aswell as Pension FundAdministrators asparticipants.

Man, 22, Arraigned For Raping Girl, 20

ONE Ogundare Temitope (22) was on Tuesdayarraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’sCourt for allegedly raping a 20-year-old girl.

According to the chargesheet read in court, theaccused person hadunlawful carnal knowledgeof one Bakare Aderonke

The charge stated thatthe suspect alledgedlycommitted the offence on3rd June, 2014 at about10:30 am around Otan-Ilein Obokun LocalGovernment Council Areaof the State of Osun

The charge furtherstated that the offence

committed was contraryand punishable underSections 249 and 357 ofthe Criminal Code Cap 34,Vol 11 Laws of the Stateof Osun, 2003

The defence counsel,Barrister Dada Bose,prayed the court to granther client bail in the mostliberal terms, whilepromising that if granted,her client would not jumpbail.

Police prosecutor,

Sergeant Elisha Olusegun,however, did not opposethe plea of the counsel,saying that only the courtcould decide.

The accused personhowever, pleaded notguilty to the count chargesof rape and indecentassault slammed againsthim

The presidingmagistrate, Olusola Aluko,however granted theaccused person bail in thesum of N100, 000 withtwo sureties beforeadjourning the case tillAugust 20, 2014 formention.

By BOLANLE BABALOLA

Parents Counselled ToCare For Their Children

By SOLA JACOBS

5OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014 News

Omisore's figment of imagination

Apart from virtues of hardwork, humility, dedication,commitment to service

, one other quality OgbeniAregbesola possesses whichendears him to people is hispacific nature. More often thannot messages of peace alwayscome out from his mouth.

But he (Ogbeni) doesn'tonly preach peace, he alsowalk the talk. Even when hismandate was stolen by thePDP in 2007 rather than en-courage his supporters andparty members to engage inviolence he continued to ap-peal to them to toe the line ofpeace. As a peace loving in-dividual he headed for theCourt where he finally got jus-tice after three and a half yearsof perseverance. And even af-ter regaining his stolen man-date he never avenge in spiteof all the persecutions he wentthrough in the hands of elec-toral bandits. He preferred toforgive his tormentors.

Thus isn't it the height ofmischief for anyone to comeup with allegation of planningto cause violence against apersonage of this nature? Ofcourse it is! And even if sucha wrong allegation wouldcome from anybody itshouldn't be Omisore whosestock in trade is perpetrationof violence and who derivesso much joy from disturbingpublic peace. We see this asa case of the pot calling thekettle black or a situationwhereby the thief starts tocatch the farm owner becausethe farm owner is slow incatching the thief.

In his figment of imaginationor out of deliberate mischiefOmisore had alleged that "thegovernor had bought 20Armoured Personnel Carriers(APCs) which would be usedto cause violence during thecoming governorship elec-tion". He had alleged furtherthat "Aregbesola has a pre-meditated strategy to releasethese APCs during the elec-tion". What a spurious alle-gation?

For those who care toknow or better still for thepurpose of public enlighten-ment the reason for the pur-chase of the said APCs is forfurther distribution to the se-curity operatives to aid themin their responsibility of main-taining peace in the state. Werecall here that the governorhad earlier distributed someAPCs and about 120 patrolvans to security agencies inthe state. That was in April2013 at a ceremony where theInspector-General of Policewas represented and the gov-ernor did promise on that oc-casion that more would stillcome.

Thus if there are APCs ingovernment house why thefuss about their presence?We believe common senseshould simply tell anyone thatthese APCs are not pur-chased for any other ulteriormotive other than to be givento the security personnel infulfillment of the governor'spromise to further empowerthem to make their job easier.

But at Osun Defender herewe are not in the least sur-prised that this allegation iscoming from Omisore'scamp. Being a serial liar thathe is no serious-minded per-son should take him seriousat all because more oftenthan not, lie, and nothing butlie are the words that comeout from his mouth. is onlyo n e

word todescribe the

plannedcollaboration between the govern-ment of the State of Osun and theGerman State of Saxony Anhalt toboost the state’s agriculture: heart-warming. Undoubtedly, it is an at-testation to the fact that the pains-taking work undertaken by theRauf Aregbesola-led administra-tion to attract not just investment,but expertise in critical areas of thestate’s developmental needs, is fi-nally bearing fruits. Viewed withinthe context of its declared commit-ment to improve agricultural prac-tices and to boost food security, itis an important signal that theadministration’s avowed mission tobanish poverty from the state iswell on course.

OSUN DEFENDERPublisher – Moremi Publishing

House Ltd.

Managing Editor – Kola Olabisi(0803-392-7286)

Editor – Kayode Agbaje (0803-388-0205)

Lagos Editor – Kola Odepeju(08023191891)

Production Editor – Pet-Kola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter – Sola JacobsSenior Reporter – Kazeem Mohammed

Magazine Editor – Niyi Olasinde

Reporter – Kehinde AyantunjiReporter – Francis Ezediuno

Photographer – Oluwagbemiga AdeniyiPhotographer – Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager – Murtala Agboola

Computer Operator – Saheed AfolabiComputer Operator – Mary AkintolaAssistant Computer Operator – Lukman Oseni

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing HouseLimited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust BankGTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.All correspondence to the above mail address.ISSN: 0794-8050Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205Website: www.osundefender.com/index.phpe-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com

Continued from pg1

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 20146 FEATURE

Taxation As A Veritable Source Of IGRNIGERIA has for a very long

time been operating amono-cultural economy.

Her major source of foreignearnings and revenue for manyyears has been oil. Oil revenueaccounts for over 80 per cent ofgovernment’s incomes. PetroleumProfit Tax (PPT) constitutes amajor part of government taxes.Experts predict that in the next 15to 20 years, the oil wells may dryup and there is need to source forother means of running thegovernment.

Countries all over the world arerun mainly through taxation andlaws governing taxation are heldsacrosanct and religiously too. Allthe developed and emergingeconomies like the United States,Canada, United Kingdom, China,among others use tax to develop.Seeing the importance of using taxrevenue to grow, Nigeria iscurrently developing mechanismnecessary to improve the taxrevenue system in the country.

One of the problems is thatNigeria has not been able todocument its tax payers, therebymaking it difficult to have adatabase of those who are supposedto pay tax. As a result of this,millions of naira is lost to non-remittance of taxation. For now, itis mostly salary earners that paytax. Big companies and businessesdo not pay much because there aremany tax holidays they enjoy.

There is need to ensure that taxcontinues to play its major role inproviding sustainable revenue forgovernment. Fluctuations in crudeoil earnings can affect publicexpenditure adversely and taxeshave become a veritable avenue, theproverbial egg that lays the goldeneggs, and its importance cannot beoveremphasized.

For instance, the Minister ofNational Planning, Dr ShamsudeenUsman, once said that Nigerianswould need about $3 million tobuild the public infrastructure inthe next 30 years and that more thanhalf of the amount would befinanced from the nation’s coffers.It is expected that the bulk of thatfund will come from tax revenue.To achieve this, the federalgovernment is hoping to toe theline of the Lagos StateGovernment, which has leverageon its bustling population tofinance its major publicinfrastructure through its taxcollections.

Lagos is one of the fewfinancially independent states inthe country Internally generatedrevenue from the seven tax typesin Lagos has moved from a monthlyaverage of about N600 million in1999 to approximately N17.5billion in 2012 thereby makingLagos State less dependent onproceeds from the federationaccount.

The problem that the governmenthas in this area of revenuegeneration is that there are still far

low many tax-dodgers. And theycome from the top echelons of thesociety. This class is the mostcritical of the efforts ofgovernment; yet it is the leastwilling to discharge its ownobligations to society. Thequestion is not whether they canafford to pay their taxes or not- thetruth is that they prefer to use whatis due to the government for otherpurposes. Tax-dogging or taxevasion is not only unlawful, it isimmoral and unfair. There is theneed for a new drive to bring intothe net all those who have so faravoided paying tax or paying thecorrect tax.

In this connection, the long armsof the law cannot be stopped evenby the death of the tax-evader.Where it is discovered that acitizen did not fulfill his taxobligation before his death , aclaim will be made on his estateand such a claim will be givenpriority over those that may bemade by other creditors. Section48(i) of the personal Income TaxLaw provided that “ where anindividual dies, the amount of (a)tax in respect of income of hisarising before the death and (b) anytax for which, but for his death, hewould have been answerable inrespect of other incomes soarising, shall be payable by theperson administering thedeceased’s estate out of the assets

of the estate.With respect to Pay As You Earn

(PAYE), the defaulters are largelycompanies who deduct income taxfrom their employees’ salaries butfails to pass the deductions to thetax authorities as required by law.Internal effort on revenue andexpenditure is the main prop onwhich any administration stands. Itis the centre-piece of financialmanagement. The key to thesuccess of any administration in allfields of endeavour is the prudenceof financial management. If thereis no money, it will be difficult toexecute programmes. Excellencecomes out of sacrifice. We all wantour state to be one of the best citiesin the world to live in. It can be.But we must make our owncontribution towards making thisdream come true by paying ourtaxes. It is our civic responsibility.It is the law.

For each state in Nigeria and theFederal Capital Territory, buildinga viable state in this context meansexactly what is required at thenational level and more; a burningdesire to build a viable state in theshortest possible time; developingthose sustainable developmentparameters within each state tofocus on having sustainablesources of revenue that would drivesustainable development; anunrelenting focus to achieverevenue and developmental targetsso as to achieve the set goals,collaborative arrangements within

and amongst the state and localgovernments, between states,between the state and federalgovernment, between the state andits citizenry and residents.

The real focus should be ondeepening and widening the entirerevenue base; the focus should bemore on the quantum of collectionand how to grow that quantum andallocate it, than on merely whocollects it as such narrow focussub-optimises what can becollected, and how monies areutilized. Indeed it accentuates thechallenges of multiple taxationwhich is not only unconstitutional,but exacerbates the problem of thetax payer and electorate who getincreasingly frustrated at thenumerous amount of taxes borne-formal and informal, for which aclear solution needs to bearticulated and implemented by allof the state governments on behalfof both state and localgovernments as provide for in theconstitution

There is the need for a tax policyin the country. Hitherto, eventhrough tax policies have existedin various documents, these havenot been coordinated andharmonized into a documented taxpolicy that clearly articulates howto use taxation to drivedevelopment not just at the nationalbut at the sub-national level. Thestate governments need to enactclear laws on the taxes and rateschargeable by the localgovernments to reduce theincidence of multiple taxation.Multiple taxation is a major barrierto effective collection of legaltaxes. It is injurious to theeconomy. This is because itincreases the cost of doingbusiness in the country,discourages local trade andinvestment and also gives anegative perception of the Nigerianbusiness environment.

With government spendingrising, it is important for revenueadministrators to devise ingeniousmeans of improving tax collection.One sure way of doing so isautomation of the tax collectionprocess. Recently, the FederalInland Revenue Service (FIRS)announced ongoing efforts toautomate tax collection by 2014with the Integrated TaxAdministration System (ITAS). Theprimary goal of this project is tore-engineer the tax administrationservice delivery, eliminate gapsand redundancies in the currentadministrative assessment processby leveraging technology in linewith global best practicesultimately leading to simplertaxpayer compliance. The objectiveis to transform the taxadministrative systems andoptimize its contribution tonational development.

•Prof, A. S Asaju wrote in fromthe Federal University ofTechnology, Akure, FUTA.

By PROF A.S ASAJU

“With government spending rising, itis important for revenue administratorsto devise ingenious means of improvingtax collection. One sure way of doingso is automation of the tax collectionprocess. Recently, the Federal InlandRevenue Service (FIRS) announcedongoing efforts to automate taxcollection by 2014 with the IntegratedTax Administration System (ITAS). Theprimary goal of this project is to re-engineer the tax administration servicedelivery, eliminate gaps andredundancies in the currentadministrative assessment process byleveraging technology in line withglobal best practices ultimately leadingto simpler taxpayer compliance. Theobjective is to transform the taxadministrative systems and optimize itscontribution to national development.”

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014 7

8 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014PHOTOTALK

•(L-R) Honourable Yinka Ajayi and State of Osun Commissioner for Information andStrategy, Honourable Sunday Akere.

8th Edition Of lnteractive Public Feedback Programme (Gbangba D’ekun) By GovernorRauf Aregbesola In Ijesa North Federal Constituency Held At Ijebu-Jesa, LastThursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•

•(L-R) State of Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun; State Treasurer, Mr Kunle Odeyemi and former Speaker, State of Osun House ofAssembly, Professor Mojeed Alabi.

• (L-R) Coordinator, De Rauf Group, Comrade Amitolu Shittu and Executive Secretary,Obokun Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, Dr Gbenga Ogunleye.

•A mammoth crowd at the programme.

9OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014 PHOTOTALK

•

8th Edition Of lnteractive Public Feedback Programme (Gbangba D’ekun) By GovernorRauf Aregbesola In Ijesa North Federal Constituency Held At Ijebu-Jesa, LastThursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•

•

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right, in white), acknowledging cheers from his admirers and supporters, during the 8th Edition of an lnteractive Public Feedback Programmetagged: ‘Gbangba D’ekun’ in Ijesa North Federal Constituency at Ijesa-Jesa High School, Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun on Thursday.

•The Governor Rauf Aregbesola (on a stage) addressing the crowd during the 8th Edition of Gbangba D’ekun (Public Assesment) by Governor Aregbesola in Ijesa-North FederalConstituency, State of Osun last Thursday.

10 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014

•

8th Edition Of lnteractive Public Feedback Programme (Gbangba D’ekun) ByGovernor Rauf Aregbesola In Ijesa North Federal Constituency Held At Ijebu-Jesa, Last Thursday. Photo:

GBENGA ADENIYI.

•A cross section of traditional rulers at the event.

•

•(L-R) Senator Jide Omoworare; Honourable Nathaniel Agunbiade and State of Osun Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro.

PHOTOTALK

(R-L) Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori and Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.

11 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014

Job Vacancies In NigeriaMaersk Line Job Vacancy for a Graduate Operations Officer in Lagos

Maersk Line is the world’s largest container shipping company, serving customers all across the globe.Maersk Line has 25,000 employees across 325 offices in more than 125 countries. As a leading provider ofcontainer shipping services, Maersk Line’s mission is to provide opportunities in global commerce. MaerskLine helps customers source goods from anywhere in the world, creating efficiencies in their supply chains,and making it possible for commodities to reach new markets more quickly. Maersk Line sets the standardsin ensuring continuous and consistent reliable and quality service to its customers and is regarded amongstthe most reliable carriers in the world.The Maersk Group comprises A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S and subsidiaries based in Copenhagen, Denmark.The Group employs about 89,000 people in around 135 countries across the world.Maersk Line is recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Operations Officer

Location: LagosRef.: ML-049330

Key ResponsibilitiesSuccessful candidate would be on a sequential job rotation in the operations department. Rotation would bein the following order;

1.) Marine & Terminal OperationAssist the Mariner and Terminal Operations manager in adequately manage all areas within the marine andterminal operations department:Internally in terms of proper planning of operational tasks and implementing and continuously refining andupdating procedures to improve overall efficiency and profitability for the Line.Externally in terms of stakeholder management with service providers and authorities; maintain a dialoguewith main suppliers and authorities in area of responsibility on general and principal marine and terminaloperations.Monitoring set performance measures for external vendor deliverables and follow up on performance.Assist the Mariner and Terminal Operations manager in conducting regular ports/terminals performancereview to ensure that contractual productivity targets are met.Ensure visibility on performance management for all relevant KPIs for CWAOPS.2. Equipment, Intermodal & EMRAssist the Equipment, Intermodal & EMR Manager in overall supervision of Equipment Management andIntermodal Operations within CWA cluster (comprising Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Niger).Assist daughter countries in equipment flows, dwell-time and turn-time management including timelyevacuation and securing of required space allocation.Assist the Equipment, Intermodal & EMR Manager in conducting regular ports/terminals and ICDs relatedinfrastructural capacity reviews to ensure that the Line takes proactive actions to avoid any bottlenecks. Thisshould include keeping an eye on the dwell time of import cargo within the cluster.Ensure visibility on performance management for all relevant KPIs for CWAOPS.3.) ProjectsCreate and deliver project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.Monitor day-to-day operational aspects of the project(s).Ensure project documents are complete, current, and appropriately stored.Work closely with relevant stake holders to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project(s).Align projects to business goals, managing stakeholders, and communicating project status, milestones, andunexpected difficulties effectively.Any other function as assignedUpon completion of rotation, the incumbent shall become part of operations team within any ofthe above work streams depending on requirements and aptitude.

RequirementWho we are looking forMinimum Bachelor’s Degree in economics, finance or Business related course1-2 year work experienceKnowledge of shipping industry would be an added advantageDetail oriented individual with excellent analytical skillsPossess good communication and interpersonal skillsStrong team player while taking responsibility for own performanceStrong MS Office Suite skills

Method of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates shouldClick https://jobsearch.maersk.com/vacancies/publication?pinst=005056A52F591EE3BEF34465FF681044 Application Deadline 8th July, 2014.———————————————————————————————————-Maersk Line Lagos Jobs for Operations Executive

Maersk Line is the world’s largest container shipping company, serving customers all across the globe.Maersk Line has 25,000 employees across 325 offices in more than 125 countries. As a leading provider ofcontainer shipping services,Maersk Line’s mission is to provide opportunities in global commerce. Maersk Line helps customers sourcegoods from anywhere in the world, creating efficiencies in their supply chains, and making it possible forcommodities to reach new markets more quickly. Maersk Line sets the standards in ensuring continuous andconsistent reliable and quality service to its customers and is regarded amongst the most reliable carriers inthe world.The Maersk Group comprises A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S and subsidiaries based in Copenhagen, Denmark.The Group employs about 89,000 people in around 135 countries across the world.

Maersk Line is recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Operations Executive

Location: LagosRef.: ML-049337

Key ResponsibilitiesSuccessful candidate would be on a sequential job rotation in the operations department. Rotation would bein the following order;

1.) Marine & Terminal OperationAssist the Mariner and Terminal Operations manager in adequately manage all areas within the marine andterminal operations department:a.Internally in terms of proper planning of operational tasks and implementing and continuously refining andupdating procedures to improve overall efficiency and profitability for the Line.b.Externally in terms of stakeholder management with service providers and authorities; maintain a dialoguewith main suppliers and authorities in area of responsibility on general and principal marine and terminaloperations.Monitoring set performance measures for external vendor deliverables and follow up on performance.Assist the Mariner and Terminal Operations manager in conducting regular ports/terminals performancereview to ensure that contractual productivity targets are met.Ensure visibility on performance management for all relevant KPIs for CWAOPS.2.) Equipment, Intermodal & EMRAssist the Equipment, Intermodal & EMR Manager in conducting regular ports/terminals and ICDs relatedinfrastructural capacity reviews to ensure that the Line takes proactive actions to avoid any bottlenecks. Thisshould include keeping an eye on the dwell time of import cargo within the cluster.Ensure visibility on performance management for all relevant KPIs for CWAOPS.Assist the Equipment, Intermodal & EMR Manager in overall supervision of Equipment Management andIntermodal Operations within CWA cluster (comprising Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Niger).Assist daughter countries in equipment flows, dwell-time and turn-time management including timelyevacuation and securing of required space allocation.3.) Cost Control & EconomyAssist Cluster Cost and Efficiency Manager in optimizing existing operational processes with particular focuson reducing cost and increasing productivity and efficiency.Assisting Cluster Cost and Efficiency Manager in ensuring NOPS accuracy for CWA Cluster by proactivelyidentifying estimation issues and taking measures towards timely resolutionTo assist in ensuring compliance to various contracts and service level agreements in terms of costs to theline, operational efficiencies, volume rebates / discounts, productivity incentives and any penalties arising outof non-compliance.To assist in ensuring all required statistics are captured throughout the year and are available to monitorperformance of suppliers to effectively monitor their performance and compliance to various service levelagreements.4.) Projects

Create and deliver project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.Monitor day-to-day operational aspects of the project(s).Ensure project documents are complete, current, and appropriately stored.Work closely with relevant stake holders to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project(s).Align projects to business goals, managing stakeholders, and communicating project status, milestones, andunexpected difficulties effectively.Any other function as assignedUpon completion of rotation, the incumbent shall become part of operations team within any ofthe above work streams depending on requirements and aptitude.

RequirementWho we are looking forMinimum Bachelor’s Degree in economics, finance or Business related coursePossess good communication and interpersonal skillsStrong team player while taking responsibility for own performanceStrong MS Office Suite skills2-3 years work experienceKnowledge of shipping industry would be an added advantageDetail oriented individual with excellent analytical skillsMethod of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates shouldClick https://jobsearch.maersk.com/vacancies/publication?pinst=005056A52F591EE3BEF3D755B370D075

Application Deadline 8th July, 2014.———————————————————————————————Jobs at Unilever for an R&D Assistant Manager in Oregun, Lagos

Unilever Nigeria Plc - Our brands are trusted everywhere and, by listening to the people who buy them,we’ve grown into one of the world’s most successful consumer goods companies.

Unilever Nigeria Plc is recruiting to fill the below position:

Job Title: R&D Assistant Manager N&H

Job Number: 14000BNULocation: Nigeria-Lagos State-Lagos-Oregun

Job DescriptionUnilever Nigeria is looking to hire an Expert in Nutrition & Health managementThe employee contributes to growth by driving Nutrition & Health (N&H) for brands, categories andcorporate.Based on local market insights manages N&H risks and opportunities wrt portfolio and claims and deployscentrally developed N&H communication packages / initiatives.

Main AccountabilitiesUnderstand brand / category strategy and N&H environment (policies, consumers, markets, competitors,health influencers) and share these with GDC or RDC to identify nutrition and health opportunities (keycells).Accountable for N&H soundness of related local communications for health influencers, media and consumers.Champion USLP Health & Wellbeing commitments by driving quality of nutritional data in our databases,monitoring portfolio status and identifying and flagging issues and opportunities.The above mentioned accountabilities apply also for local jewels, but country N&H manager is responsiblefor design and clearance of N&H claims and communication materials.Leverage expertise, best practice and learning across countries and brands via relevant networks (e.g. UnileverNutrition Network)Contribute to the claims co-generation process by identifying risk / opportunities and sharing these in earlystages with the GDC / RDC.Proactively manage associated risks of centrally agreed claims by creating a local support for our claims,preparing spokespeople to deal with external Qs and by monitoring issues and timely involving relevantstakeholders.Deploying centrally developed N&H communication approach and materials for both “health influencers”(experts, health care professionals, NGOs, GOs, media, social networks and customers) and consumers aimedat influencing local consumer behaviour to create demand for Unilever products in an effective way.Relevant Experience Required:3 years of relevant working experience in a relevant discipline such as R&D, Nutrition & health in FMCG,Public Health, Communication, Science.

Method of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates should:https://unilever.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobdetail.ftl?job=14000BNU&lang=en

Application Deadline 2nd July, 2014———————————————————————————————————Jobs for Sales Managers/Engineers in a Power Services Company based in Lagos

A Lagos based Power Services Company specializing in the sale, repair and servicing of Generator products isseeking to recruit the services of Sales Managers/Engineers with experience in selling either generator orautomobile or industrial products.

Job Title: Sales Managers/EngineersLocation: LagosResponsibilitySuccessful candidates will be responsible for aggressively generating sales of diesel engine generators in linewith set target, provide market survey, presales technical support, manage client accounts, manage a salesteam and report on sales activity.

QualificationsCandidates are expected to have a minimum of first degree HND/BSc, in Business Management, Marketing,Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent technical degree with proven sales track record of automobileor industrial products.Must have a strong marketing flair and a good understanding of the technical market terrain.Good interpersonal skills are essential with the ability to work with little or no supervision.Applicants should not be more than 35 years oldSuitable candidates must have minimum of 3 years post-graduate experience in selling technical/industrialproducts preferably Diesel Engine Generators, installation and support services.Method of ApplicationQualified candidates should send in their resume to: pplrecruit@yahoo.com

Application Deadline 8th July, 2014——————————————————————————————————Current Vacancies in an International School in Lagos

An International School that is starting at Ogba by September invites applications from suitably qualifiedcandidates to fill the position of:

Location: Lagos

1.) An Experienced School SecretaryRequirementHND Secretarial Studies, HND Business Administration, or HND Accounting.2.) Nursery TeachersRequirementNCE/B.ED in any discipline with vast experience in early years and foundation stage education.Montessori knowledge is an added advantage.3.) Experienced MarketersRequirementHND Marketing/BSc Marketing.4.) An Experienced Caregiver

Method of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates should submit handwritten application with CV to:collegeemploymentvacancy@gmail.com

Application Deadline 8th July, 2014———————————————————————————————————————

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 201412

Double Tenure; Double Goodies – Aregbesola’sRe-assurance Of Quality Governance

Instead of detractors' wish for the fold of progressives in the State of Osun, it was a tumultuouscrowd that trooped out last Monday to demonstrate their support and acceptance for the second termbid of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in office. Following the defeat suffered by the fold in neighbouring EkitiState last weekend, apprehension nursed and expressed in some quarters had been that the spill-overeffect would cast shadows or dampen the morale of the progress-loving people of the state, as a vibrantsubset of the volatile South-West. In Ikirun however, NIYI OLASINDE was part of the events whichplayed out. He succinctly captures it as the beginning of a line-up of redoubled efforts in the collectivebid to clinch Ogbeni's governorship ticket and his return back to the Government House, come August9.

FEATURE

THIS election season is becomingmore and more interesting.Obviously, as the coast is becoming

clearer, things are getting better. Thecampaigns preceding the GubernatorialElections in the State of Osun havegathered momentum. As a matter of fact, itis an undertaking in stating the obviousthat we are midstream into a fresh roundof elections. The moment of decision isround the corner. In a matter of a monthand few days, we, I mean all eligible adultswho had registered as voters and whohad collected their Permanent Voters’Cards (PVCs), introduced by theIndependent National ElectoralCommission (INEC) shall be exercisingtheir franchise; through the power of thethumb. Now, it is becoming more down-to-earth that the thumb is more powerfulthan force of arms; especially if and whenit is used to poll majority votes cast for aparticular candidate and / or his politicalparty.

It is in reasonable response to thisstark reality that the ruling AllProgressives Congress (APC) in the statehas recently intensified efforts at massivevoter education and awareness creationas it roves round the nine federalconstituencies into which it is delineated,with the intent of reaching the electoratein their domains and present them withthe programmes and policies the party hasin stock for them. Over a period of timespanning almost four years now, the state Continued on page 13

has witnessed monumental progress,growth and development, measured withthe widespread developmental projectsspringing up, jumpstarted and bankrolledunder the aegis of the GovernmentUnusual spearheaded by the indefatigableteam of achievers led by Ogbeni RaufAdesoji Aregbesola.

The landmark achievements of theadministration are many. So plenty arethese ground-breaking feats that makingan attempt at reducing them to writingwould require a voluminous work! Thismedium has done that over and overagain. Yet in our avowed determination atproviding the public with true, unbiased,accurate and authentic information weshall not shy out at this crucial stage tore-emphasize the joy of having acompetent government in place at thehelm of affairs. It is safe here to concludethat this Government Unusual is working.This is the truth that is quite visible inevery stratum of life in the State of theVirtuous.

At a time like this, prior to theGubernatorial Elections of year 2007; ayoung, vibrant, enterprising andpromising gentleman – an engineer byprofession - expressed interest inproviding the kind of leadership the statehad long thirsted for. Unfortunately, sincethe creation of the state in 1991, this kindof administration had been a matter ofdesideratum, i.e. necessary but missing.The man, who christened his campaign

appellation after one of the illustriouslegendary forebears of the Yoruba race,Oranmiyan, stormed the entire politicallandscape with rallies, campaigns andpublic forums with which he intimated thepopulace with the innovations he wasabout to bring to bear in government,should he be given the mandate. Not tobore my readers with too much of well-known details, I hereby venture intoadumbrating the entire election promisesin the presentation of his Six-PointIntegral Action Plan, encapsulated in thepact he made with the people of the state:

· Banish Poverty· Banish Hunger· Banish Unemployment (Create

Work/Wealth)· Restore Healthy Living· Promote Functional Education· Enhance Communal Peace and

ProgressToday, we all are living witnesses to it

that he has kept faith with his promises.Little wonder that the first civiliangovernor of the state Alhaji IsiakaAdeleke, did at the Ikirun Mega Rallyname the achiever behind these countlessprojects in Ibo as Ekwueme, meaning aman of his words; or better, a man whoseword is his bound. Aregbesola has, withinhis almost four years in office touched thelives of the citizenry in all facets. Boldly,we assert that there is no household,sector, class, caste or stratum of the statewhere the hand of his administration has

not been prominently felt.It is in appreciation of this kind

gesture; so magnanimously bestowed thatpeople troop out in their droves wheneverthe call is made on them to give of theirtime, attention, interest, love and support.In most cases, most of these variableconstructs, which the people of the statepossess in abundant dosage, are givenunsolicited. Naturally, it is a matter of onegood turn that deserves another. But thepeople insist on giving more than these.They are fully committed to doing it allover again for Ogbeni and hisadministration so that the good workcould continue.

So far, five mega rallies have been heldin five out of the nine federalconstituencies in the state. Aside this,local campaign rallies are ongoing all overthe corners, nooks and crannies of thestate, all at the instance of the AllProgressives Congress (APC) to publishthe policies and programmes which theparty and its candidate have in stock.This fact is against the backdrop thatsome other parties in the contest are notbeing noticed as convening any gatheringat all. Some of them do not appear to haveany well conceptualized manifestos!Aside these rallies organized by a well-known, widely accepted political party,other gatherings are being held on dailybasis by groups of diverse interests,adopting the

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (waiving broom), acknowledging cheers from his ecstatic admirers during a mega-rally for his re-election in Ikirunlast Tuesday.

13 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014

candidature of Ogbeni and endorsing hisstay in office beyond year 2014.

At all the mega rallies held so far, theexperience has been awfully wonderful.The surging crowd of supporters thattrooped out to grace these rallies isastonishing. Little wonder that membersof the leading opposition in the statemarvel to the extent that they carelesslymistake the explosive figure of attendeesfor hired cronies from other lands. Once,I overheard some of their idlers arguingon how the statistics of a single politicalparty at just one of its rallies could appearto surpass the aggregate population figureof the entire state! To such ones andothers who are similarly confounded, Igive this candid answer: Time will tell, orbetter still, our votes shall soon tell. It isas simple as that.

THE recently-held mega rally at Ikirunhas multiplied the already numerous woesof traducers. Since the rally day, I forone have not been able to come out witha self-satisfactory solution to the puzzlein my mind. The puzzle is whether or notthe Reinhard Bonnke crusade which firstopened the venue to mammoth crowdwas as large as this political convergenceit drifted into of late. Speaker afterspeaker, including Senator Isiaka Adelekeand Governor Aregbesola himself couldnot hide their rapturous amazement at theturnout of people at the event. Thepetrifaction of doubting Thomases causedtheir lower lips to droop. The story istold of how some of them began todevelop high blood pressure; while thosewho had long been afflicted had theircases aggravated. WHY? Because theythought, in their wildest imagination, thatthe charade of Ekiti would cause a set-back for camp of progressives. Gladly,they are disappointed.

The mega rally held in Ikirun, the seatof Ifelodun Local Government CouncilArea of the State of Osun was convenedat the instance of the Ifelodun FederalConstituency, comprising three localcouncil areas, namely, Ifelodun, Boripeand Odo-Otin. Every component of therally, including the huge turnout, the

spacious and expansive venue and theorderliness which pervaded theatmosphere spoke of work of ingenuityin planning and events management.Thus, one could not but appreciate thegrand homework done by the AregbesolaSecond Term Campaign Committee forthe constituency, under the distinguishedchairmanship of the Chief of Staff to theGovernor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

As early as eight o’clock on that day,the ancient town of Ikirun had alreadywoken up to the frenzy atmosphere thatwas destined to last all-day. The streetsfast became beehives of activities ascrowds built up rapidly for the greatevent. At the centre of the town,especially, Oja Oba and areas adjoiningthe Akinrun’s Palace, attitudes of traders,commercial motorcycle operators(popularly referred to as okada men) andthe presence of security men indicatedthat the stage was being set for aninteresting event.

At Total Area, down to Station Road,up to Monday Market and across the Ofa/ Osogbo Expressway to AkinorunGrammar School, the situation was as ifthe weekly Monday Market was going tobe extended one more day. This was alsothe situation at the popular Oja AlamisiJunction. The popular Eko-Ende Road didnot take exemption from the hustle-bustle.The apparently most affected area wasthe old Inisa Road, stretching from theold Mobil Junction, through Labaeka /Emiloju Area down to the CokerMemorial High School, overlooking thevenue of the great meet.

Entrances to the town were not spared.Outskirts along Inisa, Obaagun to Coker,Obaagun via Oke’ba, Iragbiji / Ada end,Eko-Ende and the rest were beefing upwith congestion. The Osogbo end of theoutskirts had expectant people attractedto it as they expected the appearance oftheir beloved emancipator – OgbeniAregbesola. Motor Parks in the townwere not spared. Unions of publictransport operators also organizedthemselves into groups with which theyset out to identify and solidarize with theman who turned their fortunes around

positively in a dramatic fashion. Studentbodies, market men and women andvarious trade unions and associationsused the ample opportunity provided bythe august occasion to troop out and maketheir gratitude and support known.Needless to say, multifarious politicalgroups and associations struggled tooutdo one another as they registered theirpresence at the rally.

On arrival at Ikirun, the first port ofcall for the governor and his entouragewas the palace of the monarch of thetown, where all the royal fathers werealready seated, waiting for the arrival ofthe man in who they are well pleased.The host, Akirun of Ikirun, His RoyalMajesty, Oba Rauf Olayiwola OlawaleAdedeji, led others to receive the governoron arrival as prayers were rained on himand the success of his second term bid.

Thereafter, the governor made straightfor the venue of the occasion. Themammoth crowd that heralded his arrivalat the palace, the ones that lined all thestreets, and the cumulative crowd thataccompanied him all the way to the venuesuggested the expectation and arrival ofone of the prophets of old, say,Mohammed or Jesus Christ. Alreadywaiting at the venue was another largecrowd. It was indeed a glorious occasion.

Speeches after speeches were made atthe occasion. The high point was thespeech of the governor, the man of themoment. Aregbesola thanked the peoplefor the continued faith in, and theirsupport for his administration, even ashe solicited their massive votes on theElection Day. He brought out the uniqueand intricate elements which distinguishedthe State of Osun and its politics fromEkiti; just as he cautioned the electorateto spurn all forms of intimidation andtroop out in droves on Election Day toperform their civic obligation. He alsocounseled law enforcement agents toendeavour in their operations to dwellstrictly within the ambit of constitutionalprovisions; as that was the only provisofor the people to stretch olive branchesto them.

Most impressive was how Aregbesola

recounted his list of achievements; justas he promised to do more in his secondterm. According to him, he was seekingre-election, not just for the sake of it, butto do better in terms of good governanceand service delivery to the people, In hiswords at the occasion, his seeking re-election was governed by the doctrine of“double tenure; double goodies”. Byimplication, the benefits derivable fromgiving him mandate to serve another termin office shall outstrip those alreadyderived from the first tenure.

Among dignitaries who graced theoccasion are former governor of the state,Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Wife of theGovernor, Alhaja Sherifat AbidemiAregbesola, Deputy Governor, Otunba(Mrs.) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori andthe visiting Wife of the Governor of OgunState, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun. Othersinclude the rank and file of the AllProgressives Congress (APC) in the Stateof Osun led by the Acting Chairman, ElderAdelowo Adebiyi and Acting Secretary,Prince Gboyega Famodun. Among themembers of the State Executive Councilin attendance are the Secretary to the StateGovernment, Alhaji Moshood OlalekanAdeoti, Chief of Staff to the Governor,who doubled as the Chief Host at theevent, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola,Commissioner for Information andStrategy, Honourable Sunday Akere, hisJustice Ministry counterpart, Mr. WaleAfolabi and a host of others.

Also in attendance are federal and statelegislators, executive secretaries of localgovernment council areas, politicalbigwigs, representatives of trade andprofessional associations and groups andothers. Nollywood actors and musicianswere not left out as usual. The chiefentertainer at the occasion was KingWasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1).

Leading the Obas at the Akinrun’sPalace are their Royal Majesties, theAkinrun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-RaufOlawale Adedeji (Ifelodun); the Aragbijiof Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed AyotundeOlabomi Odundun IV (Boripe); andOlokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Abioyethe Oyebode Oluronke II (Odo-Otin).

Continued from page 12

Double Tenure; Double Goodies – Aregbesola’sRe-assurance Of Quality Governance

FEATURE

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (on top of a bus), acknowledging cheers from his supporters and admirers at the Ikirun mega rally.

14 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014

•OMISORE •ADELEKE •ADESIYAN

A memorable quote from SenatorIsiaka Adeleke on the PDP candidatein the State of Osun, Senator IyiolaOmisore, Minister of Police Affairs,Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan and another PDPchieftain in the state, Sogo Agboola.

Omisore, Police Minister Beat Me Up - Adeleke“On entering the hall, I saw Omisore, Adesiyan, Sogo

Agboola sitting together. I went to Adesiyan to complainthat police officers and DSS operatives were holdingparty men outside. But, instead of listening to me, hejumped over a table before him and hit me with a blowon the chest. Sogo Agboola also attacked me. Before Iknew what was happening, Omisore hit me with a blowfrom the back. About seven guns corked were pointed atme,” Adeleke asserted.

•Culled from Nigerian Tribune,Thursday April 3, 2014

15 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, June 28, 2014

8th Edition Of lnteractive Public Feedback Programme (Gbangba D’ekun) ByGovernor Rauf Aregbesola In Ijesa North Federal Constituency Held At Ijebu-Jesa,Last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•Another cross section of traditional rulers at the event.

•Another cross section of ecstatic crowd during the programme.

PHOTOTALK

SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014

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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. Allcorrespondence to the Managing Editor, KOLA OLABISI, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail:osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.

My Reflections OnEkiti 2014 Election

•FAYEMI

AUDACIOUSEXPLOIT

withMURTALA AGBOOLA

TEL: 0806-119-7897E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com

THE Ekiti 2014 gubernatorialelection has come and gone. Ithas been viewed and analysed in

different ways. Some, particularly thestalwarts of the Peoples DemocraticParty (PDP), have said they havearrived to take over power from theruling All Progressives Congress (APC)in the South West zone of the country.

There were certain facts that wereestablished with the Ekiti election. Firstand foremost, it is an incontrovertible factthat the election was very peaceful andorderly.

However, I would prefer to add myvoice to those who opine that if we canmobilise such security forces to Ekiti forelection, what stops the same numberof security forces or more making it toSambisa forest to free our abductedschool girls.

Secondly, if we have to mobilise thelevel of security apparatus to achieve acredible election in Ekiti, what thenhappens in 2015 when there would begeneral elections?

For now, the general mood of thepeople is that President GoodluckJonathan and the Independent NationalElectoral Commission (INEC), underProfessor Attahiru Jega, has conductedthe best gubernatorial election in Nigeria.

Much as I do not want to go againstthe general perception or reality onground, I prefer to tarry a while and raisecertain some salient questions.

A lot of analysts, who spoke on thesaid election, have made reference tothe fact that the out-going governor ofEkiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, agentleman by every standard and whoconceded defeat swiftly, is accused ofrunning an elitist government. Theyalleged he was disconnected with thepeople (voters), hence his total rejectionon the polling day.

On the other hand was Mr AyodeleFayose, the Governor-in-waiting, whowas downright with the people andwhose tenure was a huge success, eventhough he was impeached by the thenState House of Assembly.

If Fayose was leveraging on his pastachievements, what happened to himwhen he contested election on the ticketof the Labour Party to be a senator?This question is pertinent because thatelection like this came after hisimpeachment.

A related question and which isgermane to the election being discussedis what happens to an executive that isimpeached? Or furthermore, whathappens if there is a court case againstsomebody, who desires to contest? Fromavailable evidence in public domain, therewas a murder charge hanging on theneck of the PDP standard-bearer beforehe contested and won the election.Deliberately, I refrained from addingcorruption because it is a non-issue inNigerian politics, inspite of theestablishment of anti-corruption

agencies of the Economic and FinancialCrimes Commission (EFCC) and theIndependent Corrupt Practics andRelative offences Commission (ICPC).

In an advertorial placed in ThePunch newspaper on Wednesday, July25, 2014 p. 23 by Prince BurruyiKashamu, it stated inter alia “Theresults of the Ekiti StateGovernorship election now provebeyond doubt that the APC has neverwon any election in Ekiti State.Infact, in Oni’s polling booth atMethodist Polling Unit, Ifaki-Ekiti,his new party got just a vote asagainst PDP’s 51".

Is it true in reality that formerGovernor Segun Oni could not musterjust two votes in his polling booth?

This simply means that it is either theerstwhile governor did not vote for hisnew party or that his wife did not findhis new party worthy of a vote. This isnot factoring in the immediate membersof his family and some of his personalaides.

Before putting down his weeklycolumn, I had an encounter withsomebody that talked about the Oni’sissue. The person’s explanation wassimply that what transpired in Ekiti statewas scientific rigging.

In law court what is needed isevidence and since this columnist isneither a learned man nor has anyevidence to prove to the contrary whatINEC has proclaimed, one needs to let itrest like that.

However, it is important to reiteratethe fact that may be later but certainlynot now, everything would be made bare.

Governor Fayemi conceded defeat andcongratulated the winner, Fayose. Heinvited the Governor-elect to his office aday after and set out how to handle thehand-over to the new governor. This iscommendable, considering the fact thatthis is the first time a candidate in anelection not the party, would congratulatehis opponent.

We wish it would be the beginning ofsuch good things to come in Nigeria.

It also explains the erroneous

impression people like GovernorGodswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom Statehave about the progressives. He hadstated during the last campaign rally ofFayose in Ado-Ekiti that the PDP, ofwhich he is the chairman of theGovernors Forum, has assembled ateam of Senior Advocates of Nigeria(SANs) to defend their candidatebecause he knew the APC would seekrefuge in the court of law.

All said and done, some analysts wouldrationalize what has happened to justifythe results. All Nigerians are happy thatthere was no violence and crude rigging,at least like the one we know of.

A member of the South-West PDPwas on Channels Television, Lagosmonitored in Osogbo recently, where hemade certain assertions. The saidofficial, one Mr Segun Sowunmi, aformer Director-General of theJonathan-Sambo Campaign team in thelast presidential election, said amongstother things that the South-West PDPunder the able leadership of PrinceKashamu complemented the efforts ofFayose. He admitted that rice, keroseneand money were freely offered to votersin Ekiti State during the electioneeringcampaigns.

In justifying the huge difference invotes between a sitting governor and aformer governor contesting, Sowunmiasserted that they employed 25mobilisers for each polling booth andeach turned in 4 voters that voted forthe party. This, among some otherstrategies, which he failed to disclose,worked in favour of the PDP.

He went further to state that the PDPis ready to take over the South-Westfrom the APC. To a question, whetherthe politics of stomach, which isimmediate and ephemeral, is better thaninfrastructural development? Sowunmicould not give a satisfactory answer. Heonly said that is the politics of reality onground in Nigeria today.

It is quite unfortunate that the South-West of today will need pittance andthings which have very short value todestroy our future. Is it because ofpoverty of mind or of money? Was thelate sage Chief Obafemi Awolowoknown for the number of bags of rice orkerosene he distributed or the enduringlegacies he left behind? It is unfortunatethat the beneficiaries of Awo’s legaciesare the very people who have descendedso low to now see politics as cash andcarry.

I agree with Sowunmi that thestomach should be taken care ofbecause the Yoruba say okun inu lafigbe tita, which simply means peopleshould be fed before any other thing.

We should however, all think about thefuture and remember that except LagosState, the PDP has ruled all the otherstates at one time or the other and thereare living witnesses to tell what the storywas.