Reps Moves to Legalise Use and Sale of Cannabis in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has proposed a bill that will legalise the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis better known as marijuana or Indian hemp in Nigeria. 

The bill, which has already been read the first time and was slated for second reading before the House proceeded on Christmas and New Year break is sponsored by Hon. Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo). 

Onuoha, who represents Isiala Mbano/ Onuimo/ Okigwe federal constituency of Imo State, is a firsttimer in the lower chamber after defeating her closest rival Obinna Onwubuariri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the rerun election that was held in 18 polling units in the constituency in January this year.

It is titled “A bill for an act to decriminalise the growth and use of cannabis, to establish a system for the registration and licensing of cannabis growers, users and control, to legalise the growth, sale and use of cannabis and set out a legal framework for the registration and licensing of cannabis growers and producers in Nigeria; and for related matters.”

Although the bill was listed on the order paper on December 21, it could not be debated due to the absence of the sponsors on the floor of the House. New Telegraph investigation revealed that the proposed legislation will be considered when the House reconvene on January 26, 2021. 

A synopsis of the bill obtained by New Telegraph shows that it is “to regulate the cultivation, possession, availability and trade in cannabis for medical and research purposes.”

The objectives of the bill include to: “Provide for a registration and licensing system for cannabis farmers and processors; establish a registration and licensing system for cannabis farmers and processors; regulate the cultivation, processing, availability and trade of cannabis for medical purposes and promote public awareness about the cultivation, processing, availability and trade of cannabis for medicinal and research purposes and its use in relation to medical or health purpose.”

The bill, however, prohibits issuance of cannabis licence for medical use if such a person is without a proof that “he is either a medical doctor and intends to use it for medical purposes or a pharmaceutical company who intends to use an amount of cannabis, which may be determined as required, in producing a medicine for the cure of a certain disease or an epidemic.” When this bill is passed, Nigeria will join the league of 30 other countries that have legalised the use of cannabis.

They include Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark and Finland. Others are Germany, Greece, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Italy, Poland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Romania and Dan Marino. The rest are Luxemburg, Switzerland, Macedonia, Tury, Malta, Mexico, Uruguay and Zimbabwe.

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People Who Falsely Accuse Others of Sexual Assault Should Face Harsher Penalties – OAP Toolz Says

OAP Tolu Demuren aka Toolz, says it is time to ensure that people who falsely accuse others of sexual assault face harsher penalties. 

The mum of two says it is ”disgusting and downlight evil” to falsely accuse someone of such a crime. She shared her thoughts on her Twitter handle.

Her tweets read

”As someone who is deeply against sexual assault in any form, (in fact I would gladly vote for rapists to be castrated with no anaesthetic) I think its time to make sure people who falsely accuse others of sexual assault face harsher penalties.

Its disgusting and downright evil to falsely accuse someone of such a barbaric crime out of revenge or any other reason. Its also a huge slap in the face for real victims.

When these situations hit social media or the blogs, the noise after the initial accusation is so much louder than when the accusation is proven to be false. Unfortunately the aftermath of this is that you have an innocent person with an irreversibly damaged reputation.

How many blogs actually make sure they correct their initial story?

As a mum of 2 boys, who will be taught the importance of consent, I’ve thought about how damaging a false accusation could be for them (God forbid that ever happens) Lastly, should people be able to anonymously accuse someone of sexual assault?”.

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NIN: NIMC Gives New Rules For All Applicants

With effect from Wednesday, December 30, National Identification Number (NIN) applicants will be required to do the registration exercise through a booking system throughout the country.

The new guideline was issued on Tuesday, December 29, by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Punch reports.

The NIMC’s spokesman, Kayode Adegoke, in a statement released on Tuesday disclosed that applicants will now be enrolled only through a number-issuing queue system to achieve orderliness in line with new COVID-19 protocols.

The statement reads:

“…the Commission wishes to announce that it has adopted a couple of measures to contain the spread of the virus whilst ensuring its services to Nigerians are not entirely interrupted.

Effective December 30, 2020, attending to applicants would be based on Booking System. For Bookings, applicants are to visit any of the NIMC Offices closest to them during stipulated business hours (9am – 1pm).
“Once admitted into the office, a Number-Issuing queue management system will be in place to ensure orderliness and strict adherence to Covid-19 Protocols.”

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ECWA Tells International Community to Hold Buhari’s Government Responsible Should Any Harm Befall Bishop Kukah

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has asked the International community to hold the Buhari-led government responsible if any harm befalls the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah. 

Kukah has been criticized by some Nigerians following his Christmas day message in which he accused President Buhari of Nepotism. He went further to state that there would have been coup if a non-northern president practiced nepotism like Buhari. Read here.

Some Nigerians including the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum have called for the arrest and prosecution of Bishop Kukah.

In a statement released today December 29, the General Secretary of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Yunusa Sabo Nmadu Jnr, said there is nothing new in what Bishop Kukah said in his statement. According to Nmadu, nepotism under the Buhari administration is top-notch. He called on international bodies to hold Buhari responsible if any evil that befalls Kukah.

“There is nothing new about what Bishop Kukah said. The bishop has spoken our minds, and we will resist any attempt by any group or agency of government to harm him. Enough of this intimidation.

This style of governance to silent dissent voices by the Major General Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is unacceptable and must be resisted.

We invite the international community and Nigerians to hold General Buhari and his government responsible should anything happen to Bishop Kukah.

As a matter of fact, nepotism under General Buhari administration is top-notch. This administration has a first-class (degree) in nepotism and maladministration.”

Nmadu said he observed that many reactions had been coming from Muslims and northern groups, adding that calls for his arrest were laughable.

“I have read so many reactions to the Christmas message of our respected Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, with many of them coming from Muslims and northern groups.

Some of these uncharitable groups have even called for the arrest of our revered Bishop. Arrest a man that spoke the minds of millions of Nigerian? They must be joking.

The Federal Government must immediately take steps towards addressing those concerns raised by Bishop Kukah, rather than sponsoring fake groups to attack the revered Bishop.

There is no denying the fact that Nigeria under General Buhari is now a centre of bloodshed. Killings, banditry, kidnappings and all forms of insecurities are now order of the day. The President should face the job for which he swore to. Mr. President, fulfill your campaign promises, secure the country and make life better for all of us.

This country belongs to all of us. And no section of this country should be made superior than the other. We are bonafide citizens with equal rights. Enough of these shenanigans. We are watching.”his statement read.

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[Music] Broda Shaggi – Happy Day (Prod. By Jaysynths Beatz)

Broda Shaggi Happy Day Prod By Jaysynths Beatz mp3 download.

Popular comedian and singer, Broda Shaggi ends the year with a new dance single titled “Happy Day“.

The song “Happy Day” which was fused with Fuji sound well orchestrate by renowned hit-maker, Jaysynths Beatz.

It serves as a follow-up to Broda Shaggi’s previous project, ‘Fine Boy Agbero (Volume 1)‘ extended play released in June.

Download and Enjoy Broda Shaggi – Happy Day below;

DOWNLOAD MP3: Broda Shaggi – Happy Day (Prod. By Jaysynths Beatz)

What do you think about this song?

We want to hear from you

Drop your comments below

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Try and Invest Wisely – Actor IK Ogbonna Tells His Fellow Celebrities

Actor, IK Ogbonna, took to his Instastories to give financial advice to his fellow celebrities. 

The father of two advised his fellow celebrities to invest wisely as nobody will be there for them when the chips are down.

See what he wrote below;

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Check Out List of Nigerian States That Banned New Year Cross Over Service Over Corona Virus

As we all know that “Cross Over” Service is special gathering of both believers and unbelievers where they all come together to pray and thank God for the victory over death throughout the year.

It happens to be the last fellowship held in a year and also the first in a new year, where people pray and prophesy into their lives for the new year. 

It is a joyous moment where people gladly wishes one another “Happy New Year” with a great joy and thanking God for the grace to scale through.

It’s so funny to say that to some people, it is the only service they witness throughout the year.

As expectations begin to rise about the fellowship, people should bear in mind that some state government have suspended social gatherings especially “Cross Over Service” as an approach to curtail the spread of the second wave of COVID-19

Stechitegist.com will be sharing with you several states that have imposed and placed ban on “Cross Over” Service throughout the state.

1. Ondo State:

The Ondo state government has proscribed all-night crossover service in all of its 18 local councils. The state government have even ordered half operations of capacities at social activities on clubs, hotels, departmental stores, supermarkets, event centres and allied centres.

They instructed that every citizen of the state should observe Covid-19 protocols

Also, the compulsory usage of Face Masks at public places in order to avoid the spread of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.

The government suggested any activities that involve physical attendance should be reconsidered to change to virtual version.

Ondo state government further added there will be three (3) months imprisonment or N20,000 fine or both for offenders of the law and guidelines, Stechitegist.com reports.

2. Osun State:

On 28th December, 2020, the Osun State Government placed ban on cross over service as a bid to curtail the spread of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.

It says it will not allow countdown to New Year ceremonies and cross over nights by religious bodies and groups during the New Year Eve.

They have even enforced the state security operatives to take charge and to ensure there’s no form of social gathering in the state.

Osun State Government has appealed to the citizens to cut down on social gatherings, including weddings, naming ceremonies, etc so as to reduce the spate of exposure and contact with an infected person.

3. Ogun State:

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in the same vein has announced the suspension of street carnivals, and restricted attendance to cross-over services, parties and similar gatherings.

The directives were issued on Wednesday after a meeting between the state government and religious leaders, as well as community leaders.

He further added on Wednesday that all market are to open strictly between 8am and 4pm as well as maintaining social distancing.

4. Lagos State:

The Lagos State Government did not carry last in this decision making. Gov. Sanwo-Olu on 25th December 2020 directed worship centres to suspend all-night services, including vigils and crossover events throughout the state.

He assured citizens that the curfew imposed between 12 midnight and 4am will be strictly enforced.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further added that he urge religious leaders to ensure their followers observe the protocols implemented to curb the spread of the ravaging coronavirus.

5. Kwara State:

The state of Harmony, Kwara State Government has imposed partial lockdown on the state.

The government directed curfew in the state from 12 midnight to 4:30am till further notice.

Some of the guidelines set are mandatory use of face masks in public places, while clubs, concert, Carnivals are banned till further notice

In addition, they added that no worship centre must allow congregations exceeding 50% of the maximum capacity for the venue to allow for proper social distancing.

Civil servants are to work from home, hence, virtual meetings are being encouraged.

6. Federal Government Territory (FCT):

Likewise, the federal government territory chairman, Malam Bello has ordered that all bars, restaurants, leisure garden, and event centres should be shut for five (5) weeks.

He ordered not more than 50% members for all kind of social gatherings like festival events, congresses, concerts, sporting activities, seminars what have you.

violators will be prosecuted through the mobile courts’ system.

7. Plateau State:

The Plateau state government on Wednesday says there was no plan to lock down the state over the second wave of COVID-19.

Atu said, “The state government is working with security agencies to be more proactive rather than reactive.”

He insist that use of face mask should be enforced in all public places.

Therefore, Cross over can still hold, but not more than 50% members.

8. Ekiti State:

Ekiti State Government has also joined the league. The state government announced the new restrictions to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the state.

Governor Fayemi reveals that the government is very disturbed with the daily rising figure of infected citizens and economic well-being.

he said, included hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, observation of the approved social distance and to allow only half of the sitting capacity of the church to partake in the service.

However, the taskforce and law enforcement agents are to begin aggressive compliance enforcement activities in public places, including worship centres, event centres, markets, supermarkets, bars and hotels on Wednesday.

9. Edo State:

Edo State Government has announced the reintroduction of restrictions and reactivation of disease surveillance and management protocols to curb the wide spread of coronavirus.

The state had adjusted its curfew to begin from 12 midnight to 4am daily, beginning from December 23, except on December 31, 2020

Governor Obaseki said, “Wearing of facemask is mandatory in public places; there should be drastic reduction in number of people attending religious, political and social gatherings in one place; people are advised not to patronise or enter any public facility without hand wash station, provided with soap and running water.”

NOTE: All schools in the state as mentioned will remain closed until January 18, 2021.

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Deeper Life High School Suspends Principal Over Molestation Of Pupil

The management of the Deeper Life High School has suspended the principal of the school in Akwa Ibom State, Solomon Ndidi, over the alleged molestation of one of the pupils. 

Distraught mother of the junior student of Deeper Life High School, Idoro near Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Deborah Okezie had in a Facebook video which went viral on social media platforms alleged that her son was starved and also molested by some senior pupils of the school. 

According to her, she went to the school sometimes last month and saw that her son, once a boisterous and healthy-looking chap has completely emaciated.

She stated that after prodding him, he alleged that the principal of the school moved him to the senior pupils’ hostel for bedwetting, disclosing that the senior students seized that opportunity to abuse him by pushing their hands and legs into his anus even as they vowed to kill him if he ever reports the incident to the principal or his mother.

Continuing, she said when she reported her findings to the principal, he pledged to move the 11-year-old boy back to the junior hostel but did not do so.

Apparently disturbed by the Facebook post, the state government immediately swung into action by setting up an investigation team to unravel the alleged abuse. 

Governor, Udom Emmanuel, who ordered the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Enobong Mboho, to probe the alleged abuse, pledged that no stone would be left unturned in getting to the root of the alleged dastard act.

Also piqued by the ugly development, the management of the school suspended the principal of the school, Solomon Ndidi, to allow an undeterred probe into the matter, assuring that no one found culpable would be spared.

The statement said, “We want to assure the general public that investigations into the case have commenced and no culprits, whether staff or students, will be spared if found culpable at the end of the exercise. As an interim measure and to underscore the seriousness we attach to higher superintending values, the school principal has been suspended summarily even as further investigations continue.

“We firmly assure the discerning public that the overall outcome of the investigations will be made known and appropriate disciplinary actions will be meted to all culprits in this unfortunate act that admittedly threatens to cast unnecessary aspersions on a unique institution that has been a shining example to all over the years.”

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DSS and Soldiers Arrest Six People Planning a Orotest in Osun State

A combined team of soldiers and operatives from Osun Command of Department of State Services on Monday December 28, arrested six members of Coalition for Revolution in Osun State while they were planning to converge for a walk in Osogbo, the state capital.

Osogbo-based human rights lawyer, Alfred Adegoke said those arrested were later moved to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo where they were detained.

Adegoke who alleged that two of the men were brutalised by the security operatives, said they were released after he intervened.

Recounting how they were arrested, one of the protesters Prince Adeyeye Adeyemi said;

“Michael Akande, Adediji Opeyemi, Akinyemi Morakinyo, Olakunle Moses and Adedoyin Temitope, who are members of Coalition for Revolution, had joined me for a walk in the Ayetoro area.

“We came out Monday morning for the exercise; we have not even commenced the walk when 14 trucks filled with soldiers and DSS operatives arrived at the scene. They just packed us into the vehicles and took us to the Dugbe police station.

“From there, we were taken to the SCID of the Osun Police Command. We were beaten and brutalised by the security men. We were later released after the intervention of our legal team, led by Barrister Alfred Adegoke. The security men did not tell us why we were arrested.”

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Arsenal Offer Ozil To Juventus On Loan For Chance To Reunite Him With Ronaldo

Juventus have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil on a six-month loan deal.

Italian outlet Tuttosport claim Juve have had contact with the German’s entourage and Arsenal are prepared to let him leave for free.

The German could be tempted by a chance to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo

The report adds that the Gunners are also willing to pay a portion of Ozil’s mammoth £350,000-a-week salary to facilitate a move.

A switch to Juventus would allow the playmaker to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo with the pair forming a formidable partnership at Real Madrid.

 

The Portuguese was memorably angry about Ozil’s 2013 move to England while the latter has hailed CR7 as one of the best of all time.

 

He told Arsenal’s official website back in 2018:

“Another thing people always ask me about is what it was like to play with Cristiano Ronaldo and all I can say is that I’ve never seen a person like him.

I really enjoyed playing with him because he made me better on the pitch and he’s a great guy off it, too. I gave him loads of assists and he doesn’t need me to remind him of that!

It was easy to play with him because you didn’t need to create a lot of chances. Even if I just gave him two passes, he would score two goals and that’s why he’s one of the greatest footballers who’s ever lived.”

Ozil has not played football since March and was axed from both of Arsenal’s 25-man squads for the top flight and Europa League.

In his absence, Arsenal have won just once in their last eight Premier League matches and have slid to 15th in the table.

But according to his agent, Ozil’s agent insisted he will stay for the remaining six months of his contract.

Mikel Arteta has since opened the door to that possibility as he has the option to re-register the 32-year-old in January.

And SunSport revealed that senior Arsenal stars are reportedly hoping to see Ozil recalled to the team next month. 

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See Reactions of The Nigerian Actor Who Was Allegedly Accused of Having an*l s3x With 14-year-old Girl

Justin Ugonna, the Nigerian Actor accused of having anal sex with a 14-year-old girl who claimed he lied about his age, has reacted to the allegation.

In tweets he shared, Justin stated that he has never been involved in any situation concerning grooming or sexual relations with an underage girl. 

He wrote;

Hello everyone, in light of recent accusations it is very important for me to assure you of who I am and what I have always stood for. I am not attempting to trivialize the stories of women and men who have suffered experiences of rape and statutory rape, but because this is a criminal accusation against me it is very important for me to clarify that these accusations are not true and I have never been involved in any situation concerning grooming or sexual relations with an underage girl

Hey @mamiwaterr if you are open, I would love to have a conversation with you concerning recent accusations. I would also be willing to share these conversations publicly so that everyone can follow through and we can all be on the same page.

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HOT! Singers Burna Boy and Davido in a Fight, Exchanged Blows at a Ghanaian Nightclub

There are multiple reports of Nigerian superstar singers, Davido and Burna Boy clashing at a nightclub in Ghana.

Eyewitnesses alleged that there was a scuffle after Burna Boy ”moved” to Davido at Twist nightclub.

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BBN Buzz Has a Time line – Tobi Bakre

Reality show star, Tobi Bakre has disclosed that the Big Brother Naija reality show he participated in is no longer paving way for him.

He said this in a question and answer session he had with his followers on Twitter. Tobi noted that BBN buzz has a time line, and stars from the show have to maximize it early.

See his tweet below;

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UPDATE! Lagos Speaks on Reopening of Schools, Nightclubs, Releases 12 Guidelines

The Lagos government has warned the residents of the state to take responsibility by following the necessary safety and precautionary protocols against the deadly coronavirus disease which is now on its second wave in the country.

In a tweet by the state government on Friday, December 25, it was emphasised that schools and public gathering are still banned until further notice.

The state urged residents to stay “indoor and stay safe” if it is not compulsory to leave home.

recall that in a statement released by the state on Friday evening, December 18, Governor Bbajide Sanwo-Olu ordered civil servants in the state below level 14 to start working from home as COVID-19 cases spike again.

The Lagos state governor equally banned concerts, carnivals and street parties until further notice. He added that all night clubs in the state must also shut down immediately.

He also directed that all schools must shut down with immediate effect and until further notice.

In a subsequent announcement, the Lagos government reeled out these safety guidelines as sighted by Legit.ng.

1. Maintain adequate social distancing.

2. All bars, night clubs, pubs are to remain closed.

3. Retail shops can open but must follow COVID-19 protocols.

4. Staff must work from home to reduce the crowd at the workplace.

5. All schools are to remain close until further notice.

6. No carnivals, concerts, or street parties or jamborees.

7. Wash hands regularly and use alcoholic sanitiser.

8. Midnight to 4am curfew imposed by the FG remains.

9. Wedding and social gathering must not exceed 300 people after clearance from the Lagos state government.

10. Place of worship must not exceed 50% of the maximum capacity fr attendance.

11. Clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to stay at home.

12. All non-essential travelling seriously advised against.

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UK Finally Clears Air on Yakubu Gowon’s Alleged Looting of CBN

Following the allegation of financial looting levelled against a former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), the government of the United Kindom has finally reacted. 

The Nation reports that the United Kingdom distanced itself from the alleged looting, saying that a member of its parliament, Tom Tugendhat, who made the allegation is on his own. 

It was gathered that the action followed a petition to the British parliament by a group, Igbo for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN), demanding details about the allegation.

The report said that Tugendhat had during the Westminster Hall debate on November 23, accused Gowon of looting half of the Central Bank of Nigeria while he (Gowon) held sway.

Tugendhat had said:

“Some people would remember when General Gowon left Nigeria with half of the Central Bank, so it is said, and moved to London.”

The newspaper also noted that while replying IPAN’s petition in a letter dated December 21 and signed by a member of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Nigeria unit, one Angela disclosed that Tugendhat made the statement in his own personal capacity, and not for the British Parliament or the United Kingdom.

Angela said:

“I am replying as a member of the FCDO Nigeria Unit. I recognise there is concern about the comments made by Tom Tugendhat MP about former Nigerian Head of State, General Gowon, during the Westminster Hall debate on 23 November.”

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