₦airaland Forum

So, during the recession, 70% of the work force which includes health workers, teachers, local government employees, junior staff were all receiving full salaries? If so, then nothing really bad.

Josepholome:
Public debates about Rauf Aregbesola’s time as Osun governor often swing between praise and criticism, but many arguments overlook the economic realities of that period. The nationwide recession from 2014 to 2016 hit state finances hard, with 23 states unable to pay salaries at all. Osun faced a sharp drop in federal allocation and internally generated revenue, forcing difficult decisions.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Aregbesola intentionally paid half salaries. In reality, the Labour Government Salary Apportionment Committee, which was made up of labour leaders and government officials, jointly agreed on a temporary modulated payment structure to prevent mass layoffs. Throughout the recession, over 70 percent of workers (junior staff, teachers, health workers and local government employees) continued receiving full salaries and pensions. The modulation applied mainly to senior officers and political appointees.

Another widespread falsehood is that Aregbesola’s successor, Gboyega Oyetola, inherited the salary modulation. Records show this is untrue. A few outstanding balances of the modulated salaries were already cleared before Aregbesola handed over, and full salary payment had resumed eight months before the end of his administration.

Beyond the salary debate, Osun continued major development programmes. The School Feeding initiative served 254,000 pupils daily and later became a national policy. Thousands of classrooms were constructed or rebuilt, the OYES youth programme absorbed unemployed youths, and road projects continued across the state despite the financial strain.

It is true that the recession created emotional and financial pain for many families, and their feelings are valid. But emotions cannot replace verified facts. Transparency was maintained throughout the crisis, and Aregbesola’s strong grassroots support today reflects public recognition of his long term developmental impact.

The Aregbesola years were a mix of economic challenges and visible transformation. Narratives based on half truths may trend online, but they cannot erase the documented reforms, infrastructural investments and social programmes that reshaped Osun during one of Nigeria’s toughest economic periods.

https://plateaujournal.com.ng/lies-vs-facts-revisiting-the-aregbesola/

So, during the recession, 70% of the work force which includes health workers, teachers, local government employees, junior staff were all receiving full salaries? If so, then nothing really bad.

This event screams hope! Yet, hunger grips Nigeria tightly, with poverty exploding while Tinubu seems detached from the chaos he’s unleashed.

This event screams hope! Yet, hunger grips Nigeria tightly, with poverty exploding while Tinubu seems detached from the chaos he’s unleashed.

Josepholome:
• Aregbesola: Nigerians determined to vote out incompetent government
• Traditional ruler, party chieftains rally support for ADC ahead of 2026 polls


– Thousands of residents turned out in Osogbo on Tuesday as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State brought its federal constituency tour to a close, signalling strong grassroots backing for the party ahead of the 2026 general elections.


The tour, led by former Osun State Governor and current ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ended with a mammoth rally at the Technical College ground after a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun (Larooye II).


Artisans, market women, youths, students and party faithful thronged the routes from the palace through major streets to the rally venue, where supporters had waited for hours under the sun to welcome the ADC delegation.


Speaking at the rally, Aregbesola thanked residents for their continued loyalty and declared that Nigerians had resolved to vote out the present administration at all levels over widespread insecurity, economic hardship, poverty and poor governance.


“There is no sector where the current government has not failed. The economy is in dire straits and insecurity is ravaging the country,” Aregbesola said.


He positioned the ADC as the only viable alternative, pledging that the party would deliver “a government of vision, mission and direction” focused on mass-oriented development if elected.


Aregbesola urged supporters to intensify mobilisation and encourage eligible voters to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.


Earlier at the Ataoja’s palace, Oba Olanipekun openly endorsed Aregbesola’s political cause and pledged the support of Osogbo people for the ADC in 2026.
Recalling the transformation of Osogbo into a modern state capital during Aregbesola’s tenure from 2010 to 2018, the monarch said: “We are not ingrates in Osogbo. I will never leave Aregbesola; I will always support him and all he represents.”


The royal father described Aregbesola’s current mission as one aimed at the overall betterment of Osun people.


Other party chieftains who addressed the rally, including Dr Charles Omidiji, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, Senator Felix Ogunwale, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and former Speaker Dr Najeem Salaam, charged members to redouble grassroots engagement, describing the ADC as the only party with the moral clarity and capacity to rescue Osun and Nigeria from the current decline.


Also present were Engr. Jide Adeniji, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile, Revd. Adelowo Adebiyi, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, Mr Jide Bewaji and other leaders of the political tendency.


The Osogbo rally marked the final leg of the ADC’s tour across the state’s three federal constituencies, which party sources say recorded overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm in every local government visited.


https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BMwYkAJAf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

How can they be so confident? Hilarious