Anti-gay law: Nigeria accuses US, UK, others of double standards

THE Federal Government has accused western nations of double standards over a new law banning same-sex marriages in the country. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, said such criticisms stem from the “double standards” of the West.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the just concluded AU summit, Ms. Onwuliri said President Jonathan signed the law in the interest of Nigerians and democracy.
She said, “What happened in Nigeria is democracy in action and it will really be unfortunate that people who are talking about democracy when they now see democracy work, they want us to go against democracy. Is democracy for pick and choose? When it suits them they want us to do good governance and democracy, but when it does not suit them they want us to go against the democracy that has been put in place. The National Assembly took a decision, the National Assembly is the face of democracy in Nigeria, they are the representatives of the people, they form the voice of the people and they have spoken.”
The European Union, Canada and the United States have criticised the new law, saying it negates the fundamental human rights of individuals enshrined in the Nigeria constitution.
On the situation in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, the minister said Nigeria strongly backs the AU and regional groups’ role in demanding the return of peace and stability in the regions. “Nigeria has taken a position on the need for peaceful resolutions in conflict situations in Africa, safety of lives and property and ensuring that women and children are safe in conflict areas,” she said.

Culled from Vanguard newspaper

Woman gives birth aboard a tricycle

Aba (Abia) – A woman gave birth to a baby boy at 1p.m. in Aba, Abia, on Wednesday aboard a tricycle conveying her to the hospital.
An eyewitness, Mrs Chika Onyedikachi, said the woman had gone into labour at home and thereafter boarded a tricycle to convey her to the hospital.
Onyedikachi, a nurse, said that ” the woman’s water broke on the way to the hospital”.
She said that when the vehicle got to Tonimas Junction, Aba, the baby’s head  began to emerge because the trip to the hospital was halted.
Onyedikachi said that she assisted the woman in the delivery of the baby because she happened to be passing by where the incident took place.
Another eyewitness, Mr Marizu John, said that it was an exciting afternoon for everyone as a similar occurrence took place at the same spot in 2013.
John said, “last year a mad woman gave birth to a set of twins in this very place, so I have the feeling that this place is special.”

Miss Violet Onwutuebe, also an eyewitness, said that this was the first time she had witnessed such an incident and wished both mother and child good health.
All efforts made to get the comment of the tricycle operator proved abortive as he ran away when the baby’s head started emerging.
Meanwhile, Onyedikachi said that both mother and child had been taken home and were in good condition. (NAN)

culled from Vanguard newspaper