Life imprisonment for Rape Offenders in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has proposed that anyone found guilty of rape is liable to a life sentence.

The lawmakers Tuesday also recommended that persons convicted of gang raping shall be liable jointly and severally to a minimum of 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine. This was part of the recommendations of the House of Representatives’ report on a bill for an Act on Violence against Persons.

Representative Abike Dabiri-Erewa, while presenting the 51-clause bill that was extensively considered and adopted by the lawmakers said it has become expedient for the bill to become law going by the rising cases of violence against persons in the country.

The bill however is soft on minors, proposing that where the offender is less than 14 years, the offender shall be liable to a minimum of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum of 12 years without an option of fine.

The bill also approved 25 years imprisonment for any person who attempts to use chemical, biological or any harmful liquid on another person.

It also provides that any person who incites aids, abets, or counsels another person to commit violence is guilty of the offence and liable on conviction to three years imprisonment or N200, 000 fine or both.

Female circumcision and general mutilation also drew punishments as any person convicted of performing it or engaging someone to carry it out risks four year jail term or a fine not more than N200, 000 or both.

Aiding female circumcision attracts N100, 000 or two year jail term or both while any person convicted of frustrating investigation and prosecution of offenders is guilty of felony and liable on conviction to imprisonment not more than three years or a fine not exceeding N500, 000.

One sensitive recommendation that the victim has the right to terminate any pregnancy resulting from rape and proving harmful to the health of the victim was rejected by the lawmakers and deleted from the report.

Missing toddlers found dead!

Two toddlers in Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria; who were declared missing on January 25, 2013 have been found dead in an abandoned vehicle on the premises of a building next to theirs on Taike Street.

The media had on January 30, 2013, reported story of the kids – Toheeb Adedokun (three) and Tajudeen Falilu ( three).

The family as well as the police had suspected that they were kidnapped before the discovery of their remains on Monday.

Our correspondent learnt that the vehicle in which the children were found was a Honda Pilot Sports Utility Vehicle, which was used as collateral.

According to a police theory, the children went into the vehicle but were trapped inside, causing them to suffocate.

The Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said the corpses were discovered by bank officials, who had gone to redeem the vehicle.

She said, “On Monday, at about 4:30pm, one Phillip Odi in company with Julius Odetola, both of whom are employees of Berachah Microfinance Bank, reported that on the same day, they received a text message from Macdonabi Jones Enterprise Limited, a customer of the bank, who pledged his Honda Pilot as collateral.

“The bank employees said on reaching the house located at 20 Taike Street, where the vehicle was parked, they discovered the corpses of the two children.”

The tragic news, however, did not go down well with residents of the street as they alleged foul play.

A news correspondent, who visited the children’s parents, learnt that the occupants of the house where the corpses were found had fled for fear of being attacked.

Some residents reported that the occupants of the building had a case to answer.

One of them , who identified herself as Iya Basira said, “How could two corpses be in a compound for over a month and no one smelt any odour?

“We looked for these children for weeks and even the occupants of that building were aware that the children were missing.”

A news correspondent observed as residents pursued one of the occupants of the building, who was strolling down the road.

“Go away, we don’t want you in our neighborhood”, they shouted.

It was learnt that earlier, an occupant of the building had to come with two policemen to be able to take some of her properties from her apartment.

It was also learnt that the vehicle had been taken to the Special-Anti Robbery Squad, Ikeja.

The parents of the toddlers and other members of the family said they planned pursuing the case to a logical conclusion.

Toheeb’s mother, Adijat, said the death of the children was controversial because on the day they went missing, the said vehicle was not parked in the compound.

She said, “I went to that compound to look for them. On getting there, I saw a neighbour, Sir Kay’s wife. Sir Kay is into rental service and he is also a teacher. His wife told me she saw the two children that day. I didn’t see that vehicle in the compound because I looked around.”

Asked how she heard about the death of the toddlers, she said, “Some policemen came to me this morning (Tuesday) and asked if I was the mother of one of the missing children. They showed me pictures of the children and told me to point to mine which I did. They asked me to describe the clothes my child wore that day and I told them that he wore polo shirt (army colour mixed with red) with shorts. They asked for the clothes the second person wore and I told them.

“They told the fathers of the kids to follow them but we (women) were told to go back as we might not be able to withstand the shock. When I saw my husband’s face, I knew the worst had happened.”

A news reporter, who went round the building, a bungalow with three flats, learnt that the landlord was late and the tenants had not returned.

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom sent open letter by his ex Liza Morales; “It’s difficult to hear about them day in day out”

While we feel like we know everything about khloe Kardashian and her husband Lamar Odom, we don’t know much about Lamar’s ex and the mother of his children, Liza Morales.

Now, Liza has decided it’s time for the world to hear her side of the story. She’s part of new Reality TV show Starter Wives and she has also written an open letter to Lamar and his wife.

In the letter Liza explains how she felt the day she found out that Lamar and Khloe were getting married when he’d always been so reluctant to walk down the aisle, and Liza also shares her feelings about her ex,

“I don’t think I’ll forget the tight knot I felt in the pit of my stomach the morning I received the text message with three simple words on the screen. It read “I’m getting married” and it was from the man I’d spent more than 10 years of my life with,” Liza writes on TheDailyBeast.com.

“Years that included us getting engaged in 2000 and becoming parents to one daughter and two sons. Yet not long after our separation Lamar Odom was getting married to Khloe Kardashian, a woman he’d met four weeks before.

“How could the man who’d constantly given me reason after reason for why we couldn’t get married just yet now be ready to tie the knot so quickly? There aren’t words to explain how I felt that day.”

Step-mum

Liza explains that she’s now no longer speaking to the father of her two children and that being associated with the Kardashian’s is difficult,

“We kept things cordial for the children’s sake after the breakup, but that changed when he married Khloe. Now we only communicate through third parties and lawyers, which I regret deeply since it is exactly what we each experienced as children and said we wouldn’t do to our kids.

“I’ve only met Khloe once, at my request since she is my children’s stepmother and I felt it was important to get a sense of her and what she’s like around my children. It was a very pleasant meeting, she gave me a hug so I’m happy it happened.

“As I continue to move on with my life, it can be difficult to avoid hearing about the Kardashians day in and day out. But I do what I can to ignore the constant chatter and I try to keep it from the kids as well so they can have a life that is as normal as possible.

“I am hopeful that one day I will have a cordial relationship again with Lamar, but until then I have to think of myself and the future I’d like to have given that I’m still in my early 30s.”

Hugo Chavez's death draws sympathy

 

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died teusday after a long battle with cancer.  



News of his death drew impassioned reactions from around the world, as leaders and other public figures weighed in on his legacy. 




Here are some of the comments:

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

"President Chavez spoke to the challenges and aspirations of the most vulnerable Venezuelans. He provided decisive impetus for new regional integration movements, based on an eminently Latin American vision, while showing solidarity toward other nations in the hemisphere. His contribution to the current peace talks in Colombia between the Government of President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has been of vital importance.

"The secretary-general renews the commitment of the United Nations to work alongside the Government and the people of Venezuela in support of its development and prosperity."

Chinese Foreign Ministry

"President Chavez has been an outstanding leader of Venezuela and a good friend of the Chinese people. He has made great contributions to consolidate the relations of our two countries. President Hu Jintao and Chief Secretary Xi Jinping have sent messages to Vice President Maduro to express our deep condolences. Our party, government and people treasure the long-lasting friendship with Venezuela. The two countries will keep working together to deepen this strategic partnership we've been enjoying, which we believe benefits both countries and their people."

U.S. President Barack Obama

At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez's passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law and respect for human rights."

Russian President Vladimir Putin

"Vladimir Putin praised the personal efforts of the Venezuelan leader, through which a solid foundation for the Russian-Venezuelan partnership was laid and strong political ties have developed, large-scale humanitarian and development projects were launched, and expressed his confidence to continue on this path, strengthening and developing the relationship between Russia and Venezuela," the Kremlin said.

Former Venezuelan presidential candidate Henrique Capriles

"In this difficult moment, we should demonstrate our profound love and respect to Venezuela! Unity of the Venezuelan family!"

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Ahmadinejad "expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Venezuelan government and nation on the sad demise of the late President Hugo Chavez," the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Ahmadinejad also "paid homage to Chavez and referred to him as the symbol of fighters in Latin American history and the forerunner of the establishment of friendship among nations," the agency said.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

"It's a great loss for Venezuela and for the region.

"For Colombia, and for me in particular, the loss of President Chavez has a special significance.

"Everyone knows we had many differences ... But from the first days of my administration, we decided to put aside those differences to concentrate on the best interests of the people of Venezuela and the people of Colombia."

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper

"Canada looks forward to working with (Chavez's) successor and other leaders in the region to build a hemisphere that is more prosperous, secure and democratic.

"At this key juncture, I hope the people of Venezuela can now build for themselves a better, brighter future based on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights."

Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry

"The national government expresses its solidarity in light of this irreparable loss that puts the Venezuelan people and all the region in mourning and at the same time sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late champion of Latin America."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague

"I was saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez today. As President of Venezuela for 14 years, he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely. I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Venezuelan people at this time."

Nabil Sha'ath, senior Palestinian official

"The death of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela caused a lot of sadness here in Palestine and in my heart as well as for President (Mahmoud) Abbas, who had a long meeting with him in Caracas that he always remembers. President Chavez stood by Palestine and supported the rights of the Palestinian people all along."

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

"President Chavez will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment. During his 14-year tenure, Chavez joined other leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean to create new forms of integration. Venezuelan poverty rates were cut in half, and millions received identification documents for the first time, allowing them to participate more effectively in their country's economic and political life.

"At the same time, we recognize the divisions created in the drive towards change in Venezuela and the need for national healing. We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chavez and recall his positive legacies -- especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable -- the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life."

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

"Hugo Chavez ruled Venezuela with an iron hand and his passing has left a political void that we hope will be filled peacefully and through a constitutional and democratic process, grounded in the Venezuelan constitution and adhering to the Inter-American Democratic Charter. With free and fair elections, Venezuela can begin to restore its once robust democracy and ensure respect for the human, political and civil rights of its people."

U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

"Hugo Chavez was a tyrant who forced the people of Venezuela to live in fear. His death dents the alliance of anti-U.S. leftist leaders in South America. Good riddance to this dictator.

"Venezuela once had a strong democratic tradition and was close to the United States. Chavez's death sets the stage for fresh elections. While not guaranteed, closer U.S. relations with (this) key country in our Hemisphere are now possible."

Actor Sean Penn

"Venezuela and its revolution will endure under the proven leadership of Vice President (Nicolas) Maduro. Today the United States lost a friend it never knew it had. And poor people around the world lost a champion. I lost a friend I was blessed to have. My thoughts are with the family of President Chavez and the people of Venezuela."

Nigerian President: Goodluck Jonathan

"On behalf of himself, the  Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the government and people of Venezuela on the death yesterday of President Hugo Chavez.

“President Jonathan and Nigerians join the brotherly people of Venezuela in mourning President Chavez who greatly endeared himself to the ordinary people of his country with his admirable efforts to improve the living conditions of underprivileged Venezuelans.

“As they observe the seven-day period of mourning which has been declared for late President Chavez, President Jonathan urges members of his family, officials of his Administration, members of his political party – the United Socialist Party, his supporters and all Venezuelans to take solace in the knowledge that he did the very best that he could to uplift his people and country in the 14 years of his Presidency.

“The President also calls on Venezuela’s political leaders, institutions of governance and security agencies to ensure that the procedures stipulated in the Venezuelan Constitution are strictly followed to ensure the peaceful and orderly emergence of a worthy successor to President Chavez.

“He prays that God Almighty will receive President Chavez’s soul and grant him eternal rest.”

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”-J.K. Rowling

Adieu!

Israel's Palestinian-only buses 'torched'

Unknown assailants have set fire to two buses which Israel began operating as Palestinians-only lines to be used by Palestinian labourers travelling between the West Bank and Israel.

"Two buses were apparently set on fire but we are looking into all possibilities," police spokeswoman Luba Samri told AFP news agency on Tuesday, saying the incident took place in the Arab-Israeli town of Kfar Qassem which lies very close to the Green Line.

Police sources quoted by army radio said the buses had been torched as a protest against the new transportation system which came into effect on Monday.

The incident took place just hours after Israel began running separate bus lines for Palestinian workers and Jewish settlers, in a move which was bluntly denounced by an Israeli rights group as "segregation" and "simple racism."

But Israel's transport ministry denied the charge, saying Palestinians with a permit to work in Israel were allowed to travel "on all public transport lines."

Sharp criticism

The controversy over the separate bus lines continued to draw sharp criticism from Palestinian officials on Tuesday.

"This is a racist policy of segregation," deputy labour minister Assef Said told AFP.

His remarks were echoed by the Palestinian Workers' Union which also denounced it as "a racist measure" and said the buses would become an easy target for attacks by settler extremists.

The new bus route ferries Palestinian workers from the Eyal checkpoint just north of the West Bank city of Qalqilya to several cities in Israel where they have permits to work.

The transport ministry says the new lines are to serve Palestinian workers entering Israel in a bid "to replace the pirate operators who transport the workers at inflated fares."

But Israeli media reports said the service was launched after Jewish settlers complained that forcing them to share public transport with Palestinians was a security risk.

Until now, the workers have been reaching Israel by catching buses which run from outside Jewish settlements which they would ride alongside settlers travelling to Israel.

Ron Nahman, the late mayor of Ariel settlement, had in November said he was in talks with the army, the police and the transport ministry to find ways of "stopping Palestinians from boarding the buses that go to Ariel."

"All of them are working on this problem, and we hope that they will soon find a solution to the reality that is bothering our people," he wrote on his Facebook page

Wizkid floats new label, ‘Starboy music’

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (Wizkid) will no longer be just a singer and song writer but a record label boss as he floats his new music label Starboy music.

Wizkid told Silverbird TV entertainment presenter Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere at Iyanya’s album launch held last weekend ”Starboy music is actually my little baby. It’s something I’ve been nurturing for a while now. I’ve always wanted to do this, so I’m really excited”.

Wizkid promised to sign new acts to the label. ‘‘I have great acts I’m going to be putting on through Starboy Music, so please continue supporting me and I’ll never let you guys down.

Wizkid made interesting comments when asked on his current relationship with former label E.M.E “We’re still cool, EME is still family, most definitely‘, he answered.

Last month, Wizkid dropped the bombshell that he was leaving E.M.E, the label that threw him in stardom to “start all over again.”

No one has been able to ascertain the reason for the fracas even though there is wide speculation that the terms of his contract with E.M.E is the culprit. But unlike the case of D’banj and Don Jazzy during the Mo’hits war when interviews from both sides had substantially cleared the air neither Wizkid nor E.M.E is yet to speak to the press on the issue.

2face & Annie Idibia release pre-wedding photos

On March 8, hot couple of the moment super star 2face Idibia and his bride Annie are scheduled to officially get hitched.

First is the traditional wedding in Annie’s hometown at the Apostolic High School, Esit Urua Community, Eket - Ibeno road, in Uyo then an anticipated big white wedding in Dubai.

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters.” ― Audrey Hepburn