2 Universities Withdraw Bill Cosby’s Honorary Degrees Over Sex Scandal

September 25, 2015

In the latest setback over his sex assault allegations, two universities have rescinded honorary degrees awarded to Bill Cosby years ago. They are Fordham University in New York and Marquette University in Wisconsin which announced yesterday thatthey had pulled the degrees given to the comedian to honour him.

In a statement, Fordham said as a Jesuit university, it could “no longer stand behind the degree” it gave to Cosby in 2001. The school said Cosby was unworthy of the honour not just because of the actions he admitted to in a deposition — that he obtained drugs to give to women he wanted to have sex with — but also because Fordham believed he engaged in a “longtime strategy” of verbally attacking his female accusers.

“That Mr. Cosby was willing to drug and rape women for his sexual gratification, and further damage those same women’s reputations and careers to obscure his guilt, hurt not only his victims, but all women, and is beyond the pale,” the statement read.

Over the years, dozens of women have accused Cosby of sex assault, but he has denied the accusations and has never been charged.

This is the first time that Fordham has rescinded an honorary degree.

In an equally strong statement, the president and provost of Marquette announced the school’s board of trustees rescinded Cosby’s degree, awarded in 2013, after conversations with campus leaders and faculty members. University President Michael R. Lovell and Provost Daniel Myers said both groups gave overwhelming support to the board’s action.

Like Fordham, Marquette cited what Cosby has admitted to in a deposition as the basis for its action.

“By his own admission, Mr. Cosby engaged in behaviors that go entirely against our university’s mission and the guiding values we have worked so hard to instill on our campus,” the statement read.

The fallout from the controversy over the sex assault allegations has been swift. Reruns of “The Cosby Show,” his landmark 1980s sitcom, have been pulled from the airwaves, and other projects and tour dates have been scrapped. [myad]

How Kidnappers Made Falae To Trek 30 Kilometres, Sleep On Bare Floor – Family Member

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

A member of Falae’s family has narrated how kidnappers made the Nigeria’s former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, to trek about 30 kilometres from Ilado where they kidnapped him to Owo where he was eventually freed.

The family member who said that Chief Falae was kidnapped by six Fulani herdsmen said that the Chief was made to sleep in the bush for three days as the kidnappers changed their locations every four hours.

Saying that he was not sure if ransom was paid before he was let off the hook, the family member said: “Baba has just narrated his ordeal to some of us. His abductors made him to trek from his farm to Owo. Baba also said he was sleeping on the ‎ground since his kidnap.

“We can’t say if any ransom was paid for his release. According to Baba, when he told the kidnappers that his family only had N2 million, they asked him if he thought the amount was enough for‎ Boko Haram.”

Meanwhile, Falae told Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who paid him a visit at his residence in Obaile that he believed the herdsmen were working for Boko Haram.

The Afenifere chieftain said he was made to sleep on the bare floor throughout his stay with his captors.

The nation’s Inspector General of Police, Arase had earlier told journalists that no ransom was paid before Falae secured his freedom. [myad]

32 Million Accounts In Nigeria Yet To Register For Verification Number – CBN

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

The Central Bank of Nigeria has said that as at the end of September, 32 million active bank accounts are yet to register for the Biometric Verification Number (BVN).

In a statement in Abuja today, CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Mu’azu Ibrahim, said CBN is concerned by the number of account owners yet to enroll, considering that the exercise would end by October 31.

According to the statement, after 18 month of the exercise, empirical evidence shows that a good number of bank customers are reluctant and have not taken the exercise seriously.

“The emerging statistical trend of the BVN registration exercise shows that there are about 52 million active bank accounts in various banks.

“Out of this, total enrollment stands at about 20 million, out of which about 14 million accounts have been found linked to the BVN as of September, 2015.

“The question now is whether bank customers have been taking advantage of the extension to complete their BVN registration and also ensure that their various bank accounts have been linked to the BVN.”

The statement revealed that after the initial rush from June ending to July, there had been a steady decline in new BVN enrollment figures for August and September.

The CBN, in collaboration with all banks in Nigeria, had on February 14 last year, inaugurated the BVN, which is a centralized biometric identification system for the banking industry.

It aims at addressing issues of identity theft and fraud and will help to discover blacklisted customers, reduce queues in banking halls and standardize efficiency of banking operations.

The CBN also said the BVN would encourage banks to grant loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and students in the country.

“One of the most potent arguments advanced by banks for not extending enough credit to prospective credit customers in Nigeria has been the absence of credible identity system.

“Thus, it was agreed that the scheme would make access to credit easier for low income earners in the society,’’ the Apex bank said.

The CBN had initially put the deadline of BVN registration at June 30 but postponed it to October 31 because of low enrollment. [myad]

Pope Francis Grieves For Muslim World Over Deaths At Jamrat, Saudi Arabia

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

Pope Francis has expressed his pain as Muslims around the world bemoan the death of hundreds of pilgrims who died in a stampede at Jamrat near Mecca yesterday.

The incident has been described as the worst disaster to hit the annual hajj pilgrimage in 25 years.

Speaking during a packed evening prayer service at New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Argentine pope expressed his “sentiments of closeness in the face of the tragedy that their people suffered today in Mecca.”

“In this moment of prayer, I unite myself with you all in prayer to God, our father, all powerful and merciful,” the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Catholics added.

As at the last count, no fewer than 717 pilgrims lost their lives with 805 injured. [myad]

Buhari Describes Multiple Deaths At Jamrat As Global Islamic Monumental Tragedy, Mourns Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari has described multiple deaths at Jamrat in Saudi Arabia yesterday as a monumental tragedy, not only for citizens of the countries involved, but for the global Islamic community even as he mourned the death, in the tragedy of a veteran female journalist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf.

The President said he was deeply saddened by the colossal calamity that claimed the lives of hundreds of pilgrims, including some Nigerians.

A statement by senior special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Garba Shehu quoted Buhari from New York the United States of America as saying that the stampede at Mina in which Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, Professor Tijjani El-Miskin and others lost their lives is monumental tragedy, not only for citizens of the countries involved, but for the global Islamic community.

The President extends sincerest condolences to the families of the over 700 pilgrims who lost their lives in this latest disaster in the Holy Places which occurred less than two weeks after a crane collapse in Mecca claimed more than a hundred lives.

Buhari commiserated with the Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the sad loss of Hajiya Bilkisu, whom he described as “an exemplary, dedicated, knowledgeable, very credible, highly-respected, outstanding editor and columnist who, even in death, will remain a glittering role model for journalists, within and outside Nigeria.”

The President took note of the assurance by the Government of Saudi Arabia that Thursday’s catastrophe will be investigated even as he advised King Salman to ensure a comprehensive and thorough exercise that will identify any flaws in Hajj organization with a view to avoiding a recurrence of such tragedies during the annual pilgrimage.

“In the knowledge that it is not within our powers to question the will of God, President Buhari prays that Almighty Allah will comfort the families who lost their beloved ones in the stampede and receive the souls of all those who died in the Holy Land while fulfilling the religious obligation of the Hajj.” [myad]

UNICEF Celebrates Adoption Of Sustainable Development Goals By UN General Assembly

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) is celebrating today’s adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations General Assembly, at a Summit in New York in which over 130 heads of state and government were in attendance.

The historic adoption of the proposal came shortly after an address by Pope Francis, who remarked: “we live in a world in which many who are born poor will die poor. It is up to us to be the first society to eradicate poverty and bring justice and equality to the most disenfranchised people on earth.”

The Sustainable Development Goals represent an ambitious plan of action that aims to eliminate extreme poverty and hunger, provide quality lifelong education for all, protect the planet and promote peaceful and inclusive societies.

These new global goals offer a historic opportunity to provide children with the fair start in life they deserve, UNICEF said, cautioning that this opportunity will be wasted if the world does not focus efforts and investments on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

Angélique Kidjo, who has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002, sang a moving version of ‘Afirika’ – her hymn to the continent she calls home.

“Africa and its children have the most to gain from the Sustainable Development Goals, but they also have the most to lose if our leaders do not fully commit to this new agenda for peace and prosperity,” Kidjo said. “As an artist I want to use my voice to make sure that people around the world understand the new global goals and why they matter, so that they can hold their leaders accountable for their success or failure.”

Flanked by a group of young people from across the world, Malala Yousafzai then delivered a message of hope for today’s children before the SDGs were ratified by world leaders.

Also Shakira, a passionate advocate of children’s rights, told the assembled world leaders before her performance: “Our children have the right to equal opportunities; to thrive, to be happy, healthy, and safe.” [myad]

Arik Airlines Workers Protest Over N20 Billion Indebtedness To Aviation Parastatals

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has, for the second time within a week, staged a protest, threatening to disrupt activities of Arik Airlines due to huge debt the airlines owed aviation parastatals.
According to information, the airlines is believed to be owing various parastatals in the aviation industry a total sum of N20 Billion, making it the biggest debtor in the industry.
The President of the association, Mr. Benjamin Okewu, accused the airlines of enjoying services of aviation parastatals without paying for them. He made clear that the protest the union staged was to send a notice to Arik management that the aviation workers are tired of the incessant indebtedness of Arik to all the aviation parastatals.
This was even as the Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Ado Sanusi had recently requested that the debts of the airline should be rescheduled and the interest rates be reviewed downwards.
He said that the aviation agencies should also reschedule the debts owed them by the airlines.
“The aviation parastatals should do a re-set button for the airlines. They can look at the whole debts and negotiate with the airlines. They can reconcile the debts and tell the airlines to pay a percentage of the total debts and agree on payment modalities.”
Only in May this year, no fewer than 100 stranded Arik Air passengers took to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s tarmac in Lagos to protest against their delayed flight.
The intending travellers resorted to violent protests, invading the tarmac of the airport and disrupting a scheduled Lagos-Accra flight of Arik Air. [myad]

Don’t Personalise Your Trial, Tinubu Tells Saraki, Says “I Had Gone Through Same Road”

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

Former Lagos State Governor and leader of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Senator President, Dr. Bukola Saraki not to personalise his current trial in the Code of Conduct Tribunal over corruption and false assets declaration.
Tinubu, who spoke to newsmen at the side of Dodan Barracks Eid praying ground during Sallah celebration said that he too went through similar trial shortly after he completed his tenure as governor of Lagos.
“It is part of nation’s development. We cannot overlook a lot of things. And we cannot personalise a lot of things as if it was vendetta. We have to endure and be patient as we look for justice, equity and a balanced society.”
Tinubu insisted that time has come for the leadership of this country to strengthen the institutions of governance, asking: “if we do not strengthen these institutions, how can they work for the development of the nation? If we fail and result to blackmail, how can the nation reverse the decadence that is perceived in our society?”
The APC leader regretted that because of corruption and disregard for institutions of governance, citizens no longer believe government officials. “When one has a public responsibility, the citizens look at it as if the source of wealth to steal and mismanage public funds and do things are part of the democratic norms and values.
‘We have to live by example and by our words. We can be talking about it alone. We have to work it without any iota of blackmail.”
Tinubu insisted that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would not overlook certain individuals and allegations in its fight against corruption, adding that the ongoing anti-corruption war embarked upon by the President would strengthen the country’s institutions and fast track development.
Tinubu, who called on Nigerians to often put God and the nation first in their daily activities, said “What is missing in Nigeria is lack of patriotism, dedication to God and to our people.”
The APC leader recalled that he too had experienced the trial at the CCT, adding: “it is not what I haven’t personally experienced.
“I have been through it. The second week I left office, I was invited by Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC. I went there and answered their questions. Later, I took them to court and I won.”
He noted that the country had surmounted some challenges but that to avoid a repeat of such, Nigerians must put the nation first and do the right thing.
“Yearly, we talk about sacrifice. I was charged to the tribunal. I went and challenged them to show proof. I was later discharged and acquainted because there was no evidence to prove their claims.
“If we want people to persevere, from the top to the bottom, we have to demonstrate as leaders that we are very serious about nation building too.
“Our leaders should look compassionately at the suffering masses and create the demand locally and diversify our economy. Go through it at once and have a nation that we will all be proud of, develop citizenship that will be blind to tribe or ethnicity but believe in character.”
Tinubu expressed worry that when Nigerians meet themselves outside the country, they embrace one another but immediately they arrive in this country, they revert to ethnicity, tribalism and others.
“We have to develop a new character and new nation.
“Every day we talk about the potential of this country but where are we? When one looks at a country like India, they don’t have oil but they were able to build an economy for themselves that is thriving today and creating employment for the youths.
“We want everything free but we have not put emphasis on the training of our youths and retraining of our teachers to put education in forefront of investment that is necessary for this country.
“We still believe that education is the weapon against poverty. And to achieve it, we have to rededicate ourselves and make those sacrifices in order to lift the country out of poverty.” [myad]

Group Loyal To Sylva Calls For Oshiomhole Removal As Head Of Bayelsa APC Governorship Primary

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

A group loyal to the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva under the aegis of the Niger Delta People’s Movement (NDPM) has called for the removal of the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman of the State’s Electoral Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) due to his inability to perform the duties required of him by the party.
The group which accused Oshiomhole of playing politics of witch hunting, imposition, urged the leadership of APC to stand firmly by bringing Sylva to power in December 2015.
According to the group which said it held a meeting today in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, Oshiomhole connived with some aspirants to sabotage Sylva’s efforts at the party’s governorship primary.
“We respectfully request the national leadership of the party to remove Adams Oshiomhole as the Chairman of the State’s Electoral Committee due to his inability to perform the duties required of him by the party.”
In a statement issued after the meeting by NDPM spokesperson, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, group re-state its support for Sylva for the governorship of the state, saying that he made landmark achievements when he was chief executive officer of the state.
“The next governor should be someone who can govern, transform and develop the state as well as save it from drift after 2015.
“Bayelsa State requires in December 2015, the right leadership that will take it to the next level. Bayelsa needs a leadership that will provide the momentum for growth and prosperity.”
The group described Sylva as a trusted hand, and that he represents politics of development in Nigeria.
“Sylva is the people’s choice. He is a bridge builder and a grassroots politician. His records in administration are excellent and clear testimonies of a committed leader. His vision, credibility and upright nature are attributes that appear most to people. He has over the years woven a network of contacts with key players of the Nigerian power game. He will propel Bayelsa State to higher planes of development.”
The group advised the people not to support any aspirant that has been identified as part of the factors militating against the progress of the state.
“The time has come to make sacrifices. Let us bury our differences. Let us halt political jokers and opportunists from further sucking our blood and mortgaging our future. Let us mobilize to push Sylva in the interest of our state and the future.
“Let us ensure that this humble leader becomes our governor in December 2015.” [myad]

Former Editor Of New Nigerian Newspaper, Bilkisu Yusuf, Among Pilgrims Who Died At Jamrat

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2015

Former Editor of New Nigerian Newspaper, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf has been confirmed to be among the over 750 pilgrims who died yesterday in a stampede at the Jamrat as they arrived from Muzdallifah to stone the devil.
Also confirmed dead in the tragedy is Deputy Secretary General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Professor Tijjani Abubakar El-Miskin. A female pharmacist from Nigeria, Hafsat Shittu was also confirmed dead.
Information reaching us indicated that many more pilgrims from Nigeria as well as Niger Republic, Chad and Senegal were feared to be among the at least 753 who died and at least 800 injured in the worst stampede at the annual hajj in 25 years.
The stampede was said to have occurred during the last major rite of the annual pilgrimage, the symbolic stoning of the devil. There was a crush when a huge number of pilgrims turned out for the symbolic stone throwing and the pilgrims were going in opposite directions, contrary to the procedure.
Hajiya Bilkisu was the most prominent female journalist from Northern Nigeria for several decades. She was editor of Sunday Triumph in the early 1980s and became editor of the New Nigerian in 1987. She then became editor of Citizen Magazine in 1990. Apart from journalism, Hajiya Bilkisu was also well known for civil society activism and in particular for her role in the nurturing of Muslim Women’s NGOs.
She was Deputy National Amirah of the Federated Organisation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN). She wrote hundreds of seminar papers and attended civil society conferences all over the world. Most recently, she was deeply involved in helping persons internally displaced by the crises in the North East region.
Hajiya Bilkisu was a columnist with Weekly Trust.
The death of Professor El-Miskin was confirmed by the Borno State Amirul Hajj, the state’s former deputy governor, Alhaji Adamu Dibal, who spoke to the state’s radio station.
In addition to his NSCIA duties, El-Miskin was the Executive Chairman of the Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, a position he was appointed to in 2013 when Governor Kashim Shettima reconstituted the agency’s board. He was also a professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Maiduguri and a former Director General of the Nigeria Arabic Village at Gamboru, Borno State.
One of the country’s most versatile Muslim clerics, teachers and activists, Professor El-Miskin once taught at the Nigeria Defence Academy in Kaduna.
He was very prominent at academic and Islamic lecture circuits and has hundreds of seminar papers to his name. His father, the prominent Tijjaniyya cleric, Sheikh Abubakar El-Miskin, died in Maiduguri last November at the age of 100.
He was also a member of the committee of traditional rulers, retired military officers, academics, businessmen and former public officers set up by the Northern States Governors Forum two years ago to work for reconciliation, healing and security in the troubled North East region. [myad]

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