NiJaHotNewS: 2014

Wednesday 12 March 2014

President Obama appears on Between Two Ferns chat show

President Obama's interview took place in Between Two Ferns very basic studio

US President Barack Obama has followed in the footsteps of Justin Bieber and Bradley Cooper, after being interviewed by comedian Zach Galifianakis for his spoof chat show Between Two Ferns.

Mr Obama joined The Hangover star in a bid to encourage young people to sign up for health insurance.
However, he was asked about sending "ambassador Dennis Rodman" to North Korea and outlawing "same-sex divorce".
The president was also billed on-screen as a "community organiser".

“Start Quote

Is it going to be hard in two years when you are no longer President and people stop letting you win at basketball?”

Zach Galifianakis

the notoriously awkward chat show takes place on a sparse set, decorated with two fern plants.

Mr Obama started on the offensive, declaring: "When I heard that people actually watch this show, I was actually pretty surprised."
"What is it like to be the last black president?" retorted Galifianakis.
"What's it like for this to be the last time you ever talk to a president?" Mr Obama replied.
"It must kind of stink, though, that you can't run three times?" the comedian continued.
Mr Obama replied: "If I ran a third time it would be like doing a third Hangover movie. It didn't really work out very well, did it?"
He then praised Galifianakis' previous interviews, especially one featuring his Hangover co-star Bradley Cooper, which ended with the pair slapping each other.
"That was a great show. He probably carried that movie didn't he?" said Mr Obama.

Barack Obama and Zack Galifianakis on Between Two Ferns

After President Obama pressed the panic button it was revealed the pair had been chatting in a room that appeared to be in The White House

The Between Two Ferns series, which began in 2008, has become a cult hit online.
A typical recent video, which featured Galifianakis whipping singer Bieber with a belt for his bad behaviour, was watched by 16 million people.
The comedian's most memorable questions have included:

To President Obama: "Is it going to be hard in two years when you are no longer President and people stop letting you win at basketball?"
To Justin Bieber: "You've had three hairstyles. What's next for your career?"
To James Franco: "Of all the art projects you've done, which one has made people roll their eyes the hardest?"
To Natalie Portman: "You're an accomplished actress, you've graduated from Harvard, you've done some great international charity work. What is your phone number?"

Galifianakis and Mr Obama sparred for three-and-a-half minutes before the president revealed his real motive for appearing on the show, asking "Have you heard of healthcare.gov?".
The comedian replied under his breath "here we go", before adding: "OK, let's get this out of the way, what did you come here to plug?"
Mr Obama went on to explain why he felt it was important for young people to sign up for health insurance in the US, before the deadline on 31 March.
The interview ended with President Obama hitting a panic button, which prompted the standard black set to drop to the ground and reveal a room that appeared to be in The White House.
"Thanks for letting me shoot my show here all these years," said Galifianakis, claiming former President George Bush had given him clearance to film in the Diplomatic Room.

Queen musical We Will Rock You to close after 12 years

The show has toured the world and been seen by more than 18 million people

We Will Rock You, the hit musical based on the songs of Queen, is to close in the West End after a 12-year run.

The show, which is the longest-running production in the history of the Dominion Theatre, will have its final curtain call on 31 May 2014.
Written by Ben Elton, it currently stars Kevin Kennedy, best known as Coronation Street's Curly Watts.
On hearing of the closure, "Just when you get all the words right and in the proper places."

Brian May during a production of We Will Rock You

The surviving members have occasionally joined the cast on stage during the show

Ben Elton, Robert De Niro, Brian May and Roger Taylor

Robert De Niro (second left) is a producer on the musical, which was written by Ben Elton (first left) and soundtracked by Brian May and Roger Taylor (right)

The show is based around Queen hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and Another One Bites The Dust.
Critics were never kind to the £6m production, in particular its story - set in a dystopian future where music is banned.
When it opened in 2002, the Guardian said the plot "really is as sixth form as it sounds", while the Mirror declared that "Ben Elton should be shot".
Even Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor, had his doubts, the script was "slightly crass", although "it does have its good points".
"I do have an aversion to musical theatre, so it hasn't been easy," he added, "but I've learned to live with the musical."
Despite the criticisms, the production has been seen by more than 16 million people in 28 countries - and ranks among the top 10 longest-running musicals in West End history.

In its second year, the show won five prizes at the Theatregoers' Choice awards

"We want to thank every one of the many hundreds of incredible musical theatre artists, musicians and crew with whom we've had the privilege of working at the Dominion since 2002," said Taylor, Elton and Queen guitarist Brian May in a statement.
"And, of course, the incredible audiences who have rewarded them with over four-and-a-half thousand standing ovations."
"It has been a privilege to have hosted We Will Rock You for the past 12 years," added David Pearson of the Dominion Theatre.
"To have the show rocking the Dominion and seeing a standing ovation night after night has been quite amazing.
"We wish the show every success for the future, as we now prepare to accelerate our restoration and refurbishment programme ready to welcome an exciting new production in 2015."
The news of the closure comes days after Queen announced a 19-date US tour, with singer Adam Lambert taking the place of the late Freddie Mercury.

The Big Bang Theory extended for three series

Sheldon Cooper (right) is notorious for his lack of tact and success with women.

Long-running US sitcom The Big Bang Theory has been extended for a further three series, broadcaster CBS has said.

The show, which centres on a group of high-functioning science "geeks", is now due to air until at least 2017.
The most recent series, which is screened on Channel 4 and E4 in the UK, was seen by almost 20 million viewers in the US.
"The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy force on television," said CBS entertainment head Nina Tassler.
She also hailed the partnership between the broadcaster and Warner Bros, who make the programme.
Actor Jim Parsons, who lies at the heart of the show as a scientific genius with negligible social skills, has already won three Emmy Awards for his role as Dr Sheldon Cooper.
According to Hollywood publication Variety, Parsons - along with his principal co-stars - are currently in negotiations to renew their contracts on the show.
The programme, which is currently in its seventh season, was the top-rated sitcom on US television in 2012-13.
Its co-creator Chuck Lorre is also behind comedy Two and a Half Men, which is also likely to be renewed along with his other current hits, Mike and Molly, and Anna Faris sitcom Mom.

Amazon Studios 'orders four original series'

X-Files creator Chris Carter's latest sci-fi drama The After stars Jamie Kennedy and Heroes' Adrian Pasdar

A new drama from X Files creator Chris Carter and a comedy starring Gael Garcia Bernal are among four original series commissioned by Amazon Studios.

It follows the company's second round of pilots, in which viewers gave feedback and rated 10 new shows.
The After, written and directed by Carter, and Mozart in the Jungle are joined by cop drama Bosch and dark comedy Transparent, Variety said.
Representatives of Amazon in the US and the UK were not available to comment.
Last year's Amazon pilots saw John Goodman comedy Alpha House and Silicon Valley sitcom Beta commissioned.
The After and Bosch will be Amazon's first drama commissions, following the success of original hit series from rival service Netflix, such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black.
The fate of five children's series is still unknown, with Lovefilm and Amazon Prime subscribers voting on Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street, Hardboiled Eggheads, The Jo B & G Raff Show, Maker Shack Agency and Wishenpoof!.

Gael Garcia Bernal stars as a New York Symphony Orchestra conductor in Mozart in the Jungle

Bosch is based on Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch detective book series and is written by Connelly and Eric Overmyer.
The pilot follows the detective, played by Titus Welliver, pursuing the killer of a 13-year-old boy while also standing trial accused of murdering a suspected serial killer.
Meanwhile Carter's new offering follows eight strangers thrown together by mysterious forces, who have to help each other survive in a violent world.
Light relief comes from Mexican actor Garcia Bernal and British star Malcolm McDowell, who star in comedy drama Mozart in the Jungle, written by Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman.
Based on Blair Tindall's memoir of the same name, Garcia Bernal plays a conductor at the New York Symphony Orchestra.
Arrested Development actor Jeffrey Tambor stars in Transparent - a dark comedy about an LA family which begins to unravel after a series of secrets are revealed.
Written and directed by Jill Soloway, whose credits include Six Feet Under and United States of Tara, it also stars Gaby Hoffmann and Jay Duplass.
Last year five out of 14 pilots were chosen to be produced as series.

Bosch stars Lost and The Good Wife actor Titus Welliver as a homicide detective

US President Obama pledges to 'stand with Ukraine'

US President Barack Obama: "We will stand with Ukraine"

Ukraine crisis

US President Barack Obama has welcomed Ukraine's interim prime minister to the White House and pledged to "stand with Ukraine" in its dispute with Russia.

He warned Russian President Vladimir Putin the international community "will be forced to apply costs" if Russia does not remove its troops from Crimea.
Earlier, leaders of the G7 group of nations issued a similar threat.
Ukraine PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk, speaking after meeting Mr Obama, said Ukraine "will never surrender" to Russia.
"It is absolutely unacceptable to have Russian boots on the Ukrainian ground in the 21st century, violating all international deals and treaties," he said.
The diplomatic appeals to Moscow come ahead of Sunday's referendum in Crimea, in which citizens will be asked if they want to stay with Ukraine or join Russia.

“Start Quote

Ukraine's new prime minister looks and sounds mild. He is young, bespectacled and balding, but his words were full of fire”

Mark Mardell North America editor

Read more from Mark

The Russian military and pro-Russian armed men moved in to seize key sites in Crimea - an autonomous region of Ukraine whose population is mainly ethnic Russian - in late February after the fall of President Viktor Yanukovych.

US vote President Obama said the US has "been very clear that we consider Russia's incursion into Crimea outside of its bases to be a violation of international law".
"We have been very firm in saying we will stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in ensuring that territorial integrity and sovereignty is maintained," he added.
In reference to scheduled talks between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in London on Friday, Mr Obama said he hoped diplomatic efforts will result in a "rethinking of the process".

People fish as a Russian naval vessel passes by in Sevastopol bay, Crimea, on 12 March 2014

Russia's military presence remains visible in the southern Ukrainian region of Crimea, where the majority of people are ethnic Russians.

Cossack guard in front of Crimea's regional government in Simferopol on 12 March 2014

Cossacks, loyal to Russia, stand guard in front of Crimea's regional government in the Crimean capital Simferopol.

People walk under a referendum poster reading "Together with Russia. March 16 - referendum" in Simferopol on 12 March 2014

The world's focus is on Crimea ahead of its controversial referendum on Sunday. Citizens will vote whether they want to stay with Ukraine or join Russia. This poster reads: "Together with Russia."

Sailor hoists Ukrainian flag on a naval ship in Sevastopol, Crimea, on 12 March 2014

The interim government in Ukraine and its Western allies say the vote violates Ukraine's constitution and will not be lawful. Russia says it will respect the outcome of the referendum.

People discuss developments in front of Lenin statue in Donetsk, Ukraine, on 12 March 2014

Will other Russian-dominated parts of Ukraine - such as here in Donetsk - want to hold a similar vote?

But he stressed that if Moscow "continues on the path that it is on then, not only us, but the international community... will be forced to apply a cost to Russia's violations of international law and its encroachments on Ukraine".
He did not specify what those costs would be, but Washington has already issued visa bans to some high-profile Russians and threatened asset freezes for others.
Mr Obama also said the US "will completely reject" the results of Crimea's referendum, saying it had been put together in a "slapdash" way.
This was a very public show of America's support for the interim Ukrainian government, the BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan reports from Washington.

The BBC's John Simpson says the vote "won't affect anything in the longer run"

But it is still unclear what, if anything, will force Russia to change course, she adds.
As Mr Obama and Mr Yatsenyuk were holding talks, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted to authorise $1bn in loan guarantees to Ukraine's new government and allow the US to impose sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian officials.
Earlier, the leaders of the G7 group of industrial nations - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US - and the EU issued a similar statement out of Washington.
They threatened to "take further action, individually and collectively" if Russia continues on its course.
At a joint news conference in Warsaw, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said EU foreign ministers could discuss "a second stage of sanctions" when they meet on Monday.
EU leaders have already suspended talks with Russia on easing visa restrictions as well as preparations for a G8 meeting in Sochi in June.

Crisis timeline

21 November 2013: President Viktor Yanukovych abandons deal on closer ties with EU in favour of closer co-operation with Russia
December 2013: Pro-EU protesters occupy Kiev city hall and Independence Square
20 February 2014: At least 88 people killed in 48 hours of bloodshed in Kiev
21 February: President Yanukovych signs compromise deal with opposition leaders
22 February: President Yanukovych flees Kiev. Parliament votes to remove him and sets elections for 25 May
27-28 February: Pro-Russian gunmen seize key buildings in Crimean capital Simferopol
1 March: Russian parliament approves President Vladimir Putin's request to use Russian forces in Ukraine
6 March: Crimea's parliament asks to join Russia and sets referendum for 16 March

Mrs Merkel also indicated the EU could sign the "political part" of a long-awaited agreement on closer ties with Ukraine later this month.

'Subversive agents' Ukraine's national security chief Andriy Parubiy has warned of a major Russian military build-up on Ukraine's borders.
He said Russian troops had not withdrawn since carrying out military exercises near Ukraine's eastern and southern frontiers last month, and were now "only two to three hours" from Kiev.
And he also accused Moscow of sending "subversive agents" into those areas to try to create a pre-text to deploy troops in the same way it has done in Crimea.
Mr Parubiy said Kiev's parliament will vote on Thursday to establish a National Guard of 20,000 people - recruited from activists involved in the recent pro-Western protests as well as from military academies - to strengthen Ukraine's defences.
The National Guard, he said, would be deployed to "protect state borders, general security and prevent "terrorist activities".
Tensions have been high since President Yanukovych fled Ukraine for Russia on 22 February following days of violent clashes between police and protesters in Kiev, in which more than 90 people were killed.
The protesters had been in Kiev's Independence Square since November, in protest at Mr Yanukovych's decision to reject a deal with the EU in favour of a bail-out from Russia.

Agencies recover 13 bodies from Lagos boat accident

What was supposed to be a less than two minutes’ boat trip turned to be a quest of no return for no fewer than 13 people on Tuesday at the 4th Avenue, 42 Road, Festac Town, Festac, Lagos State.

The wooden canoe that was conveying them and other eight passengers capsized midway into the journey.

Among the 21 passengers were children returning from school and men and women coming back from their places of work.

The children, women and few of the men perished in the 15-meter-distance journey.

The man who paddled the canoe was also said to be among the casualties. It was learnt that some passengers held on to him in a last-ditch effort to cling to life.

Rescue agencies said 13 dead bodies were recovered; five people were rescued alive, while three others were still missing.

Our correspondent learnt that the incident, which happened around 7.30pm, was caused by overloading.

It was learnt that the canoe usually carried a maximum of eight passengers, but was forced to take 21, as some of the passengers sat on each other’s laps.

An eyewitness, David Mark, who was part of the local rescue efforts, said, “The incident happened around 7.30pm. The people wanted to cross over to the other side and enter FESTAC Town, but the boat overturned in the middle of the water.”

A resident of the area, Sikiru Balogun, said 12 corpses were recovered on the first day, while one was taken out on Wednesday morning.

“Thirteen people died in all, but we brought out five people alive. The man who paddled it could have escaped too because he knew how to swim if not that those people held on to him. This would not have happened if the canoe carried only eight or nine people that it could take. Instead, it carried 21 people,” he said.

Another resident, Akeem Idris, said, “We first brought out a lady, whom I knew because she used to sell recharge cards on my street. Then we brought out two people- a boy and a man. A woman who had four children was also brought out dead with her children.”

It was learnt that N10 was usually paid as fare for a trip through a canoe, while a longer route, usually by motorcycle, could cost N100.

PUNCH Metro observed that the water was murky and dirty. There also appeared to be a swamp around the area which residents said made escape from the water difficult.

Our correspondent also saw a broken down bridge by a side of the murky water.

A resident said there used to be a link bridge, which was demolished by the local government authorities.

The source said, “There was a bridge there, but the council came and removed it. Somebody wanted to construct a new one, but they came again, packed all the materials he was using and stopped the work.”

The Amuwo Odofin Local Government Chairman, Ayodele Adewale, while condoling with the families of the victims, ruled out the construction of a link bridge on the water.

“We do not have plans to construct any link bridge. There is one about 2,000 metres away and that should be enough. We have told the residents that there was no way we could construct a bridge there. For over two years we have mobilised against a tragedy like this through the residents’ association. We created a tricycle park to ease the movement of people. But we are taking measures to ensure this does not happen again,” Adewale said.

The Managing Director, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said people must be careful when using the waterways.

He said, “The Lagos State Government is advocating the use of life jackets. We have put a lot in place to forestall this.”

The Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, South-West, Ibrahim Farinloye, told our correspondent that the federal agency had started training water craft operators from Niger State to help forestall such occurrence in the future.

It was gathered that the 13 corpses were taken to the mortuary, while the five survivors had been taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

When our correspondent visited the LASUTH, the Chief Matron, Medical and Emergency Ward, Mrs. Lawal Yusuf, said they had been discharged.

“The five boys brought here from FESTAC Town had been discharged. We were able to give them some drugs before releasing them this afternoon,” she said.

FIGHT AGAINST BOKO HARAM: "Continue Praying For Us In Our Ongoing Operations - Army Appeals

The Spokesman of the division, Col. Muhammmad Dole, made the appeal during an interactive session with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said “we are appealing to residents to continue praying for us in our ongoing operations against the insurgents.
“We are also calling on the people to cooperate and assist with useful information that could help in the success of our operations.’’
He commended the local vigilance group popularly called Civilian JTF for assisting the military in its operations.
He said “I must commend the efforts of the Civilian JTF toward assisting us in ensuring that we succeed in the operations.
“The Civilian JTF is actually adding colour to what the military is doing in the fight against the insurgents.’’
Dole said although there were some minor lapses on the part of the Civilian JTF, the overall performance of the vigilance group had been commendable.
“One important point is that members of Civilian JTF are not professionals, but surprisingly they have been able to live up to their expectations,’’ he added.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/61614.html

Champions League: Messi Helps Barca To Secure Victory, Manchester City Is Out (PHOTO & VIDEO)

Lionel Messi struck again for Barcelona by scoring a superb goal on 67th minute
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/61629.html

Two Alternatives For Boko Haram: Embrace Dialogue, Or Face Full FG’s Might

A picture taken from a video distributed to journalists in recent days through intermediaries and obtained by AFP on March 5, 2013 reportedly shows Abubakar Shekau (center), the suspected leader of Islamist extremist group, flanked by six armed and hooded

Mark said that if the Islamist sect would not embrace dialogue with authorities to address "whatever grievances they may have", the FG "would be left with no option than to deploy its might" to deal with the problem.

"No matter how disgruntled or angry they may be, they cannot continue to kill our citizens and destroy property at will as way of life. "It is a high time wise counsel prevailed among these insurgents to drop their arms and embrace peace," Senate President said.

Mark, however, did not disclose what exactly the FG would do should no dialogue happen.
Expressing concern about the increased number of attacks by the insurgents, Mark said that Nigeria has enough challenges to deals with "and certainly does not need these wars and destructions".

"We need to live and work together as free people. We need a country where all citizens have equal opportunities, where no one is oppressed or molested," he added.

Mark also sympathised with Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam, who was attacked by gunmen at Tse-Kenyi village while inspecting the destroyed community.

Know more about this news? Update the info!

BOKO HARAM: Nigeria Military Shuts Down Telephone Lines In Borno
FIGHT AGAINST BOKO HARAM: "Continue Praying For Us In Our Ongoing Operations - Army Appeals
Nigeria’s New Defense Minister Gusau Allegedly Quits
FURY: Appointment Of Suspected Murderer As Police Minister Insults Yoruba
Boko Haram In Trouble As FG Goes After Sponsors
READ MORE: http://Nijahotnews.blogspot.com

What is wrong with miniskirts?

Leave our miniskirts alone,’’ screamed one of the posters held by hundreds of women in Johannesburg, South Africa defending the rights of women to wear miniskirts without harassment. The protest which was an outrage against a young woman who had her clothes torn off by hawkers and taxi drivers for showing too much skin is one in a gale of protests by women in defence of their fashion choices. But that was more than a year ago. Now fast forward to 2014. Miniskirt is grabbing the headlines again! The stylish fashion item loved by women has become the subject of legislation. Now it’s official. Miniskirts are illegal in Uganda and Lagos. I am not surprised about the controversial Uganda Miniskirt law now being challenged by the Amazons in that country. What does one expect of a country where its President, Yoweri Musevini, once denied the existence of HIV/AIDS?

This law banning miniskirts is typical. It re-echoes the regime of another brutal dictator, Idi-Amin, who once considered the miniskirt as a security risk! But that is in Uganda, a country where its leadership mirrors the hypocrisy of African leaders. Now if we pardon the eccentric Musevini, what does one make of Lagos reputed to be governed by a governor who we expect will know better than to endorse decisions that threaten the fashion choices of women in its workforce? Now let’s review the two miniskirts laws. In Lagos, out of the blues emerged a circular issued from Alausa pronouncing the Fatwa against the wearing of miniskirts. It was reported that the state government has banned all forms of dresses that expose breasts, curves and other sensitive parts of the female body, saying “they are indecent.” This was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service to entire Ministries, Departments and Agencies. It was said that the decision was taken as a result of worsening cases of indecent dressing among the state government female public servants. The circular urged the state’s officials to immediately move against indecent dressing, mandating public servants to dress ‘’properly’’ and ‘’decently’’ to the office and official functions to portray the good image of the state government. The state government warned that it would begin to take drastic and punitive measures against recalcitrant public servants who flout the directive. The state government has also prescribed a new dress code for female workers.

In Uganda where the miniskirt law is ridiculous as it is draconian, the anti-pornography law states that women who go out wearing miniskirts could face jail term of 10 years or be fined as much as 10 million Ugandan shillings (£2,500) or jailed for up to 10 years, or both. The passage and ratification of the law banning miniskirts simply mean that criminal charges will be pressed against women of Uganda. In Lagos, female civil servants could be victimised.

Yet, comprehensive definition of what a “miniskirt” entails remains inadequate. Several questions were left unanswered: What length qualifies a skirt to be deemed as a mini? What shall become of traditional attire that at times leaves parts of the body uncovered? I am not suggesting women should expose their nudity in the name of wearing miniskirts.

However, blanket passage of a law that illegalised miniskirts targets women dress choice and gives the government security apparatus enormous powers to interpret what a miniskirt is. Such unregulated definition will lead to victimisation and harassment of women. The constitution doesn’t discriminate against people based on gender, religion and traditions which include varied dress codes. Traditionally speaking, Africans wore just a piece of cloth/skin that left a big portion of the body uncovered.. Why do African leaders leave the real issues to chase shadows? It is possible for the moralists among us to look at these laws and conclude that there is nothing wrong with them.

But there is everything wrong with a law that targets women dress choices and limits their freedom to live their lives the way they please. Why does the society assume that women cannot determine what is good for them? Why does the society believe women must dress and behave in a certain way? Why single out the female gender? Now my concern is with the mindset of those who propose such bizarre laws. When people find themselves in a position of authority, wake up one day and impose their values on the society using the instrument of their office, then the society should have cause to worry. These laws, in my own view, wrongly target women and stigmatise them. Laws such as the banning of miniskirt symbolically victimise and stereotype women.

It blames them even for crimes that are committed against them. We have often heard when women are blamed for rape. The argument is that women invite rape because they dress in certain way that men cannot resist. It is this blame the victim attitude that gives rise to the miniskirt law. The man who committed the offence is absolved. But we have heard such refrain before? We’ve heard it in courtrooms where women’s fashion choices have been used against them in sexual assault trials. Or in the workplace, where women’s attire is constantly scrutinised to make sure she doesn’t cause her male colleagues to be so utterly distracted that they are unable to focus on their work. The Alausa miniskirt law is based on such assumption. The fashion police, for example are really the gender police, making sure women dress in ways that make sure men feel comfortable. Nothing can be more dangerous than to use an object worn by women to criminalise the entire womenfolk.

Those countries that make laws limiting the freedom of women further dehumanise them. In extremely patriarchal and religious societies such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, women are the subject of sexist and retrogressive laws. Now to my question: If we blame the miniskirt for the degeneracy that has become pervasive in the society, what reason do we now give for the alarming incident of the rape of minors? Or do minors also dress to kill? Is women dress choice responsible for our under development? Both the law in Uganda and the circular banning the miniskirts in Alausa serve to achieve one aim: limit women’s freedom to dress and live their lives in a free and democratic society. Women know what is good for them. We should not legislate what they choose to wear.

Now I fear that women in Alausa will be the subject of victimisation because a certain ‘oga’ bans a certain dress. The Nigerian Police Force has for long harassed women because of vague laws that categorise how a woman should dress. How do they determine indecent dressing? What is decent to one may be offensive to another. A government that establishes and enforces trivial laws against its own people which include and are not limited to laws pertaining to dress code isn’t protecting “morality.” Rather, it is enhancing dictatorship. Leave the miniskirts alone please.

U-17 Women’s World Cup: Nikyu picks Ihezuo, 20 others

Coach of the Nigeria U-17 women’s team, Flamingos, Bala Nikyu has selected Azerbaijan 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup silver boot winner, Chiwendu Ihezuo and 20 other players to represent Nigeria at this year’s finals starting in Costa Rica on Saturday, an official of the Nigeria Football Federation has said.

There are also Joy Bokiri, Aminat Yakubu, Uchenna Kanu, Ugochi Emenayo, Mary Ologbosere, Patience Dike and Tessy Biahwo.

Ihezuo, who will captain the squad as Nigeria searches for a first-ever triumph in the competition that was inaugurated in New Zealand in 2008, scored six goals at the last tournament in Azerbaijan to finish second top-scorer, behind North Korea’s Ri Un-Sim.

Just as it happened in Trinidad and Tobago in 2010, when Korea Republic, which eliminated Nigeria after a pulsating quarter-final match that went into extra time, went ahead to lift the trophy, France won the trophy in Azerbaijan two years ago after defeating Nigeria on penalties in the quarterfinals.

Nikyu is confident his girls have prepared well enough to go all the way, after a 19-day final training camp in Faro, Portugal that saw the team win all friendly matches except one – the goalless draw with Belgium’s U-17 women’s team in Brussels on March 4.

Ihezuo scored five goals when the Flamingos humiliated hosts Azerbaijan 11-0 in a group phase match in 2012.

The Nigerian girls flew out of Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday to arrive in San Jose, capital city of Costa Rica, on Thursday morning. They play their first match against China on Sunday, with other group phase games against Colombia and Mexico to follow on March 19 and 23 respectively.

Team list

Joy Bokiri, Aminat Yakubu, Uchenna Kanu, Rasheedat Ajibade, Fubiana Briggs, Ugochi Emenayo, Ihuoma Onyebuchi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Onyinye Okeke, Tessy Biahwo, Ayomide Anibaba, Joy Duru, Cynthia Aku, Mary Ologbosere, Faith Alex, Olubunmi Elijah, Vivian Ikechukwu, Augustar Mene, Patience Dike, Mercy Vincent, Desire Ijeh.

TCN to demolish buildings close to electricity installations

The Board of the Transmission Company of Nigeria has warned that it will demolish structures within close proximity to high-powered electricity installations across the country.

It also warned those erecting residential buildings around its electricity installations – both power stations and transmission sub-stations – to cease doing so with immediate effect.

The board issued this warning on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the Enugu Region of the TCN.

The Chairman, TCN Board, Mr. Ibrahim Waziri and former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, led other members of the board on the tour.

Egwu expressed shock that people could risk their lives and that of their family members by living very close to electricity sub-stations and other high-powered installations.

Responding to questions from journalists on buildings close to the Onitsha sub-station, in Anambra State, Egwu said, “It’s not only here we have observed this, we saw it in Port-Harcourt.

“In fact, there is a sub-station where an individual built his residence inside the premises of the TCN, but that is the problem we have in this country.

“We blame the government for most of our problems, yet we cause trouble for ourselves. Otherwise, why should a normal human being risk the life of his entire family by building a residential building close to high power installations, sometimes under high-tension wire?”

He added, “Look at buildings very close to this sub-station; they are not supposed to be built here, but they have decided to defy instructions and build their structures, residential buildings for that matter.

“So, this is a situation we have found and as a board. We are going to look at it and we believe that we are going to take an action that will not be palatable to those who have flouted the laws of the land.”

The former governor was alarmed by the level of decay in the Enugu region.

He, however, said the board was poised to tackle the problems; hence, the visit to all the locations where the TCN had its transmission lines and sub-stations in order to assess the situation.

“We are in these places to know the problem on ground and be able to take a decision that will enable the transmission company to be able to wheel the entire power that will be generated to the distribution companies,” said Egwu.

The Deputy Managing Director, TCN, Mr. Abubakar Atiku, blamed the persistent poor power supply on shortage of gas, which he attributed to pipeline vandalism.

He said, “Before you get this power generated, you must get the raw materials for it and the essential raw material for electricity in Nigeria is gas, and to a certain extent, water.

“For a couple of months, the industry has had a lot of issues with gas; the pipelines are being vandalised and that is principally the reason why we can’t still generate enough.”

In his address, the General Manager, Enugu Region, TCN, Mr. Geoffrey Nwokoye, noted that part of the challenges were that the Okpai-Onitsha DC 330KV transmission line as well as the Benin-Onitsha 330KV transmission line were overdue for mechanised line trace maintenance.

Pistorius’ trial attracting more interest than World Cup

South African media monitoring group, Data Driven Insight, says the ongoing Oscar Pistorius’ murder trial is bigger than the 2014 FIFA World Cup in terms of global media coverage.

This is in spite of the fact that Judge Thokozile Masipa had this week placed restrictions on coverage of parts of the trial in the North Gauteng High Court.

DDI, which is monitoring the case’s global media coverage, said 8,800 unique reports (including Twitter feeds) were published per hour on Day One of the trial on March 3. It added that this increased to 9,200 reports per hour on March 8.

“The data was compiled from 6.2 million social media platforms, including blogs, forums, social networks and commentary, 60 000 global online newspapers, 2000 print publications, as well as 66 radio and television stations,’’ DDI said.

Judge Masipa, who prohibited the media from tweeting information about the post-mortem results of the victim, Reeva Steenkamp, reversed the decision on Tuesday.

On Monday, pathologist Gert Saayman objected to his testimony being broadcast live, saying it would rob Steenkamp of her dignity.

“I believe it is our duty to preserve the dignity of the deceased,” he told the court.

We’ll resist privatisation of refineries – NUPENG

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has said that it will resist plans by the Federal Government to privatise the country’s refineries.

The President, NUPENG, Mr. Achese Igwe, said in a statement, “NUPENG takes serious exception to the comments made by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, that the nation’s refineries must be privatised.

“The minister’s comments are uncalled for, unnecessary and a mere diversion from the failure of the ministry to address the problem of scarcity of petroleum products currently being experienced in the country.

“NUPENG will resist any attempt by the Federal Government to go back on the agreement signed with the unions on January 7, 2014 in Abuja that the nation’s refineries will not be privatised.”

It said that in a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the end of the meeting, the two trade unions in the oil and gas sector, NUPENG and PENGASSAN, agreed with the Federal Government to engage in social dialogue to develop viable and workable business models for the nation’s refineries.

The statement added, “The union makes bold to say that billions of naira had been budgeted and purportedly spent on the Turn Around Maintenance of the refineries with nothing to show for it.

“We state that the refineries must be rehabilitated to work optimally, which will account for at least 70 per cent of domestic production, instead of selling the nation’s strategic assets.”

NUPENG said the minister should concentrate more on how the Petroleum Industry Bill could be passed so that the oil and gas industry would be opened up for investors to come in and establish more refineries and those already given licences would be encouraged to come on board.

It stressed that the quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill would ensure transparency and accountability, and boost investors’ confidence, rather than allowing the current massive importation of petroleum products, which a few cabals were benefiting from at the expense of the nation.

The union said it believed that the transparency agenda of the President on job creation should be enhanced by allowing interested investors to set up private refineries.

NFF budgets N3.9bn for projects, AGM

NCC may force telcos to list on NSE

In order to realise the target of $1tn capitalisation by the Nigerian Stock Exchange by 2016, the Nigerian Communications Commission may require the major telecommunications companies in the country to list on the bourse before their licences will be renewed.

Our correspondent gathered from sources on Wednesday that part of the requirements for licence renewal for the telecoms firms would be their listing on the NSE.

Despite the transformation that the Exchange has gone through in recent years, its bid to get multinational oil companies and telecoms firms operating in the country to list on the Exchange has not yielded positive results.

A reliable source at the NCC, who craved anonymity said, “The telcos may be required this time to list on the NSE; it will likely be one of the licence requirements. Although the telcos have always kicked against this, but it will definitely happen one day and the time is now.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, refused to comment on the issue. He, however, said in a text message sent to our correspondent, “Let’s wait till then.”

The Head, Communications Department, NSE, Mrs. Nwando Ajene, confirmed that the telecoms firms might be coming to the Exchange soon.

“We have a series of initiatives we are working on to make companies, especially the telecoms firms to come to the NSE,” she said.

Another source in the NSE told our correspondent, “The Exchange has done much towards realising the $1tn market capitalisation but there are lots yet to be done before we will get there, particularly in the area of getting more companies quoted on the Exchange.

“The moment you can get the companies listed, it will add to the capitalisation of the NSE.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Fatrax Securities Company, Dr. Wale Ositelu, blamed the Federal Government for the refusal of the firms to list their shares, saying, “When these telecoms firms were about commencing operations in Nigeria, the government ought to have mandated them to list on the NSE.

“The Federal Government should have put the necessary modalities in place for their operation in the Nigerian market. This would have been a good avenue to get them listed in the market. Moreover, the government should have probably after three or four years of their successful operation made this known to them as part of the conditions for their operation in the country because they are big companies and they will add value.

“However, the government should begin to look at legislation that will insist that such companies, if they must operate in Nigeria, must be quoted.”

Actress Toyin Aimakhu Collapses At Nollywood Football Match

All eyes was on actress Toyin Aimakhu as she collapsed when Nollywood stars stormed Ghana for this funny but interesting football match. A generation of actors with big tummy and others who do not even have the stamina all filed out for the match. This is one of the funniest scenes I've seen. More photos below...

I just hope they defeated Ghana with all this shakara?

Gusau Accepts The Apology, Returns to Jonathan's Government

Reports coming from Aso Rock, the seat of power in Abuja are pretty sensational and it appears the political calculations of President Goodluck Jonathan and his boys will not be served by the newly sworn in Minister of Defence, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, as they intend to have a "yes man" who will help them win the election.

But President Jonathan is not ready to let Gusau leave his cabinet as he's seen as a big fish and if due care is not taken, the leading opposition party, APC, may grab him and work with him for their victory in 2015.

Consequently, Senate President David have been reaching out to all past leaders to help talk to Gusau to give President Jonathan's government a second chance and withdraw his resignation...

Finally, following the intervention of some ex-leaders and military chiefs, General Gusau has decided to stay in the government but on certain conditions that are being kept secret. But sources in Abuja say he will have a free hand to operate in the Ministry of Defence and if he sense any "foul play", he'll quit completely.

Aliyu Gusau is a no nonsense man. We wait to see how things will unfold in the coming weeks.

PHOTOS: Comedian I Go Dye Building Multimillion Naira Castle

Popular comedian I Go Dye is indeed a Game Changer. The guy is now building his second mulitimillion naira mansion in Benin City. The building is actually a royal castle. Waoh! Check out more photos below...