AFRICA
INEC Postpones Gubernatorial and State Assembly Elections in VGC Until Sunday
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the governorship and State Assembly elections slated for Saturday, March 19th at Victoria Garden City (VGC), Eti Osa, Lagos State. The Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, explained that the postponement was due to a previous issue that occurred during the Presidential/National Assembly elections where the polling officials claimed they were held hostage by residents of VGC.
As a result of this issue, most of the officials were hesitant to work in the estate again. Despite INEC’s efforts to resolve the situation, some residents of VGC still did not feel safe voting at the estate gate. INEC then made a decision to remobilize for the election the next day at 8:30 am after receiving assurances from the estate leadership of the security of their staff.
However, VGC residents, including the immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, insisted that they did not feel safe voting in an “illegal polling unit” outside VGC. According to Akpata, most of the polling units in VGC were officially located by INEC at VGC park, not VGC Gate. He also stressed that they needed official communication from INEC on the official locations for voting.
He added that when they arrived at the gate for the election, they told INEC officials that they would not be voting at an illegal location. He emphasized that their stance was not about being elitist or entitled but about following the law. Due to this disagreement, voting was not able to commence at VGC.
Akpata also contested INEC’s allegation that some of its electoral personnel were held hostage during the February 25th elections, describing it as false. He stated that the INEC officials arrived late that day and tried to leave early, but the residents prevented them from doing so.
The postponement of the election at VGC highlights the need for INEC to ensure that all polling units are located in safe and legal locations. It also underscores the importance of effective communication between INEC and the communities where the elections are being conducted. It is hoped that this issue will be resolved quickly so that the people of VGC can exercise their right to vote in a safe and secure environment.
AFRICA
TASUED Lecturer Arraigned by ICPC for Demanding Sexual and Monetary Gratification from Female Student
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a lecturer of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) for demanding sexual and monetary gratification from a female student of the institution. Dr Balogun Olaniran, who was the Head of the Department of Religious Studies at TASUED, was brought before Hon. Justice Osinuga of the Ijebu-Ode High Court, sitting in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on a one-count charge for violating Section 8(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
According to the statement by the ICPC’s spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua on Friday, the defendant was arraigned on Monday 27th March 2023. The ICPC Counsel informed the court how the defendant demanded sexual benefits or a payment of N100,000 from a female student with a promise to alter her academic grades between October and November 2021.
The charge read, “within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, corruptly demanded sexual benefit or payment of the sum of N100,000 for himself from (name withheld), a female student, on account of a favour to be afterwards shown her in the discharge of his official duties as a lecturer and Head of Department of Religious Studies at the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, to wit, offering to alter her academic grades from fail to pass in courses with codes EDU 311 and EDU 312.”
Despite pleading not guilty, the trial judge, Justice Osinuga admitted the defendant to bail of N500,000 with a surety in like sum. The surety must provide evidence of 3 years of tax clearance and evidence of means. The matter was then adjourned to the 11th of May 2023 for the commencement of trial.
It is important to note that the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) had previously suspended Dr Olaniran Balogun, who was declared wanted by the ICPC for allegedly abusing his office and demanding gratification on August 28th, 2022. The university management had relieved Balogun of his position and had placed him on interdiction until he cleared himself of all allegations of misdemeanours brought against him by the anti-graft agency.
This case highlights the rampant issue of sexual harassment and corruption in educational institutions in Nigeria. It is important for authorities to take strong actions against such actions to ensure that students are not subjected to such unethical practices. The ICPC’s action against Dr Olaniran Balogun is a step in the right direction in addressing the issue.
AFRICA
Canadian Government Condemns Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill
The Canadian government has recently condemned the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which was passed in Uganda and is now awaiting President Museveni’s assent. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Pierre James Trudeau has strongly denounced the law, calling it “despicable” and stating that it directly violates the rights of LGBTQ communities around the world. He urged world leaders, particularly those in the Commonwealth, to reject the legislation and condemn it in the strongest terms possible.
In response to the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality bill, the Canadian government summoned Uganda’s envoy to Canada, Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng, who is also the Dean of the African Group. She was grilled for hours by the Canadian authority, and it was demanded that the Ugandan government withdraw the law immediately. The Canadian government threatened to sever all bilateral engagements and partnerships, including suspending visa rights, if the Anti-Homosexuality law is not repealed.
It has also been revealed that the Canadian government has withdrawn various mandates from Acheng as the Dean of the African Group and has revoked her invitation to attend the address by US President Joe Biden to the Canadian parliament. The Canadian authority has further announced the decision to suspend permission to allow Acheng to participate in any subsequent high-level meeting until the law is withdrawn.
The Canadian government is considering options to support the LGBTQ community in Uganda and has warned that no tourists or investors from Canada will come to Uganda if the bill is not withdrawn. Trudeau has asked lawmakers to “reconsider” the bill, which has been described as “appalling and abhorrent.” Canada also intends to cut diplomatic ties with Uganda once the proposed law is not withdrawn by the government.
The US government has also urged Museveni to block the legislation passed by lawmakers, and officials are publicly floating the idea of economic sanctions on Uganda, even if it hampers development dollars aimed at preventing the spread of AIDS. The United States government warned Uganda of dire consequences if the bill is not withdrawn. US President Joe Biden emphasized the need for more synergies to defend human rights across the world during his address to the Canadian parliament last week.
The actions of the Canadian and US governments demonstrate a commitment to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community and promoting equality worldwide. These countries are leading by example in condemning discriminatory legislation and taking concrete steps to support marginalized communities. It is hoped that other world leaders will follow suit and take similar actions to ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected and upheld.
AFRICA
Mr Eazi Makes History with Four Certificates and First Nigerian to Win Latin Grammy
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian artist to win a Latin GRAMMY and receive nominations in four categories at the 21st edition of the annual Latin GRAMMY awards. His nominations and win were for his contribution to the albums of J Balvin and Bad Bunny.
Eazi was a featured artist on the song Arcoíris off ‘Colores – J Balvin’ which won the Best Urban Album category, and also on ‘Oasis – J Balvin x Bad Bunny’ album in the same category. Mr Eazi’s contributions on both Oasis and Colores were widely acclaimed for their genre-bending sound and innovative approach to Latin music. The featured tracks COMO UN BEBÉ and Acoiris have garnered over 198 Million streams and 54 Million streams respectively on Spotify alone, helping to bring a fresh perspective to the projects.
He has now officially received certificates for being a featured artist on Oasis by J Balvin/ Bad Bunny for Album of the year 2020, being a featured artist on Oasis by J Balvin/ Bad Bunny for Best Urban Album 2020, being a composer on Colores Album of the year 2020, and being a featured artist on Colores by J Balvin – Best Urban Album (Winner) 2020.
Mr Eazi’s success in the Latin music world is a testament to his talent and his commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a truly global sound. He has proven that music transcends borders and that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve anything. His achievements have also served as an inspiration to other African artists seeking to make a mark on the global stage.
In addition to his music career, Mr Eazi has also made significant strides as an entrepreneur, launching emPawa Africa, a talent incubation program that helps emerging artists from Africa to build their careers. His success in both music and entrepreneurship has made him a role model to many young Africans.
Mr Eazi is scheduled to release a new body of work later this year, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another groundbreaking project from the talented artist. With his recent accomplishments, there is no doubt that he will continue to push the boundaries and cement his place as one of the most innovative and dynamic artists in the industry.
AFRICA
Medical Doctor Arrested for Disclosing Patient’s Information Online
A medical doctor, Kadev Kenneth Kelvin, has been remanded in the federal correctional facility in Makurdi on allegations of cyber stalking. The Benue state Magistrate Court sitting in Makurdi remanded the accused after he made a Facebook post on March 12, 2023, where he revealed that he stitched the lacerated anus of the Benue State publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bemgba Iortyom, after he was sodomized in Abuja prison in 2017.
According to the first information report by the police, a criminal petition was received by the Commissioner of Police written by D.K Iorhemba and Co as Barrister and Solicitors on behalf of Bemgba Iortyom, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Benue State. The report stated that Kadev Kenneth Kelvin, a medical doctor who works at Kadev Health Systems Services of No.9 opposite Holy Covenant, Otukpo Road, Makurdi, made damaging comments about Bemgba on 12/03/2023 at about 11pm while chatting with one Gabriel Terungwa Shange. He was reported to have said, ‘my brother, if Bemgba Iortyom wants to go dirty, just inform me, the day he found out that, I was the medical doctor that stitched his lacerated anus when he was sodomized in Abuja prison in 2017, he blocked me.’
Following an investigation by the police, the medical doctor was arrested and the statement made on Facebook was screenshot for evidence, and he confessed to committing the said offense. The police said the offense contravenes section 24(1)(a)(b)(i) of the Cyber Crimes Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2015.
During the court hearing, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction. The police prosecutor, Inspector S. O. Itodo, informed the court that the investigation into the matter was still in progress and asked for another date to enable the prosecution to prove its case.
In conclusion, cyberstalking is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the case of Kadev Kenneth Kelvin. It is important to note that social media platforms are not a place to make damaging comments or defame others, and users must exercise caution and restraint in their online interactions. It is essential to be mindful of the impact of our words and actions, both offline and online.
-
AFRICA3 weeks ago
South Africa: OUTtv Launches As Linear Channel, Offering LGBTQ+ Content
-
AFRICA3 weeks ago
Nigeria: Federal Government Requests Over $1.88 Billion to Conduct 2023 Census in Nigeria, Appeals for Public Support in Cash and Kind
-
AFRICA1 week ago
Babcock University Website Hit by Cyber Attack, Exposes Explicit Content
-
AFRICA3 weeks ago
South African Rapper Costa Titch Dies While Performing On Stage