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Tag: Osun State

  • Boost for Osun health care delivery

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a philanthropic religious body, has supported the health care delivery in Osun State with the renovation and donation of modern medical equipment to the Comprehensive Health Centre at Isale Agbara in Osogbo.

    At the presentation of the equipment worth over N5 million to the state government, the President of Ile-Ife branch of the church, Mr. Joseph Onuegbu Mba, said supporting people and communities in need is not new to the church.

    According to him, the health centre built in 1978 for the use of people of Osogbo Local Government Area was considered by the church for an intervention out of  several requests from various communities across the country.

    He said: “What we are doing is not about politics. Our church stands for generosity. We are mostly concerned about humanity, we are concerned about how to reduce child mortality rate, how to reduce maternal mortality during pregnancy and delivery and how to support government programmes that have direct impacts on human lives. There is no better way to serve God than to serve humanity and also to bring lost souls to Christ.”

    The Executive Secretary of the Osun State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Kayode Ogunniyi, on behalf of the state government commended the church for the donation, which he said would boost the health care delivery in the state. He revealed that Osun was among the four states of the federation considered for basic primary health provision fund.

    In his speech, the Chairman of Osogbo South Local Council Development Area, Mr. Abdul-Akeem Olaoye, advised well-meaning Nigerians and groups to emulate the church by supporting the needy and placing premium on the provision of good health care for all citizens around the LCDA in consonance with the universal administrative norm.

    The Community Health Officer at the health centre, Alhaja Risikat Aderibigbe said the renovation of the health centre and the donation would improve the quality of medical service to the people, particularly women and children of Isale Agbara and the adjoining communities in Osogbo South LCDA. Materials donated by the church include beddings and circumcision sets, among others.

  • Osun group seeks partnership on good governance

    A Non -Governmental Organization, the Osun Development Association (ODA), is seeking partnership with stakeholders to promote Good Governance initiatives in Osun State.

    Speaking with reporters after the group’s  Executive Council Meeting in Osogbo, the state capital, the Chairman of the Association, Dr. Segun Aina, said the ODA is a non partisan body of eminent sons and daughters of Osun set up in 1995 as an intervention group to accelerate development  of Osun State.

    He said ODA was determined to collaborate with stakeholders to promote political enlightenment initiatives.

    Aina, who said the partnership was part of strategic growth agenda for the state, assured that the association will help reinforce and establish steps towards ensuring good and credible governance for the Osun State.

    According to him, the meeting of the Executive Council had approved for implementation the reports of the association on Education, Agriculture, Tourism, Mining as well as the Research and Strategy Committees.

    Read Also: Osun no longer a civil service state, says Aregbesola

    He said: “In considering the report of the Leadership and Governance committee, the Council endorsed the recommendations, part of which sought  to collaborate with organizations in broadcast media, print, digital on line, as well as  government agencies, civil society organizations , faith based organizations and political parties in creating platforms for political education, candidates’ debates, and engagement on electoral values.

    “Specifically, our Association is going to create platforms that will help deepen democratic structures by creating enlightenment on citizens’ right, adequate political education, participation an empowerment. The governorship elections in September 2018 will provide a good opportunity for us to engage the public and political class in creating an atmosphere for very good candidates to emerge and for the voting public to be better informed.

    “We hope to achieve much through public enlightenment campaigns, candidates’ manifestoes, workshops and debates by the governorship candidates. The non-partisan approach will be extremely beneficial to the political class, the candidates and the voting public. Partners that we target include the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), the Newspapers Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

  • Catholics in Osun protest killings of innocent Nigerians

    Members of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo in Osun State on Tuesday protested  killings of innocent Nigerians in many parts of the country.

    They described the incessant bloodletting as wicked and barbaric, saying: “Nigeria now flows with blood instead of the honey.”

    Carrying their rosaries, Bibles and placards with various inscriptions, the protesters called on the Federal Government to find immediate solution to the killings.

    Some of the placards displayed by the prayerful demonstrators read “Enough is Enough,” ” Stop Incessant Killings Now” “Embrace The Culture of Life, not that of killing ” “FG should bring Killer herdsmen to justice,” “Provide job for youths and not guns” “Human lives are sacred,  protect it, ” among others.

    Members of the church in Osogbo, including the priests joined other dioceses across the nation in prayer and demonstration against reoccurring bloodletting.

    The Catholic mission faithful, who dressed in their various church uniforms, had converged at Our Lady of Fatimah’s Catholic Hospital, Jaleyemi and marched to the popular Olaiya junction before proceeding to the Osun State House of Assembly where they presented a statement to the Speaker, Hon. Najeem Salaam.

    Read Also: Osun PDP guber aspirant promises economic boost

    The Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Oyejola while addressing journalists specifically condemned the murder of two Catholic priests, Rev. Fr. Joseph Gor and Fr.  Felix Tyolaha as well as seventeen other Catholic faithful by a gang of terrorists on Tuesday, April 24 at St.  Ignatius Catholic Church,  Ukor-Mbalom,  Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue state during morning Mass.

    Speaking on behalf of the bishop, the Vicar General of the diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi, said the country now flows with human blood instead of honey.

    According to him, the protest was in compliance with the directive of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). It’s tagged “March For Life.”

    He said: “We are protesting the incessant killings taking place in all parts of our country Nigeria. We are calling on government to provide adequate security for everyone and take decisive steps in ending the current culture of death through a sincere respect for, protection and promotion of human life.”

    The bishop also called on the Federal Government to issue urgent directive to security agencies in the country to provide better security for all.

  • Religious leaders carpet JOHESU, FG over strike

    Ex-national commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Osun state, Prof Razak Abubakre and former Kwara state scribe of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev Cornelius Fawenu have blamed the Federal Government and health workers on the current Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU)’s strike.

    They both said the action of the workers is morally and spiritually not bad. Abubakre, a retired professor of Islamic Studies from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) said that the workers are “entrusted with the care, concern and treatment of patients in the hospital. Money is important but it is secondary. Secondly, the primary role of the health workers is to save lives; when you are on such sensitive appointment, if you go on strike you are dishonouring your role as an instrument in the hands of God.

    “Thirdly, if you pay Zakat on the money being paid for the work not done there is no reward for it. Eating from the money they pay you from the job you did not do is haram. “Workers should not go on strike on frivolities and asking for parity with those who are trained for seven years. It is unfair. They should look for something else to talk about not on parity. Ab initio the structure of the strike is very weak. It is unreasonable. Even if it is reasonable the strike is not good.

    Read Also:Religious leaders carpet JOHESU, FG over strike

    “The Federal Government should be responsible enough by encouraging the culture of no strike. Government should listen to complaints before workers embark on strike. It should be alive to prevent strike.

    “Going on strike for months by the health workers is not fair to all as nobody knows who is the next victim of emergency?

    “The policy of no work no pay is another reactionary move by government. I don’t want no work no pay. That is an attempt to muzzle up labour instead of by mutual understanding.”

    Rev Fawenu, former Special Adviser to Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah

    Ahmed on Religious Matters said: “I am looking at the strike from both moral and biblical perspectives. From the biblical perspective, the scripture is very unambiguous with working and its commensurate wages. It says he who does not work is not expected to eat. It is not right
    and immoral to expect payment for the work you have not done. The scripture also says the wages of labourer must be paid without delay.

    “In the particular case of JOHESU, part of the agitation is that the wages they are being paid have not been commensurate with the work they have done in the past. And they are also asking for improved services.

    “It is for them to consider the nature of their work in this particular case. Their work has some humanitarian dimension. This is a work that somebody the humanity side of you should be able to make you to be considerate. Those who are actually suffering from this strike now are not people in government. Those that are well to do access Medicare outside the shores of Nigeria. They need to be considerate of the masses. They have a good cause but that turn to bad one if they are not considerate of the masses.

    “I urge the government to at least sit up by setting its priorities right and do the right thing because something necessitated what has happened. Let us go back to the issue and deal with the roots.”

  • Religious leaders carpet JOHESU, FG over strike

    Ex-national commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Osun state, Prof Razak Abubakre and former Kwara state scribe of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev Cornelius Fawenu have blamed the Federal Government and health workers on the current Joint Health
    Workers Union (JOHESU)’s strike.

    They both said the action of the workers is morally and spiritually not bad.

    Abubakre, a retired professor of Islamic Studies from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) said that the workers are “entrusted with the care, concern and treatment of patients in the hospital. Money is important but it is secondary. Secondly, the primary role of the health workers is to save lives; when you are on such sensitive appointment, if you go on strike you are dishonouring your role as an instrument in the hands of God.

    “Thirdly, if you pay Zakat on the money being paid for the work not done there is no reward for it. Eating from the money they pay you from the job you did not do is haram.

    “Workers should not go on strike on frivolities and asking for parity with those who are trained for seven years. It is unfair. They should look for something else to talk about not on parity. Ab initio the structure of the strike is very weak. It is unreasonable. Even if it is reasonable the strike is not good.

    “The Federal Government should be responsible enough by encouraging the culture of no strike. Government should listen to complaints before workers embark on strike. It should be alive to prevent strike.

    Read Also:Court orders JOHESU to end strike

    “Going on strike for months by the health workers is not fair to all as nobody knows who is the next victim of emergency?

    “The policy of no work no pay is another reactionary move by government. I don’t want no work no pay. That is an attempt to muzzle up labour instead of by mutual understanding.”

    Rev Fawenu, former Special Adviser to Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Religious Matters said: “I am looking at the strike from both moral and biblical perspectives. From the biblical perspective, the scripture is very unambiguous with working and its commensurate wages. It says he who does not work is not expected to eat. It is not right and immoral to expect payment for the work you have not done. The scripture also says the wages of labourer must be paid without delay.

    “In the particular case of JOHESU, part of the agitation is that the wages they are being paid have not been commensurate with the work they have done in the past. And they are also asking for improved services.

    “It is for them to consider the nature of their work in this particular case. Their work has some humanitarian dimension. This is a work that somebody the humanity side of you should be able to make you to be considerate. Those who are actually suffering from this strike now are not people in government. Those that are well to do access medicare outside the shores of Nigeria. They need to be considerate of the masses. They have a good cause but that turn to bad one if they are not considerate of the masses.

    “I urge the government to at least sit up by setting its priorities right and do the right thing because something necessitated what has happened. Let us go back to the issue and deal with the roots.”

  • 2019: OBJ’s CNM collapses into ADC

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, political pressure group, the Coalition for Nigerian Movement, CNM, has fused with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

    This is with a view to forming a formidable force to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC in 2019 poll.

    A Co-Convener of CNM, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who made the pronouncement at a world press conference in Abuja, posited that with the fusion, the coalition has ceased to exist.

    Oyinlola noted that with the understanding of like minded persons and organizations across the country, Nigeria will be rescued, and that the elections of 2018 and 2019 will be used to cure the curse and afflictions of failed leadership and perpetual underdevelopment.

    Explaining the choice of ADC, the former Osun state Governor said that it is an appreciation of the progressive essence of the party and its untainted existence on the terrain of our nation’s politics.

    He said, “We have said it before and we are stating it here again that the current state of despair and despondency in our dear country is an ill wind.

    “It is foreboding and can only lead to a conflagration. Between January when CNM was formed and now, can we say that the story of Nigeria has changed for the better? Have things not worsened at all levels?

    “I thank all of you for being here today. You will all recall that in January this year, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement, CNM, was formed by some of us across the country as a political platform to create a new generation of leaders for our country.

    “Between that time and today, a lot of grounds has been covered in achieving the set  goals. One of such is what we are doing here today – the formal fusing of – our movement into the African Democratic Congress.

    “Beyond what we are doing here today, we put our countrymen and women, old and young, on notice that they should expect more from us; that they should expect deepened political engagements across platforms in the coming days and weeks. In other words, this is just the first in a multi layered action plan to give back the country to its much deprived people.

    “As we stated in January during the launch of the CNM, we are taking on this task not minding the inconveniences and other expected and unexpected consequences of our efforts at reinventing the country.

    “We admit that structural inadequacies and failure of leadership have robbed our country of greatness. We also note that a future of greatness for Nigeria will only be birthed by a new generation of youthful leaders with fresh ideas and knowledge of what it takes to govern a 21 st century nation.

    Read Also: I ‘ll never endorse Buhari, says Obasanjo

    “This gathering here today is a proof that the modest efforts at waking up the vast majority of our people to for once, take their destiny in their hands as demanded by the constitution are bearing fruits already. Our constitution guarantees all Nigerians their fundamental human rights, including freedom of association and the right to hold political views.

    “The decision to move in to African Democratic Congress therefore, is an appreciation of the progressive essence of the party and its untainted existence on the terrain of our nation’s politics.

    “While I on behalf of the leadership and the over three million members of the CNM congratulate ADC as the vehicle for national reinvention, I urge us to let us know that the task ahead is an arduous one that needs further strengthening of the forces of change. What I am saying is that we should be open to new engagements and alliances being forged and crystallizing across the country.

    “We should remain committed to the use of the tools of democracy to recreate a •Nigeria that will truly serve all, irrespective of religion, tribe or socio ‘economic status.

    “We have said it before and we are stating it here again that the current state of despair and despondency in our dear country is an ill wind.

    “ It is foreboding and can only lead to a conflagration. Between January ‘when CNM was formed and now, can we say that the story of Nigeria has changed for the better? Have things not worsened at all levels?

    “Indeed, every one of us who has been in power before at whatever level may have a share of the blame for the state of the nation. That fact, however, will not disqualify us from being part of, and indeed, stand at the vanguard of finding a lasting solution to this problem.

    “Indeed, those who have seen it all but with the right perspective are better placed to bring in knowledgeable young men and women to come and reinvent the country for the challenges of the future.

    “ADC and other like- minded political parties should join other patriots in democratically building and enthroning a new set of youthful, knowledgeable and goal- oriented leadership for this country. We believe, therefore, that through right engagements and fundamental reordering of the affairs of our nation, our country will be out of the woods. Nigerians are a very resilient people. They are great optimists.

    “They have invested so much trust and hope in our democratic infrastructure with very miserable returns, so far. As I stated during the launch of the CNM our country must not continue to be condemned to a four yearly ritual of voting without results.

    “To get positive results, therefore, we must get right the choice of leadership. But the apple does not fall far from its tree. Only credible, positive platforms can produce positive results. A tree conceived and nurtured in lies can only bear imaginary fruits. Every government has ideas and programmes – most times packaged in flowery prose.

    “The deficit in leadership is noticed at the point of implementation of the ideas and policies. ADC from its well enunciated policies and Programmes is well placed to make democracy work for the people.

    “ADC is properly placed to join other patriots in moving Nigerians in all the wards, the 774 local governments and the 36 states to join hands to make our country truly great. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we have a job to do.

    “The destiny of Nigeria is not to remain forever in crisis and in the doldrums. As the CNM takes this momentous step of coalescing into ADC as a vital step in building a national consensus to reconstruct the country, we assure all Nigerians with there support.

    “And the understanding of like minded persons and organizations across the country, Nigeria will be rescued. God willing the elections of 2018 and 2019 will be used to cure the curse and afflictions of failed leadership and perpetual underdevelopment.”

    In his remarks, the founding National Chairman of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Ralphs Nwosu described the fusion as the dawn of great Nigeria project; Leading with the right ethical Compass.

    Chief Nwosu said, “Nation building could be a very daunting exercise. But with good and committed leaders, the journey could be much easier. I invite all Nigerians to have very deep reflection concerning our Nation Nigeria, and its lOO years of Nationhood.”

    According to him, “Today our great country with 200 million population is in a dysfunctional state. Our biggest resources in human capacity and diversity seem to be weighing us down and tearing us apart.

    “However, I do not want to dwell on our failings. I want to assure you all that we the African Democratic Congress ADC working with Coalition [or Nigeria Movement CNlM, and many strategic coalition partners, involving a Rainbow coalition of Political parties, civil societies, labor and trade.” unions, and well-meaning eminent Nigerians are determined to reframe the narratives about Nigeria.

    “We have worked tirelessly to put this coalition together. Many important stakeholders helped to guide our party. I wish to specially mention President Oluscgun Obasanjo for his tireless support. His word “I am not perfect, but 1 enjoin you to join me in having deep passion and unshakable commitment for Nigeria”.

    “This will guide this new ADC always. The formal launch of our new ADC party will take place so. I wish to enjoin all of us to embrace our philosophy of role modelling leadership as a way to building the new Nigeria and a greater Africa.

    “In everything we do, to be successful, we must remain true to ourselves. Deep reflection helps leaders to clear their heads, clarify their path to be able to focus purposefully, for each party involved; we expect true and committed engagement to the Nigeria Project.”

     

  • Aregbesola has redefined Osun politics – Ataoja

    ….we will complete payment of loans next year, says Aregbesola

     

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun has said that the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osun has brought a halt to killings and destructions that had hitherto characterised Osun politics.

    ‎This was even as Governor Aregbesola disclosed that Osun government would by next year complete the refund on the sukuk and conventional loans taken to execute basic infrastructural projects in the state‎.

    The duo stated this at the Ataoja’s palace during the goodwill visit of governor Aregbesola to Oba Olanipekun to mark the grand-finale of the sensitisation tours to the nine Federal Constituencies in the state.

    ‎The Ataoja held that the peace and sanity that Aregbesola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have brought to politics in the state is a monumental achievement in the annals of politicking in Osun.

    ‎The monarch also lauded Aregbesola’s legacies in every sector of the economy, saying his government has changed the face of governance in the state.

    He described Aregbesola’s government as the best in the history of the state, stressing that Osogbo and the entire people of Osun would continue to be grateful to God for giving the state a personality like him.

    Oba Olanipekun called on the people of the state to reflect soberly on the coming governorship election and elect a worthy successor that will continue with the good works, after the expiration of the term of the present administration.

    In his words, “to me, the greatest achievement of this government is the peace it has brought to politics and the state. It is with the coming of this administration that we know that politics can be done without killing and destruction.

    “Before now in Osun, we all think politics is associated with brigandage and violence, but Aregbesola and APC have brought such thing to its knees; we can now all sleep with our eyes closed.

    “Aregbesola is a governor who listens to the voice of the masses at all times and that is why he has been able to fulfil most of his campaign promises to the people of Osun in the last seven and half years.

    “I want to use this medium to let you know the voice of Osogbo elders and this includes those who don’t even have sympathy for the APC, they always tell me that Aregbesola has done really well for our state”, Ataoja stressed.

    ‎Responding, Governor Aregbesola assured the people of Osun that the debt profile of the state would soon reduce drastically just as revenue inflow to the state would also take a turn for the better.

    He described the loans taken by the state as a ‘necessity’ to rescue Osun from the shackles of backwardness and poor governance he met on assumption of office.

    The governor regarded as baseless and unfounded the insinuations that the state had borrowed beyond its capacity, saying the debt profile of the state has been adjudged as moderate by the National Bureau of Statistics and several other relevant agencies.

    He said his administration went borrowing to stimulate the economy of the state and as well as provide for the people the required basic infrastructure of development in all aspects of life.

    “We thank God that Osun is moving forward through us and we are grateful to God for this. The opposition members are going about saying we are indebted. We don’t have a problem with that because the fact remains that we did not spend the debts on frivolities but rather on developmental projects that are everywhere for all to see.

    “Osun will definitely clear the debts and our developmental projects will remain for the benefit of all.  I am happy to inform you that the coast is getting clearer because by 2019 our SUKUK and conventional loans would have been cleared”, he enthused.

    Read Also: ‘Aregbesola has set high standard, legacy in Osun’

  • NYSC  tasks employers on welfare, security of corps members

    Mr Remigius Amaefule, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Scheme ( NYSC )  in Kwara,  has advised employers to make the  welfare and security of corps members deployed to them their  priority.

    The coordinator gave the advice on Wednesday at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Batch ‘A’ orientation course.

    He said the 1,940 corps members were posted according to their disciplines across the 16 local government areas of the state based on the NYSC policy.

    “I wish to state categorically that the optimum welfare and security of our corps members is paramount to us.

    “Therefore, we shall not hesitate to repost any of our corps members from any corps employers  if we discover they are not well taken care of, or are under-utilised,” Amaefule said.

    The coordinator also implored the corps members to accept their posting in good faith, warning them not to induce their rejection.

    “My appeal to you is to settle down in your respective local government areas and contribute your own quota to the development of our great nation, Nigeria, through Community Development Service Projects ( CDS ),” he said.

    The coordinator also advised the corps members to make use of the skill acquisition ventures that they were exposed to during the three-week orientation course.

    “You are ambassadors of your families, state and NYSC, never do anything that will bring their names to disrepute.

    “I advise you not to embark on unauthorised journeys outside the state as it may attract sanctions apart from other associated risks,” he added.

    Amaefule encouraged the corps members to study the culture and tradition of their host communities.

    “You must as a matter of courtesy respect their norms and values and steer clear of their taboos and local politics,” he said.

    Read Also: Disclose health status, NYSC DG urges corps members

    The coordinator commended the state government for the donation of 300 mattresses, 300 plastic chairs and 150 double bunk beds.

    “I also appreciate the State Muslim Welfare Board and the Osun State NYSC for releasing some mattresses to us at a time we were in dire need,” he said.

    In his address, Govcommended the corps members for the successful completion of the 21- day orientation course.

    The governor, represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole, saluted the courage, patriotism, doggedness and loyalty demonstrated throughout the orientation exercise by the corps members.

    “As you set out to go and report at your places of primary assignment, I urge you to follow the indelible footprints of your predecessors by acting as catalysts of physical and socio-economic development of our state and nation in general,” he said.

    The governor advised the corps members to make use of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development initiative with the hope that many of them might be motivated  to go into self-employment after service.

    Ahmed told the corps members that in as much as government at all levels was making effort to solve the perennial unemployment problem among Nigerian youths, the few opportunities cannot go round.

    “Therefore, it behoves on you to take advantage of your service year to prepare yourselves toward  self-employment and becoming eventual employers of labour,” he  said.

    He assured the corps members of his government’s readiness to place more priority on their welfare and security throughout the service year.

    “No stone will be left upturned in ensuring that you have a smooth and hitch-free service in the state.

    “The state government will continue to improve facilities in the orientation camp in order to make it more habitable for the ever-increasing corps population,” he said.  

    NAN

  • Nigeria needs politics of ideology not stomach infrastructure – Lawal

    Ayoade Afolabi Lawal is a governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. In this interview with Sina Fadare, he speaks on the alleged plot to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari by the National Assembly, the invasion of National Assembly by thugs, security challenges in the country, among other sundry issues. Excerpts

    INTERNAL wrangling and party indiscipline are rampant in all the political parties; how do you think such can be reduced so that parties can stand upright to play their roles effectively?

    If you look at the structure of the parties, there is hierarchy that needs to be followed; we have the leadership who takes decisions at the highest level and other categories like that. Basically, I think we have lowered our standard on discipline in the party; some people would engage in anti-party activities and at the end of the day they get away with it and they become untouchable. This gives room for indiscipline whereas when another person does same thing and discipline was enforced you now asked questions. Like in Animal Farm, this begins to create tension within the party. There is need for us to have the right approach to instill discipline in parties and nobody should be spared if need be.

    We also must not be draconian in our approach to instill discipline in our parties. In a situation where you are too rigid, you have people leaving the party for another; nobody is perfect, there are activities that will not be grievous but some people would take it as a sacrilege which is part of politicking. Where you insist that someone has committed an offense and you decreed that he or she should go on suspension for six months whereas he should have been warned, these are things that can aggravate people to leave the party. The punishment should be commensurate with the offence committed

    Politics this day is cash and carry. How can we reduce this so that the best is given opportunity to serve?

    Money politics has actually led us to where we are today. Somebody just joined the party, because he is a money bag, he hijacks the party machinery and all others are relegated to the background. This in most cases has given room for mediocrity.  At this point, the party ideology and programmes are relegated and reduced to stomach infrastructure which at the end of the day will create more poverty for the people.

    Initially, party members would think they are gaining something but at the end, they have sold their birth rights to the money bag. I personally do not support money politics because it is not something that is positive; it is negative to the entire polity. What we need this time around is politics of ideas and intellectualism where candidates will come to the political arena with brilliant ideas which can be sold to the people. Idea is the only thing that can revolutionalise our polity.

    But from pragmatic point of view, we can only get to a situation where we start to educate our people against money politics and its consequences. You only collect that money temporarily and at the end of the day you will go back to square one. We can only start to reduce it through conscious education to electorates and to be honest, it cannot be totally eradicated from the society.

    What is your take on INEC’s recent alarm that there are too many registered political parties, a development that may pose a challenge to the forthcoming 2019 general election?

    We seem to have large number of political parties that INEC don’t have facility for? I personally feel that it is just a way to say that we have increased our budget. Even on election, when we look at normal voter register, you will see that we have a lot of parties that have no candidate, may be due to short planning. So, INEC should be able to accommodate them. I don’t see it as a big deal. You have registered them, there is nothing anyone can do now; it is going to be a big challenge but it is going to take more paper and probably more budget that is the way I see it. Parties must find a way of educating their members and voters on what to look for on the voting papers, like the way we used to say that they should look out for the broom. The logos of the parties are not the same and it will not pose any serious problem as claimed.

    What is your view on the recent declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2019 election?

    First of all, we need to recognise the fact that the President has the right to declare his intention as a citizen of this country and as a sitting President. On my point of view, we can’t really say what the second term would look like if he is opportuned to be elected because what I see is that if he wins the second term, definitely he is going to change some members of the current cabinet and the moment he change the team, we are going to have different players. Perhaps what he needs most at this critical period is that he should comb all the nooks and crannies of the country and source for technocrats and experts in governance who will deliver the goodies which Nigerians are yearning for. But that is going to be the critical factor because the President cannot see everything; he would depend on those that are running the home affairs for him. So, those who he (President) is going to deploy to oversee various ministries are going to be the determining factor for his second term.

    Do you think the argument that Osun West should produce the next governor in Osun is justifiable?

    Yes, it is excellently justifiable. It is all in the spirit of fairness, self-belonging and equity. A situation whereby we have three zones in Osun and one of them feels marginalized is not good enough for the state. Have we tried them and we discovered they are not competent? It is unacceptable. In fact, if you do a good surveillance and listen to the mind of the people, a lot of the people from Osun East and Central are saying that it is the turn of the Osun West. So, it is like a kind of unseen sentimental feelings that it is the turn of the people of Osun West. Let us allow them to go for the governorship in the spirit of fairness, togetherness and justice. Let us try them and see what they can contribute to the development of the state.

    What is your take on the recent invasion of National Assembly by people suspected to be political thugs and what would you say is its implication on the polity?

    The invasion of the National Assembly by thugs is an indication that there is tension in the National Assembly. It indicates that within themselves there are a number of aggrieved parties and basically it is bad behaviour that is not commensurate with the present democracy. It shows that we have some security issues even within the National Assembly because a situation where somebody walks down into the chamber, pick the mace and walk out of that building is not good enough.

    It means that if they wanted to hurt anybody there, they can easily enter into the chamber; they dammed the consequences and to forestall this we need to beef up security within the National Assembly so that such things do not occur again. Also Senators need to come together, sort things out among themselves and investigate thoroughly if any of them is actually involved in this and proper disciplinary action must be taken in order to forestall future occurrences.

  • Osun 2018: APC, PDP and the changing dynamics

    In this report, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, examines the struggle for the governorship ticket of the frontline political parties in Osun State ahead of the 2018 gubernatorial election. He reports on the changing dynamics of the race following some developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

     

    Barring any change in the plans of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voters in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria, will on September 22, 2018, troop out to elect a new governor for the state to replace incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who will be completing his second term of four years in office much later in the year. Expectedly, politicians from various parts of the state are already jostling for the coveted seat.

    Although there are currently about 20 political parties boasting of their readiness to field candidates for the September election, the struggles for the gubernatorial tickets of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appear to be more profound. Pundits say this may be so because of the widespread belief that the next gubernatorial contest in the state is a straight fight between the two parties.

    While the APC is not resting on its oars in its bid to remain in government beyond 2018, the opposition PDP is daily putting its house in order as it prepares to challenge Governor Aregbesola and his party to a political duel which, if won, will see the party returning to power for the first time since 2009 when it was displaced by a Supreme Court judgement that sacked the then governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, from office, and replaced him with Aregbesola, then the candidate of the now defunct Action Congress (AC).

    APC

    Amidst rumour that Governor Aregbesola is planning to install one of his close aides as his successor and claims by some aspirants to have been endorsed by him as successor, the Governor  is still keeping the public guessing about who he is likely to back for the plum job on the platform of his party. While his camp hinged his continued silence on the matter on the need for him to ensure a level playing ground ahead of the party primary, some observers claim the APC leader may be unsure of where the pendulum should swing.

    Tade Lucas, Country Director of Voters’ Alliance Africa (VAA), wonders why the APC and its leadership is keeping mum on the issue of Aregbesola’s likely successor. According to the pro-democracy activist, it is unusual for the people to be kept guessing barely five months to the gubernatorial election. “This is Africa and we all know our brand of democracy is different. For the governor to still be silent on who he wants to succeed him at this time is strange. I just hope the APC is not finding it difficult to arrive at a decision,” he said.

    But Kunle Oyatomi, APC’s spokesperson in the state, thinks otherwise. According to him, APC parades a good number of capable men and will easily choose one of them as its candidate at the appropriate time through the proper process. He said the party would consider someone with the ability to continue the developmental successes of the Aregbesola administration, not someone who will drag the state backward.

    “A saboteur cannot qualify. An undisciplined person cannot qualify , and a person not committed to the developmental agenda of  Aregbesola cannot be trusted to succeed him. Anybody who has motives inconsistent with the laudable  goals of our party; and is  treacherous in the main, and against what Aregbesola has done , can never be the party’s choice in Osun. Also , anyone who is looking outside Osun APC to win the party’s nomination will fail and therefore cannot succeed Aregbesola,” he explained.

     

    Oyatomi said the APC currently has about 20 aspirants seeking the party’s ticket. Among them is Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the incumbent Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and a former Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state. The 65 -year -old politician hails from Iwo in Osun West Senatorial District. Going by what his supporters say, he is banking on an unwritten zoning arrangement to sway the ticket his way.

    Also said to have thrown his hat into the ring of the contest for the APC ticket is Hon. Najeem Salaam, the current Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly. A close political ally of Aregbesola, the Ejigbo-born politician, according to close aides, is one of those aspirants believed to be waiting to know Aregbesola’s preference before going all out. “If the Governor is not in support of him, Mr. Speaker will forget the ambition,” an aide to the Speaker told The Nation.

    For nearly two years now, incumbent Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lusun  Yusuf, has been working hard on his ambition to be the next governor of the state. The Ilobu-born lawmaker, according to party sources, is also advocating that the governorship should be ceded to Osun West. But his soured relationship with the leadership of the party as well as Aregbesola is seen by many as a huge obstacle.

    There is also Gboyega Oyetola, the current Chief of Staff to the governor. His visibility has increased rapidly in recent weeks, amidst talks that he seems to  be the choice of the grassroots in the state. Already, some leading chieftains of the party have publicly endorsed the Iragbiji-born technocrat- turned politician who is from Osun Central Senatorial District . Oyetola is seen as focused , competent, amiable and highly knowledgeable in financial matters, attributes that are said to have also endeared him to prominent indigenes of the state who are not politically inclined.

     PDP

    Just as the PDP appears to be narrowing its search for the gubernatorial candidate for the September election to a new set of frontrunners following the trouncing of the political camp of former Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, at the last state congress which produced Hon. Soji Adagunodo as State Chairman, the Senator representing Osun West, Ademola Adeleke, declared his intent to run for the governorship position.  The lawmaker made his intention known in a letter written to the state chapter of the party.

    The senator said his intention was based on his conviction that he can unite the party in the state. He added that he has the ability to “galvanise the general electorate towards ensuring a resounding victory for the PDP in the forthcoming polls.” He urged the leadership of the party to give him the opportunity to fly its flag in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

    Adeleke was elected senator last year to replace his late brother, Isiaka Adeleke, who died three months earlier, before the expiration of his term, at the senate. His interest in the PDP governorship ticket, according to party sources, is fast changing several permutations within the opposition party. Adeleke is from Ede in Osun West Senatorial District. His ambition therefore, is favorably viewed by pro-zoning agitators within the party.

    Comrade Fasiu Ajetunmobi, a former ex-officio member of the PDP in Ife Zone, told The Nation that the PDP may have to give Adeleke’s interest in the race some very serious thought. He explained that as a party desirous of winning the election ‘we must not leave any stone unturned. Adeleke is not just another aspirant; he is a serving senator and Osun PDP’s most senior political office holder.

    “There is also the issue of visibility. Currently, no PDP politician can boast of being as visible across the state as Senator Adeleke. Beyond his politics, he is hugely popular among our people for his humanitarian gestures and his dancing steps. His family name is another plus for him. And pro-zoning agitators will also find him attractive. So, he is not an aspirant any serious party can overlook just like that,” he explained.

    Before Adeleke’s emergence on the scene, the PDP had Gbenga Owolabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ayoade Adewopo, youthful Ife-born legal practitioner, former Secretary to the State Government, Fatai Akinbade, a business tycoon, Dr. Kayode Oduoye, and Lere Oyewumi, as frontline aspirants in the race for its ticket.  Speaking to The Nation recently at a prayer session organised by the party, Adagunodo said any one of these aspirants was capable of winning the governorship election in September.

    “We are looking for a young, capable and acceptable candidate who will change the voting dynamics and deliver the votes to the PDP. We have a number of them and we are settling for one of them soon. In the same vein, we are equally considering who will be the deputy governorship candidate. We want to come out with a ticket that will attract the people of Osun to once again vote for PDP,” a party executive said.

    Feelers from party sources a couple of weeks back had indicated that majority of the party’s chieftains and members across the state may have settled for the candidacy of Adewopo, who Ajetunmobi described as the ‘new face of Osun PDP’. There were even talks that either Lere Oyewunmi or Fatai Akinbade should be paired with him as deputy governorship candidate because, according to them, Adewopo’s youthful vibrancy will be greatly helped by the maturity and political experience of any of these two old warhorses.

    “But with Adeleke now officially in the race, it is uncertain if the status quo will remain the same. This is because party leaders as we speak are seriously weighing the options available for the PDP,”Ajetunmobi revealed. He added that factors, including but not limited to financial muscle, current position, political structure, as well as visibility, will help the Senator make a good showing in the ongoing struggle for the PDP ticket.

     SDP, et al

    But if the APC and the PDP think Senator Omisore is out of the race for the governorship position in September for good upon demystification in the PDP, then they better wait for this; the former Deputy Governor, according to close aides, is making plans to run on the platform of a new party in September. As a prelude to this, his supporters are reported to be moving in droves to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state.

    Omisore, during the week, held a closed-door meeting with a former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in the latter’s home in Okuku. The meeting, sources said, might not be unconnected to Omisore’s gubernatorial ambition. It was gathered that Omisore, who arrived Okuku around 12.15 pm, with his aides and political associates entered into a closed door session that lasted till 5.15pm with Oyinlola before he departed.

    In Omisore’s entourage to Okuku were the former ambassador of Nigeria to Philippines, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, former Minister for Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, Mr. Kayode Alufa, Hon Ismaila Kolawole, Alhaji Yemi Omisore, Hon Bade Falade, Hon Debo Ayinde and host of others. Though still a chieftain of the ruling APC, Oyinlola is one of the national leaders of the political coalition being championed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as an alternative to both APC and PDP.

    There were also reports that the embattled former Deputy Governor is in talks with the leadership of the SDP concerning his 2018 governorship bid. “You must understand the fact that Omisore is a political heavyweight anyway in Osun. What we need now is just a platform and we are working round the clock to sort that out. Once that is done, it will be time to free the people of Osun from political bondage,” a close aide of the Senator said.

    Similarly, there are talks that former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, may run in the September governorship election in Osun State. Sources close to him say he is under pressure to join the race on the platform of the opposition PDP. Recently, a youth group, claiming to be the youth wing of the PDP in the South West region, urged him to run in the election.

    But sources close to the ex-minister revealed that he may not seek the ticket of the PDP considering the fact that he has not been part of the party’s activities since 2015. “Rather, it is likely that he will seek to use the platform of another political party unless the PDP unanimously offer him its ticket to be the governorship candidate in September. One thing I can tell you is that the people of Osu are beckoning on him to come and govern them,” a source said.