₦airaland Forum

Brave youths! can you please do the same to Emmanuel Uduaghan when he visits your community.

June 12 affected Igbos more than any tribe---Igbo leaders
Boko Haram is targeting Igbos----Igbo leaders
APC is anti-Igbo -----Igbo leaders
Sanitation of Ladipo market is ethnic cleansing of Igbos----Igbo leaders
Igbos are marginalised in Nigeria -----Igbo leaders
Fashola is anti-Igbo----Igbo leaders
About time we stopped taking these 'leaders' serious

Using the same tactics used by “gay” rights activists, pedophiles have begun to seek similar status arguing their desire for children is a sexual orientation no different than heterosexual or homosexuals.

Critics of the homosexual lifestyle have long claimed that once it became acceptable to identify homosexuality as simply an “alternative lifestyle” or sexual orientation, logically nothing would be off limits. “Gay” advocates have taken offense at such a position insisting this would never happen. However, psychiatrists are now beginning to advocate redefining pedophilia in the same way homosexuality was redefined several years ago.

In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. A group of psychiatrists with B4U-Act recently held a symposium proposing a new definition of pedophilia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders of the APA.

B4U-Act calls pedophiles “minor-attracted people.” The organization’s website states its purpose is to, “help mental health professionals learn more about attraction to minors and to consider the effects of stereotyping, stigma and fear.”

In 1998 The APA issued a report claiming “that the ‘negative potential’ of adult sex with children was ‘overstated’ and that ‘the vast majority of both men and women reported no negative sexual effects from childhood sexual abuse experiences.”

Pedophilia has already been granted protected status by the Federal Government. The Matthew Shephard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act lists “sexual orientation” as a protected class; however, it does not define the term.

Republicans attempted to add an amendment specifying that “pedophilia is not covered as an orientation;” however, the amendment was defeated by Democrats. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fl) stated that all alternative sexual lifestyles should be protected under the law. “This bill addresses our resolve to end violence based on prejudice and to guarantee that all Americans, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability or all of these ‘philias’ and fetishes and ‘isms’ that were put forward need not live in fear because of who they are. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule.”

The White House praised the bill saying, “At root, this isn’t just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another – whether we embrace our differences rather than allowing them to become a source of animus.”

Earlier this year two psychologists in Canada declared that pedophilia is a sexual orientation just like homosexuality or heterosexuality.

Van Gijseghem, psychologist and retired professor of the University of Montreal, told members of Parliament, “Pedophiles are not simply people who commit a small offense from time to time but rather are grappling with what is equivalent to a sexual orientation just like another individual may be grappling with heterosexuality or even homosexuality.”

He went on to say, “True pedophiles have an exclusive preference for children, which is the same as having a sexual orientation. You cannot change this person’s sexual orientation. He may, however, remain abstinent.”

When asked if he should be comparing pedophiles to homosexuals, Van Gijseghem replied, “If, for instance, you were living in a society where heterosexuality is proscribed or prohibited and you were told that you had to get therapy to change your sexual orientation, you would probably say that that is slightly crazy. In other words, you would not accept that at all. I use this analogy to say that, yes indeed, pedophiles do not change their sexual orientation.”

Dr. Quinsey, professor emeritus of psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, agreed with Van Gijseghem. Quinsey said pedophiles’ sexual interests prefer children and, “There is no evidence that this sort of preference can be changed through treatment or through anything else.”

In July, 2010 Harvard health Publications said, “Pedophilia is a sexual orientation and unlikely to change. Treatment aims to enable someone to resist acting on his sexual urges.”

Linda Harvey, of Mission America, said the push for pedophiles to have equal rights will become more and more common as LGBT groups continue to assert themselves. “It’s all part of a plan to introduce sex to children at younger and younger ages; to convince them that normal friendship is actually a sexual attraction.”

Milton Diamond, a University of Hawaii professor and director of the Pacific Center for Sex and Society, stated that child pornography could be beneficial to society because, “Potential sex offenders use child pornography as a substitute for sex against children.”

Diamond is a distinguished lecturer for the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco. The IASHS openly advocated for the repeal of the Revolutionary war ban on homosexuals serving in the military.

The IASHS lists, on its website, a list of “basic sexual rights” that includes “the right to engage in sexual acts or activities of any kind whatsoever, providing they do not involve nonconsensual acts, violence, constraint, coercion or fraud.” Another right is to, “be free of persecution, condemnation, discrimination, or societal intervention in private sexual behavior” and “the freedom of any sexual thought, fantasy or desire.” The organization also says that no one should be “disadvantaged because of age.”

Sex offender laws protecting children have been challenged in several states including California, Georgia and Iowa. Sex offenders claim the laws prohibiting them from living near schools or parks are unfair because it penalizes them for life.

Even if Shekau was captured, GEJ could use him for political tool as he's using Al-Mustapha. After all, any criminal can be used to appease the 'north'.

African record smashed! I suspect it will get down further in the final

The two top women in 100m have met 3 times this season, Frayser-Pryce has won it all three times, and our own Blessing Okagbare has come 2nd in all occasions. The races are always close, and Blessing has shown improvement. The gap has been reducing (0.07s to 0.04s to 0.01s), they have another rematch tomorrow. Its even bigger because Blessing is back to the place where she was unlucky last olympics finals. Same track, same persons, same place. Good luck Blessing.

Where are the child right activists? What harsh tag do we use for this? The hypocrisy of Nigerians. A 6 year old is dead because there's very little law to protect her. Majority of women who bring these children from the villages treat them as such. God save the Nigerian child.

This is not new. Lagos started by 'deporting' mad men to Ibadan. When Oyo Government woke up, Lagos was warned and the destitute infestation stopped. Now its Anambra turn. One day, there will be no where to dump them but at Aso rock. Maybe the mother of the nation can feed them with our 1B food allowance.

luvmijeje: Naptu, pls get down from your high horse! At least we put our Senators on their toes.

Put them on their toes by spreading falsehood? Next time, people wont that these activists serious. No one likes being played as a foo.l

Now the dust is settling, the gullibility of Nigerians who do not bother to read is becoming glaring. Has Stella Damascus taken her show of shame off YouTube? I was well insulted on this nairaland for pointing out the obvious misunderstandings. Unfortunately some people are now trying to add meaning to denunciation of citizenship as meaning approval to vote.
Unfortunately, the people who carry the title of 'child right activists' are nothing but deceitful individuals. They are pushing personal agenda and vendetta. Now they have overshot their runway and Nigerians will look well before leaping next time.

Misguided campaign on child brides (1/2)

Author(s): Mavi Mudiaga

The recent Constitutional Review by the Nigerian Senate has caused some uproar over the resolve to retain section 29(4)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution (CFRN). Subsequent to this resolution, Nigerians began a campaign- #ChildNotBride- on the misguided premise that the retention of this provision of the CFRN somehow endorses child marriage. While this article shall discuss how this campaign is somewhat misplaced, in the sense that it rests on a wrong legal foundation, Part II of the series shall discuss issues that the Senate ought to have considered while reviewing s.29(4)(b).

Has the Senate endorsed child marriage? As an objective lawyer, my answer to this question is in the negative. To avoid being misunderstood, I do not argue that child marriage should not be condemned; rather, I argue that this campaign should not be because of the Senate’s resolution to retain s.29(4)(b) CFRN.

s.29(4)(b) CFRN deals with CITIZENSHIP and not marriage or indeed, marriageable age.

The masquerade

To kick start this discussion, I call s.29(4)(b) a masquerade. A masquerade means anything that has the quality of a “false outward show”, a “façade”, or exists “under false pretences.” Section 29(4)(b) in effect creates an automatic irrefutable presumption that any married woman is of full age whereas s.29(4)(a) clearly states that full age means eighteen years and above. As such, s.29(4)(b) creates a façade that so long as a female is married, she is of full age. It takes for granted, the fact that some married females are not women; they are children and therefore cannot be said to be of full age.

To retain, or not to retain

One wonders how or why the sensitive issue of child marriage was introduced in the context of a resolution under Chapter III of the Constitution. The call by Senator Ike Ekweremadu was in respect of s.29(4)(b), which deals with the definition of full age ONLY for the purpose of renouncing one’s Nigerian citizenship. To the best of my knowledge, he was not suggesting a minimum marriageable age for Nigerians.

Section 29 CFRN states:

(1) Any citizen of Nigeria of full age who wishes to renounce his Nigerian citizenship shall make a declaration in the prescribed manner for the renunciation.
(2) …
(3) …
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section,
a. “full age” means the age of eighteen years and above;
b. any woman who is married shall be deemed to be of full age (emphasis supplied).
The first rule in statutory interpretation is to look at the ordinary or natural meaning of the words used- the literal rule. Another canon of statutory interpretation is expressio unius est exclusio alterius (the express mention of one thing means the exclusion of others)-. Applying these principles to s.29(4)(b), it is clear that the Constitution provides that it is only for the purpose of s.29(1) CFRN that a married female is presumed to be of full age. It is worth mentioning that s.29(4)(b) CFRN is the only provision in the CFRN that presumes that a married woman is of full age.

It is baffling to see how s.29(4)(b) CFRN being retained endorses child marriage, as some eager, hot-blooded, misinformed individuals purport to argue. I say these individuals are misinformed because it is doubtful that they have read the actual provision or even other parts of the Constitution. Although child marriage is repugnant, s.29(4)(b) does not endorse it; child marriage is attributable to other provisions in the Constitution. For example:

Section 38 CFRN- freedom of religion, including a person’s right to practice and observe his chosen religion; and
Section 42 CFRN- the fundamental right not to be subjected expressly or practically, to any restrictions pursuant to any law in force in Nigeria, owing to the person’s sex or religious beliefs (amongst others), when such restriction would not have applied if the person was not of that sex or had his/her religious beliefs.
Due to the nature of the Nigerian legal system, the country has no state religion as found in countries like Argentina, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Israel, etc. In fact, having a state religion is expressly prohibited (s.10 CFRN). It therefore follows that in the absence of a state religion, and the entrenchment of freedom of religion in the Constitution, as well as other international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, if a religion permits underage marriage and a Nigerian practices that religion, such practice, arguably, should be respected.
However, the right to religious freedom (s.38 CFRN) is not absolute; it may be restricted “in the interest of… public order, public morality or public health or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom or other persons” (s.45 CFRN). So, advocates for underage marriage on grounds of religious freedom should pay attention to s.45 CFRN. Also, advocates against child marriage should draw up cogent and convincing proposals for the restriction of a person’s right to religious freedom, which must satisfy the requirements of legitimacy and proportionality.

It is a struggle to see how, from a literal reading of s.29(4)(b) CFRN, it can be interpreted that the ability of a married female child to renounce her citizenship amounts to an endorsement of child marriage. Therefore, this campaign should be driven by a proper legal base e.g. why the 2003 Child Rights Act is not receiving any attention, or a proposal for the restriction of religious freedom, rather than misconstruing s.29(4)(b).

As can be deciphered from the preceding paragraphs, deleting s.29(4)(b) would not make child marriage unlawful.

Editor’s note: To be concluded next week.

delors: Bros, noooooooooooo! I restrained from this very strong temptation to call you a name. I am a changed individual ...But then, these guys knew what thy were doing. truth is that:
1. they never knew that the names of these guys WHO voted would be published
2. They knew the implication of voting against that particular clause of the section....a lawyer could interpret that in many ways. We were lucky to have been informed on the implication of such a move
3. They never knew that Nigerians would understand the implication of wiping that clause out of the constitution.
Wake up bro and get a good understanding of the law. If they say, "As from 6pm, children can no longer play outside their homes" a good lawyer could interpret this to be so many things like 1. curfew after 6pm 2. who is a child? What is the age bracket of a child? 11? 12? 13? 17? If a 30yr old man still has the brain of a 10yr old, then he is a child...the law is a criminally-minded document written by criminals...take a cue from Zimmerman's Self-Defense and Stand Your Ground clauses in the US constitution and how he won the Trayvon's case with these...we are enlightened bro. We know what's up

I dont mind you calling me names, it doesnt really bother me. Please provide your interpretation of how section 29 b (4) links with supporting child bride. If you can do that, then we can have an intellectual convo.
You might want to read this review before coming back: http://telegraphng.com/2013/07/misguided-campaign-on-child-brides-12/

Kamsy10: What have you understood,Mr intelligent. You and Yerima are so disgusting. How do you feel sleeping with a 13 year old girl when you are 64.
Gush!!!spits on you and Yerima and walks away from the thread.
Don't think I'll reply on this your disgusting post. This topic brings to mind the agony all the trauma old disgusting men are putting underdeveloped girls through. Their organs are not even fully developed.gushh!!!! spits again

What has renouncing citizenship got to do with sleeping with underaged girls? This is a constitutional issue and not a moral one. I wonder why this hypothetical old man marrying young girl comes forth always. I was against the initial marriage of Yerima to the Egyptian girl when it happened. This time around, it is a different issue, but you have chosen to spit blindly rather than think deep.

Well understood Senator. We know those who jump on bandwagon are not the intelligent ones. That Section 29 NEVER mentioned or endorsed child marriage. As long as it serves some emergency activists purpose, they conveniently twisted the whole thing. Stella Damascus even made a video highlighting her misinformation. Many cosmetic activists on twitter, facebook and even here on nairaland needed to get busy, so they picked on Yerima. When they all settle down to digest the bill, I hope the reasonable ones among them will retract and apologize.

erico2k2: Sir is how you address someone officially when you don't know their tittle, I have been called Sir more times than I can remember in the UK

Sir is a title in the UK. Most people feel embarrassed being called Sir. Most times, its a way of taking the mick.

the final will be a 'DEADLY AFFAIR'. either bowroffhorse are gonna die on the line. Well, Oduduru was discovered in a Village in Warri just last year. His first race was amazing. He's a raw talent with his English needing plenty polishing

From day 1 of this season, it was obvious Blessing is primed for gold in 100m, 200m and LJ. Only question is if her body can cope.

Rivers state where a serving representative was shouting cultist slang on national TV. It is not coincidence that all these things are happening in Rivers where the ALUU 4 were killed.

GEJ ma to te!!!

[quote author=A-town]Pardon my ignorance but shouldn't all people observe it equally? I am aware that nigerians in the US fast from like 5 in the morning till about 9 pm while those in nigeria fast from 5 till about 7. I get the from dawn to dusk part but shouldn't everyone observe it equally? Just being curious. Not trying to offend anyone here.[/quote]Yes we are to all observe fast equally: from sunrise to sunset. However, sunrise varies from region to region, as stated in the article. Where I live, sun rose at 3.13 am today, and will start to set at 9:25 pm. That is 18 hours plus. In that itself is a lesson of the greatness of Allah. I do not see it as being unequal.

I can guess the next big name to be caught. Putting the jigsaw together, Shelly Ann Frayser-Pryce will be exceptional not to test positive. This is because she trains at the same club as 4 of the caught athletes. Their coach is the one who gives them supplements. If 4 of his elite athletes are testing positive to the same substance, common sense tells me ALL of them took it.
Coming home, I am praying that Blessing Okagbare is not trusting her coach too much. Her coach John Smith was indicted in the Balco drug saga, though he denied his involvement. I think Blessing was tested in Calabar around last month. So far, she's clean.

The drug shame is bigger than expected. A few new names have been added!
1. Nester Carter of Jamaica. He is regarded as the 3rd fastest Jamaican behind Bolt and Asafa.
2. Sherone Simpson, 3rd fastest Jamaican female. Key part of Jamaican relay team (female). This is after Veronica Campbell-Brown (Jamiaca's most successful female sprinter) was caught out too.
The entire Jamaican 'sprint fleet' is caught out DIRTY. Only Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Frayser-Pryse are left standing.

Athletics is getting filthy by the day. Earlier today, the shocking news of Tyson Gay failing drugs test was yet to settle in. While Tyson Gay immediately released a statement to admit the ban to follow, he also withdrew himself from Diamond league and World Champs. As that news was settling in, I just got the news that Asafa Powell too has failed a drug test!
This makes it TWO high profile athletes in a day. Big shame on the sport.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/athletics/23307913
Below is the recent release from Asafa on the issue

Big big shame! Veronica Campbell-Brown, Tyson Gay, not looking good for athletics at the moment.

A very very shameful day for American justice and the state. Trayvon Martin was shot by a 'wannabee cop' while he was unarmed. From day 1, it was so obvious the whole state, police, etc were working to paint Trayvon guilty and deserving of death. Well, the Jury has deliberated and found George Zimmermann NOT GUILTY. I am disgusted. This may lead to serious riots in America.
Judgement meaning: A black 17 year old boy walking home from the store is killed and his killer is found to have acted in self-defense. A real shame.

Well, democracy does not really sit well with PDP. They simply do not like the game of numbers. In the NGF, 16>>19. In Rivers state, 5 >>>> 22. I guess there's no point going out to vote in 2015.

A fuller story!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI3wU4jZRCQ

In UK, Ramadan starts on Wednesday. Source: Islam Channel
Islam Channel ‏@Islamchannel 1h
Islam Channel has the pleasure of announcing the first day of Ramadhan to be Wednesday 10th July 2013, 1434 A/H.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz7-CzKB2y4
She will get it right soon

The race between the tallest and the shortest. Good race by Blessing, she just needs to know where the finish line is. I'm confident she will win at least a gold in Moscow

Sky Rider: Unfortunately nigeria did not contribute to her success. In an interview she made it known that she gets her support from outside Nigeria.
That's why I will not fault the other Nigerian lady for running for team GB

That's not true. Okagbare is the MOST favored of our athletes. She gets what she wants when she wants it. Though this may not be quite enough, but she is getting every support she could get.
I still think there's a behind-the-scene tapping to make her run for the USA.

I have a fear Okagbare will be running for USA at next olympics. She's all America wants to break Jamaican women hold in sprint.