Monthly Archives: November 2013
Senators seek life imprisonment for rapists
ABUJA—THE Senate, yesterday, called for stiffer punishment like life imprisonment for perpetrators of sexual assault in the country.
Some Senators also canvassed for capital punishment in the Sexual Offence Bill sponsored by Senator Chris Anyanwu, which passed the second reading.
Senator Anyanwu, APGA, Imo had in her lead debate, said her bill chronicled incidents of high rate of immorality in the society and demanded the creation of a unit within the Nigerian Police Force where trained professionals would ensure the preservation of the rights of humanity.
She noted that sex tourism has been on the increase in the country and that it was imperative to create a unit in the Nigeria Police Force to handle such cases with good training, as she alleged that most times victims that take their matter to the police are always ridiculed by the police officers handling the matter.
London – INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega said on Thursday that the electoral body was not responsible for the arrest of some observers during the Nov. 16 Anambra governorship elections.
Jega, who was represented by Prof. Mohammed Kuna, stated this at a lecture entitled: “The Road to 2015 Elections; Prospect and Challenges” in London.
It would be recalled that some observers, including former FCT Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, were detained during the elections which INEC later declared inconclusive.
“I don’t know under what basis Mal Nasir el-Rufai went to Anambra State, and the commission has no hand in it.
“There are procedures for accrediting observers; they are usually briefed, trained ahead of the exercise.
“And after the elections, they submit their report,” Jega said while answering questions from participants.
He attributed challenges to free and fair elections to include the attitude of some political elite.
Licenced to Kill?
With the ex- President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Festus Iyayi, becoming the latest victim of dangerous driving and disregard for traffic rules, a habit common among elected public officials, Chineme Okafor writes on the abnormality that has become the norm in Nigeria
To be elected as a public official in Nigeria nowadays seems a licence for impunity. For instance, dangerous driving has become a common place on Nigerian roads with elected public officials’ convoy responsible for several auto accidents and deaths in recent times.
Yes, dangerous driving elsewhere attract imprisonment and fine, but in Nigeria elected officials and government appointees brazenly drive dangerously without being charged for their reckless act. Indeed, receiving a dangerous driving charge is one of the most serious motoring offences all over the world.
The death exactly last week of a one-time President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Festus Iyayi in a grisly auto accident that also involved an alleged convoy of the Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada has again brought to the fore reckless driving that is associated with convoys elected officials on Nigerian roads.
Group gives Bishops ultimatum to retract statement on CAN President
With the suspension of some Bishops by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the derogatory statement by the affected bishops on the CAN president, Oritsejafor, a group of Christian youth, under the auspices of Christian Youth Movement for Emancipation and Justice, CYMEJ, has given the concerned Niger Delta Bishops a 7-day ultimatum to publicly retract their comment or face public disgrace.
The chairman of the CYMEJ, Mr. Thomas Ibrahim, condemned the statement as well as the action of the bishops who at the instance of a group known as Global Peace Relief Initiative, led by Prophet Jones Erue, initiated what was said to be an unauthorised dialogue between two Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, factions,
2014 budget: Reps, Senate disagree on oil benchmark
The House of Representatives on Thursday adopted a crude oil benchmark of $79 per barrel for the 2014 budget.
This is in sharp contrast to the position of the Senate which pegged it at $76.50 as announced on Wednesday. President Goodluck Jonathan had proposed $74 for the 2014 fiscal year.
The reps took the position when they considered and approved the report of the House Joint Committee on Finance/Budget/Loans and Debt Management on the 2014-2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper.
The MTEF/FSP must precede the budget of the incoming year in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.
It sets out government’s spending projections and revenues for the next three years as the current financial year winds down.
Lola Omotayo weds Peter Okoye of P-Square
Peter Okoye, one half of the mega Afro-pop group P-Square yesterday wedded Lola Omotayo,the mother of his two adorable kids wed in the traditional way today in Lagos.
The event was planned and coordinated by Ngozi Akintujoye and Omorinsola Arodundade of Perfect Coordinators, who also planned the celeb wedding of Naeto C and Nicole Chikwe last year, they are gaining traction as celeb coordinators, with decor by Wedding Guru.
The wedding took place at The Ark in Lekki, Lagos. The couple had 3 beautiful looks, dressed up 3 different times.
Many celebrity guests were present Kate Henshaw, Genevieve Nnaji, Rukky Sanda, Richest woman in AFrica Folorunsho Alakija, Richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote,
May D, Toke Makinwa, Dr. Sid, Don Jazzy, Karen Igho, Footballer, Emmanuel Adebayor and many more, who are all present to wish the couple a sweet married life ahead.
Nigerian 90′s Music Star Father U Turn dies at 36
One of Nigeria’s most popular 90s musicians Olufemi Mayomi, aka Father U Turn, is dead
The dancehall artiste who rose from poverty as an orphan, to build a successful and inspiring career as a songwriter, recording artiste, TV presenter and performer, passed on in Lagos today, following a brief illness. He was 36 years old.
The late U Turn was from Kabba-Bunu in Kogi State where he first tried his hands on entertainment, working as a radio and TV presenter.
He had a brief stint at NTA in Lagos, after relocating here, before signing a deal with Ultima Records which released his early albums.
He was a little boy, with braids and a charming personality. And his signature intro ‘Apoola Berekete’ was far beyond his stature. But he got the industry’s attention and got a leg in the door before long. After years of club tours and free gigs, he got his first break when he was signed to one of the biggest record labels of the time, Ultima Records.
Nigeria – Yes, Yes, Yes!
Nigeria became the most successful team in FIFA U-17 World Cup history with a 3-0 win over holders Mexico at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The final was a rematch of the 6-1 win Nigeria inflicted on the Mexicans in Group F play and sees the Golden Eaglets lay hands on the junior world trophy for the fourth time in their history, one better than South American giants Brazil. When the final whistle went in the UAE capital, fans and players alike rejoiced, fingers pointed to the sky, with what has become the traditional Nigerian celebration of: “yes, yes yes!”
Mexico kept the ball for a full two minutes at the start of the game, moving it around well and making the Nigerians chase. El Tri even managed the first chance on goal after six minutes. Osvaldo Rodriguez crossed from the left, but Alejandro Diaz couldn’t keep his close-range effort the right side of the post. Two minutes on and Ivan Ochoa – who scored twice in the semi-final win over Argentina – saw his off-balance header pushed over the bar by Dele Alampasu.
I signed a deal to replace Ferguson as coach of United” – Sven-Goran Eriksson
Former Manchester City manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, has revealed in his new autobiography, that he signed a deal to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United in 2002.
Ferguson initially stated he was going to step down in 2002, before deciding to stay on till this year, when he was replaced by David Moyes. Eriksson claims that he held talks with United’s chiefs and accepted the offer.
In an extract from the book, reproduced in the Mail on Sunday, Eriksson wrote: “I knew it would be tricky. I had a contract with England until the 2006 World Cup and I would be severely criticised if I broke that contract.
“But this was an opportunity to manage Manchester United. A contract was signed – I was United’s new manager.”
ASUU strike: Hope beams as Jonathan, union meet Monday in final peace effort
Nigerian students in public universities may resume lectures in a matter of days, as the four months old strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may end soon.
This indication came to light yesterday as information from the presidency says President Goodluck Jonathan will on Monday meet with the leadership of ASUU at the Aso Rock Villa.
The meeting is the outcome of the resolutions reached last week at the meeting between Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike and ASUU.
The two were said to have briefed the president on their several discussions with the Union, that now requires his involvement since talks are now in the most crucial stage.
ASUU had also requested that Jonathan should personally endorse agreements reached at the last Tuesday’s meeting, with an assurance to fulfil the part of the federal government.
