HCOTN 25102015

Hephzibah's Commentary on Today's News
25/10/2015

1. Obasanjo escapes death on late wife’s 10th remembrance
Hephzibah: Erm, we bless God. I wonder who will fix the road when the ex-president whose house is assessed by that road didn’t consider it worthy of fixing…Hmmm

2. Pro-Biafra Igbo tear Nigerian passports
Hephzibah: I feel the pain of my Biafran brethren. A country that treats some of her citizens like trash yet refuses to let them go. I don’t want to talk about Pharaoh and Israel. The only question I have for my passport-tearing brethren is that what will they use to identify themselves or travel abroad if they need to while the struggle for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra is on? Hmmm

3. NDLEA arrests two more suspects with 89 ATM cards
Hephzibah: I appreciate the vigilance of the NDLEA oooo. I mean what are these people doing with so many ATM cards. The only question in my mind is the correlation between Drug Law enforcement and ATM cards. I haven’t been able to establish the connection. Please, can someone explain it to me in every day language? Thank you.

4. Ambode on depression
Hephzibah: Erm, good talk Governor Ambode. HOWEVER, I hope this is not to prepare us for the lie that Dr. Heista Thomas committed suicide because of depression. That lie has too many holes to fly…#JustSaying

5. Election Tribunal: Okowa, Lalong know fate on Monday
Hephzibah: Dear Punch, when I checked Page 6, I found only Governor Lalong’s story. What’s up with Governor Okowa’s story…Plenty things to say but as I don’t know anyone in DSS, let me ‘shut up’ my mouth…Hmmm

6. Don’t pay Boko Haram for our children’s release – Chibok parents
Hephzibah: Hmmm…Finally, we’ll hear from the parents. Okay o…I also don’t believe BH is sincere so Baba, please listen to the Chibok parents this time. Don’t waste our money. Besides, one of your ‘Change Agents’ told me that one shouldn’t negotiate with terrorists. Please listen to your people, Baba. Tenkiu

7. Nigeria tackles UK over plan to deport 29000 Nigerians
Hephzibah: I think Nigeria’s argument is weak and silly. If there are Nigerians that are living illegally in the UK, they need to be sent back. I’m ashamed to read that Nigeria is telling the UK that they cannot deport Nigerians living ILLEGALLY in the UK who are not medically fit to travel, Then the nonsense about someone who has been living ILLEGALLY in the UK for 30-40 years not having family to be deported to is an utter disgrace…Nigeria…Hmmm

8. ICPC recovers N4bn in six months
Hephzibah: With all these trillion trillion loot we’ve been reading about in the papers, it’s only N4bn that ICPC has recovered, Well, please give me 0.5bn Naira so I can sort out my bills and buy a house in Palm Grove. Tenkiu

9. Federal Character should be removed from constition – Prof. Ibidapo-Obe
Hephzibah: Hmmm…I don’t think it should be totally expunged; I just think it needs to be properly designed to ensure that one section of the nation is not marginalized. 

10. Woman with cancer shuns chemotherapy for urine
Hephzibah: Hmmm…Let’s see how it goes for Sam Ravelle of Surrey. I’m kind of hoping it works out because I’m not really a fan of chemotherapy but it’s currently the proven option…Hmmm

11. Industrial consumers get 30% rise in electricity tariff
Hephzibah: I’m reading the story and the figures I’m seeing are as high as 61%. Ikeja DISCO is reducing the tariff to industrial users by 1%. Meanwhile, they’ve refused to give us domestic consumers power. Diarris God o. Apparently, 30% is the average. So, how will this impact the already high cost of production? Is this the only option available? Hmmm….

12. TSA delays salaries of social service workers
Hephzibah: Hmmmm…Someone should please remind me again what the value of this TSA is to the nation…

13. Single mothers stigmatized in Nigeria – Adeola Erogunaiye-Olulana
Hephzibah: Thou speakest truth ma’am.Adeola Erogunaiye-Olulana runs Precious and Pretty Moms. If you’re a single mom, you should look up this lady. I wish you the best.

14. Dad changed nappies, plaited our hair – Benjamin Adekunle’s daughter
Hephzibah: For those that don’t know, Benjamin Adekunle was a war veteran popularly called Black Scorpion…yet he changed nappies and plaited hair…Erm, what’s that your reason for not getting involved in caring for your child, sir?

15. Amuneke slams Eaglets’ display against Croatia
Hephzibah: Remember I already suspected that this bros was already preparing our minds for a loss. Hmmm…

16. Mo Abudu’s film, FIFTY, shot in the arm for Nigeria
Hephzibah: Now I’m going to search for HEAR WORD and FIFTY, make I fit “hear word”



NYSC 2015  Batch ‘B’ Registration at the various orientation camps commences on October 28 and closes by October 29, 2015. I wish all Corps members safe trips to their orientation camps. Stay good and faithful o. No story, abeg.

Have you registered for your BVN? If your answer is NO, oya, kia kia, osiso, maza maza, go and register. Soon, you’ll need to provide your BVN before commenting here, lol. I still need someone to educate us on the benefit of the BVN TO THE CUSTOMER. I hope it’s not going to be like the service providers that have become unbearable after we registered our SIMs. Anyhow, please take some time to register for your BVN this week. After the deadline, BVN will only be issued to new accounts 

I am praying for my nation. I hope you are doing the same?

Enjoy your day.

NIGERIAN MARRIAGE ACT REVIEW (5)

Good day. How are you doing? I'll conclude my review of the Nigerian Marriage Act.  If you'll like a copy of the Marriage Act I'm reviewing, you can search the Internet or send an email to thechristianwomenstories@gmail,com.

We'll review Sections 49 to the end in this post.

Section 49 establishes that the marriage of a Nigerian to a foreigner outside the country before a marriage officer in his office is considered valid. .

I'll assume that Section 50 clarifies that the marriage officer referred to in Section 49 is a Nigerian diplomatic or consular officer of the rank of Secretary and above.

I'll appreciate it if lawyers can clarify if a Nigerian woman who KNOWINGLY marries a Nigerian man who is currently married to a foreigner, though not before a Nigerian diplomatic or consular officer of the rank of Secretary and above, is liable to imprisonment?

Section 51 clarifies that the marriage officer's office referred to in Section 49 is the office where the marriage officer uses for his diplomatic/consular office...

I'll appreciate a lawyer's help in understanding Sections 52 and 53.

Section 54 introduces the various forms. Section 55 highlights the various repeals.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs is the Principal Registrar of Marriage.

I'm only sharing highlights. I hope you'll review a copy of the Marriage Act to 1) verify my claims, 2) raise points of discussion and 3) make informed choices. Let me also state that I'm not a lawyer, so if you believe you should seek legal redress, please discuss with a lawyer before you start legal proceedings.

This is the final part of my review of the Nigerian Marriage Act. The preceding parts are on the blog; please review and feel free to ask questions. Thanks for joining me in the review.

HCOTN 20102015

1.       Court of Appeal Adjourns Judgment On Saraki's Appeal Indefinitely

Hephzibah: Oya now, all those people waiting for Saraki to be dethroned, how market? You berra come and join our KOWA party and strategize for 2019…

2.       Buhari drops another ministerial nominee

Hephzibah: All these people cannot make up their minds. Why na?

3.       Debunked: Beneath the Lies, Nigerian "Pee Generator" Is Still Pissing Into the Wind

Hephzibah: Chai! So some people want to use our piss to generate electricity…I hope they’ll be picking the piss from toilet seats ooo…Well, kudos to the thinking Naija girls sha…

4.       Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Released On Bail

Hephzibah: The unresolved question in my mind is this – If our DSS can arrest a man in faraway “Obodo Oyinbo” and quiz him, why are they waiting for December for rains to help them drive out people that are actually killing others in our backyard. The thing is unclear to me. I guess it’s the trauma of the last elections that is making these things hazy, abi….

5.       Osinbajo tasks entrepreneurs on graduate unemployment

Hephzibah: “According to him, youths should not wait for government to provide them with employment but should be employment creators.” Yeah, that may have some truth in it but I believe government should provide the conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Government can also use the tax incentives to drive organizations to create employment for her citizens. I’m beginning to get annoyed with the older generation that keep pointing fingers at the youth for the problems Nigeria is facing…Sorry sirs and mas, your generation failed us and we’re trying to rebuild. Hearing you talk about your ‘golden days’ is upsetting but I’m trying to keep my cool. I believe Nigeria’s youth, on the average, need to be commended for surviving in this harsh climate. Of course you can discount the ‘negrators’ and amazing folk that according to MJCE use cheap MTN/Etisalat bundles to come on other people’s posts to teach us grammar. I’m talking about the Nigerian youth that has to find a way to get his/her school fees paid, graduate, find a way to eke out a living, provides his own water, electricity etc. It is upsetting to then read from those that got free education, had many jobs waiting for them when they graduated, lived in company provided accommodations that are close to where they work, didn’t face demonic traffic jams on 3^rd Mainland bridge putting down young people who are only asking government to deliver on their promises. Sorry to vent sir but I’m just trying to speak for my generation here…

6.       There’re lapses in Electoral Act –INEC boss

Hephzibah: Adonblivit! So, someone appointed by the APC can agree that the Electoral Act used in bringing this government to power had some lapses? Madam, please can you share some of these lapses?

7.       Mobile Money Transaction Value Hits 815bn – CBN

Hephzibah: Chai! Oya na, plese give me only 1 bn. I want to buy my own house in Banana Island ooo…Even a house in Palmgrove is good enough for me…Okay, no vex, I don’t mind Iyana Ipaja…Just give me 1 billion of this money na…E joor

8.       Ghana resolves dispute with Nigeria over unpaid gas bill

Hephzibah: So, Ghana is owing N-Gas $170 million? Oya na, N-Gas, come and employ me to help you get your money back na. I’ll charge you only $10 million to recover the debt, lol. Meanwhile, why is N-Gas selling gas to Ghana while we’re looking for gas in Nigeria? Baba, please shook eye in that matter ooo

9.       Lawyers Express Concern Over NBA’s Stamp, Seal Policy

Hephzibah: Mr and Ms Lawyer, gaan pay your money joor. We need this policy like ‘kilode’. Other professions already pay such fees. Plix gaan pay. Ees moneythat we use to find money. NBA, please cut out the bureaucracy; it’s not rocket science. Tenkiu.

10.   Aisha Buhari Urges Students To Use Education For National Development

Hephzibah: Tenkiu ma, I support and endorse this message. Oya o, my people, the Wife of the President (not to be confused with the First Lady) is advising us ooo. Lizen, lizen…

11.   Chile Game Will Be Tough, Amunike Warns Golden Eaglets

Hephzibah: Golden Eaglets, lizen to your head coach o…I hope Mr. Amunike is not using style to warn Nigerians not to expect too much sha…Bros, no fall hand oooo

 

I hope you're praying for Nigeria; I sure am. Enjoy your day

NIGERIAN MARRIAGE ACT REVIEW (4)

Good day. How are you doing? I'll continue with my review of the Nigerian Marriage Act. If you'll like a copy of the Marriage Act I'm reviewing, you can search the Internet or send an email to thechristianwomenstories@gmail,com.
We'll review Sections 33 to 48 in this post. 

According to Section 33, a Statutory Marriage to a person who is married to someone else under customary law is INVALID. Please confirm that the man claiming to have divorced his customary law wife has TRULY done all that is to be done to sever that marriage (there is a punishment for not verifying). 

A statutory marriage is null and void if it wasn't celebrated in the registrar's office or a licensed place of worship (except the marriage license mentions the place you got married). 

A statutory marriage is null and void if one or both parties used a false name (Check that dude's name before you agree to marry him). 

A statutory marriage is null and void if it is celebrated without a registrar's certificate of notice or license. 

A statutory marriage is null and void if it is was celebrated by a person who isn't a recognized minister of a religious denomination or a registrar of marriages. 

While still married under the Marriage Act, a person is incapable of contracting a customary marriage (there is a punishment for trying to do so). 

There are fees to be paid per the Second Schedule; I'll share those later. 

If the parties getting married are too poor to afford the fees, the Minister (of Interior) can reduce or remit the fees. Hephzibah thinks they shouldn't be getting married but I'll love your thoughts on this. 

Anyone that tries to marry someone who has been married under the Marriage Act is liable to imprisonment for 5 years. Anyone that makes false declarations for marriage is liable to imprisonment for 5 years. Anyone that gives false pretence to impediment is liable to imprisonment for 2 years. Anyone that performs a marriage under this Act when he/she isn't qualified to or who performs a marriage under this Act for people who shouldn't have been married under the Act is liable to imprisonment for 5 years. 

Anyone who neglected to transmit a marriage certificate performed by him (or her) is liable to imprisonment for 2 years. Anyone who another person or uses a false name to deceive the other party to the marriage is liable to imprisonment for 5 years. 

Anyone who goes through a marriage that he/she KNOWS is null and void for any reason while the other party believes the marriage is valid is liable to imprisonment for 5 years.

Anyone who attempts to contract a Statutory Marriage when he/she is already married under customary law to anyone other than the customary law partner is liable to imprisonment for 5 years. Anyone who attempts to contract a customary marriage when he/she is already married under the Marriage Act to anyone other than their partner is liable to imprisonment for 5 years. Essentially, this allows a couple to marry under both customary law and the Marriage Act. 

Anyone who marries a minor (under 21 years) without the prescribed consent or anyone who assists such a marriage is liable to imprisonment for 2 years.

I'm only sharing highlights. I hope you do save a copy of the Marriage Act to 1) verify my claims, 2) raise points of discussion and 3) make informed choices. Let me also state that I'm not a lawyer, so if you believe you should seek legal redress, please discuss with a lawyer before you start legal proceedings. 

How is the day going?

HCOTN 091015

1. Ebola: Calabar hospital quarantines 15 patients •Doctor, nurses under watch •FG sends team to UCTH

Hephzibah: My people, it's time to brace up, unite and kick Ebola out! We've done it before Nigeria; we need to beat this together!

2. No asset forms, no screening, Senate tells ministerial nominees

Hephzibah: Una don hear?

 

3. Chevening Scholarship removes Diezani from honours list

Hephzibah: How are the mighty fallen! I'll have expected the brains behind Chevening Scholarship to wait till she has been proven guilty, though.

 

4. Man produces fake dollars, pounds worth millions

Hephzibah: You may want to check the dollars and pounds with you.

 

5. Buhari rules out second term for Lamorde

Hephzibah: We don hear ooo. I hope there's no back story sha

 

6. Again, Reps probe failed $470m CCTV projects

Hephzibah: Yet another probe. Please can we progress too as we probe? Sigh!

 

7. Privatisation of Nigeria’s economy unacceptable –Ayade

Hephzibah: I don't agree ooo. I believe the economy should be run more by private companies and government should be more involved in policy making. Afterall, Nigeria isn't into socialism/communism like that...

 

8. Biafra comment: Benjamin Adekunle daughter gets death threats

Hephzibah: Who is threatening her? Deep stuff!

 

9. Ministerial list: Labour Party knocks Buhari for excluding youths

Hephzibah: I concur!

 

10. LASG to light up Berger-Island road, 67 villages

Hephzibah: In case you're asking, like me, what Governor Ambode is up to...By the way, please why is Mr. Jimi Agbaje silent? We need you to speak from now on sir; waiting till the 11th hour isn't always wise.

 

Then there's the story of Nigeria beating Congo 2-0 in a friendly match and someone thought that was breaking news...Smh! Issa Hayatou is now the Acting FIFA president (congratulations) and Vincent Enyeama resigned from Super Eagles after a tiff with Coach Sunday Oliseh (The Indiscipline game has started).

 

I hope you're praying for Nigeria; I sure am. Enjoy your day

NIGERIAN MARRIAGE ACT REVIEW (3)

Good day. How are you doing? I'll continue with my review of the Nigerian Marriage Act. If you'll like a copy of the Marriage Act I'm reviewing, you can search the Internet or send an email to thechristianwomenstories@gmail,com.
We'll review Sections 25 to 32 in this post. 

Section 25 discusses the entries to be made in marriage certificate. The relevant details are in Form E (First Schedule of the Act). Section 26 tells us who should sign the marriage certificate (the couple, officiating minister etc). A duplicate of the marriage certificate SHOULD be transmitted to transmitted to the registrar of marriages for the district in which the marriage takes place. If, for one reason or the other, your marriage certificate is missing, be aware that there should be a duplicate in the files of the registrar in the district where you got married.

Section 27 permits a couple to contract a marriage before a registrar. You still need 2 witnesses between 10am and 4pm. It also stipulates the WORDS that the registrar is supposed to say...Hmmm. Section 28 then repeats what Section 26 says except it's the Registrar, not the Minister, doing the formalities. Section 29 addresses marriages celebrated (under license) in places other than places of worship. Section 30 addresses registration of marriage certificates. 

Section 31 addresses correction of clerical errors in the marriage certificate. Section 32 gives various "evidences of marriage" - the marriage certificate, the copy filed with the registrar, the entry in the marriage register etc. So, please, if you've lost your marriage certificate, these options SHOULD be admissible in court or even in your visa application (right?).  

I'm only sharing highlights. I hope you do save a copy of the Marriage Act (see the files) to 1) verify my claims, 2) raise points of discussion and 3) make informed choices. Let me also state that I'm not a lawyer, so if you believe you should seek legal redress, please discuss with a lawyer before you institute legal proceedings. 

So, my people, on this World's Teacher's Day, who's cooking Jollof Rice for Teacher Hephzibah? Lol.

NIGERIAN MARRIAGE ACT REVIEW (2)

Good day How are you doing? I'll continue with my review of the Nigerian Marriage Act. If you'll like a copy of the Marriage Act I'm reviewing, you can search the Internet or send an email to thechristianwomenstories@gmail,com.

We'll review Sections 18 to 24 in this post. Sections 18-20 address "Consent of Marriage in cases necessary". The Act sets the age of consent (for statutory marriage) as 21 for either party. If anyone who is under 21 wants to get married per the Act, the written consent of the father is required. If the father is dead or of an unsound mind or absent from Nigeria, the mother can give her written consent.

Frankly, this is one area I think can be improved on. I think the written consent of either parent of a minor should suffice. However, I won't lose sleep over it as I'm not convinced that anyone under 21 is mature enough to get married. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this point.

Section 19 addresses the case where the person required to give the written consent for the marriage of a minor is unable to write or understand English Language while Section 20 addresses cases where there is no parent or guardian capable of giving written consent for the marriage of a minor.

Section 21 addresses the case of marriage in a licensed place of worship. Any RECOGNISED minister of the church, denomination or body to which such a place of worship belongs and according to the rites or usages of marriage observed in such church, denomination or body, provided the wedding is celebrated between 8am and 6pm in the presence of two or more witnesses besides the officiating minister.

There's quite a lot packed in Section 21. Please ensure the officiating minister is a RECOGNIZED minister of the denomination that should be LICENSED to perform marriage ceremonies. I think you need to be careful with the vows you're exchanging too. If you plan to write your own vows, please make sure it's a regular practice for couples to do so. Don't tweak the church's rites or usages of marriage and end up with an invalid marriage. Ensure your marriage takes place between 8AM and 6PM. Make sure there are AT LEAST 2 other persons apart from the officiating minister (See you don't need 1000 guests, lol).

According to Section 22, a minister is not to celebrate a marriage if he knows of a JUST IMPEDIMENT to such a marriage or if the couple do not deliver to him/her the registrar's certificate or the license issued under Section 13 of the Marriage Act. Any minister who goes ahead to celebrate such a marriage is liable to a jail term but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Section 23 of the Act addresses the building(s) where a minister can celebrate a marriage. The building has to either be licensed by the Minister (of Interior) or stated on the license issued per Section 13 of the Act. If you plan to use a building that has not been licensed by the Minister (of Interior), ensure that the marriage license CLEARLY states the building...

Section 24 applies to Registrars and I guess if you're a registrar, you should already be aware of this Act.

I'm only sharing highlights. I hope you do get yourself a copy of the Marriage Act to 1) verify my claims, 2) raise points of discussion and 3) make informed choices. Let me also state that I'm not a lawyer, so if you believe you should seek legal redress, please discuss with a lawyer before you institute legal proceedings.

Please read through these sections and let's discuss in the comments.

I wish you the best. Enjoy your day.

NIGERIAN MARRIAGE ACT REVIEW (1)

Good day. 

While discussing with some friends, I promised to review the Nigerian Marriage Act and share my thoughts. I'll probably have a couple of posts before this series is concluded. If you'll like a copy of the Marriage Act I'm reviewing, you can search the Internet or send an email to thewomenstories@gmail.com so I can send it to you as an attachment.

Let me ask you some questions - Do you know there is a difference between Customary Marriage, Statutory Marriage and Church Wedding?

If yes, do you know the benefits and demerits of each type of marriage?

Did you know that anyone who KNOWINGLY tries to marry anyone who has been married statutorily (under the Marriage Act) is liable to 5 years imprisonment?

Did you know that anyone who gets married according to the Marriage Act and attempts to marry another person without ending his/her marriage is liable to 5 years imprisonment?

So, am I asking injured parties to begin to sue their partners and their accomplices? No. I'm only saying that the injured parties need to know that they can seek legal redress IF they have satisfied the requirements of the law and have fallen victim, if they choose to.

I'll only share highlights. I hope you get yourself a copy of the Marriage Act to 1) verify my claims, 2) raise points of discussion and 3) make informed choices.

Let me also state that I'm not a lawyer, so if you believe you can seek legal redress, please discuss with a lawyer before you institute legal proceedings.

Section 6 of the Marriage Act addresses places of worship that can be licensed for the celebration of marriage. It states that the "Minister" (of Interior? I'll appreciate some input from lawyers here. Thanks) can license any place of public worship for the celebration of marriage.

It also allows the "Minister" withdraw the license at any time. HE only needs to give notice in the Federal Gazette. So, if you plan on relying on "White Wedding" as your only option, please confirm that the church you're getting married in is licensed for the celebration of marriage. If so, you are eligible for the benefits of Statutory Marriage. If not, you can't seek legal redress under the Marriage Act...

Sections 7-17 deal with "Preliminaries to Marriage". If these conditions are not satisfied, they may invalidate the statutory marriage. In our case, the church guided us on these (thankfully, properly). Please read through these sections and let's discuss in the comments.

I wish you the best. Enjoy your Independence Day. I'll post Part 2 as soon as possible.

NIGERIAN MARRIAGE ACT REVIEW (1)

Good day. 

While discussing with some friends, I promised to review the Nigerian Marriage Act and share my thoughts. I'll probably have a couple of posts before this series is concluded. If you'll like a copy of the Marriage Act I'm reviewing, you can search the Internet or send an email to the Christian women stories@gmail.com so I can send it to you as an attachment.

Let me ask you some questions - Do you know there is a difference between Customary Marriage, Statutory Marriage and Church Wedding? If yes, do you know the benefits and demerits of each type of marriage? Did you know that anyone who KNOWINGLY tries to marry anyone who has been married statutorily (under the Marriage Act) is liable to 5 years imprisonment? Did you know that anyone who gets married according to the Marriage Act and attempts to marry another person without ending his/her marriage is liable to 5 years imprisonment?

So, am I asking injured parties to begin to sue their partners and their accomplices? No. I'm only saying that the injured parties need to know that they can seek legal redress IF they have satisfied the requirements of the law and have fallen victim, if they choose to.

I'll only share highlights. I hope you get yourself a copy of the Marriage Act to 1) verify my claims, 2) raise points of discussion and 3) make informed choices. Let me also state that I'm not a lawyer, so if you believe you can seek legal redress, please discuss with a lawyer before you institute legal proceedings.

Section 6 of the Marriage Act addresses places of worship that can be licensed for the celebration of marriage. It states that the "Minister" (of Interior? I'll appreciate some input from lawyers here. Thanks) can license any place of public worship for the celebration of marriage. It also allows the "Minister" withdraw the license at any time. HE only needs to give notice in the Federal Gazette. So, if you plan on relying on "White Wedding" as your only option, please confirm that the church you're getting married in is licensed for the celebration of marriage. If so, you are eligible for the benefits of Statutory Marriage. If not, you can't seek legal redress under the Marriage Act...

Sections 7-17 deal with "Preliminaries to Marriage". If these conditions are not satisfied, they may invalidate the statutory marriage. In our case, the church guided us on these (thankfully, properly). Please read through these sections and let's discuss in the comments.

I wish you the best. Enjoy your Independence Day. I'll post Part 2 as soon as possible.