WASHINGTON (AFP) – US Secret Service personnel sprang into action Friday outside the White House when a man stripped naked in what appeared to be a bizarre form of protest.
On one of the hottest days of the year so far in the US capital, where temperatures hit at least 26 degrees Celsius (78 Fahrenheit), the man ambled up to Secret Service officers at the gate of the White House and then took off all his clothes.
The incident happened shortly before President Barack Obama was due to give a speech at the White House announcing his new pick as housing secretary.
The man, named by the Secret Service as Michel Bechard, refused to be subdued and was duly arrested, a spokesman said.
Witnesses said uniformed officers covered the man in a foil heat sheet and loaded him into a Secret Service van.
Photos on Twitter showed at least three police officers kneeling on the naked man to keep him under control. Another image showed the man standing just a few steps from the White House fence as people stood around and snapped pictures with their camera phones.
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Friday, 23 May 2014
Ritualist rapes woman, kills her son
By DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta
Police recover 20 human heads, arrest 7 suspects
In recent times, Ogun State seems to be under attacks by ritualists who were on the loose in some parts of the state. The recent discovery of their dens and subsequent arrest of the suspected operators and their accomplices reveal that both the dead and the living are not safe in the hands of the ritualists.
Many cemeteries in Ogun State have been reportedly visited by these wicked souls who do not only exhume the contents, but, also dismember the remains of the dead and sell them. Bizarre.
Police recover 20 human heads, arrest 7 suspects
This development has forced many families in the state to avoid porous cemeteries for the secured ones. So far, more than 20 human heads including that of a-two-year-old boy as well as other parts of human bodies including tongues, intestines among others have been severed by the ritualists who have been on the prowl in the state.
Police recover 20 human heads, arrest 7 suspects
In recent times, Ogun State seems to be under attacks by ritualists who were on the loose in some parts of the state. The recent discovery of their dens and subsequent arrest of the suspected operators and their accomplices reveal that both the dead and the living are not safe in the hands of the ritualists.
Many cemeteries in Ogun State have been reportedly visited by these wicked souls who do not only exhume the contents, but, also dismember the remains of the dead and sell them. Bizarre.
Police recover 20 human heads, arrest 7 suspects
This development has forced many families in the state to avoid porous cemeteries for the secured ones. So far, more than 20 human heads including that of a-two-year-old boy as well as other parts of human bodies including tongues, intestines among others have been severed by the ritualists who have been on the prowl in the state.
Jealous man castrates, kills French mayor
PARIS (AFP) – A jealous man castrated and murdered the mayor of a hamlet in northern France whom he suspected of having an affair with his girlfriend, officials said Friday.
The man suspected of attacking the mayor reportedly believed he was ‘having an affair with his wife.’ PHOTO: AFP
Mayor Dominique Leboucher, 55, was brutally stabbed in the neck by a 39-year-old electrician, the prosecutor of the northern city of Caen told reporters.
The attacker had no previous police record and was “clearly very much in love” with his girlfriend, Catherine Denis said.
He subsequently committed suicide.
Denis said the mayor’s wife said she did not believe her husband was cheating.
The prosecutor said the mayor was apparently castrated after being murdered.
The crime sparked horror in the tiny village of Bretteville-le-Rabet in France’s northern Calvados region.
“I do not believe this thing about infidelity at all,” said Yannick Guesnon, one of the mayor’s deputies, adding that the attack appeared to be “an act of madness.”
Albert Gibot, a pensioner in the village of 250 souls, said the attacker, a father of two, had “blown a fuse as his partner used to attend meetings of the local council in the evenings.”
The mayor, who worked in insurance sales, first became a councillor in 2001 before taking up the post of deputy mayor in 2008. He was elected mayor in March’s municipal elections.
The man suspected of attacking the mayor reportedly believed he was ‘having an affair with his wife.’ PHOTO: AFP
Mayor Dominique Leboucher, 55, was brutally stabbed in the neck by a 39-year-old electrician, the prosecutor of the northern city of Caen told reporters.
The attacker had no previous police record and was “clearly very much in love” with his girlfriend, Catherine Denis said.
He subsequently committed suicide.
Denis said the mayor’s wife said she did not believe her husband was cheating.
The prosecutor said the mayor was apparently castrated after being murdered.
The crime sparked horror in the tiny village of Bretteville-le-Rabet in France’s northern Calvados region.
“I do not believe this thing about infidelity at all,” said Yannick Guesnon, one of the mayor’s deputies, adding that the attack appeared to be “an act of madness.”
Albert Gibot, a pensioner in the village of 250 souls, said the attacker, a father of two, had “blown a fuse as his partner used to attend meetings of the local council in the evenings.”
The mayor, who worked in insurance sales, first became a councillor in 2001 before taking up the post of deputy mayor in 2008. He was elected mayor in March’s municipal elections.
Chief Imam condemns Jos, Kano bombings
Kaduna – Malam Lukman Salaudeen, the Deputy Chief Imam, Nupe Road Central Mosque, Kaduna, has condemned the recent bomb blasts in Jos and Kano.
Salaudeen described the attacks that claimed dozens of lives, as devilish, barbaric, and a negation of peace and progress.
He made the condemnation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna shortly after the Friday prayers.
“Those killers should be afraid of Almighty Allah, no religion asked them to kill innocent souls for just no cause.
“We all must come together to fight insurgency because the devils hide under religion to kill innocent citizens.
“Boko Haram are not Muslims and are not following the teachings of Islam which preach peace, love and development, and not killing of innocent people,” he said.
The cleric urged both Muslims and Christians to pray for the release of the over 200 abducted school girls in Chibok, Borno, and for those that lost their loved ones during the insurgency.(NAN)
Salaudeen described the attacks that claimed dozens of lives, as devilish, barbaric, and a negation of peace and progress.
He made the condemnation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna shortly after the Friday prayers.
“Those killers should be afraid of Almighty Allah, no religion asked them to kill innocent souls for just no cause.
“We all must come together to fight insurgency because the devils hide under religion to kill innocent citizens.
“Boko Haram are not Muslims and are not following the teachings of Islam which preach peace, love and development, and not killing of innocent people,” he said.
The cleric urged both Muslims and Christians to pray for the release of the over 200 abducted school girls in Chibok, Borno, and for those that lost their loved ones during the insurgency.(NAN)
Soldiers kill 2 suspected Boko Haram members in Katsina
Katsina – Soldiers on Friday confirmed the killing of two suspected Boko Haram members in Katsina State.
The Commanding Officer of the 35 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Katsina, Col. Alhassan Gerema, made the announcement while speaking with newsmen in Katsina.
He said that troops raided a house at Filin-polo Quarters in Katsina, following a tip-off.
The commander said that two suspected Boko Haram members died during the operation and that one other member was captured.
Witnesses said that troops surrounded the hideout of the terrorists and exchanged fire with the suspects.
NAN reports that residents have vacated the area, following the incident. (NAN)
The Commanding Officer of the 35 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Katsina, Col. Alhassan Gerema, made the announcement while speaking with newsmen in Katsina.
He said that troops raided a house at Filin-polo Quarters in Katsina, following a tip-off.
The commander said that two suspected Boko Haram members died during the operation and that one other member was captured.
Witnesses said that troops surrounded the hideout of the terrorists and exchanged fire with the suspects.
NAN reports that residents have vacated the area, following the incident. (NAN)
Police foils bomb attack by suspected Boko Haram members in Abuja
Police in Kubwa, one of the most populated satellite towns in Abuja, Friday afternoon, foiled a bomb attack by suspected Boko Haram members as residents, market women scampered for safety.
A Golf car filled with gas cylinders and jerrycans was said to have been parked near ElRufai Bustop by Channel 8 Junction in Kubwa around 7 am Friday morning, Vanguard learnt
According to eye witnesses, many residents and passersby took to their heels upon noticing the car which they suspected could have been parked to bomb the area.
Eventually the area was cordoned off by the police anti-bomb squad after the police were invited by the chief Imam of Kubwa Central mosque Sheikh Abdulmumini Ahmad Khalid and other residents Imam of the of one of the most densely populated areas of Kubwa.
More details soon
A Golf car filled with gas cylinders and jerrycans was said to have been parked near ElRufai Bustop by Channel 8 Junction in Kubwa around 7 am Friday morning, Vanguard learnt
According to eye witnesses, many residents and passersby took to their heels upon noticing the car which they suspected could have been parked to bomb the area.
Eventually the area was cordoned off by the police anti-bomb squad after the police were invited by the chief Imam of Kubwa Central mosque Sheikh Abdulmumini Ahmad Khalid and other residents Imam of the of one of the most densely populated areas of Kubwa.
More details soon
After 14 years Ameobi set to leave Newcastle
LONDON (AFP) – Nigeria striker Shola Ameobi is to leave Newcastle after 14 years with the Premier League club.
Ameobi’s current contract expires imminently and after discussions with Magpies boss Alan Pardew, he has decided to bring down the curtain on his long spell at St James’ Park.
The 32-year-old was handed his senior debut by Bobby Robson as a teenager, but often struggled to establish himself in the starting line-up, with a succession of managers preferring to use their own signings instead of the youth team product.
Ameobi, whose younger brother Sammy remains a member of Newcastle’s squad, made 397 senior appearances, 178 of them as a substitute, and scored 79 goals.
His final appearance was memorable for all the wrong reasons as he was sent off by referee Phil Dowd after earning two bookings for dissent in space of a minute in the second half of his side’s 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.
“Following discussions with Newcastle United, both parties felt it was the right time for us to part company,” Ameobi said.
“I have been at Newcastle United all my career and I have enjoyed every moment and always worn the famous shirt with pride. I am now looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career.
“I would like to place on record a big thank you to everyone at Newcastle United. I wish the club great success in the future and I’m sure with the team and management they have, Newcastle United will go from strength to strength.
“Finally, a big thank you to the supporters who have always been fantastic.”
Ameobi’s current contract expires imminently and after discussions with Magpies boss Alan Pardew, he has decided to bring down the curtain on his long spell at St James’ Park.
The 32-year-old was handed his senior debut by Bobby Robson as a teenager, but often struggled to establish himself in the starting line-up, with a succession of managers preferring to use their own signings instead of the youth team product.
Ameobi, whose younger brother Sammy remains a member of Newcastle’s squad, made 397 senior appearances, 178 of them as a substitute, and scored 79 goals.
His final appearance was memorable for all the wrong reasons as he was sent off by referee Phil Dowd after earning two bookings for dissent in space of a minute in the second half of his side’s 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.
“Following discussions with Newcastle United, both parties felt it was the right time for us to part company,” Ameobi said.
“I have been at Newcastle United all my career and I have enjoyed every moment and always worn the famous shirt with pride. I am now looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career.
“I would like to place on record a big thank you to everyone at Newcastle United. I wish the club great success in the future and I’m sure with the team and management they have, Newcastle United will go from strength to strength.
“Finally, a big thank you to the supporters who have always been fantastic.”
KWAM 1 features children, Olamide in new album
King Wasiu Ayinde Mashal has released a new album State of the Nation
, in which major part of the album was dedicated to the Awujale of Ijebu land who celebrated his 80th birthday a couple of weeks ago.
The new album produced by his new music company, Fuji Repete features his children; Honey B and Musty, Alhaja Salawa Abeni, Musiliu Haruna-Ishola and hot rapper, King Badoo himself, Olamide.
, in which major part of the album was dedicated to the Awujale of Ijebu land who celebrated his 80th birthday a couple of weeks ago.
The new album produced by his new music company, Fuji Repete features his children; Honey B and Musty, Alhaja Salawa Abeni, Musiliu Haruna-Ishola and hot rapper, King Badoo himself, Olamide.
Agony of a LASU student: ‘Why I’m dropping out of school’
Until 2011, Lagos State University, LASU was a place to get affordable tertiary education in Nigeria. Even then, mothers sold their wrappers, fathers took loans, and students did odd jobs to meet up with the N25, 000 average fee.
Emmanuel Gbesemehane hoped to be one of such students. After waiting years to get admission into the University, the twenty-eight year old finally had the opportunity to study Physics at LASU. His joy was short lived however, when he heard that he would pay N258, 000 per annum.
‘ Before I wrote my Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME,’ he told Saturday Vanguard,
‘the school fees stood at N25, 000. But after I got admission, the fees were increased. But I hoped that with all the noise students were making, the state government would revert to the former fees.’
LASU fees were increased by as much as 750 per cent with medical students being charged up to N345, 750. Because many could not afford it, admission in 2011/2012 session fell by about 30 per cent. In the 2011 post-UTME exercise, students seeking admission to LASU sharply dropped. The over 2,000 students who merited admission having passed post-UTME had to forfeit their admissions because they could not afford the fees.’
Emmanuel Gbesemehane hoped to be one of such students. After waiting years to get admission into the University, the twenty-eight year old finally had the opportunity to study Physics at LASU. His joy was short lived however, when he heard that he would pay N258, 000 per annum.
‘ Before I wrote my Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME,’ he told Saturday Vanguard,
‘the school fees stood at N25, 000. But after I got admission, the fees were increased. But I hoped that with all the noise students were making, the state government would revert to the former fees.’
LASU fees were increased by as much as 750 per cent with medical students being charged up to N345, 750. Because many could not afford it, admission in 2011/2012 session fell by about 30 per cent. In the 2011 post-UTME exercise, students seeking admission to LASU sharply dropped. The over 2,000 students who merited admission having passed post-UTME had to forfeit their admissions because they could not afford the fees.’
FG disburses N130.7bn to defence sector in 4 months – Okonjo-Iweala
Abuja – The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Friday said the Federal Government disbursed N130.7 billion to the defence sector from January to April.
Okonjo-Iweala made this known while briefing newsmen during breakdown of the 2014 budget signed by the President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
She said: “Defence spending is top in everything; you know that military establishment need new things to assist them in their work and ours will not be different.
“No budget will be enough to meet their demands but for now, I think the sector takes almost a trillion of the budgets. “To be specific, they have about N968.127 billion and we have disbursed N130.7 billion between January and April 2014,’’ she said The minister explained that N85.9billion out of the amount disbursed was for personnel cost, saying that the military paid its personnel because it was yet to be integrated into the IPPIS. Okonjo-Iweala said that N3.8 billion approved by the President was being processed and would soon be released, adding that there were other additional spending.
Okonjo-Iweala made this known while briefing newsmen during breakdown of the 2014 budget signed by the President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
She said: “Defence spending is top in everything; you know that military establishment need new things to assist them in their work and ours will not be different.
“No budget will be enough to meet their demands but for now, I think the sector takes almost a trillion of the budgets. “To be specific, they have about N968.127 billion and we have disbursed N130.7 billion between January and April 2014,’’ she said The minister explained that N85.9billion out of the amount disbursed was for personnel cost, saying that the military paid its personnel because it was yet to be integrated into the IPPIS. Okonjo-Iweala said that N3.8 billion approved by the President was being processed and would soon be released, adding that there were other additional spending.
Lightning kills pregnant woman, man in Benue
MAKURDI—A pregnant women (names withheld) and a middle aged man,
identified as Barber, were, yesterday, killed by lightning during a
downpour in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
Vanguard
gathered from eyewitnesses that the deceased persons were both operating a business premises at a popular hotel on Gboko West area of the town when they met their untimely death.
According to an eyewitness, the victims had close shop for the day and where locking up their business premises at 7p.m. when they were simultaneously struck.
According to one Mr. Haanya Aondoakaa, who claimed he witnessed the incident, “when the rain started we were all happy because we have had scarcity of rains this year, but the thunder and lightning that accompanied the rain scared everyone.
“It was not quite long after the rain started that we heard loud screams and wailing which compelled people to scamper for safety.
“In the mist of that confusion, we discovered that the two victims were struck to death by the lightning.
“It was a sorry sight. But we managed to render assistance by taking them to a hospital for medical attention, which was however too late in coming because they were already dead.”
When contacted, the chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Mr. Nahan Zenda confirmed the incident, he added that the council reported the incident to the police, and officers were quickly deployed men to the area.
Vanguard
gathered from eyewitnesses that the deceased persons were both operating a business premises at a popular hotel on Gboko West area of the town when they met their untimely death.
According to an eyewitness, the victims had close shop for the day and where locking up their business premises at 7p.m. when they were simultaneously struck.
According to one Mr. Haanya Aondoakaa, who claimed he witnessed the incident, “when the rain started we were all happy because we have had scarcity of rains this year, but the thunder and lightning that accompanied the rain scared everyone.
“It was not quite long after the rain started that we heard loud screams and wailing which compelled people to scamper for safety.
“In the mist of that confusion, we discovered that the two victims were struck to death by the lightning.
“It was a sorry sight. But we managed to render assistance by taking them to a hospital for medical attention, which was however too late in coming because they were already dead.”
When contacted, the chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Mr. Nahan Zenda confirmed the incident, he added that the council reported the incident to the police, and officers were quickly deployed men to the area.
Only America is helping Nigeria find kidnapped girls
(AFP) – The United States is alone in helping Nigerialocate more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamists, Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday, despite help on the ground from Britain, France and Israel.
With 80 military personnel sent to neighboring Chad for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, the United States is the biggest foreign participant in the effort against the militant group Boko Haram.
Washington has also deployed surveillance drones, spy planes and about 30 civilian and military specialists to support Nigeria's security forces.
"Boko Haram, Nigeria, only the United States is there offering the assistance to help find those young women," Kerry said during a dinner at the State Department.
"Other countries, not only aren't they invited, but they did not even offer."
Kerry spoke during a dinner at the State Department on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the US diplomatic corps.
However the United States is joined in Nigeria by Britain, France and Israel, which have sent their own experts. China, which saw 10 citizens likely abducted by Boko Haram in a region bordering Cameroon, has also proposed to help.
The United Nations earlier Thursday imposed sanctions on Boko Haram, blacklisting it as an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist organization.
In his speech, Kerry also lashed out at France, whose Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has expressed regret that the United States did not attack Syria a year ago amid spiraling violence in the conflict there.
"People are angry because we did not strike Syria at one instance but guess what: Today, 92 percent of all the chemical weapons in Syria are out and being destroyed and the other eight percent will get out," a visibly angry Kerry said, without mentioning France specifically.
"That never would have occurred otherwise."
Kerry is said to have backed military action against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, only to have US President Barack Obama oppose the move at the last minute.
INEC urges voters to visit polling units to ascertain registration status
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday in Abuja advised registered voters in 10 states on what they needed to do to ascertain their registration status.
A statement signed by Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman , the commission advised them to visit the polling units where they previously registered to ascertain their status.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the voters are those in the 10 states under Phase One distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Missing schoolgirls: A matter of human rights and security
WHEN President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office in May 2011, he identified persistent violence and crime as a major problem confronting the country. He promised to "confront this threat against our collective peace and security, and bring the perpetrators to justice."
But recent events have shown that the president has failed woefully to keep his promise. The terrifying abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls by the notorious extremist group Boko Haram is yet further evidence of the increasing level of violence and crime, as well as unnecessary loss of lives and destruction of property.
Destruction of property
It has taken weeks of demonstrations by civil society, and now international outrage, for the government to even admit that the girls, who are feared to have been sold into slavery, are missing. Yet in a televised speech, the president pointedly failed to mention the objectives of finding the missing schoolgirls, ending the years of terror, and ensuring justice for victims.
It has taken weeks of demonstrations by civil society, and now international outrage, for the government to even admit that the girls, who are feared to have been sold into slavery, are missing. Yet in a televised speech, the president pointedly failed to mention the objectives of finding the missing schoolgirls, ending the years of terror, and ensuring justice for victims.
The simple fact of the matter is that the government has conceded the initiative to the Islamist extremist group; it seems completely bereft of ideas of what to do.
Amnesty International's research indicates that at least 2,000 people have been killed in politically-motivated, communal and sectarian violence in Nigeria in 2014 alone.
Amnesty International's research indicates that at least 2,000 people have been killed in politically-motivated, communal and sectarian violence in Nigeria in 2014 alone.
More investment coming to Nigeria – US
The United States Secretary of Commerce, Ms. Penny Pritzker, Thursday, said more US investments are coming into Nigeria, describing the country as a destination of choice for American investors.
Pritzke, who disclosed this during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, in Lagos, said Nigeria currently has enormous investment opportunities which US investors were willing to explore.
Pritzker, who led a delegation of about 25 US investors, mainly in the power sector, to Nigeria, said: "About 100 American businessmen indicated interest in coming with me on this delegation to Nigeria, but we couldn't accommodate all of them.
"We are aware that there is an industrial revolution going on, which is a very good development. We would like to know more about it so we can be part of it."
She commended President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, noting that American companies would leverage on it.
Stopping Jonathan from contesting 2015 poll calls for disintegration —Ex-NDDC rep
FORMER Edo State representative on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, yesterday, said that those asking President Goodluck Jonathan not to contest the presidential election in 2015 were calling for the disintegration of the country.
Iduoriyekemwen who, also warned the leadership of the PDP in Edo State against imposing candidates ahead of the forthcoming general elections and the 2016 governorship election in the state. He said that President Jonathan has performed better than any President the country had produced in the past, insisting that the call in some quarters that he should not run for election due to the Boko Haram insurgency was uncalled for.
He said: "When Niger Delta militants were fighting, it did not stop the late President Umaru Yar'Adua from contesting the election. So, the fact that Boko Haram is waging war against Nigeria cannot stop Jonathan from seeking re-election.
I don't see the Boko Haram insurgency disrupting elections in 2015. That is actually the motive of those people trying to frustrate government from conducting peaceful election in 2015."
Our Endangered Future
THIS is not about Chibok girls. It is about Nigerian students, the unceasing uncertainties of concluding studies in Nigerian public schools, the scant attention the authorities pay to education, and our endangered future.
Isolated stories like students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, protesting a hike in fees and the unattended nine-month-old strike of polytechnic lecturers, though routine, merely illustrate how our governments have given up on education.
Lightning kills pregnant woman, man in Benue
By PETER DURU
MAKURDI—A pregnant women (names withheld) and a middle aged man, identified as Barber, were, yesterday, killed by lightning during a downpour in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
MAKURDI—A pregnant women (names withheld) and a middle aged man, identified as Barber, were, yesterday, killed by lightning during a downpour in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
Vanguard gathered from eyewitnesses that the deceased persons were both operating a business premises at a popular hotel on Gboko West area of the town when they met their untimely death.
Senate approves bill to establish College of Alternative Medicine
THE Senate, yesterday, gave its nod to the establishment of College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the country, as a bill to that effect scaled second reading.
The college is aimed at carrying out clinical work and research as well as providing an alternative method of treating ailments.
It will also train and retrain alternative medicine practitioners in the health care delivery services.
The bill, being sponsored by Senator Clever Ikisipo, PDP, Bayelsa East, proposes a take off grant of N3.9 billon that will cover consultancy, capital costs, personnel emoluments, and cost of specialised training for staff, among others.
In his lead debate at the Senate plenary yesterday, Senator Ikisipo said the bill was aimed at providing constitutional backing for the Federal College of Comple-mentary and Alternative Medicine, created as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Health in 2007.
He canvassed the support of his colleagues in giving legislative backing for the passage of the bill, saying if the college was established, it would ultimately complement Federal Government's efforts at encouraging alternative medicine practice which, he noted, had already been supported by medical practitioners in European, Asian and other African countries.
Its philosophy
He said: "Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the branch of medicine whose philosophy is grounded in the enhancement of the body's own healing power through the use of natural means.
"This branch of medicine is coming to the forefront of health care in most Asian countries, African countries, European countries and America, thus having the effect of a healthier and stronger society and enhancing our very valuable human resources."
He said the college had done tremendously well in research into various remedies that can cure major diseases like cancer, cholera, vesicovaginal fistula, VVF, as well as advanced management and cure of HIV/AIDS since its establishment in 2007.
He regretted that the college had been producing remedies for ailments over the years without the proper legislative framework required for its development and sustenance.
He said: "At present, the college is the first of its kind in Africa teaching osteopathy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Natural Medicine and other related disciplines in one single institution."
Increase in life expectancy
He expressed optimism that the college was capable of increasing life expectancy in Nigeria from 45 to 75 years based on the quality and effective health care services it was capable of providing.
He said the legislative support will enable the college to give a proper structure to the required formal training ground for the important medical input.
Almost all the senators that spoke on the issue said the bill was timely but feared that the development could be abused by the extreme traditional medicine practitioners in the country.
Mark's concerns
In his remark, Senate President, David Mark, warned against what he described as allowing alternative medicine practice go beyond using herbs.
He said: "We should be careful. This is because most of the native doctors do incantations and people say they get well. Would you take that as one of the things the College would encourage?
"There are areas where we just need to exercise a bit of caution. Sometimes, when you are sick in the village they do not give you anything to drink.
"They just give you something to tie on your waist or to carry in your pocket and then it is assumed that you would recover.
"We should try and be careful so that we don't go beyond the limit. Also I know that for those who come from the South East, in particular in Anambra State or Onitsha, you know they sell medicine there that they say is the killer of 77 diseases.
"Just one small bottle and they market it very well and people buy and it is in hot demand. I think that is the kind of thing the College should look at.
"Establishing the College is not the problem, it is what would be taught in the College and the limit of what would be regarded as the subjects to be taught in the College that I think that we need to look at.
"Maybe after this we would get another agency that would try and regulate the subject and what will be taught in the College. I think we should all support this Bill," he said.
Terrorism: Jonathan to confer with other African leaders on joint action
ABUJA— President Goodluck Jonathan leaves for Pretoria, South Africa today for high‑level discussions with other African Heads of State and Government on combating terrorism in Africa.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said the continent's five regions will each be represented by two heads of state and government at the talks which will focus on collective action to effectively roll back the scourge of terrorism in Africa.
He said others expected at the talks, which will take place ahead of President Jacob Zuma's inauguration for a new term in office, include the leaders of Ghana, Republic of Congo, Chad, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Mauritania, Algeria and Ethiopia.
Abati said Jonathan, who will be accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali and some key aides will return to Abuja after attending President Zuma's inauguration tomorrow.