Gay-Marriage Law: US threatens to sanction Nigeria -

Abuja—Leading western countries piled pressure on the Federal government, yesterday, following President Goodluck Jonathan’s signing of the Same-Sex Prohibition Act 2014. The latest country is the United States of America, whose Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle threatened that  the United States will scale down its support for HIV/AIDS and anti-malaria programmes in response to the Federal Government’s position on the gay rights issue.  Member countries of the European Union and Canada have expressed their objection to the law but United States Ambassador to Nigeria said he was worried about “the implications of the anti-same sex marriage law which seems to restrict the fundamental rights of a section of the Nigerian population.”  This came as a former Nigerian Ambassador to US, Dahiru Suleiman, yesterday, described homosexuality and lesbianism as “animalistic and degrading to humanity.”  Also yesterday Christians in the northern part of Nigeria under the aegis of Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states an Abuja,  hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for signing into law the anti-gay bill, urging him to ignore criticisms from Western nations, saying all religions in the country are united in their condemnation of same-sex marriage.  In a reaction to the recent move of government to outlaw homosexuality from this country, the Public Relations Officer of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe told Vanguard that Christians from the North and their counterparts in other religions have unanimously expressed gratitude to the president and the National Assembly for passing the Anti-Same Sex Marriage despite opposition from Europe and the US.  Speaking to news men in Abuja, yesterday, the American envoy said his interpretation of the new law was that “it could negatively affect the nation’s fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic”. Although the US envoy denied that his country plans to impose sanctions on Nigeria, he said:  “We and other donors are looking at the issue of funding for HIV/AIDS. As you know, we put millions of dollars in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  “Although I am not a lawyer, I read the bill and it seems to me that it may put some restrictions on what we can do to help fight HIV/AIDS in this country. These are the issues we are looking at as we consider the law.”  The signing of the Same sex Prohibition Act by President Jonathan on January 7, 2014 has provoked negative reactions from member countries of EU, Canada and now the United States all of whom have alleged that the law is a violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians with same sex orientation.  Ambassador Entwistle said  he was aware that “the issue of same-sex marriage was very controversial all over the world, including within  the United States where 17 states out of 50 had endorsed it, but others still reject its legality”. According to him, “the issue that we see and I am speaking as a friend of Nigeria is that as I read the bill, it looks to me that it puts significant restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression; in my opinion which applies especially in advanced democracies, once government begins to say something in these areas, freedom no longer applies. It seems to me that this is a very worrisome precedent.”  Anti-gay diplomacy A lecturer at Covenant University, Professor Kayode Soremekun said: “What is happening demonstrates the low level that the US treats its relation with Nigeria”.  He said every Nigerian should feel insulted that the US is threatening to stop assisting us on areas where we have the resources and human capacity to contend.  Said Professor Soremekun, “even when the West had their misgivings about Russia’s anti-gay law, they have not gone threatening them with sanctions and punitive action. We are not reckoned with in the international arena where we are getting assistance for HIV/AIDS, Malaria treatment drugs, polio virus crusade among other mundane issues”.  He continued: ”Nigeria is still a conservative society and the anti-gay law has united the ruling class and Nigerians outside government at this level of our national development. The US and its EU partners should be discussing serious issues; the leadership showed pro-activeness in trying to save the society from getting exposed to practices that are antithetical to our culture.  “We should be focussing on the items on the Bi-National Commission between both countries, but these threats show that we are nonentity in global arena. When the US is discussing with Iran on nuclear issues, they are threatening us on mundane issues”.  According to  Soremekun, “we should be able to make the US and its EU allies realise that they cannot go to China to dictate their laws. China is still a communist country and they are falling over them selves to go to China and do business. We should make them realise what General Abacha did when he opened the door  to China and Asian countries in the 1990s.”  Propaganda war Vanguard learnt that the US is committing “substantial” resources to fund the emergence of gay clubs and advocacy groups across Nigeria.  The Canadian Government had cancelled a planned state visit by President Jonathan which had been scheduled for next month. The Canadian government’s action which came within a week after the bill was signed into law is widely believed to be that country’s reaction to the President’s action of assenting to the bill which has so far enjoyed popular support in the country.  Homosexualism, lesbianism animalistic. However, former Ambassador Suleiman, yesterday, described homosexuality and lesbianism as animalistic acts, degrading to humanity. Suleiman served as Nigerian envoy in several countries, including Pakistan, Brazil, Angola, United States of America, Ivory Coast, Poland, Australia and Sudan, among others.  Reacting to US threat of sanctions against Nigeria over the anti-gay law, Suleiman stressed the need for Nigerian leaders not to be dependent on foreign assistance for governance.  He said: “Homosexuality and lesbianism are offences against God; if  any body wants to do it, he should do so secretly. It is not only animalistic but  diminishes mankind.”  “If it is the money the US gives to us, let them keep the money. Nigeria is rich enough to take care of her people unlike other countries.” -

Culled from Vanguard online news...

Jonathan sacks Ihejirika, other service chiefs:

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Thursday approved sweeping changes in the nation’s military high command. The erstwhile Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh takes over from Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim as Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General Kenneth Minimah replaces Lt.-General Azubike Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff. Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin is the new Chief of Naval Staff. He takes over from Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba. Also, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu takes the baton from Air Marshal Badeh as Chief of Air Staff.  A statement issued by the President’s media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said all the changes are with immediate effect. It reads, “The new Chief CDS, Air Marshal Badeh was born on January 10, 1957 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 21 Regular Course while the new COAS, Major-General Minimah was born on July 27, 1959 and joined the Army as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 Regular Course. Until his new appointment, Major-General Minimah was the Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Jaji.  “The new CNS, Rear Admiral Jibrin was born on September 16, 1959 and joined the Navy as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 24 Regular Course. Until his appointment as CNS, he was Director of Training at Defence Headquarters. The new Chief of Air Staff and immediate past Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was born on August 1, 1958 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 Regular Course. Until his new appointment, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.  “President Jonathan has briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the appointment of the new service chiefs and will, in keeping with the provisions of the law, request the National Assembly to formally confirm the appointments when it reconvenes.”

Culled from vanguard....

At last, Tukur resigns:

At last, Tukur resigns:

Embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has resigned,  THE PUNCH learnt.  A senior member of the divided National Working Committee of the party, who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja on Wednesday , said President Goodluck Jonathan will inform the meeting of the National Caucus of the party tonight in Abuja about the development.  With the resignation, Tukur has escaped being suspended from the party by the members of the NWC if had refused to resign.  If he had refused to resign, Tukur was to be suspended by about eight members of the NWC, while the National Executive Committee of the party would ratify his suspension on Thursday.  Meanwhile, the wife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan is said to be scheming to instal Tukur’s successor.  The First Lady is said to be rooting for the appointment of the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar.  His ministry is said to be under indirect supervision of the First Lady.  However, the governors are resisting the move.

Culled from Punch!

US slams Nigeria for same-sex marriage ban

WASHINGTON – The United States on Monday criticized Nigeria for approving a law that punishes same-sex marriage with prison, saying the move would curtail basic human rights.  Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States was “deeply concerned” by Nigeria’s new law which “dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians.”  Kerry said the act “is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 constitution.”  “People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love,” Kerry said in a statement.  Under the new law, anyone in a same-sex marriage or union would face up to 14 years in prison, with such partnerships reached overseas considered void in Nigeria.  President Goodluck Jonathan signed the law because he considered it consistent with most Nigerians’ views toward homosexuality, his spokesman, Reuben Abati, told AFP.  The United States has generally warm relations with Nigeria but President Barack Obama’s administration has increasingly put a priority on fighting for gay rights overseas.  In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has said that he will not rush into signing a law under which gays would be jailed after criticism from Obama, Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu and other global figures.(AFP)

Culled from Vanguard online news.

US slams Nigeria for same-sex marriage ban

on January 13, 2014   /   in News 9:21 pm   /   Comments

WASHINGTON – The United States on Monday criticized Nigeria for approving a law that punishes same-sex marriage with prison, saying the move would curtail basic human rights.
Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States was “deeply concerned” by Nigeria’s new law which “dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians.”
Kerry said the act “is inconsistent with Nigeria’s international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 constitution.”
“People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love,” Kerry said in a statement.
Under the new law, anyone in a same-sex marriage or union would face up to 14 years in prison, with such partnerships reached overseas considered void in Nigeria.

File: Jonathan and Obama

President Goodluck Jonathan signed the law because he considered it consistent with most Nigerians’ views toward homosexuality, his spokesman, Reuben Abati, told AFP.
The United States has generally warm relations with Nigeria but President Barack Obama’s administration has increasingly put a priority on fighting for gay rights overseas.
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has said that he will not rush into signing a law under which gays would be jailed after criticism from Obama, Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu and other global figures.(AFP)

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/01/us-slams-nigeria-sex-marriage-ban/#sthash.f2najZp0.dpuf

ONE STONE IS ENOUGH:

ONE STONE IS ENOUGH:

When you take a stone and put in a catapult to shoot at something, it should hit at what you aim to shoot and fall off. Goliath was a giant and it has been proven by scholars that his skull was very thick; lets go back to our Bible........ (1Samual 17:49) 'David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the STONE SUNK INTO HIS FOREHEAD: and he fell upon his face to the earth.' UNDER NORMAL LAWS OF PHYSICS, THE STONE SHOULD HAVE BOUNCED OFF THE FOREHEAD OF GOLIATH AND FALLEN TO THE GROUND, BUT WHEN JEHOVAH OVERDO, THE ONE WHO NEVER NEGOTIATES WITH THE ADVERSARY STEP ON EVERY SITUATION, A GREATER SUPERNATURAL LAW ACTIVATES.

That is the greater supernatural law that is going to be activated in your life and on your behalf this year! Every Goliath that has threatened and harassed you up till now will be SMITTEN BY THE ROCK OF AGES AND THEY WILL FALL TO THE GROUND ON THEIR FACES

Note that Goliath fell with his face to the ground. Since the face represents identity, it means that what God is about to do will be such that nobody will ever remember that problem in your life again. The identity of that challenge will be cut off just as David cut off Goliath forehead! Those that pitied you will see you and suddenly see that you are a party ground! Know that every battle has a loop hole! Just as the stone locate Goliath forehead, so will your stone, your prayers locate the loop hole and power source of every battle confronting you in Jesus Name.......

Happy New Year!

Undergraduate remanded for allegedly killing co-tenant

A 27-year-old final year student of the University of Calabar, Ezong Lydia, has been remanded in prison following the alleged murder of her co-tenant in Lagos, Mr Salaudeen Musa.

Lydia, who was staying with her parents on Cemetary Road, Amukoko area of Lagos because of the just suspended ASUU strike, allegedly pushed the deceased during an argument, which led to his death.

It was learnt that the deceased’s brother and Lydia had had a misunderstanding, which the suspect reported at the police station.
The deceased’s brother was said to have been arrested and detained in the cell.

After learning that his brother was in police detention, the victim was said to have applied for his bail, but was asked to get the complainant.
It was learnt that the 45-year-old, instead of going to Lydia, decided to take up the matter with her father.

Lydia was said to have interrupted in the discussion, which led to an argument.
The police claimed that Lydia pushed the deceased, and he slumped and died.

The investigating police officer, Sergeant Olojede Mayowa, in the remand request form, said the police were relying on eyewitnesses’ accounts.

PUNCH

Igbo in Lagos sack traditional rulers

The executive of Igbo-speaking community in Lagos State has sacked some Ezes over a recent controversial visit to a governor, who allegedly gave them staff of offices.  A statement in Lagos by the community’s President-General, Chief Ebere Ubani, described the visit as demeaning. It said: “With this singular action, the affected Ezes have abdicated their Ezeship and the Igbo-speaking community the authentic and legal body that installed them, hereby declares their stools vacant with immediate effect.  “The Igbo-speaking community in Lagos State shall look into issues dispassionately and will not relent in wielding the big stick where necessary; as such Ezes have lost moral authority to preside over their respective domains in Lagos State, as their allegiance has now shifted.”

Culled from Vanguard...

Three-yr-old boy abducted in Calabar church

CALABAR —A three-year-old boy, Victor Offiong Edem, was abducted by an unknown person at the Assemblies of God’s Church 14, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Calabar South during Sunday service, December 15, 2013.  The father of the boy,  Mr Offiong Edem, a staff of College of Health Technology, Calabar said he took his family to the church to thank God for his goodness to him in 2013.  He said after the service which was also the  church’s Thanksgiving Day, he went to work and left  Victor  in company of his wife,  Angelica and his other son, Samuel but was later informed that Victor had gone missing.  He said: “I do work on Sundays. Soon after giving my offering, I went to work leaving behind my wife, my first son and Victor in the church  only to be called later that Victor had gone missing.”  Mother of the missing boy said after the close of service, she had a short discussion with some  church members and after that  “I went to pick my bag where I kept it not far away from where I stood and when  I turned back, I asked Samuel where Victor was and he said he could not find him.”  She said obviously the person was monitoring her and the children and as soon as her eyes were turned away from the child, the person took away the boy.  According to Angelica,“My son is a healthy and happy boy and I know God will bring him back to me  no matter where the person may have taken him to.”  Pastor Chukwu Ekeke, head pastor of the church, said: “That is the first time an unfortunate incident like this will happen in this church and prayers have been said and  I know God will certainly bring back that boy.”  A police source at the Mbukpa police station where the matter was reported said investigations are  going on to track down the  abductor. -

Vanguard.

Suspected cultists kill OOU lecturer:

ABEOKUTA— Tragedy struck, yesterday, at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, in Ijebu North area of  Ogun State when a lecturer, Dr Segun Onabanjo, was  shot dead by suspected cultists. Onabanjo who until his death was a senior lecturer at the Department of Sociology in the university, was said to have been killed by the assailants who stormed his residence in Odomolasa area of Ilese-Ijebu and broke into his home at about 1:00 a.m. Vanguard gathered that while  his assailants were attempting to break into his house, he was reportedly shouting “e bami gbe ibon mi (kindly bring me my gun)” to his kids and relatives in an attempt to scare away the armed men. The gunmen eventually, in the wee hours, shot the lecturer dead and carted away some personal items. It was learnt that the body of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the killing, saying the command was on the trail of the suspected killers who escaped through a nearby bush and would do everything possible to bring them to justice. The police spokesman said some of the suspects sustained injuries in the gun duel and urged members of the public to promptly report anybody found with bullet wounds to security agents. “The incident was quite unfortunate. The police command is seriously investigating this case and the suspects would be brought to justice. We are already working on some leads; the police combed the area and found blood stains at the back of the house of the lecturer. The police traced the blood and hopefully, it will help in this case,” he said. Adejobi appealed to residents to be careful in handling such crime situation, saying they should be wary of showing off even if they have firearms. He called on medical doctors in the state to alert the command in case they notice anyone with gun wounds in their hospitals.

Culled from Vanguard...

Suspected cultists kill OOU lecturer

BY DAUD OLATUNJI
ABEOKUTA— Tragedy struck, yesterday, at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, in Ijebu North area of  OgunState when a lecturer, Dr Segun Onabanjo, was  shot dead by suspected cultists.

Onabanjo who until his death was a senior lecturer at the Department of Sociology in the university, was said to have been killed by the assailants who stormed his residence in Odomolasa area of Ilese-Ijebu and broke into his home at about 1:00 a.m.

Vanguard gathered that while  his assailants were attempting to break into his house, he was reportedly shouting “e bami gbe ibon mi (kindly bring me my gun)” to his kids and relatives in an attempt to scare away the armed men.

The gunmen eventually, in the wee hours, shot the lecturer dead and carted away some personal items.

It was learnt that the body of the deceased had been desposited at the mortuary.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the killing, saying the command was on the trail of the suspected killers who escaped through a nearby bush and would do everything possible to bring them to justice.

The police spokesman said some of the suspects sustained injuries in the gun duel and urged members of the public to promptly report anybody found with bullet wounds to security agents.

“The incident was quite unfortunate. The police command is seriously investigating this case and the suspects would be brought to justice. We are already working on some leads; the police combed the area and found blood stains at the back of the house of the lecturer. The police traced the blood and hopefully, it will help in this case,” he said.

Adejobi appealed to residents to be careful in handling such crime situation, saying they should be wary of showing off even if they have firearms.

He called on medical doctors in the state to alert the command in case they notice anyone with gun wounds in their hospitals.

Suspected cultists kill OOU lecturer: BY DAUD OLATUNJI ABEOKUTA— Tragedy struck, yesterday, at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, in Ijebu North area of  OgunState when a lecturer, Dr Segun Onabanjo, was  shot dead by suspected cultists. Onabanjo who until his death was a senior lecturer at the Department of Sociology in the university, was said to have been killed by the assailants who stormed his residence in Odomolasa area of Ilese-Ijebu and broke into his home at about 1:00 a.m. Vanguard gathered that while  his assailants were attempting to break into his house, he was reportedly shouting “e bami gbe ibon mi (kindly bring me my gun)” to his kids and relatives in an attempt to scare away the armed men. The gunmen eventually, in the wee hours, shot the lecturer dead and carted away some personal items. It was learnt that the body of the deceased had been desposited at the mortuary. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the killing, saying the command was on the trail of the suspected killers who escaped through a nearby bush and would do everything possible to bring them to justice. The police spokesman said some of the suspects sustained injuries in the gun duel and urged members of the public to promptly report anybody found with bullet wounds to security agents. “The incident was quite unfortunate. The police command is seriously investigating this case and the suspects would be brought to justice. We are already working on some leads; the police combed the area and found blood stains at the back of the house of the lecturer. The police traced the blood and hopefully, it will help in this case,” he said. Adejobi appealed to residents to be careful in handling such crime situation, saying they should be wary of showing off even if they have firearms. He called on medical doctors in the state to alert the command in case they notice anyone with gun wounds in their hospitals.

Headmaster nabbed for raping 9-yr-old pupil in Bauchi

BY SUZAN EDEH BAUCHI — 

The Bauchi State Police command has commenced investigation into the case of a 42-year-old man, Mr James Dantayi, who is an assistant headmaster of Jibril Aminu Primary School, Bauchi for allegedly raping a nine-year-old pupil of  the school.  The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, yesterday, in Bauchi,  said when the police received the complaint of a rape incident in the school, it investigated the matter by visiting the school and the suspect arrested.  A reliable security source in Bauchi told newsmen that the victim was a primary three pupil.  According to the source, “the victim who is a pupil of Jibril Aminu Primary school was raped by their assistant headmaster after school hours.  “When the girl got home, her parents became suspicious of their daughter’s disposition and decided to investigate it.  “After interrogation, they discovered that she was raped by the assistant headmaster.”  He said the police visited the school the following day and arrested the suspect while the victim was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi for medical examination.

Culled from Vanguard.

BY SUZAN EDEH
BAUCHI — The Bauchi State Police command has commenced investigation into the case of a 42-year-old man, Mr James Dantayi, who is an assistant headmaster of JibrilAminuPrimary School, Bauchi for allegedly raping a nine-year-old pupil of  the school.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, yesterday, in Bauchi,  said when the police received the complaint of a rape incident in the school, it investigated the matter by visiting the school and the suspect arrested.
A reliable security source in Bauchi told newsmen that the victim was a primary three pupil.
According to the source, “the victim who is a pupil of JibrilAminuPrimary school was raped by their assistant headmaster after school hours.
“When the girl got home, her parents became suspicious of their daughter’s disposition and decided to investigate it.
“After interrogation, they discovered that she was raped by the assistant headmaster.”
He said the police visited the school the following day and arrested the suspect while the victim was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi for medical examination.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/headmaster-nabbed-raping-9-yr-old-pupil-bauchi/#sthash.EaL00GPk.dpuf

BY SUZAN EDEH
BAUCHI — The Bauchi State Police command has commenced investigation into the case of a 42-year-old man, Mr James Dantayi, who is an assistant headmaster of JibrilAminuPrimary School, Bauchi for allegedly raping a nine-year-old pupil of  the school.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, yesterday, in Bauchi,  said when the police received the complaint of a rape incident in the school, it investigated the matter by visiting the school and the suspect arrested.
A reliable security source in Bauchi told newsmen that the victim was a primary three pupil.
According to the source, “the victim who is a pupil of JibrilAminuPrimary school was raped by their assistant headmaster after school hours.
“When the girl got home, her parents became suspicious of their daughter’s disposition and decided to investigate it.
“After interrogation, they discovered that she was raped by the assistant headmaster.”
He said the police visited the school the following day and arrested the suspect while the victim was taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi for medical examination.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/12/headmaster-nabbed-raping-9-yr-old-pupil-bauchi/#sthash.EaL00GPk.dpuf