Man rapes 11-year-old boy in Kano, gives him N100

A Kano Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of a 28-year-old man, Abdulaziz Hassan, for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old boy. Hassan of Rimin Kebe Quarters Kano was charged with unnatural offence, contrary to the prosecutions of Section 284 of the Penal Code. The prosecutor, Insp. Shuaibu Musa, told the court that one Alhaji Abubakar of the same address reported the case at the Zango Police Division, Kano, on Feb.20. accused also had another unlawful sexual intercourse with the victim. The accused pleaded not guilty to the one count charge. The Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Maryam Sabo, ordered the remand of the accused person in prison custody and adjourned the case till March 23, for further mention.

PHOTO] Kenyan Women Told To Deny Their Husbands Sex Until They Register As Voters

A Kenyan MP has asked women to withhold sex from their husbands until they register as voters for the 8 August elections. Mishi Mboko, the women’s representative for the coastal city of Mombasa, says it was the best strategy to shore up opposition votes. “Women, this is the strategy you should adopt. It is the best. Deny them sex until they show you their voter’s card,” she said. The registrations ends on 17 February. Ms Mboko said sex was a powerful weapon and would encourage reluctant men to rush to register as voters in the exercise that began on Monday. She said her husband would not be affected by the boycott as he had already registered, the Standard newspaper reports. Calls for sex boycotts are common in Kenya. In 2009, women activists held a week-long sex strike to get then President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga and their allies to reconcile after falling out.

Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh Refuses To Leave Office As Deadline Passes

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is refusing to step down despite the threat of military intervention by neighbouring states. Adama Barrow, who beat him in elections last month, is due to be inaugurated as the new president on Thursday, but Mr Jammeh has ignored the deadline. West African military forces are ready to enforce a transfer of power. Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz failed to break the deadlock at last-minute talks with Mr Jammeh. Mr Abdel Aziz flew in to the Gambian capital Banjul on Wednesday evening to meet Mr Jammeh before flying on to Dakar airport for further discussions with Mr Barrow and Senegal’s President Macky Sall. “I am now less pessimistic [that Mr Jammeh] will work on a peaceful solution that is in the best interest for everyone,” Mr Abdel Aziz said. Senegalese troops remain stationed at the Gambian border, despite the deadline for Mr Jammeh to stand down passing at midnight. The threat of military action is supported by Nigeria and other states in the region. However Gambian army chief Ousman Badjie said his troops would not fight Senegalese forces should they enter into the country, AFP news agency reports. “We are not going to involve ourselves militarily, this is a political dispute,” he said. “I am not going to involve my soldiers in a stupid fight. I love my men.”

Awujale should withdraw his book, apologise to Obasanjo — Oladunjoye

The Jagunmolu of Owu and Apesin Jagunmolu of Egbaland, Chief Shehu Oladunjoye, speaks with TOLUWANI ENIOLA on the rift between the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo Do you think the words used by former President Olusegun Obasanjo against the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, were appropriate? Yes; Obasanjo is justified in the way he reacted to Awujale’s (allegations against Obasanjo in his) book. His letter published by the media is appropriate because the falsehood in Awujale’s book was also published in a book. Obasanjo acted in good faith to assist Globacom Chairman, Mike Adenuga, to secure a telecommunication licence, including the second national carrier (access to the international gateway). He also advised the Nigeria Communication Commission to allow the successful bidders to pay a deposit if they could not pay the entire amount immediately in order to encourage local and indigenous operators. He does not deserve the sort of accusation (the Awujale levelled against him). It is false and falsehood will infuriate anyone. Don’t you think Obasanjo should have met with the monarch privately to resolve the issue? I disagree with that. Why should he do that? Obasanjo could not have met with the Awujale to discuss the matter because the Awujale did not reach out to him before publishing such distorted information. If the Awujale needed any clarification on the issue, he could have reached out to Obasanjo before writing about a matter which portrays an elder statesman of Obasanjo’s pedigree in a negative manner. His (Awujale’s) narrative, therefore, appears mischievous. How do you think Obasanjo’s letter will affect the respect people have for the Awujale and other Yoruba monarchs? Monarchs nationwide are sometimes involved in one controversy or another. Open letters are not novel because they are the less cumbersome and independent option available to us in Nigeria for protesting any issue; be it injustice, libel or misrepresentation of facts. The public will realise that the monarch did not get his facts correctly and should not have published such when he had no facts. A monarch is not supposed to put himself in such a controversial position. He is supposed to be an independent adjudicator at all times and investigate matters deeply before making any pronouncement. He is expected to be a promoter of peace and not discord. Above all, he is seen as a role model for all. Do you think the Awujale should apologise to Obasanjo? Definitely; the Awujale ought to apologise to Obasanjo through a formal statement which should be published in the national dailies or his books should be withdrawn from circulation willingly or through a court order. This will serve as a deterrent to those who plan to engage in such acts of blackmail to ridicule statesmen. Also, Adenuga should reach out to Awujale to ensure effective damage control immediately or another can of worms may be opened. Do you think Obasanjo had a hand in the case brought against Globacom Chairman, Mike Adenuga, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as claimed by the Awujale? Obasanjo established the EFCC because there had to be an institution to check the menace of corruption and impunity in this country. It was a step in the right direction influenced by pressure from the international community and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. A few of Obasanjo’s friends were victims of the EFCC and Obasanjo did not intervene in their matters because he would be undermining the objectives of the institution he set up. If Adenuga obtained the telecommunications licence without any financial crime, then the EFCC would have no reason to investigate him. Obasanjo should not be expected to use his position as the president of a country to prevent the institution he established from carrying out its legal responsibilities and duties as stipulated in the enabling act. How true is the Awujale’s claim that Obasanjo’s rift with former Vice President Atiku was the reason the EFCC went after Adenuga at that time? Obasanjo could not have instructed the EFCC to go after Adenuga. That is false. Adenuga is his kinsman and he supported him to get the licence for his telecommunications firm. If Adenuga had financial challenges which resulted in some questionable actions that the EFCC considered worth investigating, it is not Obasanjo’s call and he must also not be seen as preventing the EFCC from doing its job. Obasanjo would then be accused by Nigerians of helping his kinsman and it would set a bad precedence for the anti-graft war he initiated. What do you think was the intention of Oba Adetona before writing the book? I wouldn’t know Awujale’s intention of writing the book. Most renowned leaders who have landmark achievements write their autobiography so as to leave a legacy and a reference book which will inspire other generations to achieve greatness. In Nigeria, many people write autobiographies for political relevance, recognition and power. Some write to settle old scores or position themselves for an aspiration. Only Awujale knows the real reason he wrote the book. Dale Carnegie said there are two reasons anybody does anything – the one that sounds good and the real reason. What do you think Obasanjo is trying to achieve by responding to a book written six years ago? Obasanjo was not aware of the autobiography or its contents, as the book was not well launched or reviewed publicly. It was not in the public domain. It was when Obasanjo’s attention was drawn to the contents of the book recently that he realised he should correct the misrepresentation and manipulation of facts (therein). Obasanjo does not waste time in reacting to such a distortion once he is aware of it. Should Obasanjo sue the king over the matter? No; I wouldn’t advise Obasanjo to take Awujale to court over the matter for now. We always sue for peaceful and amicable reconciliation of any issue where possible. This is a matter that affects our sons in Yorubaland and we should be able to resolve it. Awujale should realise that he is a traditional ruler in a small region in Yorubaland while Obasanjo – a political leader of the Yoruba people – has served his country well as a military general, head of state, and a civilian president of Nigeria for eight years with notable achievements. Obasanjo is an elder statesman and deserves the respect of all Yoruba, including traditional rulers who are subject to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Do you agree with the advice that Yoruba Obas should stay out of politics? Yes; not just Yoruba Obas but all monarchs nationwide should stay out of political issues. They are not a recognised part of the democratic institutions under the political parties. If they want to play politics, they should remove their traditional regalia and join the bandwagon for a level playing field. They are the traditional leaders of the people within their constituencies and should remain unbiased, fair, just and independent so as to preside over community issues without fear, favour, and loyalty to any political leader or cause. They should also refrain from involvement in religious issues. Monarchs must remain neutral in any situation so as to earn the respect of the people. What advice do you have for the Awujale? Awujale, in my opinion, should focus on his responsibilities to the people of Ijebuland. He should explore avenues to encourage development of industries in Ijebu, which is known to have produced great entrepreneurs in Yorubaland and Nigeria. He should explore ways to address unemployment, poverty, urban migration, development of farmlands and rural farmers’ empowerment. He should ensure that firms carry out commendable corporate social responsibility in Ogun State. Awujale should try to alleviate the condition of his people in Ijebu and address their conflicts objectively towards reaching an amicable resolution without bias. He should also try, like a good ruler, to check his facts properly on any issue no matter who is involved. More importantly, he should carry out extensive consultations before taking any action or pronouncement. He should avoid sentimentalism and unwarranted arrogance. Traditional rulers can be humble even in their exalted position. He should also try to be less impulsive as a ruler. Otherwise, he may find himself in a multibillion-naira lawsuit one day that would be most embarrassing to a first-class monarch of his status. It is said that Obasanjo does not enjoy much respect in Yorubaland. Will you say the public spat between him and Oba Adetona justifies that assertion? It is most unfortunate that this (spat between Obasanjo and the Awujale) is happening. Obasanjo deserves much more respect than he is getting; not just in Yorubaland but generally in consideration of how he has served this nation commendably. It is not easy to govern Nigerians. I believe it is the Nigerian factor because we generally do not give our leaders the respect they merit. You may say the same for the late Musa Yar’Adua, Jonathan Goodluck, as well as state governors. It is time we enacted a law to protect our presidents while in office and when out of office. These statesmen sacrificed their time for the nation and deserve to be revered regardless of their faults. It is not a Yoruba issue. What concerns us is that the Yoruba culture is known for the respect it accords elders; its respect for humility, equity and fair play. It is, therefore, sad that Obasanjo, who is a role model for the Yoruba and an eminent statesman for Nigeria and Africa, has to be treated like this by a regional monarch who ought to know better. Obasanjo is not just a Yoruba elder but a former president and a former head of state. He is respected all over the world. A monarch should not attempt to tarnish his (Obasanjo) good reputation. He is a pride to Yoruba, Nigerians and Africans. Awujale should take heed now because he is on the throne today and would not like emerging leaders to tarnish his image. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. The nose is far from the forehead. Let us give respect to those who deserve it.

Manson Back at Central California Prison After Hospital Stay

Cult leader Charles Manson is back in a Central California prison after a reported hospital stay for an unspecified medical problem. Manson, 82, was at California State Prison, Corcoran as of Saturday, said Jeffrey Callison, a spokesman for the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. "We never stated he was anywhere else," Callison said in an email. "Medical privacy laws do not allow (the department) to discuss inmates' medical issues, if any." The department has declined to comment on reports from TMZ.com and the Los Angeles Times that earlier in the week Manson was taken to a hospital in Bakersfield, 60 miles south of the prison. While the prison has medical facilities, California prisoners generally are sent to outside hospitals if they need "surgical services, emergency care, or diagnostic services of an acute nature," Joyce Hayhoe, a spokeswoman for the federal receiver who controls prison medical care, said Tuesday. Manson is serving a life sentence for orchestrating the 1969 murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six others in Southern California. Messages like "Pigs" and a misspelled "Healter Skelter" were scrawled in the victims' blood on their walls and doors. The cult leader had attracted disaffected young people who lived in an old movie ranch on the edge of Los Angeles that Manson turned into a commune. Prosecutors said Manson and his "family" of followers were trying to incite a race war he dubbed "Helter Skelter," taken from the Beatles song. Manson, followers Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, Leslie Van Houten and Charles "Tex" Watson were convicted of murder and sentenced to death. All were spared execution when a U.S. Supreme Court ruling temporarily banned the death penalty in 1972. Another Manson Family member, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, was never charged in the murders but went to prison later for trying to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975. Fromme, whose gun didn't fire, was paroled in 2009 after 34 years behind bars.

Buhari Does Not Feed My Children, I Feed Them With My Personal Money – Aisha Buhari

Aisha, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that she feeds her children with her personal money. According to Aisha, she had not been accorded the official privileges given to her predecessors as the Fist Lady of the country. Mrs. Buhari’s claims, contained in a rejoinder by her media aide, Adebisi Ajayi on Friday were consequent upon accusation of abuse of privileges at Nigerian High Commission in London leveled against her by Sahara Reporters, an online media apparently on her trip to the United Kingdom recently. Mrs. Buhari therefore challenged the online reporters to show evidence of their report to disproof her claims. The rejoinder read thus: “The attention of the Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari has been drawn to a report in Sahara Reporters where, she was amongst other things accused of abuse of privileges at Nigerian High Commission in London. “It is not in her interest to join issues with anyone or defend others mentioned in the report, it is however paramount to put the record in proper perspectives as its concern her trips to UK vis-à-vis the Nigerian High Commission in London. “Aisha Buhari has never traveled to London with a large entourage as was carried in the report. The highest number of people on a trip involves her three kids, ADC, and her personal physician. “The Nigerian Commission in London has never offered any favor either monetarily or materially to her or her so called entourage on any of her trips to London. “The state house in Abuja caters for her meal when necessary, and other healthy food or variety needed by her children are her personal responsibility. “It is on record that the Nigerian Commission in London does not receive Aisha Buhari at the airport with any official distinction or privileges as was accorded other first ladies before her “Her drivers are privately arranged without any recourse to the embassy for staff. “She has never complained or raised dust about any of these acts by the High Commission because of the understanding, as clearly spelt out and practiced by her husband, that public office must be separated from the private lives of the occupants. “She has always been an advocate of good governance where officials of government are responsive and appealing to their constituents, it therefore baffles the imagination that one could believe she would corroborate with any government official however highly placed either at home or abroad to shortchange the Nigerian people. “These records are not hidden for a non-mischievous reporter who really intends to inform the people and not to disparage the family of the President just to add weight to a report. “Aisha Buhari would have ignored this, like all of such baseless accusations, but the angle to which the report was presented has a corruption and abuse of privileges connotation which negates the fundamental principle upon which this administration thrives. “Consequently, Sahara reporter or any of the embassy staff is hereby challenged to provide any concrete evidence either in hard or soft copy to contradict Aisha’s Buhari’s position as it concerns her trips to London.

Prepare for bumper rice harvest this year, says Umahi

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, has called on the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to work harder this year to make the state attain greater heights in rice production. He told delegations from the ministry, IFAD, Abakalili Amalgamated Market Traders Association and political stakeholders from Ivo LGA who visited him in Uburu, that the reason the state is being celebrated today is because of Agriculture. Umahi, according to a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Emma Anya, said it was necessary for the ministry and IFAD to work harder to enable the state get to where it should be in rice production. He told the traders that there would be discussions on plans to create wealth for the people and make the International market in the state be like other big markets in the country. He advised them to quickly obtain forms to ensure that shops were allocated to them at the international market.