Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Saudi Arabian authorities amputates Nigerian man’s hand over theft


Saudi authorities on Wednesday chopped off the hand of a Nigerian man convicted of theft, in compliance with the Islamic sharia law strictly applied in the kingdom, the interior ministry said.
Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim was convicted of theft and sentenced to having “his right hand amputated” the ministry said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency.
The punishment was executed in Mecca where the theft took place, it said.
The AFP news agency says the kingdom applies the Islamic sharia law, including executions by the sword for people convicted of rape, murder, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking.
 DailyPost

Nigerian Gay Gets Asylum In The U.S, After Being Prosecuted In Nigeria

Oliver came out quietly in 2005, but last year when a gang of neighborhood boys learned the young activist was gay, they blackmailed him, stole his phone and clothing and, when he called their bluff, told his mother.

In the United States, this event surely would have been traumatizing. But in Nigeria, where Oliver lived until he recently got asylum status, it almost cost him his life.
Oliver, still trembling from fear, did not want to use his last name. “I used to live with my mother, but now she said I should never come back,” he said. “She is the only family I have.”
The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill that criminalizes homosexuality, forcing even families to report their loved ones if they are in same-sex relationships. Its House of Representatives will soon vote on it.
“It has huge implications,” said Oliver, who is now 26 and living in the Queens section of New York City. “It will actually make families torn apart and open the doors to persecution of those even perceived to be gay.”
Under the proposed criminal code, Oliver could be sent to jail for 14 years. If enacted, the law would also penalize any organization that provides services to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender citizens.
Oliver is one of 102 LGBT applicants to win that status in the United States, thanks to the pro bono work of Immigration Equality. They come countries like Jamaica (31) to El Salvador (6) to Russia (7).
As an advocate, Oliver spoke out against homophobia across Africa, but it only made his own life worse. In one of the most terrifying incidents, his uncle found out and made him seek help in the church. There, he was locked up for days with angry mobs outside. “It was horrifying,” he said. “I wanted to kill myself.”
But in July, while attending the International AIDS Conference in the U.S., he sought the protection of asylum. He received his letter from the U.S. government just two weeks ago. “It is so exciting to be away from some of the things that limited me and my potential,” Oliver said. “Here the police can protect and not persecute me.”
Oliver will not be able to return to his native countries until he’s a citizen – in about five years. But he say he’s “excited” about his new life.
Oliver, who lived at first in a shelter, is now temporarily living with friends. Finding work has been a challenge, but eventually, he hopes to go back to school to get a master’s degree in public health.
“Hopefully, I will build on myself and when I am ready and able, I pray I can go back home and help,” he said. “But now, I feel like one of the lucky few to live another day.”
InformationNigeria.org

Still Rely On Political Godfatherism? Think Again By Caesar Onuoha


By Caesar Onuoha
Analyzing critically the political evolution in this nation from the First Republic in the 1960’s till date, it is no fallacy stating that Nigeria and indeed Nigerians have witnessed at one period or another an electoral process which ushered in either an abruptly truncated or a stillbirth democratic dispensation; hence, the mention of an “Electoral System” and its accompanying political brouhaha eludes not an average Nigerian, whether young or elderly.  
The return of democracy to the shores of Nigeria in 1999, after long years of military truncation of various governments, brought with it waves of horrendous political misconducts and with do or die political manoeuvering reigning supreme, electoral rigging became the political fashion in vogue. The subsequent castings of ballots in 2003 and 2007 elections were mere ceremonial because before the D-day, ‘selections’ of political godsons by their untouchable  political godfathers, to the detriment of election by the people and for the people, would have been decided and won in secrecy.

Hence accompanying the charade called voting in the aforementioned years were political bulldozing of anticipated strong oppositions, ballot snatching and stuffing, and falsification of electoral results- even in broad day light- so as to achieve one aim “ shove the godfather(s)’ already anointed candidate down the throat of the masses”. Actualization of this heinous stride, therefore, ushered in the fruition of “he who pays the piper calls the tune” at various levels of government functionaries in the country.
Suffice to say not only did this single act subject the poor to an unimaginable precarious livelihood but also the absolute disregard for the provision of basic social amenities for the masses and the fragrant embezzlement of  funds made for these amenities to appease the callous godfathers progressed unabated. More so, attainment of political offices by merits of plausible manifestoes, individual pedigrees either in personal achievements or in previously held political offices became an illusion and was, rather, supplanted with ‘which godson has the highest tendency of turning the government coffer into an ATM machine for himself and his cohorts?’
Conversely, who could have rescued the masses who on their part were naïve to their electoral rights, hence, willing to even sacrifice these rights on the alter of N100, 3 cups of rice and few tubers of yam (all which would evanesce even before it reached their homes). Gosh! It was indeed a pathetic era of sheer ignorance and sure bet was well utilized by unscrupulous politicians and their cohorts.
Alas! Change being the only facet of life constant, our electoral system and the Nigerian people have started to feel slowly but surely the dwindle of ineptitude over adroitness, selection over election, godfather supported electoral victory over genuine upright performance in political offices. In recent times, the indomitable Nigerian people have risen to the occasion and have claimed back that which is theirs “vote them out if they are puppets of a godfather(s) and have woefully underperformed in office.” With the re-election of the perspicacious governors of Edo and Ondo as against the absolute trouncing of the ‘strong men’ and their wimps, in addition to the 2011 general electoral tsunami that hit incumbents of Imo and some States in the South west, the ever resilient Nigerian people vividly expressed and will continue to express their loathe for politicians without scruples of conscience to their everyday plights. Unlike in the past, we have become wiser to collect the N100, 3 cups of rice and few tubers of yam from them but vote for “performance” as against the ephemeral gifts.
Slowly but steadily we have and will never cease with the power of our votes to tell them their nauseous, intemperate, and inane mannerism is an absolute slap to the integrity of this nation and to our person. Guess with the overwhelming defeat of perfidious godfathers and their wimps in the polls, they are slowly acclimatizing with the political climate change in the country (godfatherism nor mere gifts doesn’t any more guarantee victory in polls but performance does) and to the fact they can fool some of us all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but can never fool all of us all of the time.
It is, therefore, no news to the mainstream politicians and the potentials that Nigeria and Nigerians can no longer condone their churlish demeanor while in office as it is deleterious to us and the future generations of this great country.
As the 2015 general election is slowly encroaching, there is still time for inept political office holders to sit up, put on their thinking caps, and give to the masses the dividends of democracy or risk “vote them out”. There is no doubt the great people of this country will lose no sleep to be perfect judges and juries come 2015 in the election polls for ineptitude and complete disregard of their inalienable rights to having basic amenities.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of SaharaReporters.
Saharareporters

10 Foods That Will Greatly Increase Your Performance in Bed

The two most important classifications for men’s sexual health foods are those that promote good blood circulation and those that will increase dopamine, a chemical in the brain.
Here are the top 10 Foods.
1. Salmon – and other oily fish such as mackerel and herring are packed with Omega 3, which increases blood flow around the body and to the genitals and is vital for fighting erectile dysfunction.
2. Lean Meat (in moderation) – Low levels of iron can also cause fatigue and kill sex drive, so eat lean red meat, dark turkey meat, chicken, eggs and oily fish; all of these are a good source of iron.
3. Cherries – raspberries and blackcurrants are rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant that prevents fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels keeping blood running smoothly. Fruitsareliterallybursting with fiber and antioxidants. They are thought to be loaded with aphrodisiac properties; Apples, apricots, bananas, coconut, dates, figs, grapes, mangoes, papayas, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, quince, raspberries and strawberries – take your pick.
4. The avocado – Believe it or not, the Spanish conquistadors helped spread its reputation throughout the world as a powerful sexual stimulant. Guacamole usually contains a lot of sodium, however so be careful.
5. The tomato – a potent source of the powerhouse antioxidant, lycopene, was once a highly sought-after libido enhancer. Other veggies reputed to turn up the heat include: beans, garlic, leeks, onions, parsley, peppers, soybeans, spinach, truffles, turnips and watercress.
6. Shellfish – including abalone, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster and deep, cold-water fish like cod and halibut, fuel the body, brain the and sex drive. Oysters, for instance, are rich in zinc and iodine. Zinc is a vital sexual nutriment and essential for testosterone production in both men and women.
7. Chili Peppers – can improve your circulation and stimulate nerve endings. Ginger can do the same thing. Because circulation is increased, so will your sexual pleasure. Both pine nuts and pumpkin seeds are also sexual energy boosters.
8. Nuts & Honey – natural almonds and pure honey are like a sexual one-two punch. They increase blood flow and stimulate dopamine to promote sexual energy and stamina. General Mills makes a cereal featuring this combo, which is marketed as “heart smart”.
9. Low-fat yogurt – It burns fat and creates lean muscle mass, especially in the stomach area. Muscle helps burn calories, but it is often compromised during weight loss.
10. The Pistachio – Every Eurasian (and Mediterranean) man knows from his own experience the power of the Pistachio nut. Its combination with honey produces an abundance of prostatic fluid (and sperm), with the accompanying quality of enhanced erections. It is full of micro-nutrients, many of which are responsible for the male response actions and its value as a food cannot be underestimated. For example, one ounce of dry roasted pistachios contains 165 calories, with 7 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat (required for the effective production of testosterone in the man’s reproductive system). The pistachio is cholesterol free and contains high values of Vitamins A and C, as well as important percentages of calcium and iron.
The pistachio contains 18 essential proteins. It is almost a complete food on its own. From vitamins, pistachios contain Vitamin A. C, D, E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Foliates, Vitamin B12, and K. From minerals, pistachios contain high amounts of calcium and iron, and magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium. When mixed with honey, it becomes a highly enriched food that will show its circulatory benefits demonstrated in harder erections. Add about one cup (de-shelled) of dry roasted pistachios to an equal amount of natural honey. Place the mixture into a glass jar and expose to the sun for one week. The best time to prepare the mixture is during the summer months. After one week’s exposure, the mixture is ready. One tablespoon daily is recommended in the mornings and one tablespoon when sexual activity is anticipated. It may be eaten alone, mixed with yogurt or with some fruit. The result over time will be an increased sexual drive and stamina.
Foods that receive an honorable mention are: green tea, asparagus and olives. One mineral that is crucial to sex drive is Zinc, so make sure you get plenty of it from crab, multigrain bread, oysters, red meat and sardines. These foods should be eaten in a diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fiber for overall energy. These foods act as stress relievers that also improve male sexual health.
What to do and what not to do:
1. Quit Smoking. Smoking damages every part of your body, especially the circulatory system, and introduces dangerous chemicals directly into the blood.
2. Exercise, every day. It is estimated that you need at least 30 minutes of strenuous exercise daily as a minimum. To get testosterone levels up naturally, start a combination cardio/weight lifting program. See your doctor first, and then ask a professional trainer to give you a custom program suited to your body type, age, and physical condition. Your testosterone levels will rise naturally.
3. Diet. If you are overweight, your penis will eventually pay the price, along with your heart and every other critical organ. Eat plenty of fruits (in season only) and vegetables, lots of roughage (in the form of cereals) and lean meat (sparingly). Your weight will drop naturally (without an official diet) and you will notice your libido returning to normal.
4. Moderate your alcoholic intake. Do not over-indulge in drinking. Only drink Hard liquor sparingly; wines and beers in moderation. Beer contains zinc but it also contains a lot of calories and useless carbs.
5. Get rid of processed foods and eat good carbs for energy, such as brown rice and potatoes with skins. Eat five portions of fruit or vegetables per day and drink plenty of water.
The sexual organs cannot be treated in isolation in regards to the male libido. This means an overall healthier lifestyle. The big killers are drinking smoking and recreational drugs so cut them down or stop altogether. You then need to have a diet to give you energy and fight stress and that means eating naturally. Since good blood flow is important for a good erection, food that is good for your heart will also be good sexual health. If your heart is not operating properly there is a very good chance that your penis will not respond as well as you would like. Because saturated fat clogs the arteries, which in turn restricts the blood flow, it also restricts the blood flow that reaches your genital region. Your body does require fat to create hormones, but it needs the right kind of fats. Good fat comes from olive oils, sea food, and nuts. These good fats will help in the production of hormones that are essential for sexual peak performance.
I hope this article helps. Consult a physician before you start any diet or exercise program.
Above all, use your common sense.
By Skip Pulley
InformationNigeria.org

Good News: Petrol to Sell Cheaper With Niger Import

Nigerians stand the chance to pay less for petrol if oil marketers will turn north and buy from Niger Republic, whose new refinery is just 30 kilometres across the border, as investigations show.

The export price per litre of petrol from Niger’s Soraz refinery is 360 CFA francs, which is equivalent to N114, according to the Niger’s state oil company Sonidep.
In Nigeria, the landing cost of petrol per litre was N124.47 as of November 5, based on PPPRA figures, indicating a difference of about N11 compared to the export price from Niger.
The Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency puts expected retail price of petrol imported from Europe and other far-flung countries at N139.96, but with about N44 subsidy per litre, oil sells at N97 per litre around the country.
Industry experts say if petrol is imported from Niger and the same subsidy is paid, a litre could sell in Nigeria at just a little over N80.
Niger’s oil minister is quoted as saying that the Soraz Refinery is currently operating at half its 20,000 barrel capacity, due to lack of patronage from neighboring West African countries including Nigeria.
“Today Soraz produces 10,000 barrels per day, and it’s saying that it is due to a shortfall in the export level,” Foumakoye Gado said.
Sonidep officially set the price of its exported petrol at 360 CFA francs (N114) per litre, however, there have been few takers among the country’s neighbours because prices are not competitive.
“The countries of the sub-region – Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria – want to come buy in Niger, but on the condition that they gain something … They have to earn something, even if it’s one franc per litre,” Gado said. He added that the government planned to put in place a panel charged with fixing more competitive price levels for 2013.
But analysts say with the subsidy of N44 per litre factored in, it would be profitable for Nigerian marketers to import from Niger.
Currently, there are no applications from marketers to import petrol from the Niger refinery, though four marketers have already gotten diesel import licenses and have been importing the product for months now.
A Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) official who does not want to be named said the lack of patronage of Niger petrol is as a result of low confidence on subsidy reimbursement in Nigeria.
“If you look at the industry now, not all marketers are willing to import PMS from anywhere, because there is no guarantee if government is willing to pay the subsidy on the petrol looking at what is going on now in the industry,” the official said.
He said the Federal Government is owing so many marketers billions for subsidy on petrol they imported since early this year. “So importing petrol is no longer a good business for marketers,” he added.
The official said at the moment no application to import petrol is received by the department despite the proximity of the Soraz refinery to major Northern cities like Kano, Katsina, Daura and Zamfara.
Observers say fuel from Niger is too meagre to satisfy the huge demand from Nigeria.
Nigeria has four refineries in Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt with a combined refining capacity of 445,000 per day. But the refineries are operating far below their installed capacities due to poor maintenance and pipeline vandalism.
Most Nigerian fuel marketers are importing from Europe and India or buy from the high seas.
InformationNigeria.org

Serena Williams is ‘cheeky’ and hot in swimsuit – See Photos

by Rachel Ogbu

Serena Williams, ace tennis player was spotted enjoying the sun in the showed Bahamas a few weeks after leaving Nigeria.
Her incredible figure looked perfect in a couple of swimwear shots as she flirted with the camera.
She accompanied the image writing: ‘Really bummed I am leaving the Bahamas Albany Resort is#1 missing u already.’
After her dramatic breakup with hip hop artist, Common, she was linked to her French coach, Patrick Mouratoglou but in the pictures she appeared on her own.
With a body like that, who needs Common?
Pictures: Daily Mail
YNaija.com

ONC calls on South West Governors to ban okadas


The O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONC), has called on governors in the South West states to ban the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, in their capitals.
Sunday Agbana, the ONC Coordinating Chair, gave the position of the group on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Lagos on the restriction of commercial motorcycles in some parts of the state.
He said that the step should culminate in a total phase out of motorcycles as a means of transportation in the region.
“We call on South-West states including Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Kwara and neighbouring states of Delta and Edo, to follow the examples of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, where Okada has been banned in the capitals,” he said.
“The long term plan must be to stop the usage of Okada as a means of transportation in the entire South-West region.”
Agbana said that there was a need for states in the region to urgently consult with the Federal Government to deal with the chain of illegal migration into Nigeria from troubled zones in Africa.
The ONC coordinator observed that such illegal migration into southern Nigeria states had serious implications.
He said that many had been moving from Mali, Mauritania, Southern Sudan and Chad to Lagos and other South-West states.
“There are no records of these immigrants; there are no data on them and they can commit crimes and vamoose. The easiest job available to them in Nigeria is Okada,” he said.
According to him, there is a serious negative impact on utilities in the South-West which will get worse if the huge migration continues.
He said that the disclosure by the Lagos State Police Commissioner that 98 per cent of crimes in Lagos were committed by Okada riders further underscored the need to address the issue.
Agbana urged the governments of the South-West states to have a long term plan of five years to phase out Okada as a means of transportation in the region.
“Okada riders should be divided into cooperatives with a life span of five years, after which the money contributed by each rider will be converted into returns and investment enough for them to start a new life,” he said.
The ONC coordinator commended the Lagos State Government’s restriction of Okada on routes across the state.
“This will increase the wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Lagos,” he said.
He also urged okada riders to support the initiative and diversify their business.
“This is the only way out. Wanton destruction of public utilities by some Okada riders that went on rampage recently in Lagos following their restriction is counter-productive,” he said.
 DailyPost