Osun Defender Online Version of September 06, 2024

CONTROVERSY OVER NEWLY PROCURED TRACTORS

CKazeem Badmus

ONTROVERSIES have trailed the unveiling and distribu on of tractors to farmers by the Osun State Government.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke, had on August 30, 2024, unveiled 31 ‘newly purchased’ tractors during an event held at the Agricultural Input Supply Unit, Aisu, Ede.

A week a er the unveiling, some residents are doub ng the sincerity of the state government on the number of tractors procured and the amount expended.

Before rolling out the 31 tractors, Adeleke had on July 25, 2024, through a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said government had received a first batch of 72 ‘newly coupled’ tractors out of the 114 tractors paid for.

Rasheed in the statement tled, ‘Governor Adeleke Scale Up Efforts on Food Security, Procures New Tractors to Boost Food Produc on in Osun’, said, “Yesterday, the government received the first batch of 72 newly coupled tractors out of 114 tractors paid for by the Governor Ademola Adeleke led administra on in a bid to boost food produc on and support farmers in the state.”

Also, Rasheed in July said the 72 tractors were a first batch, no ng that others were being expected.

“About 24 trucks of 3 tractors each have since arrived the state in the first batch of the procurement, while others are s ll being expected.”

But the governor, while speaking during the unveiling, contradicted

•Continued on page 4

Stakeholders Want Adeleke To Caution Timi Over Declaration On Communities

Kazeem Badmus

SOME stakeholders in Egbedore Local Government of Osun State have frowned at a recent declara on by the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, that all communi es in the local government are under the tradi onal control of Ede land.

The monarch, had in a viral video, noted that the history of the communies in Egbedore had been erased since one of the late kings of Ede, who he did not men on, rescued their people during a war decades ago.

Oba Lawal who spoke to his subjects in the video obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, said the late Timi had overlord the communi es when they could not protect themselves, asserting that Ede owns whatever the towns are laying claim to now.

He said, “Truly, they have a history but the history has been erased.

“The history was erased when the Fulanis invaded them, and those villages couldn’t save themselves. It was the late Timi who rose to the occasion.

“The people in Egbedore back then came for shelter here in Ede.

“We have Alawo, Iragberi, Aro, Lekuo, Iwoye houses in Ede. All these compounds are in Ede because the late Timi put them there when they came here for protec on.

“So, if they are claiming they have history, Timi has overlord them since they cannot protect themselves then. Timi owns whatever they claim to have now.”

The declara on by the monarch has been condemned by the indigenes of the towns under Egbedore local government, who called on Governor Ademola Adeleke, to wade in before it degenerates into a communal crisis.

Some of the indigenes who spoke with the medium said the Timi of Ede

•Says Towns In Egbedore LG Not Under Ede

cannot change history to lord himself over them.

They noted that Egbedore Local Government is not under Ede and therefore, monarchs and residents of the communi es under the local government cannot be subjects of Timi.

They added that the

monarch would not have come out to say such if the late Alayemore of IdoOsun, Oba Aderemi Adeen Adedapo, was s ll alive.

“We are calling on the state governor to call his monarch to order. They are from the same town and he shouldn’t allow him to cause crisis in the state.

“As a monarch, there are some things that are not expected of him, and one of such things was what he said. How can history be erased?

Abioye, said.

“Why didn’t he come out to say all this when the late Alayemore was alive? He wouldn’t dare because he knew our Baba would have put him in his place,” an indigene of Awo, Olusola

“He wants to forcefully lord himself over the towns in Egbedore which is not possible. He should stay in his lane and concentrate on his subjects.

•Ongoing under-pass at Lameco roundabout in Osogbo

Why PDP Will Rule Osun Beyond 2026 – Bisi

Yusuf Oketola

THE Chairman of Peoples’ Democra c Party (PDP), Osun State Chapter, Sunday Bisi has boasted that the party would rule Osun forever, given the achievements of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Bisi spoke in Osogbo at the monthly interac ve session organised by Associa on of Veteran Journal-

•We Will End Adeleke’s Reign In 2026 – APC Spokesman

In a similar development, an indigenous group, Osogbo Development Acon Group (ODAG), has urged the state government to warn the monarch to stop his expansionist agenda to forestall crisis.

The group said the monarch was using the posi on of the governor, being an indigene of his domain, to lord Ede over other towns in the state by encroaching on their lands, including those belonging to Osogbo and Olorunda LGAs.

In a statement, its Coordinator and Secretary, Ajani Lukman and Oladejo Shuaibu, the group stated that the expansionist tendencies and u erances of the tradi onal ruler on Olorunda and Osogbo local government boundaries is already crea ng tension in the areas.

The PDP chairman also dismissed claims that Adeleke and his kinsmen from Ede had relegated other interests in the administra on, insis ng that the governor had been magnanimous in conducting affairs of government.

His words, “By God’s grace, Osun that we are in,

people are happy with us. The last me I visited the Osun NUJ Press Centre, it was not like this. Is it the payment of workers’ salaries or pensions or the ongoing infrastructure in the state?

“Will the people of Osun now say the government of the PDP has failed? No! The previous

Osun To Create New Board For Senior Secondary Education

Yusuf Oketola

Anew board for Senior Secondary Educa on is in the offing in Osun State.

This follows the passage of Osun State Sen-

S ’ Q

ior Secondary Educa on Board Establishment Bill 2024, on Tuesday.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that mo on for the final passage of the bill was moved by Majority Leader, Hon. Babajide Koists the state.

“The way to go therefore is that we should work hard and earn our own money. We should develop the capacity to create wealth from which we provide jobs and generate revenue to the government”

foworola and seconded by member represen ng Ila State Cons tuency, Hon. Sikiru Bajepade.

The Speaker, Hon. Adewale Egbedun who explained that the bill aims to manage senior secondary schools assured that it will benefit post-primary educa on in the state.

According to him “The passage of the bill is necessary to put the senior secondary school affairs in good shape in the state”.

“The bill is best one at this moment for the development of Senior secondary schools across the state’ he added.

He noted the bill will be forwarded to Governor Ademola Adeleke for assent.

In the mean me, the lawmakers also considered the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Establishment Amendment No 1 Bill 2024 to empower Amotekun Corps to arrest, detain and prosecute criminals in the state.

government in the state began rehabilita on of the road from Gbongan to Akoda and for a good 12 years, the repair work is s ll within Gbongan town, no progress.

“The road is s ll incomplete ll today. They collected money for the construc on of these roads but they didn’t deliver the projects. If such a government should come back to Osun State, the people will suffer.

“We have tasted two different governments and now we know the one that is sweeter. PDP will connue to rule Osun State forever,” Bisi said.

But the Director of Media, Osun APC, Mr. Kola Olabisi, declared the readiness of the opposi on to end Adeleke’s reign in 2026.

Olabisi said, “We are not moved by the arrogant statement credited to Mr Sunday Bisi, the fac onal chairman of the Osun State Peoples Democra c Party PDP, that his party would rule the state forever as such a statement is an indica on that his party would lose the state to the opposi on All Progressives Congress APC in the forthcoming 2026: elec ons.

“If we go down memory lane, it is when the PDP is des ned to lose an elecon that such an odious and horrendous statement of ruling the state forever comes out of the handlers of the ill-fated party.”

The statement was reac ng to some documents circula ng in the media containing survey plans, le ers and invita on cards to a purported coronaon ceremony where the Ede monarch allegedly instructed Ajeniju of Hallelujah, Jelili Olaiya to overlord landmarks belonging to the two local governments and further describing same as Ede land areas in Egbedore local government.

It reads partly, “If this aggression by Timi of Ede is not curtailed on me and the areas are le prone to security threats, it would not do the state any good and would appear as if the governor is abusing his posi on as the governor to lord Ede over other towns in the state by encroaching on their lands including Osogbo and Olorunda LGAs.

“It should be carefully noted that Ede, with its distasteful history of land-grabbing tendencies around border areas, needed to come off it as the society has outgrown the archaic era of wars and conquests over lands.

“It is, therefore, our candid resolve to invite the government of the Osun State to avert the looming crisis among many towns and communi es sharing boundaries with Ede by urgently taking direct the Timi of Ede to immediately cancel the proposed but highly controversial Corona on Ceremony of Ajeniju of Hallelujah scheduled for the sake of peace and tranquillity.

“It’s absurd for a Timi’s appointed Chief to overlord on Osogbo land. It is audaciously laughable for a Timi to claim ownership of a place like Agunbelewo and other places in that axis which have never been a subject of dispute,” the statement said.

Preparing For Schools Resumption

IT is going to be very hard for parents to cope with the fallout from the turbulence on the fuel supply front. With the lack of investments in mass transit systems, the cost implica on for parents will be dire. Parents are better be prepared! There should have been a con nua on of the “SCHOLAR BUS” system which was pioneered in Nigeria in the 1950s. Great kudos must be given to the foresight of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for pu ng forward a scholar bus system in his second term as the Governor of Osun. The scheme was well received by the generality of the people and should have been con nuously built upon and expanded

for the benefit of the ci zenry. Abandoned by the Oyetola’s administra on, incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke has very sensibly revived the scheme as “IMOLE DE BUS;” he must be commended for this. In today’s situaon of excrucia ng pain, we urge Governor Adeleke to deepen his investment in the scheme and also the homegrown feeding programme for school children which was another much-lauded ini a ve of the Aregbesola years. The state has a central and decisive role to play in allevia ng the current distress of the ci zen and schemes such as the aforemen oned must now be put on the front burner.

On Higher Institution Age Limit

DEAR Editor, The Nigerian government’s recent decision to set the minimum age for ter ary ins tu ons admissions at 18 years is worrying. This policy, announced by the Minister of Educa on, Tahir Mamman, represents a significant and abrupt shi in our educaonal system, sparking considerable opposi on among stakeholders.

The policy’s implementa on by 2025 is unrealis c and unfair, disrup ng the established educa onal trajectory for many students who typically complete secondary school at 16 or 17.

The Minister’s ra onale, ci ng the need for children to be in school un l 18 as per the law, overlooks the diverse needs and reali es of Nigerian students, priori-

Editor Letter To The

zing a one-size-fits-all approach.

While the policy’s intent seems sound, its poten al drawbacks far outweigh its benefits. It may delay the progress of excep onally gi ed students, strain already scarce secondary school resources while also impac ng families’ financial stability.

I urge President Tinubu’s administra on to reconsider this policy and focus on reforms that truly improve the quality and accessibility of higher educaon in Nigeria.

•Adeyemi Raheem, Osogbo

The Discourse

Nigeria Is Morally Broke

“ IN order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the Na onal Assembly.” This was the statement made on na onal television by Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Nigerian Senate President, at the close of the plenary before a mo on of adjournment was moved at the end of the Ministerial Screening on August 9, 2023.

This was done at the me when they had just purchased a fleet of new SUVs for all members of the Na onal Assembly, without concern for how Nigerians felt. The government removed subsidies and imperiously turned around to begin sharing the money while reassuring suffering poor people of a be er tomorrow.

Our society promotes evil over good, impropriety over honesty, immorality over morality, and ungodliness over godliness. Corporate organisa ons and the few who are stupendously rich spend a huge sum of money to sponsor and promote the evil called BIG BROTHER NAIJA, where unsuitable content, public sex, nudity, a crass display of immorality, and a general fog of decadence are the order of the day. In the end, the winner walked away with hundreds of millions and various gi s.

Sadly, it is challenging to find ins tu ons promo ng technological innova ons, excellence in mathema cs, or spelling compeons. Where such programmes exist, winners go home with a carton of milk or noodles, ridiculous s pends, and laughable prizes, while their counterparts in BBN earn millions for explicit behaviour on interna onal TV. It is worth no ng that the European countries where the Big Brother show originated have since abandoned it, replacing it with various talent-hun ng, educa onal, and posi vely produc shows and programs.

We have many sensors and puni ve laws in place against these kinds of obscene shows, yet such shows con nue to proliferate daily.

The Na onal Broadcas Commission, which should enforce its codes against unwholesome and obscene acts, has turned a blind eye year a er year.

“Sadly, it is challenging to find institutions promoting technological innovations, excellence in mathematics, or spelling competitions. Where such programmes exist, winners go home with a carton of milk or noodles, ridiculous stipends, and laughable prizes, while their counterparts in BBN earn millions for explicit behaviour on international TV.”

tlement, widespread unemployment, and violent crimes have risen to epidemic propor ons today. Under these circumstances, what kind of mass media programs should a responsible government permit or promote? Media houses, too, appear to have failed in their roles and responsibili es. The Na onal Orientaon Agency (NOA), which is supposed to put in place strict policies to guide our teeming popula on, especially the youths, toward achieving modesty and overcoming the challenges of modernity, is asleep and snoring. Common sense is not required to guess where the country is heading, looking at the present crop of youths

For those who read newspapers daily or watch news channels frequently, rape and the viola on of underage children are repugnant decadences.

A new United Na ons Children’s Fund report reveals that no fewer than 9,933 Nigerian children were violently violated between 2017 and 2021. How many of the offenders have been properly tried and convicted? The answer is obvious, just a minuscule number; of course, Baba Ijesa stands out as a scapegoat.

Rape, fraud, drug abuse, human trafficking, and pros tu on, alongside a sense of en-

OSUN DEFENDER

Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Ac ng Deputy Editor – Sodiq Yusuf

Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Reporter – Yusuf Oketola

Reporter – Kazeem Badmus

Photo Journalist – Shola Aderinto

Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere

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

ISSN : 0794-8050

Is all hope lost? No. Be er late than never. I have lent my voice to the call on the government, religious houses, the media, society at large, and men of goodwill to join the campaign for more intelligent and educave programs on our televisions and in our media spaces. Largely speaking, the media is a powerful tool for influencing the minds of the people. We should all join the train and free our society from this seemingly unending moral decadence.

Telephone : 0809-301-9152

Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com

All correspondence to the above email addresses.

•Comrade ABOSEDE OLUWASEUN “Safety” , is a Unionist, a right activist and a Social Crusader.

•This article first published on November 3, 2023, is repeated due to popular demand and the mood of the nation.

Controversy Over Newly Procured Tractors

•Continued from front page

his media aide, no ng that 31 tractors were ‘newly purchased’.

“We are equally unveiling 31 newly purchased tractors with full implements for the use of our farmers in Osun State which is the first phase of this project.

“These tractors will be released to farmers coopera ve socie es and associa ons a er all necessary administra ve procedures have been concluded. This is also in line with the promise made to our resourceful youthful popula on during the last End Bad Governance protest. We hope to provide all necessary infrastructure and resources to enhance agricultural produc on and ensure food security for our people,”

He also disclosed that his administra on is commi ng N8 billion for the acquiring of tractors and farm clearing equipment, with another N2 billion expected to be spent on farm input support.

“I also wish to inform the public that the state is commi ng N8 Billion for the acquisi on of tractors and farm clearing equipment within the context of due process and another N2 billion worth of farm input support.”

Adeleke, however, did not specify how much each tractor was bought, a development that has generated reac ons from members of the public.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that since the incep on of the present administra on in Osun, comprehensive details of projects executed by have been met with controversies.

Opposi on par es, civil society organisa ons and some individuals have also con nued to call out the state government on several occasions for its alleged non-disclosure of full details of projects and programmes it has executed.

Some of the projects which have led to controversies include - sinking of 332 boreholes across all wards in the state, award of the N100bn infrastructure projects, teachers’ recruitment, among others.

A civil society group, The Osun Masterminds, had called for the probe of the boreholes.

The Execu ve Director of the group, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, said his members visited several wards across the state, interacted with many residents and discovered that most of the boreholes were not func onal.

Oyedokun-Alli said, “Our findings revealed that

upon comple on of most if not all of the boreholes, they did not work beyond the day the installed pumping machines were tested.”

But while reac ng to the claim by the group, Rasheed said, “A local government survey plus the area office would show that contrary to reports, the water project has not failed, and a check with the relevant government offices would have corrected misinformaon being peddled around. As of today, our people at the local level are enjoying these boreholes even before it was fully commissioned.

“If interested stakeholders are also conscious of the earlier announcement that full details of state income and expenditure will be unveiled at the Ipade Imole holding in late June, there won’t be any need to rush to judgment and consequent false assump ons and unfounded allega ons of failed projects.”

In its reac on, a civil society organisa on, Centre for Social Jus ce and Public Protec on (CSJPP), berated the state government for not giving accurate informa on about its projects.

CSJJP coordinator, Akin Akanji, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Thurs-

•Adeleke, Media Aide Contradict Selves •Mum Over Amount Spent On Each Tractor •Group Berates Govt, Calls For Transparency

day in Osogbo, said it was becoming of the Adeleke’s administra on to contradict itself on sensi ve issues, no ng that Osun residents deserve to know the true state of things.

He said, “It is very unfortunate that the state gover-

nor and his media aide are contradic ng themselves on the issue of the newly procured tractors.

“Osun residents deserve be er as we don’t know who to believe between the governor and his aide. It is becoming of the state government and it is a sign of unseriousness.

“The money being expended on projects is taxpayers’ money, and they deserve to know the true facts on how the monies are being spent.”

Efforts to get clarificaon from the Commissioner for Agriculture, Tola Faseru, proved abor ve as calls to his phone were not picked.

Also, text messages sent to his phone and WhatsApp were not replied at the me of filing this report.

•L-R State Programme Manager for ECEWS, Mrs Seyifunmi Adefiranye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, Executive Secretary, O’SACA, Dr. Olusegun Daramola, and others during the distribution of Imole HIV Prevention Medical Tools to the people of

Fuel Price Hike: Residents Groan Over Increased Hardship

Sodiq Yusuf

ESIDENTS of Osun

RState have expressed their frustra on over the recent hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as Petrol.

They lamented that the increment has further plunged them to increased hardship in addi on to scarcity that has lingered for weeks.

This is as the price of the product has risen to above N1,000/litre across filling sta ons in the state.

In separate interviews with OSUN DEFENDER across the state yesterday, some of the residents including commercial trans-

•As Petrol Sells

porters, business owners, market men and women, civil servants, ar sans, among others noted that the rise in PMS price has further worsened the already precarious situa on.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Nigerian Naonal Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had on Tuesday announced a rise in petrol price from N617/ litre to N897/litre.

According to the na onal oil firm, “This is to inform you that NNPC Retail Management has approved upward review of PMS pump price from N617/litre to N897/litre effec ve today,

3rd September. 2024.

“Please ensure all your pumps and totems (price boards)/MIDs reflect the new PMS price of N897/litre,” the message said. Since the new price regime began, residents of Osun have con nued to groan on the impact of the development.

A commercial transporter, Mr. Femi Ibrahim who had queued for petrol since September 1 told OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday that the situa on has affected his business in no mean measure.

Ibrahim explained that, “At mes, we would leave our family at home. People come here to buy fuel around 1:00 am, 2:00 am, some mes 3:00 am. When someone is working and needs fuel for the job, the stress of trying to obtain that fuel can be exhaus ng for everyone involved and the job will be affected. It is too bad.”

Another resident, Laide Kolawole stressed that petrol price increase has led to a low patronage.

Kolawole, who is a barber in Ikirun said he had to resort to being a commercial motorcyclist in Osogbo to make ends meet.

“On Sunday, I slept at the filling sta on for me to be able to get the fuel as soon as possible. On Monday night, I le Ikirun around 2:00 am in the midnight for me not to queue much, but unfortunately when I got here, I already met like 60 vehicles on queue.

The fuel situa on really affected my business. That is why I now travel to Osogbo daily to work as a commercial motorcyclist so I can feed my family. It is really a worrying situa on.

Mrs Abisola Adeoye, a civil servant at the state secretariat noted that the situa on has forced her to abandon her vehicle as she could not afford fuel at the new rate.

“I cannot take my vehicle to work again. It is just too bad. I used to fill my tank with less than N10,000 before the current government took over. When the price has ranged from N500 to N800 in the last six months, I filled my tank with N19,000. With the new price at almost a thousand naira, I will fill the same tank with N35,000.

“I am the breadwinner of my family. I have two kids in the University. There is no way I can cope with

that amount of money to buy petrol. I have changed to public transport. It is really a turbulent period for us and there is nothing we can do about it. The government should just have mercy on us. Survival is difficult at the moment.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview with OSUN DEFENDER, a rights ac vist, Comrade Daniel Abayomi decried the increment.

Abayomi said it is pathe c that at a me many Nigerians are grappling with how to manage their lives with the ripple effect of subsidy removal, government s ll added to the burden of the masses.

The ac vist stressed that “Almost every item of survival in Nigeria is now expensive. Everything is just skyrocke ng on a daily basis. We are in this state because of the poor economic policies that has inflicted more hardship on Nigerians.

“The me to act is now. Nigerians can no longer breathe. This is the condion we now find ourselves. Only a decisive ac on will ameliorate the suffering of the masses. If they truly are a government of Renewed Hope, they should take acon,” Abayomi stated further.

“We

Can No Longer Afford ‘Okrika’ Wears”

Ajoke Fayehun

THE prevailing economic circumstances in the country is taking its toll in almost all segments of the daily lives of people.

One of the a ributes that dis nguishes humans from other animals is clothing. The range of clothing one puts on is determined by the purchasing power of such an individual or personality.

However, with the economic hardship facing Nigerians, the buying power of many people have been limited resulting in a rac on to cheap commodi es sold at high prices.

Findings by OSUN DEFENDER during the week revealed that the situa on has led to the decline in the purchase of low-grade wears also known as Okrika.

During a visit to some major markets in Osogbo, the medium observed a sharp drop in number of prospec ve buyers.

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER at the Igbona market on Tuesday, a trader who deals in Okri-

ka wears iden fied as Comfort, lamented the impact of the economic situa on on her busi-

ness. She told the medium that she hardly sells 10 pieces of clothes unlike

before when she sells a bale. Comfort said, “The situa on is really bad.

We normally sell a bale or two of cloths daily. People no longer come to buy from us. They prefer purchasing foodstuffs and other essenal needs than buying clothes. In fact, one of my customers told me yesterday that she will no longer buy clothes but foodstuffs and educa onal materials for her children.”

Mr. Toluwani Ajayi, an Okrika seller at Orisumbare market in a chat with OSUN DEFENDER said that the low profit rate amidst high cost also led to a dearth in patronage.

Ajayi hinted that the price of a cloth which ranged from N400 to N500 in May 2023 has surged to more than N2,500, thereby denying customers the ability to patronise them.

He called on the government to urgently address the economic situa on so as to boost the standard of living of Nigerians.

Bush, Dirt Take Over Osun Secretariat Lake Resort

Kazeem Badmus

OLUFUNKE Kolawole Lake Resort, located within the Osun State Secretariat, has become an eyesore with bush and dirt taking over major parts of the

facility.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the resort, setup to be an a racve sight to behold for visitors and workers at the secretariat, is now a shadow of its former self.

The resort was commissioned by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola on April 17, 2018, while his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, maintained it during his tenure.

OSUN DEFENDER visited the resort yesterday and observed that the lake water and its surrounding have been taken over by bush. It also no ced that the environment is dirty and smelly.

The resort was built

in honour of Kolawole who was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of General Services, Office of the Governor before her death while returning from an official assignment on July 17, 2017.

Teachers Recr uitment: Osun Announces Cut-Of f Recruitment: Cut-Off Mark, Approves Inter view Dates for Applicants Interview Dates for

Kazeem Badmus

THE Osun State Government, yesterday, announced the cut-off mark for each subject in the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise in the state.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the cut-off marks were released about 7 months after the state execuve council approved recruitment of 5,000 teachers to fill the vacancies in the state teaching service. According to the figures, cut-off mark for the Educa on Officer category includes, English Language - 48, Mathema cs - 48, Government - 62, Agricultural Science - 50, Biology - 52, Civic Educa on - 58, Computer Studies - 54, Economics - 56, Yoruba - 46. For TESCOM category, it includes English Language - 48, Mathe-

ma cs - 46, Agricultural Science - 60, Commerce - 60, Economics - 60, Civic Educa on - 70.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the state government, a er approving the recruitment on February 08, 2024, sold forms for interested candidates with the CBT test held on March 07.

The State Commissioner for Educa on, Dipo Eluwole, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on July 31, 2024, assured residents that the 5,000 teachers will be on ground when schools resume for the next academic session this month.

The Commissioner also debunked the rumour that it was silent on the recruitment exercise in a bid to manipulate the process in favour of PDP members.

He noted that the delay in the recruitment was because of some issues that the ministry was sor ng out.

The commissioner, while promising that the recruitment will be based on merit added that successful candidates will be called for interview.

He said, “I want to tell you that before the schools resume for the next session, everything will be in place. The cutoff mark will soon be announced.

“I want to tell you that the recruitment exercise will be on merit. There won’t be any favouri sm towards our party members.”

Meanwhile, the State Execu ve Council, on Wednesday further directed the conduct of interviews for applicants.

Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, a er the mee ng presided over by Governor Ademola Adeleke, said “The Council noted that the delay in the conclusion of the exercise was due in part to the

protracted nego a ons on the new minimum wage which has now been concluded and for which the state government has set up an implementa on committee for commencement ac on.

“The Council further acknowledged the issuance of le ers to teach-

ers on the elongated service programme for which about two thousand beneficiaries have been issued le ers of engagement, describing this as part of concerted efforts to bridge the staff shortage with the state school system,” the statement read in part.

Speaking with the medium, a staff of the State Ministry of Tourism said the state government had not been taking care of the resort like the previous administra ons.

The civil servant, who does not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak, noted that those in charge of the resort have turned a blind eye to the situaon.

“It is very embarrassing that the resort, which was a sight to behold in the past, has become so busy, dirty and una rac ve.

“It is not only embarrassing but also a shame to the state government as visitors to the state secretariat might have bad impressions about this present administra on.

“Those who are in charge of the lake don’t look like they care about it, which is very bad. The place looks like a shadow of its former self and needs urgent a en on.

“I just hope Governor Ademola Adeleke’s will be called to it, and necessary ac on will be taken to return that place to how it was before it became this bad,” the civil servant said.

Aregbesola, Loyalists Remain In APC – Omoluabi Progressives

IMMEDIATE PAST

Sodiq Yusuf tendency is comprised of poli cal eggheads and genuine Progressives who understand our journey from incep on.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his loyalists – Omoluabi Progressives Caucus are s ll members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is as the former governor of Osun canvassed members to be in the forefront of propagating responsible leadership.

Aregbesola spoke at the monthly stakeholders mee ng of the tendency held in Ilesa, on Sunday.

The caucus was reacting to a social media post by one of its members Kamorudeen Adabanija that the former Governor and his loyalists have dumped the APC and are set to join another party, describing it as untrue and not its official posi on.

A statement by Abosede Oluwaseun, the Organising and Publicity Secretary, Omoluabi Progressives said that according to Aregbesola, responsible leadership focused on steering the wheel of development is what the tendency is poised to provide if given the chance to lead the state.

He stated that what the Omoluabi Progressives represents is a leadership that puts the people and their development first. His words, “Our message is clear. All we are poised to propagate is responsible leadership. Our

“What dis nguishes us from any other poli cians is our resolve to promote, propagate, and provide responsible leadership. Ours is a contract of pushing the development of Osun to an enviable height.

“The test of leadership is in discipline, courage and character. It is what breeds loyalty and competence. That is our clear direc on and what we should promote. We are united in common purpose. For us to return to power, we must rededicate ourselves to be at the forefront of purposeful leadership.”

The Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, said in the last one year of its existence, the tendency has con nued to grow in numbers and impact in the poli cal space of Osun.

Adesiji noted that so far, thousands of grassroots poli cians have joined the caucus in droves from the nooks and cranny of the state.

He also announced that in no distant me, the state coordina ng team will embark on local government tour to further charge members on the need to permeate the grassroots and work to achieve victory for the tendency in 2026.

The former council

HIV/AIDS: Osun Intensifies Efforts Against 2030 Deadline

OSUN State Government has intensified efforts to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS to beat the 2030 deadline.

Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola said government is commi ed to controlling and managing the epidemic in the state.

Akintola while speaking at the distribu on of

HIV preven on tools to stakeholders by Osun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OSACA) in Osogbo, on Tuesday, emphasised that that the administraon is taking bold steps to ensure that it meets the deadline.

The commissioner appealed to residents to get tested and seek treatment if necessary.

He also urged healthcare workers to use the equipment judiciously.

Execu ve Secretary of OSACA, Olusegun Daramola, commended the governor for his commitment to providing quality care and services.

Daramola also appealed to healthcare workers to use the equipment judiciously, saying the government is determined to make the state an HIV/AIDSfree zone by 2030.

•As Ex-Minister Canvasses Responsible Leadership

boss said, “I am happy to report that in the last one year, we have cov-

ered a lot of grounds and worked thoroughly to attract membership across the length and breadth of Osun.

“We will soon begin

Disabled Poly Graduate Runs Into Depression Over Unemployment

Anongovernmental organisa on, Oratorio Music Founda on has sought help from the Osun State Government to assist one Aworan Obaloluwa, a disabled graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, who is struggling with severe depression.

Founder of the foundaon, Dr. Oyindamola Adejumo in a statement made available to journalists at the weekend, said Obaloluwa is sinking deeper into depression due to prolonged unemployment and lack of social support.

Adejumo who expressed his personal concern for the lady stated that, “I vouch for Obaloluwa and urge the Osun State Government to take immediate ac on to help her before it is too late.

“I first met Obaloluwa in 2008 when she joined the Oratorio group at the Federal Polytechnic Ede. Despite her disability, which affects her legs and makes walking difficult— though she does not use crutches—Obaloluwa was known for her service spirit and joy in singing.

“Unlike many, who seek financial aid, she never asked for anything; she wanted to contribute and give back. She comes from a rural area near Ilesa, where her elderly parents struggled as peasant farmers. Despite this, she pursued her educa on with determina on, completing both her ND and HND at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede.

“I had assured her that with her degree and her status as a disabled

woman, job opportunies would be available, especially given Nigeria’s policies favouring the employment of persons with disabili es. However, nearly eight years a er her gradua on, no job has materialised. Her father passed away five years ago, forcing Obaloluwa to return to her village and the family farm, where she became isolated and cut off from job prospects.

“A year ago, she expressed her desire to move to Ibadan, hoping to save enough money to rent a room. While I wanted to support her, I was concerned about the challenges she would face—unemployment and loneliness in a city where she had no friends or family. She then withdrew, stopped talking about her struggles, and eventually, we lost touch.

I never imagined her circumstances had pushed her into depression.

“I am terrified for her safety and well-being. I fear she could fall vic m to traffickers, kidnappers, or worse. Obaloluwa is at a breaking point, and I do not want her life to be cut short by despera on or tragedy.

“I appeal to the Osun State Government to come to Obaloluwa’s aid. I know many state governments in Nigeria reserve employment slots for persons with disabili es, and I believe Osun State is no excep on.

“I implore the First Lady of Osun State, the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, and the Commissioner for Women, Children, and Social Affairs to intervene urgently. Obaloluwa’s life is at risk and she needs immediate help.”

the tour of local government areas in the state. We want to know the issues and address them. We are encouraged by the numbers of the ongoing membership registra on but we want more.

“It is heartwarming to see that everywhere in the state now, the people are behind Omoluabi Progressives. They want us and are ready to support us. We have set up an ethics and disciplinary commi ee to ensure that our core values of discipline is entrenched across board.

“Our leader, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has shown us what true progressive poli cs means. The poli cal tradi on of the Awolowo and Bola Ige’s years is what inspired what we do in Omoluabi Progressives. We want every noble individual to work with us so that we can return to Abeere in 2026,” Adesiji stated further.

In his remarks, a former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor in Osun, Barr. Gbenga Akano admonished members of the tendency to imbibe the virtues of loyalty, dedica on, and consistency.

No ng that the Omoluabi Progressives remains the only link to true progressivism, Akano encouraged them to work assidiously to achieve the caucus’s aspira ons.

The mee ng also witnessed the recep on of new members comprising grassroots poli cians, mobilisers, ex-poli cal office holders, ar sans, and community leaders, among other stakeholders, into the fold.

The defectors, while pledging their unalloyed loyalty to the Omoluabi Progressives, promised to work hand in hand with other members to deliver the state for the caucus.

SEPTEMBER 06, 2024 - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

I Want To Win An Olympic Gold – Female Table Tennis Sensation

“ THE greatest investment is in imbuing our people with selfbelief which would trigger their industriousness and crea vity,” is one of the famous quotes of a former Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

It translates to dreaming big, aiming high, pursuing greatness among other visions which is propelled by a solid vision to excel and achieve. These and more speaks about 13-year-old Khadijat Musa, an indigene of Ede, Osun State, who won gold in the maiden Na onal Cadet Invita onal Championships.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Musa worked of Osun hard to beat Funmilayo Ojo who represented Ondo State 3-1 at the compe on organised by Nigerian table tennis icon, Atanda Musa, in Lagos. The table-tennis sensa on in a chat with the medium on Wednesday dedicated the victory to her long-standing love for Table Tennis.

“I started playing when

•Khadijat, presenting her

I was 10 years old. I developed the passion when I was s ll small. Any me I see people playing it, I admire them and I would join to play. Since then, I have liked playing it.

“We went for a school compe on and I played with men and came first. It was from there that the coach saw the poten al in me, and advised me to develop more interest. When I got here, I realised

the se ng is be er than how we used to play outside.

“I am super elated to have come first at the tournament. This will be my first winning ever since I started playing in compe ons. I am more than mo vated. The dream is to win an Olympic gold medal in table tennis. I believe I can do it.

“My mother was hospitalised at the me of my

win, so I could not really celebrate but I am happy. I want to win more. The government should assist in providing more facili es and training equipment for us,” Musa stressed. Expressing delight at Khadijat’s win, her coach, Mr. Saka Suraju who could contain his joy praised the youngster’s efforts.

His words, “I feel so happy for Khadijat to win at top 16 because at least

News

there are ten group players out of the cadets girls singles and she came first. I feel really happy and I worked hard for her to come first.

“We went to Lagos for two compe ons before this one and Khadijat lost in the last 32. It was the following day that the Atanda Musa Na onal Invita onal Tournament started and the same set of people that she lost to the earlier compeon will s ll be the one she will play with. I was scared and doub ul that she may lose again. But as fate would have it, with a

lot of prepping and tac cs I gave her, she won.

“Before staying with me, she lives in Ede, but because of transporta on issue and training, I had to transfer her school to Osogbo so that it will be easy for her to come to training. She now a ends Fakunle Comprehensive High School and she is in JSS 3. I ensure she trains and go to school, one does not affect another.

“We have taken her to the Deputy Governor and we hope she wins more laurels for the state and the country,” the coach stated.

Concerns Over Alleged Notorious Land Grabbing Activities Of Osun Monarch

OLU of Olota of Ilotaland in Olaoluwa local government area of Osun State, Oba Shuaib Adetunji Akano has been accused of unlawfully selling a parcel of land belong to some family compounds in the town.

According to a press release by the Ta’awunu Human Rights Ini a ve (THURIST), signed by its Director General, S.A Tadese ESQ, the land in ques on belongs to Eguntola, Okemakinde, Olarinde, Oguntoye (also known as the Olota family) of Olota’s compound, Feesu road, Iwo, Osun state.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the parcel of land is said to be located at Olota, Idi-Araba, OkeOba, Iwo.

The medium also learnt that Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba had made efforts to intervene in the ma er.

But Oba Adetunji in an a empt not to honour police invita on forwarded another pe on to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Abeere.

Further findings revealed that that a District Customary Court, si ng in Ogbaagba has delivered a judgement preven ng the monarch from selling the land without the family’s

consent.

THURIST therefore called on the Nigerian Police, Oluwo of Iwo and other stakeholders to wade in the ma er before it degenerates into a crisis.

The statement reads, ”The said parcel of land which belongs to our clients was surveyed in June, 2021 and the relevant documents thereof presently in our clients’ custody.

“To the chagrin of our clients, OBA SHUAIB ADETUNJI AKANO in u er abuse of his authority and posi on, and disregard for the rule of law entered upon the said land and illegally sold same to unknown third par es.

“And the Complain-

ants upon being aware of this unlawful ac on, challenged OBA SHUAIB ADETUNJI AKANO to explain the ground behind his conduct of which ll date no reasonable cause has been given by him.

“Rather than submit himself towards an amicable resolu on of the wrong done the complaint OBA SHUIAB ADETUNJI AKANO has unceremoniously paraded himself as the community’s number one ci zen, and tyrannically boasts as being above his subjects, authority and even the law.

“Resul ng from the above, the complainant being a law-abiding ci zen approached the office of

the Commissioner of Police via the pe on dated 16/08/2024 for redress against the king’s criminal trespass.

“Sequel to this, the office of the Commissioner of Police, Osun state invited both par es for an amicable resolu on. However, in an a empt to dishonor this invita on and escape inves ga on, OBA SHUIAB ADETUNJI AKANO wrote a frivolous pe on against the complainant to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police without an a empt to honour the invita on of the Commissioner of Police of Osun state.

“It is impera ve to put it to the no ce of the gen-

eral public that this complaint against OBA SHUIAB ADETUNJI AKANO (OLU OLOTA OF ILOTA LAND) on account of illegal land grabbing has become very notorious. And amongst others, is the pe on of MRS. BILAL MUSILAT ABEKI dated 12th August, 2024 wherein at the end of the inves ga on, OBA SHUIAB ADETUNJI AKANO (OLU OLOTA OF ILOTA LAND) was found culpable, and consequently paid the total sum of #500,000 as damages to MRS. BILAL MUSILAT ABEKI.

“We put it further that, there is a subsis ng consent judgment of the District Customary Court, Ogbagba, Osun state wherein

it was delivered that OBA SHUIAB ADETUNJI AKANO (OLU OLOTA OF ILOTA LAND) shall not make an a empt to sell any family land in and around Ilota community without the consent of the family’s principal members.

“We therefore, beseech the office of Inspector General of police to take over the ma er and bring same under their fair and unbiased invesga on. “

All efforts to get the reac on of Oba Adetunji proved abor ve as OSUN DEFENDER could not reach his phone and he did not respond to terse message sent to his line at the me of filing this report.

12-Year-Old Boy Absconds From Home Due To Hunger

Yusuf Oketola

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command has reunited two lost children with their parents.

In a statement, its State Commandant, Michael Adaralewa revealed on Wednesday that a 12-year-old boy was found wandering by NSCDC opera ves on patrol on August 29, 2024 at around 11pm around LAMECO area, Osogbo. Adaralewa said the

boy ran away from his guardian’s house due to hunger.

“The boy disclosed that the guardian only gives him two square meals a day and he does not get sa sfied.

“Upon reuni ng him with his guardian, it was revealed that the boy has a high appe te, and no ma er the quan ty of food given, he remains unsa sfied.”

Adaralewa also disclosed that on August 31, an 8-year-old girl was found at Apara Area, Os-

unjela, Ilesha Road, Osun state.

“The girl was taken to the nearest NSCDC office by a good Samaritan. She was later reunited with her parents.”

While commending members of the public for their collabora on, the Osun NSCDC commandant appealed for proac ve intelligence to ensure the safety of children, especially during this holiday period.

He also assured that the Command is working with sister agencies to

unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of the three children that were kidnapped in August and bring the perpetrators to jus ce.

OSUN DEFENDER had its in last edi on reported the increasing rate of child trafficking in the state with three cases last month (August).

ALABI MUJIDAT IYABODE That FEMI SIYANBOLA and FEMI BANKOLE SIYANBOLA are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as FEMI BANKOLE SIYANBOLA

That I was formerly known and addressed as ALADE MUJIDAT IYABODE, now wish to be known and addressed as ALABI MUJIDAT IYABODE

All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

IN other climes, the opposi on leads protest against foul policies of government. In our space, the place of the opposi on is to fight itself, have intra party conflicts and leadership challenges. Only to abdicate the levers of progressive opposi on to the government of the day to young people who get vilified and murdered when they respond and react to the excesses of the Gangsters in Power.

In other climes, there are Price Regula ons and Consumer Protecon. In this space ci zens of the Country with the world’s poorest people are le at the mercy of Big Businesses and poli cal operators. Banks and Big Businesses declare windfalls and you ask, who are those patronizing them? Where do the very poor get the funds that work for hundreds of billions as profit to the Big Businesses? Is Nigeria not a Rogue Na on governed by Rogues for Rogues, to the chagrin of intending Rogues, and certainly to the grave disappointment of the hoi polloi, and the hapless masses.

In other climes, the media punctures the deceit of poli cal operators and Big Businesses. In this space the media enables the deceit, gibberish, tommyrot and falsehood of governmental operators and Big Businesses. They sing the seeming success of the soulless oppressors of the people. They hail individual wealth that impoverishes many, scarcely ever asking, ‘at what further cost on the poor will this be’?

In other climes, Energy and Power are subsidized, and so is Agriculture. In this space, Government prides in the removal of a non exis ng subsidy in the Power and the Energy sector. They oblige the corrup ve proclivies of government operators and Big Businesses, and lie about everything to excuse the worst larceny known to humankind, as the media gives life to the deceit of the worst poli cal species known to history.

Power Tariff and Fuel Price is on a steady rise, and the Gangsters in Power think that the tale of no more subsidy cuts an ice. They deepen the rungs of poverty thinking that lies and voodoo economics will blind an inquisi ve genera on. They trade perfidy believing that the people are indeed deceived, not knowing that the deceiver is indeed the deceived. But like every space superintended by Gangsters they never smell reality, they hate the truth, they devalue proper conduct and morals, and mock

“The biggest challenge is the Japa mentality of the elite who want their bodies enjoying the Nigerian sun but their wants and even needs fed from every other country but not Nigeria. They have lived abroad, seen it all and consider those that have not been outside as lacking in the enjoyment of the finer things of life”

PERSPECTIVE

By Prof. Chris Nwaokobia

felony. For how long do they hope to sustain the present mess? ‘We n I know sef’?

When Gangsters Run A Nation, Truth, Values And

Morals Become Shibboleth

logic and clear thought un l the worst become their lot.

I shall not congratulate Dangote, I shall not congratulate Tinubu, I will not cut the Government or the NNPC LTD any slack un l I know the exact litre of fuel consumed daily in Nigeria. Un l I know the exact amount of subsidy Nigeria has been paying daily and monthly. Un l I know the landing cost of Petrol. Un l Government puts to trial all those who have been stealing our Crude Oil. Un l the rot called Subsidy is fully and truly explained. Un l I understand why a highly impoverished people will have to pay more for Power and for Fuel.

I do not grudge Dangote, why should I grudge him. I grudge a government that has no place for decency and dignity. The President’s Nephew runs a company that allegedly was

THE La n words in the tle of this piece means “through difficul es to honours.”

It is a classical precursor to “no pains, no gains,” and captures the essence of human sojourn on earth; simply summarised – from the Hobbesian state of nature in which he found himself to “Man, the wise” - Homo sapiens.

Nothing is freely given from the beginning other than our freed hands, our enlarged brains and the abundance of nature; every other accomplishment of humans throughout the ages has been the outcome of hard labour and struggles – struggles with wild nature and with fellow men who made exploita on and oppression profitable enterprise; the ul mate des na on being the crea on of a free, just and prosperous society of “human beings.”

We are, however, s ll far from that historical des ny with an overwhelming popula on of subhuman beings and inhuman beings without a single shred of honour, a world dominated by “man, the unwise.” The difficul es persist, as does the ul mate status of man - honourable and excellent – words so abused today, ad nausea, in qualifying certain people in Nigeria. That is not the focus here; it is a topic for another day.

The focus of this piece is “struggle”: from difficul es to honour in the social arena. It is a sad thing to see, today, that men have largely abandoned struggle, chivalry and honour, world over, with Nigeria and Nigerians leading the pack. It is in Nigeria that you would find an ex-convict (who was supposed to be a leader of his people) shamelessly claiming that a part of his criminal loot from the common treas-

worth 70 billion a year ago, and a year and a few months a er his Uncle becomes President, and the Minister of Petroleum, the Market value of his Petroleum Company jumps from 70 billion Naira to 1 Trillion Naira, ‘no be juju be that’? That’s what a na on gets when Gangsters are in Power. ‘Dangote go chop e own too’ so the people must pay more for fuel. The people are the perennial vic m of the evil called ‘leadership in Nigeria’. If the People protest they are called names, they are charged for Treason and some morally deficient sycophants think that this will con nue ad nauseam ad infinitum. We shall see. When organized Labour, the NLC and the TUC call the government names and bay for a protest and strike, they are called haters of government and enablers of treason and treasonable

Only Gangsters spend money lavishly without caring about the people. Only Gangsters increase the hardship of the majority for the aggrandizing feat and feast of the minority. Only Gangsters buy new Jets and Presiden al vehicles whilst asking ci zens to manage. Only Gangsters build new houses for government operators whilst poverty pummels the people. Only Gangsters buy new SUVs for Government Operators in the face of draconic hunger and poverty. Only Gangsters increase Power tariff and fuel price in the na on that houses the world’s poorest popula on. And only Gangsters treat ci zens like a conquered people. This Government must Prove me wrong by exercising some humanity, un l then, I am compelled to believe that calling this watch, a watch of Gangsters in Power GIP is pre y charitable and polite. When a government subsumed by profligacy, waste, Kakistocracy, kleptomania and wanderlust thinks that they can con nuously increase the hardship faced by the people without resistance, opposi on and conflict, that government MUST be on a steady high. But what can I say, is it not true a er all that, When Gangsters Run A Na on, Truth, Values And Morals Become Shibboleth.

I s ll believe in Nigeria, for over my head I see a New Nigeria in the Horizon.

•Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaoko- bia Jnr, is the Convener, COUNTRYFIRST MOVT, a Good Governance Advocacy Group.

Ad Augusta Per Angusta

ury was expended in funding the elec on of a Presiden al candidate of his party! More shameful is the capitula on of the majority of the people themselves, in the face of clarion calls to struggle against errors, injus ce and inhumanity. It is the unfortunate “nature of human beings” that once a new level of humanism is a ained in society, they simply enjoy the latest status and forget that the status they are enjoying is the result of pervious bi er struggles; and that the journey to excellence, if perfec on cannot be a ained on earth, is s ll on. Let us just take two examples from abroad and home.

In America, black people could not vote un l a er the 24th Amendment and the Vo ng Rights Act in 1965, 5 years even after Nigeria’s independence despite the 14th Amendment to the Cons tu on in 1868 gran ng African Americans rights to American Ci zenship! Similarly, Apartheid in South Africa was backed by Law and defended by the highest court in the land un l the freedom of Mandela in February 1990.

In Nigeria from mid-nineteenth century, the Bri sh were in control of all aspects of social, economic and poli cal ac vi es through direct and “indirect” rule un l October 1, 1960 Independence; and that was a er hundreds of years of slavery. What changed the above status in America, South Africa, as well as in Nigeria was hard and bit-

ter struggles in which many men of courage, wisdom and honour made huge sacrifices, some paying the supreme price. Racial segrega on, gender discriminaon, slavery, apartheid, colonialism, much like today’s exploita ons, injus ces and oppressions in Nigeria, were all backed by law and defended by the highest courts in the land, then. So, the fact that the highest courts in any land back an issue does not make their pronouncements right or just! Again, that is an issue for another day.

Nigerians as a people, patriots and champions of civil socie es especially, must “rediscover the fervour that sca ers the mist,” and re-embrace struggle against injusce and errors, as the road to the future of a just, peaceful, free, united and prosperous society that they earnestly yearn for. Individualism and self help through various illegi mate, dishonourable and violent crimes against their fellow ci zens does not affect those who created their misery and sufferings in the first place but merely deepen the tribula on of the society.

Democracy interes ngly offers unlimited avenue for concerted ac ons by patriots and honourable ci zens, more than under dictatorship. It is amazing and pathe c that Nigerians acted more in furtherance of their redemp on under dictatorship than under “democra c” rule! It is not too late to “rethink, to reflect, and to act.”