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Senate mulls five years jail term for lecturers who sexually harass students

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Senate mulls five years jail term for lecturers who sexually harass students

The Senate on Wednesday revisited the sexual harassment bill which was sponsored by Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta Central) and passed by the 8th Senate.

The Bill, which was introduced by the 8th Senate in October 2016, seeks a five-year jail term and five million naira fine for lecturers convicted for sexually harassing male or female students.

According to the bill, an educator will be “guilty of committing an offence of sexual harassment against a student if he/she has sexual intercourse with a student who is less than 18 years of age; has sexual intercourse with a student or demands sex from a student or a prospective student as a condition to study in an institution, or as a condition to the giving of a passing grade or the granting of honour and scholarships.”

The bill prescribes that: “Any person who commits any of the acts specified in Section 4 of this Act is guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be sentenced to imprisonment of up to five years, but not less than two years without any option of a fine.”

 

The bill, however, suffered a major setback as it was not given Presidential assent after its passage by the 8th Senate.

Some lawmakers, who were against its passage had argued that it should be more inclusive and not discriminatory or targeted only at university lecturers.

The reintroduced bill is also sponsored by Mr Omo-Agege. The reconsideration of the bill is coming days after a BBC investigative report exposed two lecturers of the University of Lagos for alleged sexual harassment of female students.

Also, seven bills scaled first reading at the Senate on Wednesday.

They include the Federal Polytechnic Daura Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, sponsored by Senator Babba Kaita Ahmad (APC, Katsina North); Modibo Adama University of Technology Bill, 2019, by Senator Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru (Adamawa Central); National Rice Development Council Bill, 2019, sponsored by Senator Muhammad Enagi Bima (APC, Niger South), and National Health Insurance Commission Bill, 2019, sponsored by Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC, Kwara Central).

 

Others are: National Institute for Business Studies Nnewi, Anambra State Bill, 2019, by Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah (YPP, Anambra South), and Federal College of Education Monguno, Borno State Bill, 2019, sponsored by Senator Abubakar Kyari (APC, Borno North).

 

Former minister commits suicide

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Former minister commits suicide

The family of former Dutch Minister Ella Vogelaar on Wednesday reported that she committed suicide at the age of 69.

The family said in a statement that Vogelaar has been suffering from depression for quite some time and has finally put an end to her life.

Vogelaar was chair of Oxfam Novib, the largest Dutch international development organisation from 2004 to 2007, Xinhua reports.

From February, 2007 until 2008, she was a minister of housing, neighbourhoods and integration in the fourth cabinet of Prime Minister, Jan Peter Balkenende on behalf of the Labor Party PvdA.

She lost the confidence of the PvdA board and had to leave after some months.

During her short time in office, Vogelaar introduced a list of forty disadvantaged neighbourhoods in large cities and helped them receive extra investments.

 

White House reacts to US Reps’ move to impeach Trump

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White House reacts to US Reps’ move to impeach Trump

 

The White House has declared that it will not cooperate with the impeachment inquiry in the US House of Representatives.

It called the impeachment constitutionally illegitimate and accusing Democrats of engaging in political theatre.

DPA reports that in a letter to the lawmakers on Tuesday, the White House called for them to abandon the inquiry, claiming they are seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 election, which President Donald Trump won.

House Democrats in September launched the probe amid accusations Trump used his power as president to try to have Ukraine dig up dirt on his domestic political rival, Joe Biden, and aid his upcoming re-election campaign.

“President Trump and his Administration cannot participate in your partisan and unconstitutional inquiry under these circumstances”, the White House said to Democrats.

The White House alleged lawmakers were violating Trump’s due-process rights in the inquiry, including the right to issue subpoenas and question witnesses.

Moreover, the executive branch dismissed the legitimacy of the investigation, saying there was no full vote in the House on starting the inquiry.

The letter from the White House to Democrats came hours after Trump’s administration blocked Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, from testifying to lawmakers.

In justifying his move, Trump called the House of Representatives a kangaroo court.

The Democratic speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, called the White House’s refusal to cooperate unlawful in a statement responding to the letter, which she said is manifestly wrong.

Pelosi said the latest move by the Republican president was an effort to stonewall Democrats’ investigations, claiming they had evidence that Trump abused his office.

 

Buhari hosts ministers who served under him as military head of state

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Buhari hosts ministers who served under him as military head of state

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday received some of the ministers who served with him when he was Military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.

The President, who went down the memory lane, recalled how we got things done then during his military administration.Buhari was military head of state from December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, said Buhari, who received the guests as State House, Abuja, pledged to carry everyone along on his last lap as a democratically elected leader.

He thanked the former ministers “for being consistently in touch” and particularly lauded the military for building Abuja as new Federal Capital Territory for the country.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of those who had passed on among them.

The leader of the delegation, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who served as Minister of External Affairs, said the team came to congratulate the President on his achievements in security, foreign affairs, anti-corruption, education, and many others.

Gambari recalled, “We were appointed 35 years and nine months ago.
“Eighteen of us were sworn in. Your leadership was firm, but you also gave us free hand to operate.

” You knew what each person was doing. We will never forget the opportunity you gave us. We remain patriots.”
Gambari commended the President on the newly constituted Economic Advisory Council, adding that the same should be considered for security and foreign affairs.

Other former ministers in the team were Maj. Gen. Muhammed Magoro (retd) (Internal Affairs); Dr. Emmanuel Nsan (Health), Ibrahim Yakima Abdullah (Education); and Brig-Gen. Ahmed Abdullahi (retd) (Communications).

Abaribe says 2020 budget not sustainable, as Senate commences debate

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Abaribe says 2020 budget not sustainable, as Senate commences debate

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday started debate on the general principles of the 2020 Appropriation Bill submitted to it by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

The debate followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi for an Act to authorize the issue from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation with a total sum of N10,330,416,607,347.00 to be considered for second reading.

The budget estimate has N556,700,827,235.00 for statutory transfers, N2,748,598,930,000.00 for Debt Service, N4,880,309,549,778.00 for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, while the sum of N2,144,807,300,334.00 is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on the 31st December, 2020.

Seconding the motion, Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe said, “This is nothing but a budget of taxation. I urge the Senate to look at that fact as it is not a sustainable budget. Debt servicing is higher than capital expenditure. We are still struggling. I second the budget presentation by the Senate Leader.”

In his contribution, Senator Aliyu Sabi said, “This is a budget of continued change. This government is on the right trajectory. This budget has addressed how the micro and medium small enterprises will play a key role in building the Nigerian economy.

 

In his contribution, Senator Gabriel Suswam said, “I commend Mr. President for bringing an ambitious budget; the deficit worries me, there is a correspondence borrowing increase; we need to do something in this chamber by way of legislation to address borrowing.”

Amid other contributions, Senate President Ahmad Lawan announced that the debate on the budget would continue tomorrow.

Consequently, the senate leader moved that plenary be adjourned to another legislative day and he was seconded by the minority leader.

The plenary was later adjourned to Thursday, October, 10.

UAE builds renewable energy power plant in Lagos

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UAE builds renewable energy power plant in Lagos

A 300MW renewable energy power plant has been established and it is ready to generate power in Lagos soon.

This was revealed when the United Arab Emirate Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman in his Office on Tuesday.

A statement by the spokesperson, Mrs Etore Thomas, said Mamman reiterated Federal Government’s openness to genuine investors especially in the power sector.

Mamman assured that the Ministry will collaborate with the United Arab Emirate in its areas of investments in Nigeria.
Mamman assured that the Ministry will collaborate with the United Arab Emirate in its areas of investments in Nigeria.

The United Arab Emirate Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Fahad Obaid Al Taffaq informed the Minister that a 300 megawatt power plant established by the United Arab Emirate, UAE is ready for take-off in Lagos to supplement the National grid.

Al Taffaq  said  the  300MW power plant established by a member of the Emirate Royal Family, Ahmed Al-maktum, has the capacity for expansion within a few months to about 1,000mw.

He noted that the power project is part of the United Arab Emirate investment activities in Nigeria.

The Ambassador however requested the assistance of the Minister in securing a generation license and tariff from the Lagos State Government. Al Taffaq explained that the company had concluded all agreements with Shell for the supply of gas to the plant.

The Ambassador also informed the Minister of the interest of the United Arab Emirate to invest in electricity transmission and distribution network across Nigeria.

 

Tax evasion: Jay-Jay Okocha, Lagos government settle out of court

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Tax evasion: Jay-Jay Okocha, Lagos government settle out of court

 

A Lagos State prosecutor, Y. A. Pitan, on Wednesday said a former Super Eagles’ Captain, Augustine Okocha, accused of income tax evasion since 2017, had finally settled with the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).

She told an Igbosere High Court in Lagos that the LIRS informed it that the defendant visited its office and reconciled his accounts.

Ms Pitan then prayed the court for an adjournment to enable her to file a notice of discontinuance of the charge preferred against Mr Okocha.

Justice Adedayo Akintoye, consequently, withdrew the warrant of arrest earlier issued on the defendant.

She adjourned the further hearing until November 14, to enable prosecution file notice of discontinuance of the charge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecutor had on May 28 informed the court that the defendant visited the office of LIRS to reconcile his accounts.

The prosecutor then said the defendant could not reach a common ground with the agency.

Earlier, the prosecutor had filed a three-count charge against Mr Okocha on June 6, 2017, accusing him of:

“Failure to furnish returns of income for tax purposes with the LIRS, and failure to pay income tax.

“The offences contravene Section 56(a) and (b) of the Lagos State Revenue Administration Law No. 8 of 2006 and Section 94 (1) of the Personal Income Tax Act Cap P8 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 (As Amended)”.

 

NYSC arrests 95 graduates with fake certificates

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NYSC arrests 95 graduates with fake certificates

– Ninety-five suspected fake graduates have been arrested by the NYSC

– The 95 fake students from one of the Nigerian university and West African universities with fake documents during the last batch of corps members

– According to the NYSC DG, the scheme’s Act prescribed a four years jail term for the presentation of fake credentials for mobilisation

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has decried the presentation of fake academic credentials and attempt to smuggle names of unqualified persons into the mobilisation list.

The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, NYSC director-general, said this during the 2019 Batch ‘C’ Pre-mobilisation Workshop in Minna on Wednesday, October 8.

The workshop has its theme as “Promoting Integrity in the NYSC Mobilisation Process, the Role of Stakeholders”.

“It had been discovered that names of unqualified persons are included in the Senate/Academic Board approved list uploaded on the NYSC registration portal by some corps producing institutions.”

“This is very worrisome as it amounts to a betrayal of trust or gross negligence which will not be tolerated,” he said. He disclosed that the scheme apprehended about 95 fake students from one of the Nigerian university and West African universities with fake documents during the last batch of corps members.

He noted that the NYSC acts prescribed a four years jail term for the presentation of fake credentials for mobilisation. “Very soon, we will mobilise prospective corps members. I want to appeal to persons with the intention to present fake certificates not to show up,” he added.

Earlier, Victoria Ango, deputy director, Corps Mobilisation, commended the management of NYSC for its approach to tackle the scourge of fraudulent enrollment of foreign-trained graduates.

In his address, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger advised participants to come up with ideas that would enhance efficiency and credible mobilisation process. Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, commended the role of NYSC in promoting national unity and pledged the state government continuous support to it.

[Trending] Industrial Court Nullifies Forced Resignation of Okebunachi from Nigerian Breweries, Orders Payment of 33 Months salaries, allowances within 30 Days

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[Trending] Industrial Court Nullifies Forced Resignation of Okebunachi from Nigerian Breweries, Orders Payment of 33 Months salaries, allowances within 30 Days
  • The presiding Judge, Enugu Judicial division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Oluwakayode Arowosegbe has nullified the purported letter of resignation written by MR. OKEBUNACHI EZEKWERE from the service of NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC that the resignation was obtained under duress and undue influence.

    The court ordered defendant- NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC to issue a letter of retirement to the claimant- MR. OKEBUNACHI in virtue of the over 14 years spent in its service, and payment of full salaries and allowances of N561, 915.05 on monthly basis till the date of judgment delivery and recalculate the terminal benefits and pay the surplus difference after deducting the terminal benefits already paid and cost of 200 thousand naira within 30 days.

    From facts, the claimant pleaded that he was originally employed by Consolidated Breweries PLC and his services transferred to the Nigerian Breweries as a result of merger, that he was an award-winning Area Manager at the Consolidated Breweries and that he continued as Area Sales Manager at the Nigerian Breweries until the defendant forced him to resign on 17th January 2017.

    In opposition, the defendant opined that claimant was invited to the headquarters to meet with the Human Resources Manager after he was rated U, for which he was liable to termination that, the claimant got angry while he was being briefed and started shouting that at that stage, other staff and the security men came in to restrain him that, the claimant was not forced to resign under gun or any form of coercion.

    The defendant submitted that it had credited the claimant’s account with all his entitlements after the resignation and the claimant had collected his other entitlements that, the claimant resigned to avoid being terminated; and that the claimant is not entitled to the claims.

    The learned counsel submitted that, since the claimant did not state the term of his contract that was breached, he could not make a claim for breach of contract urged that the case be dismissed.

    In reply, claimant’s counsel argued that the evidence of DW1 that the claimant had been paid 2 months salaries in lieu of notice is fallacious, that if in deed the claimant resigned voluntarily, it is the claimant that ought to have paid the defendant one month salary in lieu of notice instead, since he was the one that resigned.

    The learned counsel also submitted that, failure of the defendant to communicate to the claimant the result of his appraisal amounts to breach of fair hearing.

    Delivering the Judgment after listening to the submissions of both parties, the Presiding Jude, Justice Arowosegbe described as afterthought the omission on the part of the claimant to mention the issue of being forced at gunpoint to write the resignation letter nullifies the allegation of being coerced at gunpoint to resign but maintained that the mere fact that coercion [duress] at gunpoint was not proved does not detract from the fact that duress by other means was proved.

    “From the above, I found that the defendant admitted asking the claimant to resign or be terminated outright. It relied on the Performance Appraisal Guideline, as the authority for its action in asking the claimant to resign, yet did not tender this very document to convince the Court that it formed part of the contract between the parties. This is an admission against self-interest.

    “Let me say straight away that, I cannot find any inconsistency in the case of the claimant. If the claimant said he was forced to resign and the defendant on its own volition without the promptings of the claimant, paid his terminal benefits, the claimant could not be blamed for this.

    “This forced resignation cannot stand. It is void ab initio. The purported letter of resignation is therefore a nullity. It must be set aside. It is hereby set aside. The implication of voiding the forced resignation is that the claimant did not resign and since the defendant has not terminated his appointment, he remains in the employment of the defendant till the determination of the suit and therefore entitled to his arrears of salaries.

    “It is my view that the circumstances of this case are suggestive that the employment of the claimant was suspended by the illegal and forced resignation and that; the defendant must pay the wages the claimant lost from the date of the forced resignation till the determination of this suit for forcibly and illegally keeping the claimant’s employment in abeyance till the determination of this suit.” Justice Arowosegbe ruled.

    For Full Judgment, Click Here

2020 budget: Finance Bill is to increase VAT, Buhari tells lawmakers

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2020 budget: Finance Bill is to increase VAT, Buhari tells lawmakers

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Finance Bill 2019 he forwarded to the National Assembly when passed into law, will permit the government to raise the country’s Value Added Tax from 5 to 7.5 per cent.

The Nigerian leader disclosed this when he presented the 2020 Appropriation Bill to the joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said, “The draft Finance Bill proposes an increase of the VAT rate from five per cent to 7.5 per cent  As such, the 2020 Appropriation Bill is based on this new VAT rate.

“The additional revenues will be used to fund health, education and infrastructure programmes.

“As the States and Local Governments are allocated 85 per cent of all VAT revenues, we expect to see greater quality and efficiency in their spending in these areas as well.”

According to him, the VAT Act already exempts pharmaceuticals, educational items, and basic commodities, saying the exemptions are being expanded under the Finance Bill, 2019.

President Buhari listed specific items that would be exempted from the proposed VAT. He said brown and white bread; Cereals including maize, rice, wheat, millet, barley and sorghum; Fish of all kinds; Flour and starchy meals.

Other items, according to him, are fruits, nuts, pulses and vegetables of various kinds; roots such as yam, cocoyam, sweet and Irish potatoes; Meat and poultry products including eggs; Milk; Salt and herbs of various kinds; and natural water and table water.

According to the President, the bill has five strategic objectives of promoting fiscal equity, reforming domestic tax laws and raising revenue.

He said, “Accompanying the 2020 Budget Proposal is a Finance Bill for your kind consideration and passage into law.

“This Finance Bill has five strategic objectives, in terms of achieving incremental, but necessary, changes to our fiscal laws.

“These objectives are; Promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation; Reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices and Introducing tax incentives for investments in infrastructure and capital markets.”

Other objectives of the bill are, “Supporting Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses in line with our Ease of Doing Business Reforms; and Raising Revenues for Government.

“Additionally, our proposals also raise the threshold for VAT registration to N25 million in turnover per annum, such that the revenue authorities can focus their compliance efforts on larger businesses thereby bringing relief for our Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses.”

(NAN)

 

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