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Tag: Osun State

  • Osun: Confusion in SDP, ADP, ADC over ‘alliance’

    THERE was confusion yesterday among the supporters of three major parties participating in tomorrow’s Osun State governorship election, following the rumour that they had formed an alliance.

    Radio stations were broadcasting the denial of such an alliance by no fewer than three of the five prominent candidates.

    The candidates are Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Moshood Adeoti of the African Democratic Party (ADP) and Fatai Akinbade of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    At a briefing in Osogbo, the state capital, Omisore, who spoke for the three candidates, said Adeoti and Akinbade did not step down for him, adding that what they had was an alliance for a credible election.

    He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating would-be voters at rallies.

    The APC denied the allegation.

    Its spokesman Kunle Oyatomi described the “gang-up” of opposition parties as a “house of commotion”.

    Speaking on the telephone last night, Oyatomi said: “We in the APC do not see any threat to whatever the opposition or a coalition of them is doing.

    “We are bigger than all of them put together. We will win the election because we have a lot to show as achievements.

    “We defeated them in 2014 when the PDP in this state was formidable. Now they are split into pieces. They will lose. They are jittery and are pretenders.

    “They are people who lack vision and mission. That is why they have reduced the campaign to only payment of salaries.”

    Omisore said: “APC has been boasting that they will rig election. So, these three parties, in spite of the differences in their names and candidates, still believe that the election must be credible. That’s why we signed the protocol. It is incumbent on these other parties, being leading opposition parties in the state, to publicly ask the people of Osun State to be vigilant as they cast their votes to prevent malpractices. We just want sincerity, credibility and fairness at the poll.”

    Omisore said each of the three parties would run its election by itself, but that there was need to encourage voters across the state not to be intimidated in any way because they are committed to free and fair election tomorrow.

    But when asked to provide evidence of the alleged intimidation by the governing party, Omisore said the declarations made by the APC at its rallies were pure intimidation which could discourage the masses from coming out to cast their votes. “We watched it on Channels Television as they said those things. So, it is public knowledge, nothing that requires any documentary evidence,” he said.

    While denying withdrawing from the election, Adeoti, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Kayode Agbaje, said he had no discussion with any other candidate about standing down, affirming that he remained a candidate in the election.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Moshood Adeoti Campaign Organisation (MACO) has been drawn to a rumour currently gaining ground in Osun State that our principal and governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, has withdrawn his participation from the race in favour of Senator Iyiola Omisore, the candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    “We wish to reiterate that at no time was our canadidate contacted for such and that the ADP and Alhaji Adeoti harbour no such plans.

    “We still stand resolutely behind our resolve to contest and by God’s grace win the election.”

    Akinbade debunked the insinuations that he had stepped down for Omisore.

    His Media Officer said: “Akinbade is in the race for good. The people of Osun are itching to have him as their next governor. This they hope to translate come Saturday, September 22, through their worthy votes.”

    According to Akinbade, the rumour is malicious and insulting to the ADC political family.

    “Our main focus is the execution of the Sept. 22, 2018 election to success. The people of Osun State are rooting for the victory of Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and this will be proved by their massive votes on Saturday. You are requested to remain resolute and cast your votes for the ADC on Saturday.”

    The statement condemned what it described as “dirty” and “cheap” politics embarked upon by those”afraid of their own political shadow.”

     

  • Osun debate: Oyetola, others promise education, health revolution 

    Plans to revolutionize education, health and other sectors were laid bare by candidates of some of the political parties participating in the Osun State governorship election in the final debate Thursday.

    The debate, which was organized by the TVC in conjunction with some civil society groups, was held at the WOCDIF Centre, Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    The participants are Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olugbenga Akintola of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Babatunde Loye of Labour Party (LP), Mercy Ayodele of Reformation Party of Nigeria (RPN) and Oluseyi Fabiyi of KOWA party.

    Candidates of the remaining four major parties – Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Party (ADP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) were absent.

    The organizers said they all promised to attend but failed to show up.

    On education, Oyetola said the Rauf Aregbesola administration has done well in education but that he would focus more on the technological aspect of education, give scholarships, train and retrain teachers and also sustain the free meal for students.

    Akintola promised to promote functional literacy and numeracy skills, improve funding for education and improve welfare of teachers.

    The other candidates also promised to train and retrain teachers and pay salaries regularly.

    On health, the APC candidate promised to embrace the National Health Insurance Scheme for workers, upgrade facilities of primary health centres, equip them with drugs and motivate medical workers.

    Other candidates also promised to motivate health workers, build mega hospitals whose services will be paid for as well as embrace health insurance.

    On job creation, Oyetola pledged to sustain the Osun State Youths Employment Scheme dubbed OYES, create five new farm settlements and give incentives to youths to go into agriculture. He further promised to look at exploring the value chain in agriculture that includes processing, transportation and storage, among others.

    Fabiyi promised to build technology village in the three senatorial zones to harness the skills of artisans for development.

    For Loye, the way to succeed in job creation in times like this is to encourage youths to go into technology related businesses.

     

  • Int’l Day of Peace: Obaseki sues for peaceful elections in Osun, others

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged political actors and their supporters in Osun State to shun acts capable of threatening the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial election holding in the state on Saturday, September 22.

    Obaseki made the call in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, marked every September 21, by the United Nations (UN) and its various organs.

    The governor said, “Political actors and their supporters in Osun State should eschew acts capable of threatening the peaceful conduct of the polls. This is the least anyone could ask for in such a contest.”

    He noted, “It is important for political actors to work together to engender peace before, during and after the elections. This must be the watchword in such a contest and I believe necessary measures have been put in place to ensure that the peaceful conduct of the election.”

    Read Also: FG hails Obaseki’s basic education reform

    Obaseki noted that as the country prepares for the 2019 polls, a non-violent approach to resolving disagreements must be adopted, stressing, “As political parties work towards the 2019 elections, and the campaigns build to a fever pitch, Nigerians would be better off with a non-violent approach to accommodating opposing political views. Conscious efforts must be made to avoid acts that threaten peaceful living which is the foundation of socio-economic development.”

    The governor commended the UN on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and for promoting peace across the globe, adding, “Our commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts has been demonstrated in resolving communal clashes and adherence to the rule of law. We have done this by passing and upholding laws that place everyone on the same level before the law no matter how highly placed they are in society. At the same time, we appreciate the role of the UN and civil rights groups who work in ensuring peace among humans.”

    According to the United Nations, the 2018 Theme for the International Day of Peace is: “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70,” which marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    The Universal Declaration states in Article 3 that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. These elements according to the global body “build the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”

  • Market women assures Oyetola of massive votes

    Market women in Osun State have assured the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, of massive votes in the Saturday state governorship poll.

    They said they have resolved to ensure continuity of the programmes and policies of the Rauf Aregbesola administration in the state.

    The wife of the Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, and the wife of the governorship candidate of APC, Kafayat Oyetola, who led other women to major markets in the state to seek support of market women for the APC, assured the people of good government.

    Also, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan federal constituency, Ayo Omidiran, accompanied Mrs. Aregbesola and Mrs. Oyetola to major markets in her constituency, including major markets in Apomu, Ikire, Ikoyi, among others.

    Addressing women at Apomu, Ikire, Ikoyi markets, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, said market women are major electorate in the state, appealing to them to vote for the APC in the Saturday governorship election.

    She recalled the love of her husband, Governor Aregbesola, for women, promising that Oyetola would recognise them more if elected.

    The first lady maintained that the only way to sustain the programmes and success of the present administration is to vote the APC candidate to continue the “good works.”

    Read Also: Osun 2018: Why Oyetola fits the bill

    Recalling that the APC governorship candidate had promised to ensure adequate number of women participation in his government, Mrs. Aregbesola urged market women to support him and ensure his victory in the coming election.

    Speaking, Hon. Ayo Omidiran assured women that the APC candidate if elected would not neglect market women and traders in the state.

    She noted that Oyetola has been promising in many public places that his government would promote small scale businesses and entrepreneurs, assuring that he would fulfill all his promises.

  • BREAKING: WAEC confirms Adeleke sat for 1981 exams

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed that the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, Ademola Adeleke sat for its examination in 1981.

    Read Also:WAEC to ‘do the needful’ on Adeleke

    WAEC made the confirmation in its response to an order made on September 11 this year by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Bwari, Abuja, directiing the examination body to produce Adeleke’s result.

    In its affidavit sworn to by Henry Sunday Adewunmi Osindeinde a Deputy Registrar G Head of School Examination Department, WAEC said sat for the May/April 1981 at Ede Muslim High School, Yidi Road, Ede, with Centre Number: 19645 and Candidate Number 149.

     

    Details later…

  • Buhari to Osun: vote APC to shut out corrupt leaders

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged Osun State residents to save the state from returning to the “dark days”.

    Leading top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a mega rally for the party’s candidate in Saturday’s governorship election, Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, the President urged the residents to renew the party’s mandate in the state.

    He told the crowd that the APC leaders were in the state to celebrate the eventful eight years of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    He said: “We are here to thank Almighty God for the successful 8 years tenure of the APC Government in this state under the leadership of His Excellency, Rauf Aregbesola, the Omoluabi of Yorubaland.

    “We are also here to pray to Almighty God to safeguard and consolidate on this through Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola.

    “You are fully aware of this great partnership story. Oyetola is a partner, a trusted advisor, a brother and a friend to Governor Aregbesola. They have seamlessly worked together for many years serving you.

    “By electing Oyetola as your Governor, you are guaranteeing the consolidation of these successes.

    Eight years after Governor Aregbesola took the mantle of leading the business of government in Osun, the state now has excellent infrastructure for primary and secondary schools. The school that I commissioned in 2016 is one of the best schools in Nigeria. But more work remains to be done. Oyetola is ready for work.

    “Osun State has empowerment programmes to support entrepreneurs. You had school construction and rehabilitation programmess to improve the quality of education. You had hygiene, sanitation and health care programs to improve the quality of life. You had security and outreach programs that enhanced peace and stability in your communities.”

    Cautioning the electorate of the consequences of allowing those who plundered the nation’s wealth back into the saddle, Buhari said: “Nigerians kicked the corrupt and selfish leaders out of the Federal Government in 2015. And by the grace of God, the voters will continue to keep them out of leadership positions until we permanently consign their corrupt governing style into the history books.

    “Nigeria must be free of corrupt and selfish leaders. The children of all Nigerians will get quality infrastructure, education, health care and job opportunities. This is why you must all come out and vote for APC on 22nd September 2018.

    “Osun must remain APC. Osun must continue on the path of progress. Osun must not allow the dark days to return.”

    Aregbesola said that voting  Oyetola on Saturday will be rewarding hardwork.

    The governor danced and sang to the admiration of the huge crowd at the Osogbo Township Stadium. At the rally were President Buhari, 13 governors, ministers and party leaders, including National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

    Also there were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, and other party leaders.

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who spoke on behalf of the governors, said they would return on Friday for the election.

    The governors include, Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi).

    The leaders were cheered by thousands of enthusiastic party supporters, including traders, artisans, youths, various support groups, itinerary drummers, entertainers and students.

    On the band stand was Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall 1 (KWAM1).

    It took the intervention of soldiers to keep the surging crowd at bay when new segments stormed the stadium at the middle of the rally. Yet, several hundreds of supporters were unable to enter the stadium. Vehicular movements on the major roads leading to the stadium were restricted because of Mr President and the other dignitaries.

    El-Rufai said judging by the “incredible work done in very difficult circumstances” by Aregbesola in the last eight years, they decided to stay back in the state to support Oyetola’s election for the good work to continue in the next dispensation.

    He said: “We are very proud of the achievements of the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and we are confident that the good people of Osun State will come out en masse to vote for continuity on September 22, 2018. We are confident that the progress of the last eight years will be advanced by voting for APC. So, we will remain here to support the election of Gboyega Oyetola.”

    The governor also thanked Buhari for supporting the states in various ways to meet their obligations, particularly to workers and the very poor in the society. He prayed God to strengthen him to lead Nigeria to the next level.

    Addressing the gathering, Tinubu said he could testify to the great development of Osun State by Aregbesola’s administration.

    According to him, Osun has enjoyed “eminent progress” as the governor has demonstrated tremendous amount of love to his people in the last eight years. “He has committed so much to the radical transformation of the state, especially in education, infrastructural renewal and in helping the vulnerable in the society. You have done us proud. You will now pass on the baton to another competent, tested and trusted man, Oyetola.”

    The former Lagos State Governor was also grateful to Buhari for his commitment to Nigeria’s peace and progressives ideals. He said the President, for instance, gets worried about salaries and welfare of workers and Nigerians in general, adding that he never discriminates when making decisions.

    Tinubu also pointed out that the president has grown a very thick skin against criticisms. He was confident that the party would give Buhari the victory he desired on Saturday.

    Oshiomhole also poured encomiums on Aregbesola for transforming Osun State. He recalled that the last time he came to the state was when he came to lead a workers’ strike as labour leader.

    According to him, they were able to conveniently block the roads at the time because the roads were narrow. He pointed out that Aregbesola has dualised many of the roads and beautified Osogbo, besides taking giant strides in education, health and social welfare.

    His words: “Governor Aregbesola has made a huge progress in Osogbo and Osun State at large. Governance is not a joke. We need people such as Oyetola who are prepared for this job. Let’s vote for Oyetola so he can continue from where Aregbesola stops. President Buhari, I know your deep love for helping the very poor in the society. Aregbesola’s education policies have helped children of the poor to attend good schools with free meals. This is an example of a major social welfare that you have committed yourself to, Mr President.

    “We need people with competence, who know how to manage finances and generate ideas and resources. That’s where Oyetola stands out. He had succeeded in the private sector before joining public service.

    “Don’t vote for those who will turn Government House to disco house. In times like this, we need people who have passion for their state, people of character and vision. Oyetola is an embodiment of all of these. So, I’m convinced that the people of Osun State will support Oyetola. With the innovations Aregbesola’s administration has brought to this state, only a vote for Oyetola will continue it. May we never go back in life.”

    Earlier, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who is also the chairman of the campaign committee, thanked the leadership of the party for saddling members of the committee with the assignment. He also thanked the people of the state for the support given his committee. He assured all that Oyetola would win on Saturday as voters had been educated on the need to vote for continuity.

    The outgoing governor said his looks always confirmed that he had been working hard since he took over the governance of the state eight years ago.

    “We have changed the face of Osun State. That is why we are sure of remaining in governance through Oyetola’s election. We shall surely sing songs of victory after the election,” Aregbesola said.

    The stadium erupted in jubilation when the vehicles conveying Buhari and Aregbesola arrived the stadium at 2:25 pm. The President, who donned a white dress with a green APC agbada, alighted from his official black Lexus Sport Utility Van (SUV) at exactly 2:30 pm to a rousing welcome. Shouts of “Sai Buhari, Sai Baba!” rented the air as he headed to his seat, waving his broom, which is the symbol of the party.

    Osun ‘O’ meal vendors, members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Council of Iyalojas (heads of market women), support groups etc who had sat distinctly at various locations, and in their uniforms, waved their brooms to welcome Buhari, the governors and other dignitaries. So were the crowds of youths, students, artisans and other classes of supporters who trooped into the stadium to be part of history.

    Osogbo was in high spirits, in spite of a morning rain that had dampened the day. The APC insignia painted everywhere red, blue and green.

    Asiwaju Tinubu was the cynosure of all eyes before the arrival of President Buhari. He was praised by those who spoke earlier while he also took the leading position as the dignitaries made a roll, standing to welcome the president.

    Also at the rally were the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; former Interim National Chairman of the party Chief Bisi Akande; former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba; Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole; his Communication counterpart Adebayo Shittu; Minister of Interior Lt. Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd); national officers of the party; Chief Pius Akinyelure; former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo; Mrs Kemi Nelson; Sen. Ajayi Borofice; Sen. Sola Adeyeye; Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro; Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamoora; Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salam. Hon. Abike-Dabiri-Erewa was the Master of Ceremony.

     

  • Osun election: Party accuses INEC of excluding its candidate

    …Threatens court action

     

    One of the political parties seeking to field candidate for the September 22 governorship election in Osun State, the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of excluding its candidate from the commission’s list.

    NRM argued that despite supervising its primary as required under the Electoral Act, INEC has unlawfully excluded its candidate, Mrs. Jumoke Lawoyin, from the list of candidates for the gubernatorial election slated for next Saturday

    In a complaint, authored by its lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, to INEC Chairman, NRM argued that the commission’s “act of omitting, refusing and or neglecting to add our Client’s candidate’s name to your approved candidates list for the 2018 Osun State gubernatorial election is unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional and ought to be urgently rectified.”

    NRM, in the complaint, dated September 17, 2018 with reference No. KACCL/LET/RO/381/18, stated “that considering the peculiarity of this case and the urgency attached thereof, our Client requires that you should within 24-Hours of receipt of this letter, cause an amendment to be effected to the approved Osun State gubernatorial candidates list to include our Client’s candidate, otherwise, we may be constrained to perfect the brief of our client by employing all available legal mechanism at our disposal to ensure that our client is not dispossessed of their right to participate in the Osun State gubernatorial Election by this colossal omission.”

    It informed the INEC boss that NRM is a recognized and duly registered political party under the relevant laws in Nigeria with a mandate to attain political power through democratic and constitutional means for the purpose of creating socio-economic well-being of the citizens.

    The complaint reads in part: “Our client briefed us that by a notice dated 12th July, 2018, your office was informed of the conduct of our client’s primaries, sequel to which your representatives led by Mr. Asaolu Adeniyi Ishola were sent to observe and monitor the said primary election which held at Brymor Hotel, Agunbelewo, Oshogbo and in which Mrs Jumoke Lawoyin was confirmed and affirmed as our client’s candidate for the Osun State gubernatorial election scheduled to hold on the 22nd of September 2018.

    “However, it is our brief that despite the service of the requisite notice of the primaries on your commission as required by law and your subsequent participation wherein your staff observed the emergence of our client’s candidate for the impending Osun State gubernatorial election, your commission has negligently, unlawfully, illegally omitted, left out and excluded the name of our client’s candidate from the INEC approved list.

    “Our client further informed us that they have exhausted all available mechanisms of communication with your commission in other to rectify the anomaly which as explained to them was due to some administrative oversight which unfortunately has been left unattended, hence, the briefing our firm to formally take up their complaint with your commission.

    “It is trite law that every duly registered political party and candidate enjoys the constitutional right to vote and be voted for, we therefore implore you to within the specified period, accede to our client’s demands.”

  • APC dismisses alleged nullification of Osun primaries

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as fake, news in the social media that a Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified its primary election in Osun State which produced its governorship candidate, Gboyega Oyetola.

    The APC had conducted its governorship primary of Osun State using the direct primary option to produce its candidate for the governorship election scheduled for September 22.

    Read Also:I am prepared to lead Osun, says Oyetola

    But one of the aspirants for the governorship ticket, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke reportedly challenged the process in court, seeking to nullify the direct option used by the party.

    In a statement signed by the Acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, the part7 said while it is aware of the case, it was not possible for judgement to have been entered in a case whose hearing commenced on Thursday, September 13 when it was first mentioned and adjourned to September 27.

    The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to some misleading media reports suggesting that the Direct primaries which produced Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship election has been nullified by an Abuja Federal High Court in a matter filed by one Kunle Rasheed Adegoke.

    “This case is before Justice Dimgba and our confirmation from the Court’s Registry show that the matter was filed on July 27, 2018. It is being handled for the Plaintiff by A.U Mustapha (SAN) and came up for the first time on September 13, 2018 when service of originating processes on all other Parties was confirmed.

    “The matter was subsequently adjourned to September 27, 2018 for hearing.  Based on the foregoing facts, it is impossible for Judgement to have been given in this case which has only just commenced. We urge the general public to disregard the sponsored fake news.”

  • Aregbesola’s wife to market women: Vote for Oyetola

    The Osun first lady, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, has called on market women to cast their votes for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 22 Osun governorship elections, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

    The wife of Osun State governor, who led hundreds of women to major markets in Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun and Orolu federal constituency, assured that the APC candidate will be fair to women if elected.

    She advised the market women to vote for Oyetola so that he could consolidate on the achievements of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    According to her, the legacies of the Rauf Aregbesola administration would be destroyed if the opposition should take over the power in the state.

    Speaking, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ayedade/Ayedire/Isokan federal constituency, Hon. Ayo Omidiran, appealed to market women who are yet to collect their Permanent Votes Cards (PVCs) to make sure that they collect it before the election.

    She commended the market women for the role they played in ensuring the re-election of Governor Aregbesola, urging them to go out enmasse and vote for APC in the September 22 poll.

    Omidiran, who also recalled the support of the APC-led federal government to the market women, stated that the ongoing distribution of N10,000 to 30,000 petty traders in Osun State was a promise kept by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Read Also: I vouch for Oyetola’s competence – Aregbesola

    She noted that Governor Aregbesola has in no small way supported market women through the promotion of small scale businesses.

    She recalled that the state government has given interest free loan to market women, saying that Aregbesola’s administration has given adequate recognition to market women than any other government.

    On the entourage of Mrs Aregbesola is the wife of the APC gubernatorial candidate, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaja Lateefat Giwa, Osun APC women leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fabokunde, among others.

  • PDP kicks as Osun commences payment of salary arrears

    The Osun State Government on Tuesday  said it has commenced payment of full salary and arrears in line with available resources.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, in a statement, said the development was in line with the government’s agenda and fulfillment of its promise to prioritize workers welfare.

    The Oyebamiji said the decision was taken at the meeting of the Fund Apportionment Committee led by Comrade Hassan Sumonu with labour leaders and government representatives in attendance.

    The commissioner explained that Governor Rauf Aregbesola directed payment of four months salary arrears and 2016 leave bonus to workers.

    He added that the governor has equally directed regular payment of salaries henceforth.

    “With this, Government of the State of Osun has commenced gradual disbursement of Nineteen Billion, Eight Hundred and One Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-One Naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (19,801,328,271.22) as salaries and other entitlements to its workers.” The statement read in part.

    Read Also: Ex-Osun Assembly speaker resigns PDP membership

    Oyebamiji commended labour unions and their allies for supporting the government and for believing in its capacity to honour its promises.

    It pledged to always put workers’ welfare above other considerations as the government enters its final phase.

    But the chairman of the state’s chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Soji Adagunodo, has urged civil servants in the state not to be deceived by the approval of money to offset part of the salary arrears being owed by the Aregbesola administration.

    Adagunodo said the panicky measure by the governor only goes to confirm that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party of deceit which takes joy in inflicting pains on the poor to make them them exploitable during election seasons.

    Adagunodo, in a statement, said: “The PDP wondered why the accumulated salary and allowances of workers which is being hurriedly paid was warehoused in dubious accounts without being paid for several months…

    “We find it very distasteful that a government would be this inhuman to deny poor citizens of their legitimate earnings for close to three years and now turn around to pay part of the arrears in a manner suggesting it was doing them a favour.”

    While calling on Osun state workers and pensioners to remain resolute in their determination for a better deal with the PDP, Adagunodo said the party and its candidate, Sen. Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, will not fail to redress all the alleged wrongs committed against workers in the last eight years.