The Senate on Thursday passed N10.594 trillion as the 2020 budget as against the N10.33 trillion proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint session of the National Assembly on October 8, 2019.
This Senate decision followed the adoption of the report of its Committee on Appropriation at plenary.
Presenting the report, the chairman of the panel, Senator Barau Jibrin, said the increase of N264 billion allowed for interventions in critical areas such as national security, road infrastructure mines and steel development, health among others.
Jibrin said the statutory transfer stood at N560.5bn, Recurrent Expenditure-N4.8trn, Capital Expenditure-N2.5trn, Debt Servicing-N2.7trn, Fiscal Deficit-N2.3trn and Deficit to GDP of 1.52 per cent.
READ ALSO: National Assembly raises own 2020 budget by N3bn
He said the daily oil production stood at 2.18m barrels per day, oil benchmark was increased from $55 to $57 per barrel proposed by the Executive, while the exchange rate remained N305 per dollar.
Chi is pretty. Really pretty. Not enough; beautifully pretty. She’s also classy and carries herself with grace and elegance. She’s my sister’s friend. I used to like her, but when I felt she wasn’t catching my flirty vibes with her, I just ‘left her alone’.
Being my younger sibling’s friend, I needed to ‘respect’ myself. I wasn’t going to put myself in a position that’d make me lose my respect, even if I didn’t get down with her. Admittedly, I just wanted sex. Nothing more. Pretty as she is, I’m not ready to be tied down.
For over six years that I have known her, nothing in my weirdest dream could have made it cross my mind she had a bet with my own sister to sleep with me before she got married. My sister obviously thought high of me. I kept my randiness away from anyone in my family, and I was good at it.
She had made a comment about my height and how good I speak to my sister: she straight-up warned her I am a ‘saint’ and wouldn’t do anything with her, no matter how hard she pushed.
They had a bet that is to redeemed on Chi’s wedding day; whether she won or lost. She swore she would sleep with me. Something I so want. But, even now, it bothered me she so covered whatever she had in mind with me I felt she didn’t like me when I tried chit-chatting with her.
That was their bet and it was their headache. I didn’t know anything about it. I went to drop somethings for my mum and I met Chi at her place. She had come to tell my mum she was now a Law graduate. Bless God for her.
I dropped what I brought and was on my way almost immediately. She volunteered to follow me to my car and asked my number. I gave it to her and off I drove.
I hadn’t gotten home when I got a text asking if I’d be home tomorrow. Calling the number, I got to know she sent it. I replied I’d be home if she needed me to be. And that was it. Somehow, we talked for about two hours on the phone. I knew match was set!
Following the public outcry that greeted the hate speech bill, the Senate President Ahmed Lawan has said the Senate won’t pass the proposed anti-free speech bills.
Lawan made the disclosure in response to a detailed written protest letter against the hate speech bill and anti-social media bill before the senate by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA.
He said legislators will listen to the pulse of the Nigerians who have rejected the bills and will do exactly as they demanded.
Lawan had in his letter to HURIWA dated November 20th 2019 which was endorsed by his Chief of Staff; Alhaji Babagana M. Aji but received on December 4th 2019 titled: “RE: WHY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S BILLS AGAINST FREE SPEECH ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL: BY HURIWA,” stated as follows:
“I write to present the compliments of the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Sen. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., CON and to acknowledge receipt of your letter on the above subject wherein you asked the National Assembly to suspend ad infinitum the current attempts at introducing obnoxious legislation to curb access to the social media.”
“His Excellency is appreciative of your concern towards upholding our constitution and your members’ continuous use of their talents as writers to promote, protect and project the human rights of all Nigerians. His Excellency assures you that the Senate will not pass any anti-people laws.”
“While thanking you, please accept the assurances of the President of the Senate.”
HURIWA had on November 13th, 2019 written to the senate through the offices of the Senate President titled: “WHY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S BILLS AGAINST FREE SPEECH ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL: BY HURIWA” even as the group had argued that:
“Freedom of expression is one of the fundamental rights provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). By virtue of the same and other international instruments, it is the freedom to hold opinions, receive ideas and information and impart ideas and information without interference. Social media is used in reference to the means of expression other than the mainstream media.”
Urging the National Assembly to stop forthwith any attempt to legislate laws that offend the Rights to Freedom of Speech the Rights group reminded the National Assembly that Freedom of Expression in Nigeria is grounded constitutionally in Section 39 of the CFRN entrenches the right to freedom of expression in the following words:
“(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection 1 of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information ideas and opinions:
Provided that no person, other than the Government of the Federation or of a State or any other person or body authorized by the President on the fulfillment of conditions laid down by an Act of the National Assembly, shall own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting a station for the any purpose whatsoever.”
The Rights group said similar provisions are found in Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“It does not appear a mere coincidence that section 39 of the CFRN which provides for freedom of expression comes immediately after section 38 which provides for right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Next to thought is expression. The basis for this right, therefore, cannot be overemphasized in a democratic society. It is one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and the basic condition for its progress and development as held the European Court on Human Rights in Handyside Case.” Arguing that there are a plethora of decided cases guaranteeing free speech”.
HURIWA told the senate that:“The Supreme Court per Ayoola JSC, in the case of Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal v Okonkwo (2001) 85 LRCN 908 declared that the courts are the institution, society has agreed to invest with the responsibility of balancing conflicting interests in a way as to ensure the fullness of liberty without destroying the existence and stability of society itself. Therein lies the wisdom and need for qualification of all rights including this one most essential right.”
“In the case of Gozie Okeke v. The State (2003) 15 NWLR (Pt.842) 25, the Supreme Court held that the word “reasonable” in its ordinary meaning means moderate, tolerable and not excessive. In this regard, there are extant laws in Nigeria which seek to prevent abuse of free speech. Section 24(1) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 makes it a criminal offence to send a message or other matter by means of computer systems of network that is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character or causes any such message or matter to be sent or he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, injury, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another or causes such message to be sent. Also Section 24(2) of the Act criminalizes transmitting or causing the transmission of any communication through a computer system or network to bully, threaten or harass another person where such communication places another person in fear of death, violence or bodily harm or to another person.”
“In the same vein there is the tort of defamation under a victim of abuse of freedom of speech can seek redress besides the criminal offences of defamation and injurious false under the Criminal Code and Penal Code. Section 391 of the Penal Code Law makes is a defamation to speak or represent by mechanical means or by signs or visible representation or publish any imputation concerning another intending to or knowing or having reason to believe that it will hard the reputation of the person. While a false statement of fact under similar circumstances is injurious false under section 393 of the Penal Code Law. There are similar provisions in sections 373, 374 and 375 of the Criminal Code Laws of the Southern States. Besides, there are various provisions in the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission Act dealing with violations which have become known as “hate speech” with varying degrees of sanctions.”
HURIWA argued strongly against limitations to access to social media and also rejected the hate speech bill as follows: “To require more than the existing laws have provided would portray the government in bad light and peach it against the people and any such further regulation will only take Nigeria centuries back in civilization with attendant consequences of gross and flagrant abuse like in the colonial era or the immediate after which had such over-regulation like the laws on sedition by which a lot of persons were frequently charged and convicted for what ordinarily would be fair comment by citizens of democratic society. A lot of these cases are high profile cases with potential to cause political tension, affect the peace and stability of the entire country which the proponents of the of social media regulation claim to want to prevent. This would further deepen the already entrenched distrust between the people and the government. This way, the government loses its right and benefit of feedback from the people.”
President Donald Trump listens as Louisiana Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone speaks during a campaign rally at the CenturyLink Center, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, in Bossier City, La. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Michael Boulos, a 25 year-old Nigerian-Lebanese is dating Tiffany Trump,26, the youngest daughter of US President Donald Trump.
The affair is getting serious as Michael attended, along with Tiffany, for the second time Trump’s turkey pardon at the White House.
Michael was also present at Mar-a-Lago, few weeks ago, where Trump celebrated his birthday.
During this year’s Thanksgiving, Michael accompanied Tiffany to visit her mother, Marla Maples in Alabama. The pair enjoyed the holiday with Marla’s friends, Center for Skin Care and Wellness owner Carmen Anderson and hypnotherapist Tara Sutphen.
Michael Boulos is at the moment studying at City University London for MSc in Project Management Finance and Risk, while Tiffany is based in the United States.
She studied at University of Pennsylvania and is at a present a law student at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. She also does modelling.
According to a report, the pair have been dating for over one year, after reportedly meeting on a night out in Mykonos, Greece in the summer of 2018.
They met at a party hosted by Dubai resident and actress, Lindsay Lohan. Lohan also owns a nightclub in Mykonos.
The pair have enjoyed holidays together in Thailand and Montenegro. And Tiffany’s mother was once quoted to have said she ‘adores Michael’. Marla Maples was Trump’s second wife.
Who is Michael Boulos?
He is the son of Lebanese businessman, Massad Boulos, from the village of Kfaraakka, in the north of the country. Massad Boulos runs Boulos Enterprises and SCOA Nigeria, and “trades in vehicles, equipment, retail and construction.”
His mother, Sarah Boulos, runs the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria, SPAN, which is a “one-stop destination for performance art, dance, theatre, music and visual arts.” In an interview, Sarah, with a French mum, declares Nigeria her home.
Michael Boulos was born in Texas and raised in Nigeria. He is a naturalised Nigerian. He was educated in Nigeria, before moving to England to study finance at the City University of London.
Trump is yet to comment on his daughter’s Nigerian-Lebanese boyfriend.
At least three persons sustained varying injuries Wednesday afternoon after a gas cylinder exploded at the Four Point By Sheraton Hotel, Oniru in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The explosion occurred at about 12:35 pm while some artisans were doing welding job inside the hotel premises.
It was gathered that one of the cylinder hoses brought by the welders had leakage which triggered the explosion.
The Nation gathered that several vehicles in the premises, room windows and other items were shattered.
According to Director General Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu, recovery operation was ongoing.
He said: “The situation is under control as a combined effort of the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), Nigeria Police alongside staff of the hotel are on ground to ensure a swift recovery.
“A total of three people sustained severe injuries as a result of the blast and two have been rushed to Lagos Island General hospital for intensive care by LASEMA Ambulance Unit while one was rushed to a nearby private hospital.
“Several cars and hotel room windows were shattered as a result of flying objects due to the blast. Recovery operation ongoing.”
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reassured Nigerians of their safety under his administration, promising that he remained committed to fighting insecurity, especially insurgency.
He spoke in Kaduna where he unveiled additional Made-in-Nigeria Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles for the Nigerian Army.
The vehicles, code-named Ezugwu MRAP, will be used for counter-insurgency operations by the army.
They were produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, an indigenous company.
The President launched the vehicles at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.
Reassuring Nigerians of their safety, Buhari said, ‘‘This is a commitment we have made and will continue to keep.”
On Ezugwu MRAP, the President commended DICON and the several bodies that collaborated to produce them.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, quoted him further, ‘‘I note the collaborative efforts of the Command Engineering Depot with relevant indigenous organisations to promote local content towards developing our military-industrial complex.
“I am glad that the production of Ezugwu MRAP vehicles, which I will be unveiling today (Tuesday), will join the infantry patrol vehicles that were earlier produced as a testimony that our efforts are yielding positive results.
“Additionally, your efforts in terms of capacity building, training and conduct of exercises are quite commendable.
‘‘I am aware that there are ongoing field exercises such as Atilogwu, UDO 1, Exercise Akpatuma 2 and Exercise Crocodile Smile 4, among other civil-military cooperation activities.
“These are impressive efforts geared at enhancing the operational efficiency of the army as well as facilitating a conducive security environment for social and economic activities to thrive.’’
Buhari also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, saying that he liked the way he transformed the army.
He said of Buratai, “He has keyed into the Federal Government’s Change Agenda and I particularly commend his thrust in the critical areas such as innovative and inventive approach to produce military hardware, infrastructural development, restructuring and reorganisations, among others, with significant results particularly in the ongoing counterinsurgency operations and other operations across the country.”
The Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd.), acknowledged Buhari’s support for the military, stating that the final routing of Boko Haram would be achieved in 2020.
He said, “The Nigerian Army has had a hectic year with a lot of operations conducted to secure the territorial integrity of Nigeria. There is a need for a review of activities during this annual conference to prepare for next year’s final onslaught on Boko Haram.”
On his part, Buratai said the current status of the army was achieved after a transformation commenced in 2015.
Despite the widespread outrage and condemnation that greeted the idea of a third term for Presidents and State Governors, it’s reported that a committee has been set up to look into it.
I’m hoping that’s a lie and just a rumour that time will expose to be another ruse from the opposition. That being said, it’d be shameful and extremely undemocratic to have that ‘committee’ really sit.
How undemocratic; one might ask. It’d be undemocratic and a rape of our collective advancement as a democracy if we can’t let our constitution be absolute, but find ways to re-edit it to our taste as the situation demands. It’d have been a welcome development if the constitution amendment will be for the betterment of the country as a whole and not just to create a timeless opening for whoever wants to milk the nation for as long as he holds sway.
I do not believe it is true. I do, Infact, believe it’s one of the many lies that fly around social media. But, it’d be shameful, really shameful, if it happens. And, it’d definitely be met with stiff resistance from the masses; they’d better know that.
No man is greater than the constitution. There are defined terms of office for every public office holder. No one should seek to alter the constitution to make way for the entry of a dictatorship cum life-presidency through the back door. We wouldnt let this happen.
We are monitoring happenings at the National Assembly and we are keeping an eye on the leadership. History wouldn’t be kind to the 9th National Assembly if they, for selfish reasons, allow a condition that has saved the country from persons who believe they are born to rule to be abolished. Even the United States, as advanced as it is, has term-limit for Presidents and Governors.
It’s been said Nigeria will self-destruct. Time will tell if we let this happen to us as a people or we find a way to put our house in order by respecting our laws.
Rumours circulated about Joshua’s condition in the wake of his shock defeat by Ruiz at Madison Square Garden.
Word from his camp is that he has delivered some of the most impressive sparring of his career in recent days.
There is also a feeling that the additional sparring partners he has used – including Mexican Elvis Garcia to offer some stylistic similarities to Ruiz – have raised his level.
After speaking to BBC Sport a short drive from the hotel complex where both he and Ruiz are staying, the former champion was scheduled to work out for the second time on Monday at his training base, the British Embassy in Riyadh.
He is holding a number of late-night sessions in order to be ready for a fight that will take place around midnight local time, given the country is three hours ahead of the UK.
“I do feel different,” Joshua, 30, added. “I feel confident, I believe. I have been boxing since 2008. It’s almost like it’s been given to me. Now I am back to the days of being younger, striving.
“The question I have to ask myself is, ‘after the fight am I going to keep that same attitude?’ I have to stick to it and that is what will take me on to the next level.
“I am a challenger. This is my chance at the heavyweight championship of the world. The event starts when I am victorious. Then I will tell you about my story, what I have come through, the obstacles.”
Royal appointments, hotel gyms and a cool Ruiz
Joshua revealed he has sought advice from former world champion Wladimir Klitschko and wishes he had done so sooner, adding: “For someone who is going through success now, who is winning, definitely check yourself.
“I have had to check myself and reinvent myself not physically, mentally.”
Both fighters met Saudi royalty and a vast number dignitaries after media commitments on Monday.
It was striking how demand for Ruiz was far higher than before their first bout, where he stunned the sport by stopping Joshua inside seven rounds to take the IBF, WBA and WBO world titles.
Heavyweight champion Ruiz has enjoyed the wealth that has come with his success against Joshua
Ruiz, 30, appeared relaxed despite countless media requests. The Mexican is training at a custom-made gym set up underneath the hotel in which he is staying.
Many have questioned if he has remained driven given the rewards of his success, which have included a lavish new home, a Rolls Royce and high-end jewellery.
“I have been enjoying life. This is just the beginning,” Ruiz told BBC Sport.
“I sure haven’t stopped smiling. I have been so happy how my life has changed for my wife, my kids, my whole family. I am blessed with all that came my way.
“All of the pressure is on him, not on me as I followed my dream and made it come true.”
Sleepless nights and countless questions
Holding the contest in Saudi Arabia has prompted criticism because of the conservative country’s human rights record.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has said the fight is being staged against a “backdrop of worsening oppression” in the country.
On Monday, promoter Eddie Hearn said the move “wasn’t just about money” and that the local organisers are on course to deliver an event that “could change everything” when decisions are being made on where future fights are staged.
The Diriyah Arena has been built in two months and has a capacity of 15,000
Signage and visible promotion in the country’s capital city is so far minimal but Diriyah Arena – which has been built in just two months – is expected to be full to its 15,000 capacity when Joshua and Ruiz walk to the ring at around 20:45 GMT on Saturday for a bout that will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing says tickets have been purchased by fans from 65 different countries and he emphasised how much is on the line given there is no rematch agreement in the contract this time around.
“No-one is tied in,” Hearn said. “I can’t sleep at night worrying about this fight.
“It’s all the questions that need answering. Was it a fluke first time? Was AJ prepared? Was it a lucky shot in the perfect spot from Ruiz?
“Joshua is a legacy guy, a historian. He is motivated by that term of being a two-time heavyweight champion. I really believe victory on Saturday will give him the respect that he is maybe secretly searching for.”
Mike Costello and Steve Bunce with Andy Ruiz Jr
A ‘different Joshua’ – analysis
BBC boxing correspondent Mike Costello
I thought we saw a different Joshua here than what we saw at the same event ahead of the first fight.
Yes, he was still laughing and joking at both ends of our interview but it was the content in-between that really struck me as him being a man who desperately wants that title attached to his name.
Eddie Hearn referred to that ‘two-time heavyweight champion status’.
Joshua is a man so engrossed in heavyweight boxing history and his place within it, he knows that Saturday night will make a colossal difference to how he is remembered.
Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday ordered the seizure of an aircraft belonging to Emirates Airline over an N8.1m judgment debt, according to BusinessDay.
The order followed a motion filed by Charles Mekwunye seeking the enforcement of a Supreme Court judgment in a suit between Promise Mekwunye and the airline.
Granting the reliefs sought by Mekwunye, Justice Mohammed Liman held that, “It is accordingly ordered that an attachment is hereby issued on the judgment debtor’s aircraft registered as ‘A6 Aircraft Type 77W EK: 783/784’, or any other aircraft belonging to the judgment debtor, which flies into Nigeria Territory, to be arrested and detained until the judgment debt is fully paid.
“If there is default after 30 days, the aircraft shall be auctioned to satisfy the judgment debt.”
The judge also ordered that Emirates Airline to bear the cost of maintenance and custody of the detained aircraft
Mekwunye, who was then a student of North Texas University, Denton, Texas, United States, had in 2008 dragged the airline to court for refusal of her two-way flight ticket from Dallas to Nigeria and back for no reason and for also refusing to fully refund the cost of the American Airline ticket she bought for her return trip to Nigeria.
She claimed that the airline offered no reason for its action, leaving her stranded for days at the airport until she was able to secure a more expensive flight ticket on a longer route to Lagos.
In a judgment delivered on November 15, 2010, the Federal High Court in Lagos held that the refusal of Emirates Airline to carry Mekwunye amounted to a breach of contract of carriage.
Consequently, the court ordered a full refund of the ticket without any deduction or charge and further granted N2.5m in general damages and N250,000 in legal costs against the airline.
At least five inmates were Monday morning killed and 10 others injured by a loose electric cable inside the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Lagos.
It was gathered that those injured were being treated at an undisclosed hospital.
Although details of the incident were still sketchy at the time of this report, spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Lagos Rotimi Oladokun confirmed the incident.
He told The Nation that the Comptroller General of the NCoS Jaffaru Ahmed would brief the press at 4 pm on the incident.
Minister for Interiror Rauf Aregbesola earlier confirmed the electrocution through a statement by his spokesperson Jane Osuji.
“The attention of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been drawn to an electrocution incident at the Ikoyi Medium Security Prison in Lagos.
“The minister has directed a quick investigation into the root cause and the ministry will in the next few hours share a comprehensive update on the incident.
“While we commiserate with victims of the incident, the minister has ordered immediate medical attention for those affected.”
