WITH  the May 26 judgement of the Supreme Court that affirmed Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the winner of the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun, the state’s PDP knew it had come to the end of the road in its long sustained but futile bid to come to power in the state. It, therefore, had to devise some unconventional means to unseat the governor.
On Sunday June 14, 2015 one of the leaders of the party in the state called a meeting of party bigwigs, stakeholders and loyalists for the purpose of repositioning the party for the next elections. But to their chagrin, they were told by the frustrated politician to brace up to his plan of action of making the state ungovernable, if they ever hope to win any election in the state.
However, Osun State Security Council got wind of the plans and read the riot act to them on June 19 after its emergency meeting.  The first stage of the plan was to import thugs and hoodlums into the state in the week starting from June 22. These thugs were to unleash mayhem in the name of protesting delay in payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. The ‘protest’ was to be accompanied with killing, looting and arson, both of public and private property. An NGO was formed a week before the rioting to be the arrowhead of the felony in order to give the thugs a façade of legitimacy.
Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede’s petition asking for the impeachment of the governor was to be the second stage of this plot. Coming after the mayhem, destruction and state of insecurity, the petition would have provided a comfortable ground for some of the legislators who had been promised money and positions if they  carry the impeachment through.
When the state security council aborted the subversive protest with its sabre rattling, we though Oloyede’s petition would be shelved too. However, Oloyede went ahead with her petition. If stage two was to ride on the wave of stage one and stage one was aborted, why go ahead with stage two that landed on dry ground without the expected support?
This is because there was stage three designed to give fillip to stage two. Stage three was eventually carried out on Tuesday July 7 but it was stillborn. The ‘protesters’ made up of known PDP members and local leaders, a very tiny section of the retirees on the payroll of a prominent politician in the state and sundry thugs (local and imported) had gathered around Ola-Iya junction in Osogbo (The area is a hotbed of progressive activism).
However, Aregbesola, the master tactician and a good student of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, took the wind out of their sail. While going to his office that morning, he turned the trip into a carnival as he slowed his convoy to acknowledge cheers from the people on the route, who trouped out to greet him. Women, men, children, traders, artisans, commercial motorcyclists, just everybody within the vicinity came out to meet his convoy. Some were weeping. Other were praying loudly and openly for him while others were cursing his enemies.
When the convoy reached Ola-Iya, which is a market place, the crowd surrounding him had become tumultuous, swallowing and overwhelming the miserable protesters who had gathered in the place before. Possibly out of fear and or shame, many of them took to their heels on being overwhelmed. And so, Aregbesola rode to the office triumphantly that day, overwhelming and shaming those who thought they could ambush and embarrass him.
To add salt to injury, the story that went to town that day was how Aregbesola rode triumphantly to office and how his enemies ran away in terror.
Interestingly, while signing a memorandum of understanding with the state government before calling off its industrial action, the state’s NLC denied that its members participated in the farcical protest of July 7, claiming that the charade was politically motivated.  The body of pensioners in the state also claimed that the union did not participate in any protest, that Governor Aregbesola’s administration had treated retirees very well before the financial crisis that engulfed the whole nation, and not Osun alone.
Also, the chairman of the state’s vendors association also signed a statement, denying that his members were attacked by Aregbesola’s supporters.
Lastly, on July 28, Justice Oloyede refused to appear before the house committee set up to investigate her claim. Apparently, she has developed cold feet. There are unconfirmed reports that the state’s Judicial Commission is unhappy about her petition, which has put the judiciary into disrepute. They were shocked to find that a judge displayed open political partisanship, something unheard of in the history of the judiciary. She may, therefore, be recommended for retirement, at best; or outright dismissal, at worst.
Her not appearing meant her petition is dead and she herself is in trouble. For all practical purposes, therefore, the coup of the PDP to remove Governor Aregbesola from office through subterfuge and conspiracy has failed.  The first lesson we must learn from this is that if God is with someone, no matter how formidable his enemies are, he would overcome them and put them to shame.
Secondly, politicians must accept that a democratically elected governor, that is popular with his people and has not committed an impeachable offence, can only be changed through tenure expiration, losing election or by a competent court of law.
Thirdly, a new dawn has come to Nigeria where only values like credibility, integrity and a track record of unblemished public service will commend a candidate to voters.
It is my hope that the defeated candidates of PDP will accept their destiny and try to amend their ways, instead of working to destabilise Osun State. If, with all the support they got from former President Goodluck Jonathan with cash, dogs, masked gunmen and other security operatives, they could not unseat Aregbesola in Osun, what makes them think that they could overthrow him now?
Ogundele writes from Osogbo, Osun State
SUN NEWSPAPER

An Elite society representing Ijesa sons and daughters worldwide, the Ijesa Society has described the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as a pride to the Yoruba nation going by numerous developmental initiatives under his leadership in the state.

The society stated this during a courtesy call to the Governor at the Government House in Osogbo on Tuesday.
The President of The Ijesa Society, Chief Tunde Aluko, said Aregbesola is a torch bearer who has represented Ijeshaland well, saying it is the duty of all well-meaning Ijesa and Osun indigenes to support the administration for the greatness of the state.

He noted that, contrary to wrong impressions created by cynics, Aregbesola’s passion for rapid development of the state informed the level of financial commitment of government  to various developments across the state, without being jettisoning the welfare of workers.‎
According to him,”You mean so well for Osun. If you were to develop Osun overnight, you would do it. The only thing that is slowing you down is money,” Chief Aluko stressed.
‎
He expressed optimism that the financial challenges confronting the state would soon be over, adding that the governor is creating a legacy that would outlive him in office.

Addressing the guests, Governor Rauf Aregbesola noted that the settings of towns in Osun  which dates back to more than 100 years, it is the most qualitative across Africa.

He added that every construction and other contracts entered into by government were conducted in the most transparent manner.

Appreciating the visit of the Ijesa elite, the governor described the visit as “huge and significant at a time some people are being sponsored to rubbish our achievements.

  “This an elite association which is acknowledging our government as having performed significantly”, Aregbesola said.

He reiterated  his displeasure about the salary situation, adding that the challenge would soon be put behind. The governor noted that every government initiatives in the state represents the fulfillment of campaign promises made to the people ought to have been put in place by previous administrations.

The Triangular Group of Pensioners in Osun has called on Labour leader’s, government and other stakeholders in the state to end the industrial strike embarked upon by Labour in other to fast track the resumption of school teachers in the state.

The pensioners made this call on Wednesday in a Communiqué signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Prince Rotimi Adelugba and Deacon Femi Babalola respectively, and issued at the end of their state Executive meeting in Osogbo.

The group stressed that calling off the strike will be in the general interest of the state so that it will cover lost grounds, and prevent the opposition from dragging the state backward.

The Communiqué added that the group will not relent in its efforts to ward off the negative intention of the opposition of the present government.

The pensioners lauded the Aregbesola’s stride to put the state on the highest pedestal in terms of infrastructural development despite the meager resources available to the state.

“Our group acknowledged the efforts of governor on the payment of pensioners and salaries within the limited resources available.

“We salute the gallant efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari on the bailout to be released to states to offset the backlog of arrears of pensions, gratuities and salary of workers throughout the federation”.

 The Osun State pensioners under the aegis of the Trigular Pensioners group, had distanced themselves from the anti-Aregbesola’s protest rally in Osogbo over the unpaid workers’ and pensioners’ salaries‎.

The pensioners said it is highly necessary to dissociate themselves from politically motivated protest said to be embarked on by some people alleged to be pensioners‎.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said that his administration has through various efforts re-established education as core responsibility of government.
He said the massive infrastructure provision and development of the personnel in the sector are part of the efforts at ensuring that education is used to catalyse a new wave of development that will make the state to be the envy of all.
The governor made this disclosure while hosting members of the Nigerian Library Association during a courtesy visit to him at the Government House in Osogbo.
Aregbesola explained the rationale behind making libraries major components of the designs of the new mega schools some of which have been completed while others are ongoing.
The visit according to the association is part of the routine to commemorate its 53rd National Conference and Annual General Meeting taking place in Osogbo.
The governor stressed that his administration places high priority on the education of her children and the future of the state, hence the provision of massive educational infrastructure development that has no equal in the country.
Aregbesola added that his government is conscious of the role of the library as the source of knowledge, therefore the infrastructure development in education is well integrated with the provision of standard libraries.
He said, “We will want to see more of you in this state. By the time you come back may be individually or as a group, most of the projects that are on-going in the state will have been completed by the grace of God.
“We are making huge efforts in re-establishing education in our state as a core responsibility of government. We are embarking on a massive education infrastructure development that seems not to have any equal in Nigeria today.
“That educational infrastructural development is well integrated with provision of standard libraries for the ones that have been completed, we have both real and virtual Library provided.
“Whoever appreciates knowledge and education, who is also interested in the future as he is concerned about today will understand why library must be promoted and funded.
“As a product of democracy, and particularly the judicial intervention in democratic process, I know the role that library plays in retrieval of information and the use of such information as evidence in the courts.
“No newspaper or document of government is valid until a librarian stamps it as a document”.
He commended the association for making Osun the venue of the Annual general meeting, saying the choice of Osun is apt because of? its known significance as one of most peaceful states in Nigeria.
The governor also told members of the association that Osun will offer them a serene environment and an abundance of nature’s best expression in its various formation.
“I doubt if there can be any state that is as peaceful, hospitable and conducive as Osun in Nigeria.
“The weather is the best you can think of. There is not much pollution in the space. The people are iconic in their readiness to warmly welcome visitors. We are trying to make the state beautiful, we will do our best within our resources.
“Our state capital, Osogbo particularly is emerging as a jewel in the tropics,” The governor told the association.
In his remark, the National President of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Alhaji Ridwan AbdulSalam described Osun as a learned state in Nigeria with the presence of  recognised higher institutions, adding that the state is blessed with resourceful governor who takes education as priority.
He lauded Governor Aregbesola for his contribution towards education, saying all his efforts to re-brand and resuscitate the lost glory of education is highly respected.
Abdulsalam maintained that the presence of his members in the state was an attestation to the fact that Osun is unarguably one of the most peaceful state in Nigeria.
“Our visit to this state has made us realize the real facts on what we have hearing about Osun state as being the most secured, hospitable and learned state in Nigeria with highly placed social infrastructures”. He said.
He implored the governor to look inward on the issues of Public Library Service Development and as well continue his good works by ensuring that the state maintain its good and favourable status.
The Governor later on Tuesday morning joined the library association to declare open the Annual General Meeting at the WOCDIF Centre, Osogbo.
WORLDSTAGE

The government of Osun State has assured indigenes of the state that projects that add value to the state and people’s lives will not be abandoned.
The Director of Media and Strategy of the state, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, who gave the pledge assured that despite the current financial crisis facing the state, the government would see pending crucial projects through. “It is not in the plan of the government to abandon capital projects especially those that have been started before the financial problems of the state started” he declared.
According to him, the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola would explore all legitimate means to complete the projects for the benefit of the people of the state.
The Aregbesola regime has been under serious pressure as a result of the cash crunch with the latest being an impeachment attempt hanging on the governor as well as renewed strike by workers over unpaid salaries.
Although the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress recently suspended a six-week strike based on agreement with the state government on modalities for payment of the salary arrears, it again ordered the state workers back to the trenches last week- a move from which teachers in the state reportedly backed off from.
There have been fears in some quarters that the state government may abandon some projects in the state to prevent a reoccurrence of financial problems currently experienced in the state. Notable among these are the distribution of the computer tablet, “Opon imo”, free education including free meals and uniform programmes as well as some road projects. Some economic analysts had called for their scrapping owing to what they termed “pressure on the financial strength of the state.”
There has also been conflicting opinions as to the prudence of the state government, with regard to fiscal policies.
But Okanlawon reiterated the administration’s commitment to delivering the benefits of democracy to indigenes and investors in the state, despite the current economic challenges allegedly worsened by dwindling federal allocation.
The Osun State government had accused the Federal Government under former President Goodluck Jonathan of refusing to pay monies spent by the state government to rehabilitate federal roads in the state. But the Jonathan regime denied this claim.
However, the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari recently announced a bailout funds pay outstanding salaries to workers owed by states.

Mr Ayo Olumoko, the organiser of Osun Osogbo Festival on Tuesday said plans were underway to list it on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
Olumoko said this while addressing newsmen during the unveiling of the 2015 edition of the festival in Lagos.
According to him, the decision to list the festival on the NSE is to give it an additional recognition and boost its potential.
“Osun Osogbo Festival is globally recognised; therefore, there is need for its inclusion and recognition by the NSE.
“The festival has been recognised by UNESCO due to its long years of celebration, cultural relevance and also for attracting influx of tourists.
“It is the most consistent festival in the country having been celebrated every year for more than 600 years,” Olumoko said.
He said that the festival had helped to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Osun State, adding that it had also contributed to the nation’s economy through tourism.
Earlier, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Oyetunji Olanipekun: Larooye II, promised all visitors and tourists a thrilling experience.
According to him, lots of traditional games have been prepared for visitors to make their trip to Osun Osogbo, a worthwhile one.
Olanipekun, represented by the Otun-Ese of Osogboland, Chief Adeyemo Aremu, also assured indegenes, intending tourists and guests of adequate security during the festival.
(NAN)
 

The lesson to be learnt from the present predicament is unambiguous. This is that Nigeria has no choice but to return to the basis of the fiscal arrangements upon which a federal system rests. The arrangement was the basis upon which independence for a multi-ethnic society was negotiated and obtained.
The unfortunate events of January, 1966 and the aftermath which culminated in the proclamation of the absurd Unification Decree 34 of the same year truncated the federalist state of the country. And ever since then the basis of Nigeria’s federalism had become eroded – as we have been operating federalism only in name – but not so in practice. In the light of events it must be restored and urgently too!
For a start, the empirical evidence is incontrovertible. This is that during the competitive fiscal federalism of the first Republic, the country enjoyed profoundly balanced, sustainable development. The trend has been the other way since the truncation of the federalist tenor. For example, the so called ‘federating units’ can hardly be compared to the much acclaimed Regions of the first republic.
This is the genesis of the current dysfunction. For this reason the status of the state governments as proper federating units must be restored. The right to take care of putting their own resources into production is key here. The state of Osun for instance, ought to be able to mine its deposits of gold and other mineral resources and pay taxes to the centre. Ditto for the mouth-watering bitumen deposits in Ondo state and other states of the federation. There is of course no state in Nigeria that does not have a resource to exploit profitably. It is a win/win situation. Not least for the central government which will stop to be seen as a big brother/nanny state.
The country cannot continue with this kind of arrangement whereby the states are completely dependent appendages of the central government. It is unsustainable, unproductive and has to stop. A return to real federalism will unleash tremendous, hitherto suppressed creative energies. Jobs will be created, the tax base widened, and a sustainable development model induced. Not until this is done it will continue to be absolutely difficult for our federating units to survive.
The awkward nature of Nigeria’s federalism continues to bug the mind. In all the countries of the world where federalism is being practised, the scenario we painted above is the ideal practice. The federating units have the statutory rights to tap the resources in their soils and contribute a certain percentage to the centre. This makes it easy for the states to survive on their own without the need – at all – to be going caps in hands to the centre every month to collect dole for survival as we experience in Nigeria.
If we are to turn the present economic downturn into an opportunity for national rebirth, the restoration of fiscal federalism must be an integral part of the Change we clamoured and voted for.‬ We just cannot continue like this. As a country that professes federalism we cannot afford to do it different from what obtains in the rest of federal worlds. Presently our federalism is a far cry from what obtains in other federal countries of the world. This, no doubt, is an aberration which must be corrected.
OSUN DEFENDER

*Lawyer pleads for another chance
The ad-hoc investigative committee set up by the Osun State House of Assembly to investigate the petition by a serving Judge in the state, Folahanmi Oloyede asking for the impeachment of Governor Rauf Aregbesola waited in vain today as the petitioner judge failed to appear as summoned.
Rather, Oloyede sent a lawyer while the attention of the lawyer , Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi, SAN, was called to the fact that Oloyede had breached many rules in her failure to appear as well as in the signing of the petition.
Oloyede’s lawyer could not make any headway before the panel as he also concurred with the panel which called his attention to the fact that Oloyede had signified in her petition that she was ready to face the House of Assembly to substantiate her allegations against the Governor.
However, her lawyer asked for a copy of the response sent by the Governor to Oloyede’s petition a request which was promptly turned down by the panel.
The Committee chairman said Oloyede had broken three rules of the Parliament already in wrong filing, signing and appearance in line with order 126(1-6) of the parliament.
Hon Adegboye further drew the attention of the Judge’s lawyer to the parlance of the law which quotes, “he who alleges must prove” to which Ogunlesi concurred and pleaded with the panel to pardon Oloyede on her missteps.
While arguing for the response of the governor before the judge could appear, the panel chair said, the Oloyede’s petition at the fourth paragraph was categorical on her readiness to appear with her evidences to back up her petition, saying the committee could not play “Father Christmas” in giving what was not requested for abinitio.
Oloyede pleaded for another opportunity to be given to his client, to come and discharge the burden of her proof, to which the committee agreed within  the frame of two weeks given to the committee.
Justice Oloyede had earlier petitioned the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, urging the House of Assembly to investigate Gov. Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori over alleged financial impropriety.
Her petition had generated so much tension and debate. On the strength of the petition, a group called for a protest in support of the judge. However, many have also condemned Oloyede for allowing herself to be used by politicians in the state.

Pictures of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the President, Nigerian Library Association, and others  at the 53rd Annual General Meeting/National Conference of Nigerian Library Association NLA tagged “Omoluabi 2015”, at WOCDIF Event Centre, Osogbo, on Tuesday 28/07/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(middle); President,
Nigerian Library Association, Alhaji Ridwan Abdul-Salami(right) and
Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti(left) during
the 53rd Annual General Meeting/National Conference of Nigerian
Library Association NLA tagged “Omoluabi 2015”, at WOCDIF Event
Centre, Osogbo, on Tuesday 28/07/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(2nd left); President,
Nigerian Library Association, Alhaji Ridwan Abdul-Salami(2nd right),
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti(left) and
Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Eyitope
Ogunbodede during the 53rd Annual General Meeting/National Conference
of Nigerian Library Association NLA tagged “Omoluabi 2015”, at WOCDIF
Event Centre, Osogbo, on Tuesday 28/07/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(2nd left); President,
Nigerian Library Association, Alhaji Ridwan Abdul-Salam (5th right),
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti(left),
Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Eyitope
Ogunbodede (4th right)Chairman Nigerian Library Association,Osun
chapter, Prince Rotimi Obadare (2nd right) and others during the 53rd
Annual General Meeting/National Conference of Nigerian Library
Association NLA tagged “Omoluabi 2015”, at WOCDIF Event Centre,
Osogbo, on Tuesday 28/07/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(left); President,
Nigerian Library Association, Alhaji Ridwan Abdul-Salam (middle)and
Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede (right) during the
53rd Annual General Meeting/National Conference of Nigerian Library
Association NLA tagged “Omoluabi 2015”, at WOCDIF Event Centre,
Osogbo, on Tuesday 28/07/2015.

Osun State is one of the 24 states currently contending with the challenge of unpaid workers’ wages. Obviously, the state’s workers are currently on an indefinite strike action over the issue. Consequently, things are a bit more complicated for the people and government of the state. Dealing with dwindling revenue, unpaid salaries and labour unrest is certainly not what any progressive and people oriented government prays for. Forlornly, the way things currently stand, this is what the Osun State government has to contend with.
It is, however, rather excruciating that while the Osun State government is making constructive and strategic efforts to ensure that all issues relating to the unpaid salaries debacle are addressed (the government has actually begun the process of offsetting part of the unpaid salaries), there seems to be a politically motivated plot and a groundless campaign of calumny against the state government. From the reprehensible activities of some self styled ‘activists’ and emergency ‘friends’ of Osun, one is tempted to conclude that those that were rejected at the polls by the good people of Osun have suddenly seen an opportunity to hide behind the unpaid salary matter to cause confusion in the state. Like a bolt from the blue, some of them had suddenly found their hitherto silenced voices. And they are not just talking; they are actually singing like a Red-eyed Vireo bird which sings more than 20,000 songs a day.
In their hypocrisy and desperate pursuit of political vendetta, together with their co-travelers in the mischievous contrive to ridicule the State Government, these unprincipled elements have continued to shamelessly trade in blatant and unfounded lies against the state government. Their mission is simple: To distract the state government and confuse the good people of the state. But like it is with all dubious individuals who love to play to the gallery, it is not surprising that these men are attempting to bounce to reckoning on the platform of the current Osun workers’ salary issue. How irresponsible!
What is, perhaps, quite absurd is their proclivity for rumour mongering and peddling of falsehood. How on earth could any reasonable person accuse Ogbeni Aregbesola, whose major selling point is his integrity and sincerity of purpose, of fraud? It needs to be stressed that Ogbeni Aregbesola has run, perhaps, the most prudent and transparent government in the country, thus far. In order to save cost and get the much needed funds, which were subsequently committed into judicious use for common good of the state, the governor, for nearly a year, during his first term in office, did not constitute a cabinet. Through this astute imitative, the government was able to make a few savings that were used in uplifting public education, agriculture, job creation, road construction, culture and tourism, environmental sanitation and beautification, flood control, rural development among others.
What this self pseudo ‘activists’ and unfriendly ‘friends’ of Osun did not tell the public is that what is happening in Osun is not peculiar to the state alone. About 23 other states and, indeed, the federal government, are experiencing same harsh economic reality. For the record, Osun State, which received five billion naira as monthly allocation in February 2013, got a mere N466 million in April, 2015! This aptly captures the dire financial strait of the state and the country as a whole. But these peddlers of falsehood won’t tell their audience this. Since their intent is devilish and naughty, Osun must be singled out for constant persecution and needless ridicule.
Ironically, it was the sixteen years’ reign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that anti-people’s platform which these defective individuals represent, and in particular the six-year reign of former President Goodluck Jonathan that actually plunged our beloved nation into the present mess. It is common knowledge that Dr. Jonathan ran a truly clueless, visionless and most corrupt government in the history of the country. Under his watch, the nation’s foreign reserve was recklessly depleted. Like never before, corruption became the order of the day during Jonathan’s tenure. When the President of a country affirms on national television that ‘stealing is not corruption’, you don’t need to be a prophet to know that such a country is in trouble. The truth, however, is that our economy is actually in trouble courtesy the Jonathan and PDP years of gross misrule.
It must be stressed that prior to the dawn of this present national economic predicament, Osun State had faithfully discharged its responsibilities to its workers. For a period of not less than 30 months, there was no record of rancorous moment with its workers. Indeed, the state, despite its lean purse is one of the few states in the country that paid its workforce a 13th-month salary every December. The government has equally helped to develop the local economy. For instance, the uniforms of pupils and students in all public schools in the state are sourced and produced locally. This has brought about a perceptible boom in the local fabric and fashion industry in the state. Equally, local contractors have been given a great boost as they handle most of the State Government construction works. Artisans, especially at Osogbo, the capital, would readily attest to the fact that things have never been this rosy for them as a result of the unprecedented
patronage they currently enjoy from the State Government. The free meal programme for primary school pupils also offers local entrepreneurs sufficient opportunities to make ends meet.
It has, therefore, become imperative for Osun State workers to call off their strike, team up with the governor to find a lasting solution to the financial crisis bedeviling the state. Their cause is a justified one, and they deserve their wages, but the strike option would only worsen the parlous financial situation of the state. It is simply a counter-productive alternative. Since the State Government did not hide the facts concerning the finances of the state from them, the rational thing to do is to put faith in the already existing line of communication between them and the State Government.
It is important to stress that the workers are part and parcel of governance in the state and as such are in prime position (especially those that work in the state revenue board) to come up with viable strategies that would help shore up the state’s IGR. The state’s civil servants need to rise up in unison by encouraging every eligible resident of the state to fulfill his civic responsibilities of tax payment to the state. Until this is effectively done, the state workers could not be actually absolved of complicity from the current economic woes of the state.
—Raji is former Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Lagos State.