PRESS STATEMENT DURA PACK WORKERS CONTINUE STRUGGLE FOR UNIONISATION AND DECENT WORK SOLIDARITY ACTIONS BY TRADE UNIONS AND PRO-LABOUR ORGANISATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED!

PRESS STATEMENT
DURA PACK WORKERS CONTINUE STRUGGLE FOR UNIONISATION AND DECENT WORK
SOLIDARITY ACTIONS BY TRADE UNIONS AND PRO-LABOUR ORGANISATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED!
INTRODUCTION
There was the continuation of mass protest and rally by Dura Pack workers to demand that Dura Pack management respect the right of workers to belong to a union of their choice as freely exercised on October 7, 2013. Today October 25, 2013 is the 19th day workers began the struggle to demand their rights to belong to a union of their choice and for better working condition. There was solidarity from pro-labour organisations like Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), Joint Action Front (JAF), members of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR).
The National Secretary of JAF, Abiodun Aremu, the Deputy National President of the union (NUCFRLANMPE), Mr. Babatunde Goke Olatunji, the National Mobilisation Officer of JAF, Peluola Adewale addressed workers and the press. Mr. B.G Olatunji who represented the President of the union called on workers to remain resolute and that the union is ready to back their demands till the end. He informed the workers that the union has taken the management of Dura Pack to the National Industrial Court.  The workers were encouraged to fight on by the presence of members of the union and pro-labour organisations who came to give solidarity to them. Different placards were brandished by workers to drive home their demands. The placards read thus: “Mr. Law is a slave driver”, “End Casualisation Now”, “Mr. Law must go”, “Respect all Workers Right”, “we want Union of our Choice”, “workers need better working condition” etc.
Despite 3 CTV cameras that are positioned at the entrance of the gate, workers were not intimidated. Workers were enthusiastic and vowed to continue the actions until management respects workers’ rights. The Chinese management has introduced this tactics to intimidate workers and to spot leading workers’ activists for possible victimisation. It explains why the management rejected the union’s demand to sign agreement not to victimize workers after the strike actions
BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE LEAFLETS PRODUCED BY CDWR AND DISTRIBUTED TO WORKERS, PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
Since October 11, the workers of Dura Pack, Lagos, have been on indefinite strike over the demand for unionization and improved working conditions. The action actually started on October 7 when the mass movement of workers and pro-labour activists marking the International Decent Work Day picketed the factory to launch a trade union branch of the National Union of Chemical, Footwear and Non-Metallic Workers (NUCFRLANMPE). See: http://www.socialistnigeria.org/page.php?article=2273. The workers who had been working in slave-like conditions and on poor pay, felt liberated and emboldened to formally join the NUCFRLANMPE the union which had been trying to organize the workers in 2009. In the presence of the Chinese management of the company and mass contingent of workers and pro-labour activists led by Issa Aremu the NLC National Vice President, the workers elected a 7-man executive.
The workers however went on strike on October 8 after the management refused to recognize their right to join the union and form an executive. With the intervention of the Ministry of Labour which called a tripartite meeting of the ministry, management and union over the issues for October 10, the strike was suspended on October 9. It is instructive to state that the workers insisted that the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights' (CDWR) which has been identifying and helping organize them since April 2013 should be represented at the meeting.
The workers resumed the strike on October 11 after learning that the management did not attend the October 10 meeting at the Ministry of Labour. Since then they have remained on strike with a daily protest rally as the management refused to meet their demands. When the management eventually appeared at another meeting at the ministry on October 17, they remained intransigent and refused to shift any ground. The union even offered that the workers could suspend the strike if the management signed agreement that no worker would be victimized as a result of the strike, and proposed another day within 7 days wherein the union would come to conduct another election. The management representatives refused and maintained that the management would not recognize the union because the picketing of the company by the NLC was unacceptable to them.
The management was represented by the company's lawyer and the Personnel Manager to the West Africa Rubber Factory in Ikorodu, who claimed to be representing the Lee Group. Lee is a group of Chinese companies notorious for rabid anti-labour practices. It should be recalled that at the West Africa Rubber Factory in 2002 about 30 workers on night duty were burnt to death in an inferno. The management who habitually treats workers as prisoners used to lock workers up inside the factory without any convenient outlet in case of emergency. This was why when there was fire incident on that fateful day there was no easy escape route for the workers. On the union delegation were seven of the elected representatives of the workers and CDWR representative.
Dura Pack workers have been agitating for the following: 1. Increment in salary, 2. Regularisation of workers through issuance of letter of employment to all workers and agree with workers on a new condition of service, 3. Well-structured and documentation of salary including paying workers with pay slips, 4. Reinstatement of Mr. Christian Orji without loss of pay and an end to all forms of victimization of workers, 5. Adequate safety tools to be provided for all workers, 6. All workers must have a right to proceed on annual, sick leave and holidays without loss of pay, 7. Well-equipped sick bay within the premises, 8. Reduction of work hours and increase in salary.
The workers are wantonly and unlawfully fired without compensation or entitlement. No worker has a letter of appointment and condition of service. Due to lack of safety work tools a worker Mr. Kenneth Frederick died of electrocution on 16th of April 2013.
No doubt the workers enthusiastically signed up to join union in order to have a platform to fight for better condition of service, collective bargaining and better working conditions the workers have resolved to continue the strike as long as management is not ready to recognize the union they have joined. The management has threatened that it will rather close production than recognizing the union. The union has to respond with all the seriousness that it deserves. We commend the efforts of the union but it has to do more to sustain the morale of the struggling workers. For instance, none of the top key officers of the union has visited the factory to address the workers, though the union is represented at the rally of the workers almost on a daily basis by middle ranking leaders.
The CDWR, whose members have helped sustain the struggle of the Dura Pack workers, calls on the NUCFRLANMPE to mobilize workers from its other factories and other industrial unions for solidarity actions in support of the workers. We propose a 24-hour warning strike from workers of West Africa Rubber Factory since NUCFRLANMPE is the union organizing workers and the company is part of the Lee Group. There should also be a mass protest to the Chinese Embassy. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has to play active roles in this respect. The struggle at the Dura Pack is an opportunity for the NLC to prove that its documented opposition against casualisation and anti-labour practices is not a mere lip service or hot air. The ongoing struggle is being watched by other employers of labour who may take a cue if the Dura Pack management is allowed to get away with these anti-labour practices. This struggle can be won if there are sustained solidarity actions from other workers and unions. The pro-labour organizations especially the affiliates of the Joint Action Front (JAF) who participated actively at October 7 Decent Work Protest March should give solidarity actions to the striking workers.
Having been on the strike for over two weeks without any visible sign of progress, few of the workers have already started wavering. Some of them have even gone inside to collect the pay-out which they thought would be a substantial amount but turned out to be a paltry sum of between N3, 000 and N5, 000. They were even forced into signing letter of resignation prepared by the management. Good enough the majority of workers are still resolute. Indeed, the terrible experience of the frustrated black leg workers has further made the majority to be more committed to the struggle. But the top hierarchy of NUCFRLANMPE has to show and make serious efforts to sustain the morale of the workers to continue the struggle and actualize victory. We learnt that the union is planning to take the company to the industrial court. While this is welcome we strongly hold that this judicial approach should only be taken as a complementary effort to sustained solidarity activities by the union and NLC.

Chinedu Bosah
Publicity Secretary

EKITI GURBER TUSSLE OVER ZONING

By Amid a Emmanuel

Ekiti State was created on october 1,1996 by Late General Sani Abacha. After three years of the state creation,Nigeria returned to Democracy.
Out of the three zones in the state,Two zones(central and North) had been controlling the power affairs of the state since 14 years democracy and two zones classified Ekiti South as alien Sons and Daughters.

Below are the prove and facts of my findings

EKITI CENTRAL
.Otunba Niyi Adebayo Governor (1999 -2003
.Dr Ayo Fayose Governor (2003-2006)
.Dr Tai Sikiru Deputy Governor (2007-2010)
.Late(Mrs) Funmilayo Olayinka. Deputy Governor (2010-2013)
.Prof Adelabu Modupe. Deputy Governor (2003 till date)
.Dr Tunde Omotoba. Minister (2008-2010)
.Navy capt Olubolade. Minister (2010-till date)
.Chief S.K Babatola. SA to President (1999-2003)
.Mr Bodunde Adeyanju SA to President (1999-2007)
Hon Bisi Kolawole member fed governing council (2013 till date)
Hon Olamide Bamidele. Member fed governing council (2013 -till date)
Otunba Niyi Adebayo. APC vice Chairman South West (2013 -till date)
Education and others: Ekiti State University Ado
The Federal Polytechnic,Ado
School of Nursing Ado
Health tech Ijero
Technical college Ado

EKITI NORTH

Engr Segun Oni. Governor (2007-2010)
Dr Kayode Fayemi. Governor. (2010-till date)
Chief Paul Alabi. Deputy Governor. (1999-2003)
Prof Tunde Adeniran. Minister (1999-2001)
Prof Babalola Borishade. Minister. (2001-2007)
Mrs Remi Oyo. SA to the president. (2003-2007)
Mr Femi Ajayi. SA to the president (2010-2011)
Mr Femi Ajayi. DG NDLEA (2011 till date)
Prof Tunde Adeniran. Chairman WAEC governing council. (2013 - till date)
Mr Bunmi OJo. Member fed governing council (2013 - till date)
Engr Segun Oni. PDP Vice Chairman South west (2012-2013)
Chief Ishola Filani. Acting PDP Vice Chairman South West (2013-2013)
Education and others: Fed University Oye
Federal college secondary school Ikole
State college of Commerce and Agriculture Osan
Federal teaching Hospital Ido
Technical college Ikole

EKITI SOUTH
Surveyor Abiodun Aluko. Deputy Governor (2003-2005)
Mr Adebisi Omoyeni. Deputy Governor. (2005-2005)
Hon(Mrs) Biodun Olujimi. (2005-2006)
Mr Tunde Odunsina. Minister. (2007-2008) less than a year
Hon Ebenezer Ayorinde. Member Fed governing council (2013 -till date)
Education and others : State College of Education Ikere

The highlighted above shows that it was Ekiti South that has never produced a governor of the state,Even the Federal appointee only Dr Tunde Odunsina(Ise Ekiti) Ekiti South was appointed as Minister just less than a year since 1999.
Ekiti people,we need to focus on the Governorship aspirants that come from Ekiti South Senatorial district.
Infact,Ekiti South have 6 LGA while other two Zones had 5 LGA each.

Ekiti South Senatorial District should wake up from Slumber,it is high time to reposition our self.

It is possible that Ekiti state will decide who will be there next governor that will governs them but we should not forget the fact in the interest of Equity,Justice and Fairness,every section of the state should have a sense of belonging.

Ekiti State belongs to all of us and not a particular zone.
Ekiti South should be given the chance to present the next Governor.
God Bless Ekiti State

Amuda Emmanuel
Writes from Ikere Ekiti

NIGERIA HOUSE OF BOXERTENTIVES

Over the years, Nigerians got use to members of the Nigerian House of Representatives fighting themselves in the hallowed chambers of lawmaking. Essentially, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with legislators shoving and punching each other in the legislative House. Undoubtedly, it is indecorous. But what of if it is genuinely in defense of the constitution? Then, it will be impassioned and high-minded political debate taken a notch higher.

After all, the legislature is supposed to be a stronghold of intrepid and vigilant guardians of the constitution. And what responsible and dedicated sentinel is not prepared to put up a fight in defense of what is entrusted to his care. It is wonderful if the battles to defend the constitution remain verbal and courteous but there is nothing wrong with them turning messy, unruly, and even, physical.

Also, human behavior is driven by interests – personal, group, ideological, etc. These diverse interests are continually playing out: fusing, diverging, overlapping, conflicting, etc in the homes, market places, government offices, embassies, etc. And politics, especially, democratic politics, should be the equitable and just resolution of these interests. Reinhold Niebuhr was making the same point when he wrote that “the duty of (democratic) politics is to establish justice in a sinful world”. And the legislative chamber, as the epicenter of national politics, is the nucleus of this process of judiciously resolving multifarious interests – most of which are not altruistic and humane but predatory, vicious and sleazy, that is, sinful. And, of course, the task of establishing justice in a sinful world cannot always be steep in etiquette and civility.

Political debates in the United States of American Senate and House of Representatives are painstaking and vigorous, yet, well-mannered. Parliamentary debates in some countries, like Israel and Britain, are full of interruptions and catcalls, and are, sometimes, very acerbic. In some other countries of the world, like South Korea, Taiwan and Ukraine, legislative debates have, in the past, degenerated to physical fights among the lawmakers. So, physical brawl among legislators is not peculiar to Nigeria. Therefore, our concern should be less on Nigerian lawmakers fighting and more on what makes them fight. For that which makes a man to loose all control and jettison every atom of decency and resort to the most primeval of human instincts is a major index of him.

To great and enlightened minds, the objects of life are moral worth and fame. But to petty minds and vulgar temperaments material gains and pleasure are the primary aims of life.  So, if the ranks of our lawmakers are studded with great and enlightened minds, the activities of the House would have been mostly actuated by their oath of office, to uphold the constitution of Nigeria, which has in its tenor, character and spirit the welfare and betterment of the Nigerian people. And their debates would have been high-minded, marked by high morals and elevated ethics and informed by democratic ideals, such as, accountability, patriotism, justice, rule of law, etc. And then, the disturbing scenes they present when they physically fight in the House will be well meaning but disorderly attempt to advance the public good. As such, we will be dismayed by the method but enlivened by the motive.

Lamentably, the Nigerian House of Representatives is replete with petty minds and vulgar temperaments. In their obsession with material gains and pleasure, they voted for themselves the highest known salaries and allowances for legislators in the world, and maintain extravagantly luxurious lifestyles that will awe-struck even the rich and famous of the world’s wealthiest countries. Flush with money and sheltered in islands of opulence amid the vast encompassing poverty and deprivation – the cruel grind – that marks the lives of most Nigerians; they, deliberately, isolate themselves from the people that they supposedly represent.
Preoccupied with perks and pomp of office, self-enrichment and the entrenchment of the privileges of the political class, they are neither committed to public service nor responsive to the legitimate aspirations of the people. Consequently, for the most part, their legislations have not advanced social justice and a more principled distribution of the national wealth, but reinforced the status quo. And the status quo engenders the inordinate wealth of an elite few at the economic misery of the generality of the people.
Despite, their incomprehensibly excessive salaries and allowances, Nigerian legislators are not weaned from corruption. A number of earlier Speakers of the House of Representatives left office in disgrace, accused of misappropriation of public funds. Some House committees assigned to investigate government and corporate corruptions and improprieties ended up being accused and investigated for receiving bribes from the government and business officials they were investigating.

So, the boxing by the boxers in the Nigerian House of Representatives has not been inspired by democratic ideals but by greed, corruption and political intolerance. It is high time we improved on the quality of men and women we elect to represent us in the legislature. As of now, it is filled with men and women, who are out to steal, lie and fight over the spoils of power under the guise of representing the people.
Tochukwu Ezukanma writes from Lagos Nigeria.
maciln18@yahoo.com
0803 529 2908

WHAT ASUU WANT FROM GOODLUCK JONATHAN

BY ADESOJI GABRIEL, Angelgabby

1. Earned Allowances: The N30 billion already released will now be increased to N40 billion, and should be regarded only as first installment, and not a once-and-for-all payment. Government will top it up with further releases once universities are through with the disbursement of this new figure of N40 million, so Vice-Chancellors are urged to expedite this disbursement within the shortest possible time using guiding templates that have been sent by the CVC.

2. NEEDS Assessment Capital Money: Government was cognizant and mindful of the ability of Universities to effectively/efficiently utilize the N100 billion fund immediately, hence that figure. However, in addition to this N100 billion dedicated and already made available for 2013, N200 billion (increased from N150 billion previously agreed) will now be earmarked in the 2014 Budget as well as each of the following three-four years until the Universities are brought to world-class standard.

3. Project Prioritization:Universities will now be allowed to determine their priorities and not be “rail-roaded” into implementing a pre-determined set of projects with respect to the NEEDS assessment. Decisions are not to be centralized.

4. TETFund Intervention: Government assured that the operations of the TETFund will not be impaired, and that the regular TETFund intervention disbursement to Universities will continue, unaffected. So the NEEDS assessment capital outlays are in addition to regular TETFund intervention.

5. Project Monitoring: A new Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) for the NEEDS Assessment intervention for universities has been set up to take over from the Suswan Committee. The new one is under the Federal Ministry of Education and chaired by the Honorable Minister of Education. In addition, to build confidence and ensure faithful implementation and prevent any relapse as before, the Vice President will meet quarterly with the IMC to monitor progress.

6. Blueprint: ASUU was mandated to submit a blue print for revitalizing the Universities to the Vice President.

7. Official Agreement Document: A signed document would be issued very soon to itemize the full issues on which this present consensus outlined here, brokered by AVCNU, has been reached.

8. An Appeal to Call Off Strike: The Vice-President Sambo appealed to ASUU to call off the strike and apologized for the "take-it-or-leave-it" comments credited to the Hon Minister of Finance. All other parties present at the meetings also prevailed on the ASUU leadership to consult objectively with its members to get them to agree with what is now on the table and to call off the strike as soon as possible after the Sallah break of Tuesday/Wednesday October 15/16 2013.

9. ASUU President Responds: At both meetings, the President of ASUU thanked the VP for taking over negotiations and promised to consult with his ASUU Constituency.
We keep our fingers firmly crossed, as we await both the official consensus agreement document and full ASUU reaction. Statesmanship on all sides is called for at this point in time.

OSUN EMERGING POLITICAL FORCES

BY Ligali Mukaiba.

Consequent upon the change in government and personnel in governance of Osun state in November, 2010 albeit through a verdict of Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division that sacked Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola led Peoples Democratic Party’s government and enthroned Mr. Rauf Aregbesola of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) new governor, the state has witnessed almost a total change in the people that have held power since the return of democracy in 1999.
Many known names with good number of followers, since a change in government in Osun state have had their political fortunes dangerously nosedived, while several others who had hitherto waited in the wings are beginning to show their potentials in the field of politics with sizeable number of followers with which they can negotiate for political gains.
These personalities cut across the two major political parties in the state—the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP)—and in preparation for much anticipated July, 2014 governorship election in the state, the struggle for position that can compel respect from party leaders is getting very intense among these gladiators, who could be aptly described as emerging forces in Osun political arena. They were identified bearing in mind the significance of their present assignment to the success or failure of their parties in the forthcoming poll.

ALHAJI GANIYU OLAOLUWA

He is the incumbent Osun state chairman of PDP and was the last elected chairman of Olorunda local government, one of the two local government areas in Osogbo, the Osun state capital. On the shoulder of this 50-year politician and businessman rest the hope of many followers and sympathizers of Peoples Democratic Party, to reclaim the c0ontrol of government it lost to ACN.

 Since stepping off the shadows of his much older kinsmen and political leaders like Senator Olu Alabi, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipupo and Senator Bayo Salami, the former Special Adviser to erstwhile Osun state governor, Prince Olagunsoye has not looked back. He has continued to grow in politics and expand his frontiers in the field of politics.

Against all odds, he managed to defeat late Prince Kayode Idowu, the supposedly candidate of elders of the party in 2012 state congress and since he managed to stabilize after a storming early days as chairman, Olaoluwa has proven he can actually be more than handful for the ruling party and especially the state governor at whom, the PDP chairman has ceaselessly pelt stones of criticism.

He is clearly the biggest critic of Governor Aregbesola and has, at every given opportunity managed to seep through, somewhat, closely knitted administration in the state and point out the flaws.

While battling with ruling party and government, Olaolowa has not also shirked in his responsibility to reposition his party for better outings in future elections. Not disregarding occasional shrieking among party members, PDP in the state under Olaoluwa is gradually gaining strength and he has facilitated decampment from even the ruling ACN of many members into the fold of PDP.


MR. SUNDAY AKERE

Perhaps one good step Osun state governor took when picking his cabinet was the appointment of Akere as state Commissioner for Information and Strategies.

The Igbajo-born politician is considered one of the three most influential members of Osun state executive council and has demonstrated clear understanding of how strategic Ministry of Information to a survival of any government. 

A Food Technology graduate of University of Ibadan, Akere between 1999 and 2003 served as Personal Assistant to then Commissioner for Education, Dr Demola Onifade.                                                                                              
Before being appointed commissioner, Akere was the Director of Research and Strategy of Action Congress of Nigeria. At the peak of struggle by ACN to dislodge PDP from power, Akere was on top of his game and did exceptionally well to manage the image of the party and protect interest of members even at the expense of comfort and risk of his life. 

One good measure of Akere’s competence is how he managed to project the image of the state governor during the massive demolition exercise the state government embarked on in Osogbo when starting work on Osogbo-Kwara Boundary road.

Akere is not new to politics and as early in this democratic dispensation as 1999, he attempted to be chairman of Boripe local government on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD) but lost to Alhaji Kareem Afolabi of PDP. As a result of open door policy, Akere has continued to enjoy steady in state politics and clearly he is one of the brightest prospects of ACN in Osun state presently.

BARRISTER KAYODE ODUOYE 

 
He is a son to former Military Administrator of Niger state and a onetime member of Senate, Senator Simeon Oduoye. Until recently, little was known about him but in April this year he shocked many people especially those that doubted his political mastery when he yank-off 2,500 members from the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria in Ifelodun local government and took them to PDP.

Kayode is a product of Faculty of Law of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and upon his call to bar. He practiced law in Lagos and combined this with business. One interesting about Oduoye is his ability to mix with all manners of people despite being from a privileged home. His effort to revive PDP in his local government and Osun Central Senatorial District has not gone unnoticed and his political camp is steadily growing even in a community that has seasoned older politicians. He is one of those that can make the difference for PDP in the next general election.  

DR WALE BOLORUNDURO

An engineer and accountant, Dr Bolorunduro is presently the state commissioner of finance, and he is considered the financial think tank of Aregbesola’s government. The Ere-Ijesa born financial expert earns his place on the list of emerging power houses in the state politics        

6 SIMPLE TIPS FOR REDUCING BODY ODOR

1. Keep Yourself Squeaky Clean

Shower at least once a day and you’ll wash away sweat as well as reduce the number of bacteria on your skin. Sweat by itself is virtually odorless. But when microscopic bacteria that live naturally on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply quickly and raise quite a stink. So washing thoroughly, especially areas prone to sweating, can reduce body odor. If you sweat normally, you might have more of a problem with body odor than people who sweat too much. That’s because, when people sweat excessively, the sweat tends to wash away the odor-causing bacteria.

2. Use Antibacterial Soap

Choose an antibacterial bath soap. Washing thoroughly with an antibacterial soap bar will reduce the bacteria count, in turn reducing the odor. Look for the words “antibacterial” on the soap’s packaging.

3. Towel Off Thoroughly

Once you’ve showered, be sure you dry yourself completely. Towel off and make sure you dry any areas where you sweat a lot. If your skin is dry, it’s harder for bacteria that cause body odor to breed on it.

4. Apply “Industrial Strength” Deodorants or Antiperspirants

Once you are clean and dry, use a strong deodorant or antiperspirant on your underarms. While

deodorants do not prevent sweating, they mask the smell of bacteria on your skin. Antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, a chemical that reduces sweating, and often also contain a deodorant. Stronger deodorants and antiperspirants are available without a prescription. Look for products that say on the label they are higher strength due to ingredients. If you think you need even more help, you may want to ask your doctor about prescription antiperspirants. Apply the deodorant or antiperspirant twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

5. Keep Your Wardrobe Squeaky Clean

Change clothes often when you’re sweating heavily. Fresh clothes help keep body odor down. Be sure to change your socks as well, especially if you tend to have foot odor. Use deodorant powders in your shoes, replace insoles frequently, and go barefoot if possible.

6. Cut Out or Cut Down “Offensive” Foods

What you eat affects your body odor. Foods that tend to make you sweat more, such as hot peppers or other spicy foods, might also contribute to body odor. And the aroma of foods such as onions or garlic can be carried in the sweat, making you smell bad.

Ever had that moment where you wonder if you smell, well, not so great? It happens. But

AREGBESOLA AND THE BURDEN OF ISLAMIZING OSUN STATE

Those who are alleging Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State of Islamizing Osun State might be far from the truth. Recently, there was a security report that some people believed to members of dare-devil Boko Haram members allegedly came to conduct a visibility study on Osun.

They were said to have surveyed round the State to know all the roads within the state most importantly roads that leads to another state from Osun.  

Apart from this, Governor Rauf Aregebesola is the only governor in the federation that has private security guards. The guards whose physical appearance depicts that of an Islamic cleric are in charge of protocols for the governor.  

Christians in the state are not comfortable with the governor’s new education policy and have raised fears over what they see as a gradual Islamization of the state. Some have also questioned the introduction of public holidays to worship ancient idols.

A security report by the Department of State Services, DSS, which the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, claimed indicted Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on the issue of alleged islamisation of Osun is one of the body’s main reasons for the allegation, reports yesterday said.

According to CAN, the DSS report dated March 19, 2012 to the Chief of Army Staff stated in part: “There are indications that Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State is nursing the ambition of islamizing the state. Already, he has taken control of the Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen Society of Nigeria, TA’AWUN, now spearheading the use of hijab in public schools in the state and serving as bodyguards to the governor and making frantic efforts to dislodge conventional security operatives from the Government House.”

General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake, who made the observation also alluded to several reports in the dailies against the governor, which he said were yet to be denied.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja,, Asake demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing reclassification policy of public schools, which he described as ‘ill mannered’.

He noted that apart from the governor being accused of creating something similar to Boko Haram, there were strong indications pointing directly to the fact that Aregbesola was pursuing islamization agenda.

“First was the Islamic bond (SUKUK), an investment instrument of about N11.4billion that was taken in December 2012 by the governor against wise counsel in an effort to change the identity of Christian schools.

“The implication of this is yet to be known. Taking an Islamic loan called sukuk in the name of a state with plural religion in a secular country like Nigeria can only mean that one religion is favoured above the other,” he said.

Speaking further on reclassification of public schools, Asake said: “By this reclassification schools like Baptist Girls Secondary School now has boys sent to it and Moslem girls in the school can now continue their agitation for the wearing of hijab as the uniform will be changed. The confusion that will ensue can be better imagined than experienced.

Asake further noted “with grave concern the governor’s love and open support for idolatry, we were all shocked to hear his declaration of a public holiday (Isese Day), set aside to celebrate the ancient idols of the land, Obatala, Sango, Yemoja, Ogun, etc, to which he credited to peace and tranquillity prevailing in the state.

“On the issue of Ifa, we in CAN believe that its introduction is a superb confrontation of tradition, modernity and religion. Why Ifa in this century?”

It will be recalled that the Osun State chapter of CAN in a letter to the governor by its Chairman, Rev. Elisha Ogundiya, dated October 9, issued seven days ultimatum to the state government, started from Friday last week, saying failure to stop the new education policy would be met with “appropriate actions.”

However, in a response to the allegations yesterday, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Osun State’s Director of Bureau of Communications and Strategy said; “We in Osun are not interested in joining issues with CAN either at the National or state level because we are convinced that in the final analysis, CAN will come back to salute the courage of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration to give Osun and indeed, Nigeria, one of the best solutions to salvage the nation’s rotten educational standard. We are consoled by the fact that no Nigerian, no matter how uninformed he is, is happy with the state of education at all levels. This is the trend Osun is striving to arrest.

“We must however remind CAN that the so-called DSS report which it is referring to never existed. For CAN to make reference to that imaginary report more than a year after is an indication that those working against the interest of the people of Osun and this administration have exhausted their arguments and are now clinging to just anything to sustain their campaigns of calumny.

“It is for the same reason we believe that CAN would want to demonise the Sukuk bond, another financial instrument to accelerate development in the state. The Sukuk bond is a veritable avenue to assess capital to develop our state. In name, it only sounds Islamic but it has all the conventional bond characteristics.

“We are convinced that the leadership of CAN should rather bother about the use to which the bond will be put rather than the nomenclature and the seeming Islamic outlook of it.

“Are the beautiful schools of the highest standards now emerging in Osun not sources of joy to pupils, parents and other stakeholders? Are the schools reserved for pupils who are of any particular faiths? The answers are no!

“We must also add that nothing happens in Osun without it being a product of a well thought out plan. The declaration of Isese Day is in line with democratic tenets which provides choices for all to practice their faith without any hindrance.

“Can we be so hypocritical to the point of denying the existence of those who subscribe to these beliefs? Aregbesola does not hide his religious inclination as a Muslim but he also has the responsibility to protect the rights of people of other faiths.

“This is part of the essence of his oath to defend and be fair and just to all constituents.

“Once again, we seek the understanding of all, CAN inclusive, to look at the merits of the ongoing reforms which are already putting joy in the minds of the innocent young ones who are more than ever before assured of better future.

“We are sure that the body of Christians can never wish to stand in the way of reforms which bring progress. Only desperate politicians would seek to halt development if that is what it requires to get power. Our Christian leaders cannot afford the label of being tools in the hands of political warlords who would rather prevent reforms and progress if it serves their selfish political ends.”

ASUU’S STRATEGY AND THE NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

BY TOLU OGUNLESI

The Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities has been in the news a lot, courtesy of a strike action that has now entered its third month and shows no signs of ending any time soon.

There have been lots of heated arguments and debates, displays of emotion, and name-calling. Perhaps, it is really a complicated matter, as some would like us to believe; perhaps not. I’ll leave that to the “experts”. What I want to do in the first part of this article is share my general thoughts about the matter.

One. Insanity, they say, is doing the same thing and expecting different results. I left the University of Ibadan in 2004, almost a decade ago, and it’s somewhat puzzling to see that ASUU’s tactics has not changed from what it was when the body kept me at home for nine months in 2001/2002. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose. We all know the sort of government we have, so there are no points to be earned by ASUU for trying to scream louder than the rest of the country that we have a useless, dishonest government. We already know that; what next?

Two. It seems to me that ASUU, by prolonging the ongoing strike, is managing to accomplish only one thing: It is making the victims pay for the failings of the oppressors. ASUU’s qualms are with the Federal Government, but somehow, it’s the students – and their parents and guardians – who are at the receiving end of ASUU’s frustrations. Somehow, it doesn’t make sense to me. A strike action seems to me a rather lazy and unimaginative approach. I don’t see how ASUU expects those people that should be its key supporting constituency – students and parents/guardians – to take its side in this battle.

Three. ASUU seems to be trying to make us believe that the government is the sole problem, and that if we can just solve the funding and autonomy problems thrown at our universities by our admittedly irresponsible government, all will be well. ASUU seems keen on portraying itself as the helpless victim of an irresponsible government’s scheming. While that is to a large extent true, it’s not the entire story. The level of decay that we see in our universities could not have happened without the active participation of vice-chancellors and DVCs and university Senates and HODs, etc.

I believe that ASUU should be holding university administrators (and many of them are drawn from ASUU’s constituency) accountable to the same degree with which it is trying to hold the government accountable. For example, there’s no amount of funding that will tame sexual harassment – which is far more common in our universities than we like to admit – if our university administrators are themselves not keen to end it.

That many of our universities seem to be doing little or nothing to aggressively raise funds outside of “Abuja Allocation”, is a shame.

That many of our universities have been left behind in the internet age – disgraceful looking university websites, absence of on-campus Wi-Fi for staff and students, absence of automated transcript application systems, absence of computerised alumni lists – is less a funding problem than a vision and competence problem.

No amount of fresh funding will solve those kinds of issues. So, it seems to be that while fighting the government for more money and attention, ASUU also has a duty to fight itself and its members – the ones in administrative positions in the Ivory Towers – for greater demonstration of administrative competence and financial intelligence.

Without that, no amount in funding increases will make a difference.

Four. If ASUU’s intention is to fight for the salvation of the university system, it’s not doing a very good job of communicating this. ASUU seems to be doing a rather poor job of stating its case for the benefit of the general public. And in that failing, it is losing a lot of the potential public goodwill that could translate into heightened moral power. And it’s difficult to not assume that this strike action, like the innumerable ones before it, is yet another ill-considered, self-serving campaign, without any real regard for an overwhelming structural change in the way our universities are funded and run.

THIS WRITE-UP WAS SENT BY OUR CORRESPONDENT MAXWELL ADEYEMI ADELEYE 

RELIGIOUS DEGENERATION OF OSUN SCHOOLS' MERGER CONTROVERSY: ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE FAILURE OF THE POLICY

                                                           EDUCATION RIGHTS CAMPAIGN (ERC)

                                                                            Press Statement

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) hereby calls on the Osun State Government to immediately reverse its counter-productive policy of school closure and merger. We make this call moreso now that evidence shows that the policy threatens to lead to religious tension and chaos. Indeed in certain towns and villages of Osun State, this policy which consists of arbitrary closure and merger of schools could provoke ethnic tension and crisis. In recent times, Osun state people have been known to live together in peace and harmony. Any government policy that seeks to unsettle this state of affairs have to be vehemently resisted.

We must quickly point out that as a group involved in education campaigns over the last 10 years, the ERC is very much aware that to revamp Nigeria's collapsed and degenerate public education system, radical, painful and perhaps inconvenient changes and alterations might be necessary. However this has to be done by democratically involving people in the debates leading to such decisions. 

This is missing in the Osun state school reclassification policy which is why the ERC considers the policy as undemocratic. Before the policy was announced, the real representatives of the stakeholders in the schools like teachers, parents, students and communities were consulted. When consultations were eventually done, it was after the policy had been announced and they were done in such a way that it was obvious that the government had already made up its mind.

The ERC however frowns at the seven-day ultimatum issued by the Osun State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the merger of schools by the Aregbesola-led Osun state government. While we welcome and are prepared to work with every genuine opposition to the bankrupt and chaotic education policy of the state government, especially as relating to unwarranted merger of schools, we are totally opposed to dividing the mass of the working people on the basis of religion. 

Worth stating also is the fact that the religious degeneration of the issue confirms the bankruptcy of this merger policy, which adds nothing but chaos to education in the state. This is made worse by the undemocratic manner this merger policy is being implemented without democratic discussion and agreement by most stakeholders including teachers, students, parents and communities.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osun state is opposing the merger of Muslim students with former Christian missionary schools, while also calling for the maintenance of the archaic and divisive colonial heritage of the missionary schools. 

This aside reversing the gains of public education system, may also degenerate the overwhelming anger against the obnoxious education policy of the state government into religious crisis. For instance, one can only imagine what will happen if groups of another religious faith take a different position to that of CAN. This can lead to unnecessary cacophony, which will give government opportunity to divert genuine agitation to selfish end.

Also, we are totally opposed to the position of the CAN which tends to suggest that public schools, already taken over from private missionary owners are still under the ownership and control of church and religious groups. 

This is an attempt to suggest that these schools can still be returned to former church owners who had been fully compensated when the schools were taken over by the government. This will be mere privatization of education at the expense of millions of working class pupils and students. This will be worse than even the current merger chaos the government is introducing. Evidence of horrible results of handover of public schools to former missionary schools are visible in states such as Anambra.

 Besides, the outrageous fees charged by virtually all faith-based private schools at all levels have made them beyond the reach of the ordinary people including members of the congregation. We are also perturbed that the Osun State CAN is only concerned about the religious aspect and not the untold hardship this merger policy will mean for parents, students and teachers. This is clearly one-sided.

However, it needs to be pointed that this religious degeneration of the issue further confirms the outright failure of the school merger and reclassification policy of the Osun State government. 

This policy has only created chaos and crisis in the education system in the state with rising drop in school attendance and rise in truancy rate among pupils of both the primary and secondary school pupils across the state. This is largely due to the placement of the new schools at long distance from the residence of the students and transfer of students schooling at schools close to their neigbourhoods to schools which are very far from their residence. Many schools are already short of facilities like furniture and enough classrooms due to this merger, as schools where students are diverted are themselves in decrepit state. Moreover, this crisis is causing avoidable loggerhead in schools.

Instead of further accelerating illiteracy across the state, we of the ERC contend that Osun State government should concentrate its efforts into renovating and expanding the existing schools and furnishing them with libraries and laboratories. We also demand building of new schools to cater for influx of private school students, who will be attracted by genuine improvement in public education. Contrary to this, the government has only jettisoned reason by playing to the gallery in demolishing over several schools for mere 30 poorly-furnished and insufficient "modern-day" structures. This is already reversing the little gains in education.

What is urgently needed is a mass united campaign against the obnoxious education policy of the Aregbesola regime. Working people across Osun State must be prepared to build united action committees of parents, pupils, teachers and community people, irrespective of their religious or ethnic persuasion, to organize mass protest rallies to demand the reversal of the policy. This must also be linked to the demand for democratic running of the schools by elected representatives of the parents, teachers and the communities.

signed 
Hassan Taiwo Soweto 
National Coordinator 
07033697259

Signed
Michael Ogundele
National Secretary
07066249160 

NIGERIA: A TODDLER AT 53

By Adeniji Adesewa

No doubt, Nigeria is 53 years old. Alas, to me, the country remains toddler at this age. It may sound so funny, but that is the reality.  If we critically examine where we are today, one would be filled with pity for this country. Why?

Well over 90 percent of the total population are living in very below poverty line. Indeed, majority of the citizens are wallowing in abject poverty, but the elected representatives. Who are expected to rescue us are only prepared to make things worse than they met it.

Workers agitation for increase in salaries and wages make no meaning to them ,but instead  they are agitating for increase in there allowances and emoluments on daily basis. The pitiable merge increase in workers salary is yet to be implemented. Where are we really heading to in this country?

I am beginning to be skeptical about the future of this country in spite of our abundant resources.

Our leaders are just too egocentric and they are far from living a good legacy for the future generations and the followers are not better off.

What do I mean?

Let us be honest with ourselves, we are doomed in this country of care is not taken .Let us critically re-examine ourselves, are the led really better than their leaders? The answer is absolutely NO .

The leaders of today were the followers of yesterday. Majority of the leaders of today criticized the Shagari administration to high heavens,but are they not worse than the second republic politicians they criticized?

We cannot continue like this and expect miracles to happen overnight.This is because heaven helps those who help themselves .We are really too gulliable in this part of the world and majority of us never learn from history .In no time these same politicians will start canvassing for votes in 2011 and some of us will still go ahead to vote and rig for them at the expense of our future.The earlier we wake up from our slumber,the better for us.

Our leaders need to take clue from our nationalist leaders such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe ,Alhaji Tafawa Balewa,Chief Obafemi Awolowo,Chief Okotieboh,Chief Ladoke Akintola et al.

These leaders left very good legacies and they are remembered today because of the lagacies left by them.What do u want to be remembered for?Do you want to be remembered for election rigging or as an insatiable embezzler or a politician that left the masses worse than he/she met them.

The decision is yours,but be sure that either good or bad,you will be remembered for something.Chief Obafemi Awolowo never completed his first term in office as the Premier of Western Region before he went to become the leader of opposition at the federal parliament,but he left an unrivalled legacy,which up till today had not been surpassed by any politician,whether dead or alive.The NTA of Ibadan,Liberty stadium,Cocoa House,Free Education in the West are some of the mission accomplished of Chief Obafemi Awolowo-a man of great vision of blessed memory.

Majority of our politicians need not canvass for a second term in office but need to bow out with ignominy.Politicians need not be a matter of life and death.Some of our politicians need to be courageous enough to leave the scene for a better hand who will impact positively on the lives of the down-trodden.

I advice all political gladiators to think twice before taking any actions,because what they do today will automatically become history tomorrow

NIGERIAN FEMALE STUDENTS ARE NOT PROSTITUTES-LASU UNION HEAD

Our correspondent, ADESOJI GABRIEL recently met with the first Female President in the history of LASUSU Comrade. Hassan Mojirade Monsurat  popularly called M.J. The final year Economic student of Lagos State University spoke extensively on how she emerged as the first female president of the institution and advised Nigeria female students. she also spoke on the ongoing face-off between the Federal Government and ASUU . Excerpts 

May we meet you?
I am Comrade Hassan Mojirade Monsurat, the LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' UNION PRESIDENT. I am a final year student of Economics in faculty of Social Sciences.

What were you doing in the Student Union before your emergence as the number one Lasu Student?
I served two times in the Student Parliamentary Council, I was an honorable representing my constituency in my 200level and 300level respectively, I was the Secretary of  Social Committee before I contested as the Vice-President of the Students' Union and latter emerged as the president of the students' union.

How did you feel when you were declared the President?
Well, it was just a normal feeling I had when I earlier emerged as the V.P.  Nothing serious that much, I just believed there will be more challenges ahead of me. Initially I was thinking I could not handle the position because, Normally being a students' Union president in LASU, things does not come very easy even for my male counterpart and considering been a female, and don’t forget the biased perspective that am a lady. Ofcourse questions have been elicited most especially from my male followers,  like how can a Lady rule us?, but I was able to overcome that with the help of my colleagues who stood by me and encouraged me and with my little experience as the former V.P of the Union, I just feel normal, Nothing special.

What are your achievements within the period that you have been declared president of the LASU Students' Union?
Well, Its not actually something that have been for a long time, Its just within few months unlike the one year tenure I should have spend If I was elected originally from the beginning of the tenure but with the little time we have spent in Office, we have been able to set records for incoming regimes to break. We have been able to achieve what has never been done in the history of LASUSU. The LASUSU Match that was the first of its kind in Lasu.
We also have the LASUSU Magazine the first of its kind too.
Then we did Miss LASU beauty pageant competition and we had the CULTURAL Stimulation which is the first of its kind which is basically done to promote culture among our students, because it seems a lot of student had already forgotten there heritage, some students feel because they are now student they should forget their culture (i.e Yoruba,Igbo or Hausa culture) and all they do is English and western culture, we did the Cultural Stimulation to IGNITE and REVIVE the cultural spirit in Lasu.

How are you Combining Academics with the Union Activities?
That is the least of all challenges am going through because normally am a workaholic,I am use to merging so many things together even before I became the president. After my hustling and bustling at school in the morning and afternoon, I get back to my room late at night. Most time, I don’t sleep. I use time to sleep to cover up what I missed during the day i.e I do my readings overnight. The only difficulty I have is attending lectures. Most times I don’t attend lectures and even when I am in class I get emergency calls/texts and with that, I leave to attend to such crucial issues that, in most cases, are matters of life or death of our Union members. Most time there is always issues that affect our students’ welfare and I must attend to. It is not that I don’t like lectures but the mantle bestowed on me requires me to sacrifice my classes/lecture for the well-being of the populace/LASUITES.
I get notes from my colleagues and I read them at night and I also get text books and material to aid my reading.

When you are not into Union activities, what do you do?
Am always in my hostel, I am not a very social person. I don’t attend parties and all sorts, am mostly in my room reading or relaxing. If I am not in my hostel, then I will be at home with my Family here in Lagos.

What is your advice to the Federal Government concerning the Ongoing ASUU strike?
The only thing I can say is for F.G to meet ASUU demand(s). Because ASUU demands is what we students are in support of, even if we are not in support of the strike action. What ASUU is demanding for is genuine. Adequate funding of Education from F.G which I believe is going to help the economy of the nation as a whole. I just want F.G to meet up with ASUU as quick as possible.

What is your Advice to Female in Nigerian Institutions?
My advice for female students is for them to be focus and well determined, especially for the fact that a lot of people within and outside the country have been attaching so many negative comment to our female students in Nigerian institution most especially those in our  Universities. They gave them different names like Aristo, Prostitutes and the likes, but I cn authoritatively tell you that that is not true. We have female students that are carving good image for females in Universities both in Nigeria and outside the country, attaining leadership positions like that of mine (smiles),and doing best in the academics even more than our male counterparts. I strongly advice female students to be more focus and study hard because there is so much competition now among we and our counterpart and we are still fighting for gender equality and if we are fighting for such, then we should be up and doing. Infact doing better than our counterparts in all ramifications because “what a man can do a woman can do best”.

Do you have a Mentor?
Not really or let me just say God and my Father, because most of all I do are from the principles God laid down for man and I also learn a lot from my Dad.

Can you tell us who your Dad is or his full name if you wont mind?
Why cant I, He is Alhaji Chief Dr. M.A.K Hassan. He is the Aree Musulumi of Baduu, Oba Adinni in Epe. Baduu town in Epe. He is my mentor.

In the nearest four years what will you be doing?
God willing I should have completed my PH.D and probably come back to the system (LASU) because I wish to impact lives by lecturing God’s willing and If NOT I will own an Organization. I will want to run an NGO basically for women and children.