"In 2012 there were around 100, while in 2011 there were around 300. Some were as a result of a disciplinary procedures, others made a request," Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told AFP.
Scores more were defrocked in the preceding years, after Benedict XVI, the Vatican's former chief doctrine enforcer, was elected in 2005 to replace John Paul II.
But the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) said these disciplinary measures were not enough.
"The pope must start defrocking clerics who cover up sex crimes, not just clerics who commit them. Until that happens, little will change," the US-based victim support and campaign group said in a statement.
"Defrocking is more defence strategy than child protection," it said, adding that the increase was likely due to the fact that more victims "are gaining the strength and courage to come forward".
Starting in Ireland and the United States more than a decade ago, revelations of sex crimes by clergy and subsequent cover-ups by their bishops began emerging around the world and rocked the Roman Catholic Church.
Benedict XVI, who resigned last year and was replaced by Pope Francis, vowed zero tolerance for offending priests and the Vatican has reported receiving thousands of reports of abuse from local dioceses.
The Vatican's doctrinal watchdog, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which investigates abuses under Canon Law, does not usually make its work public.
It says this is done for the protection of victims and witnesses, although victim support groups say it shows a continuing lack of transparency on the issue.
A Vatican delegation earlier this week was pushed for the first time to provide answers to the United Nations over its commitment to stamp out abuse by priests in front of the UN's child rights committee in Geneva.
"The Holy See gets it, that certain things have to be done differently," Charles Scicluna, the Vatican's former top prosecutor for sex crimes, told the meeting.
Pope Francis on Thursday said the scandals were "the shame of the Church" and has set up a committee to investigate claims and offer care for victims.
Campaigners say not enough is being done to cooperate with local police and judiciary, even though many claims have expired under statutes of limitations.
"Catholic officials should help make sure child molesting clerics are criminally prosecuted," SNAP said.
There are around 400,000 Catholic priests in the world.
Cliche as it sounds, it's great to be back. Really great. In 15 short years, I have moved from being a guy who couldn't stop writing to one who has to struggle really hard to write anything other than emails and short notes. Except of course, when something pricks my soft centre.
My schedule has been horrendous but that's not the main reason why writing for me has become such a struggle. I think I have changed, significantly. These days I find myself being increasingly reluctant to make comments in public space. Opinionated and intense as ever, I have somehow 'evolved' into this guy who really doesn't want to say anything for different reasons at different times. That's until something ruffles and cool and stirs my storm and man, I have to vent to survive the rush.
It's a difficult place to be at. The issues I am passionate enough to flip about are most times over-flogged in my opinion. Some others are matters I can address privately with the prime players directly so I'm very reluctant to make my comments public. This is my dilemma. This is the reason why inking a weekly column for a publication as respected and popular as NET, a privilege I truly cherish, has become such an onerous task.
But I love challenges and making this column a regular feature is one of my chosen challenges for 2014. So here we go!
Of late, few things have pushed my button harder than COSON /BON-IBAN issue and the macabre dance of utterly rudderless Nigerian politicians whose words and actions suggest clearly that they seem not to understand that there has to be in existence, a kingdom first, stable and prosperous before the notion of kingship would assume any meaning.
Late night, Tuesday, January 14 and the perilous posts that populated my yahoo mailbox were battling to kill my calm and steal my sleep. I received a Facebook notification. Jekwu Ozoemena, my roommate, course mate and friend from my Unilag days had dropped yet another dime that was as usual, causing quite a stir amongst his group of friends, fans and admirers. I ordinarily would read and not comment as it is typical of the emerging me but not one this issue. Yes, you guessed right. It is a soft centre.
He posited thus:
"The 2015 Nigerian Presidential Election is about a full year and 4 months away, yet the current drama, acrimony, horse-trading, bare-faces lies, half- truths, polarization and manipulation of the media, manipulation of the masses, treachery, corruption/stealing, cross-carpeting, beatification of Area-Boy politicians, open/closed letters and alleged "Sniper list" all remind me of the run up to the August 6, 1983 Presidential Election. Is it that we have not learnt from history?" -Jekwu Ozoemena
My response:
"It's obvious we haven't. We operate basically on the regular criminal mindset- the guys who got caught were not smart enough- so we learn nothing and consequently make no progress. We always find some excuse to stay immersed in the puddle of collective delusion"
One of Jekwu's friends on the thread "innocently" retorted and re-echoed the sentiments I have heard a lot of Nigerians express. In his words…"Bro are they educated/enlightened enough to read about the history of the failed 2nd republic , that they will learn from history? The only thing 90% of them want to learn about is how to line their pockets"
For the umpteenth time, in public space, I vehemently argue thus:
There's no 'they', this is 'us'. All of us – the assailant, hapless victim, clueless 'bystander', arm chair critic, self serving activist, spineless downtrodden, ignorant common man, hypocritical middle class, oppressor-in-waiting, corrupt civil servant, conniving relatives, whoring traditional rulers, desperate religious leaders, lying, thieving cheating elders, wayward youths all us. This is who majority of us are, this is the country and leadership we deserve.
There's no 'they'! These are our spouses, blood brothers, friends, colleagues, neighbors, clients, customers…this is US!!! We easily and regularly identify the ills that plague our society and one too many times heap the blame on the doorstep of the corrupt and desperate public office holder or politician. After the complaints, what next? A majority of us will never hold a high political office. Even when democracy is entrenched and elections are free and fair, not more than 5% of 170 million people can reasonably hope to ascend high public office. And we don't even have to.
The leadership has a certain degree of responsibility but it is the followers who must hold the leaders accountable. Wherever you find yourself, you CAN, you HAVE to promote propriety. Every one of us has a responsibility to make our little spaces better places.
I hold firm. There's no 'they'. Me, you, my cousin, his father-in-law, his politician club member, your legislator friend, all us. No one owns Nigeria more than another and Nigeria isn't the land mass. It's the people. The people who fail to recognize that our traditions of shortcuts only lead to dead ends.
The 'oppressors' are guilty but who fights 'their' battles as thugs and touts? – the ignorant common man. Who blesses 'their' tithes and offering? Who flood the grounds at 'their' rallies? Who populate 'their' convoys? Whose parties do 'they' bless with 'their' honorable presence as generous guests of honour? Where do 'they' buy 'their' honorary degrees and chieftaincy titles? Whose daughters, sisters, friends get lucky and get 'stepped up' as 'their' extra wives and mistresses? The same oppressed Nigerian who complains about the leadership's gang rape of the nation.
I once asked a mobile policeman who was threatening to shoot at 'us' at one Enough Is Enough rally outside the National Assembly complex in Abuja a few years ago who between both of us was worse hit by the ills plaguing Nigeria? You can guess what his response was. He was following orders. A good number of the guys staging the protest could pay his yearly wages without a wince. Most of the guys who forced positive change in other climes didn't witness a fraction of the degradation, dehumanization and hopelessness he has grown accustomed to but we are what we are – Nigerians! We somehow always find a cogent explanation to postpone the day we have to take that step and make the sacrifice that will engender the positive change we so desire.
We will see change the day we begin to make change happen- one office, bus stop, roadblock, polling station, banking hall, classroom, mosque, church, one transaction at a time. Period!
Speaking at a reception for the diplomatic corps in Nigeria, President Jonathan called for international support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to realize the goal of surpassing the benchmark attained in 2011.
The cocktail reception on the lawns of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, is an annual ritual during which the president interacts with the diplomatic corps in Nigeria.
The president used the occasion to intimate the diplomats on preparations towards the 2015 general elections and to assure them on his determination to set a benchmark for free and fair elections.
"The general elections will take place early next year but the processes that will lead to the elections will commence this year. Parties will select their candidates through primaries this year, campaigns will commence this year, so this year will be full of activities. And I know that there is some apprehension with the elections.
"Let me reassure you that the general election that will come up next year will be better than the elections you witnessed in 2011. As we progress into the year, some of these tensions will come down.
"At the beginning of the electoral processes in most countries, especially developing nations, tensions use to be quite high even in developed countries. That is what we are witnessing now, but all these will come down. We will make sure that we maintain peace and security and that elections are conducted in the manner that will be seen as free and fair by everybody", he said.
He told the diplomats that "I am placing before you to communicate to your organisations and countries that we still need your assistance to make sure that the INEC conducts elections that are even better than the ones they did in 2011."
On global terrorism, the President said national and global development was being hampered by the menace of terrorism, adding that in 2014, sustained efforts through dialogue and other means must be mounted against terrorism.
On the forthcoming national confab, Jonathan said it was imperative since Nigerians feel that the 1999 Constitution that was midwifed by the military and still in place today, was not properly and fully deliberated upon or screened by the people.
Via: Vanguard
Iconic raggae artiste Ras Kimono is alive and well, and is not at all happy with the rumor peddlers. Stories had flooded the internet on minor blogs reporting the death of the Rastafari Chant singer, eliciting a very angry response from him. Ras Kimono
posted on his Facebook page that
"those peddling false rumors… will die this year".
The initial reaction about his exposure was that such a Church
could not exist within Nigeria as such things are common in
abroad. But an uproar in the Anglican communion in Europe
on gay bishops brought up the case of Reverend Rowland, a
Nigerian who was residing in Lagos.
He was also operating his gay Church in Lagos. In his plot
145 flat 1, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, where Rev. Rowland
Olajide Macaulay, the gay Pastor lived, the apartment was
locked. It was learnt that the Reverend left his house on
Saturday, September 13, immediately after a national
newspaper carried the story of his homosexual Church and
ever since, he had not been seen.
According to his neighbours, the Sunday service could not
hold both at the Jakande Estate branch and the Ojodu
headquarters of House of Rainbow Ministries after that
publication.
Right now, Rev. Rowland has relocated abroad where he is
presently running his gay Church, "House Of Rainbow
Fellowship". According to the gay Pastor, "any negative effect
on the anti-gay bill will have detrimental effect on the work
and mission of House Of Rainbow in Nigeria. The lives of
LGBTI people and their friends, families and allies will be
further frustrated with fear and prejudice. We need to pray
and stand up against injustice."
He continued:
"My Church is a voice of the younger generation of citizens,
activists, and diaspora, and our collective belief in a more
progressive Nigeria. They are afraid of our growing influence
as we gather allies not just from the West, but from people
that are not afraid but powerful and resilient. Right now, we
are spreading their tentacles to every village, town and city
around the world. The Church is also calling on faithful and
dedicated local leaders who believe in homosexuality and
lesbianism. Ten House Of Rainbow Fellowship local leaders
are in Ghana, Nigeria, UK, Burundi, and Lesotho. Religion is
a backbone to life in Nigeria, so, we all want to go to Church.
But we don't want to lie to God about who we are."
Macaulay first set up House of Rainbow in 2006 and openly
held Sunday services in a Lagos hotel hall decorated in
rainbow colours. A public backlash culminated in members
being beaten as they left the Church. Macaulay fled to the UK
after receiving death threats.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International and gay rights activists and
groups have also condemned the law, calling it discriminatory
and incompatible with international human rights laws to
which Nigeria is a signatory.
Clashes and discussions over the new law still continue in the
country.
Via: Vanguard
According to NET investigations, the Range Rover was acquired for an estimated price of N33million.
Pop star turned evangelist Chris Okotie sure knows how to enjoy the nicest things of life, so much that he has expressed it in the fleet of exotic automobiles lined up in his garage.
The flashy man of God and General Overseer of the Household of God Church International took stock of two new automobiles, a black Range Rover Autobiography and a white Rolls Royce Coupe, 2014 Bespoke edition in celebration of his 30years of being a born-again Christian and 27 years as a pastor.
According to NET investigations, the Range Rover was acquired for an estimated price of N33million while the Rolls Royce Coupe was acquired for an estimated value of N80million.
The controversial man of God is no doubt one of the richest pastors in Nigeria and is non-apologetic about his stupendous wealth.
One may not be far from the truth to describe Okotie's lifestyle of as flamboyant and extravagant (a trend peculiar to many top preachers in Nigeria), but the Presidential aspirant and leader of the FRESH Party would insist on 'enjoying the blessings of God'.
A peek into the garage of the former Pop singer turned preacher inside his Opebi-Lagos home reveals a number of other luxury cars. Apart from the two newly acquired automobiles, Okotie's garage boasts of a Hummer, a BMW and a Mercedes Benz.
Sources also tell us that the 55years old reverend also has heavy investments in properties worth millions of Nairas and scattered all over Lagos, including in Oregun. where his church is located.
In almost three decades of his ministry, the outspoken preacher has attracted quite a number of controversies, the recent being his bold declaration that Catholics are idolaters and are hell-bound. Okotie has announced he will contest for the presidency again in 2015.
Apart from the two newly acquired automobiles, Okotie's garage boasts of a Hummer, a BMW and a Mercedes Benz. Photos courtesy Encomium
Apart from the two newly acquired automobiles, Okotie's garage boasts of a Hummer, a BMW and a Mercedes Benz.
A peek into the garage of the former Pop singer turned preacher reveals a number of other luxury cars. Apart from the two newly acquired automobiles, Okotie's garage boasts of a Hummer, a BMW and a Mercedes Benz.
Via: NET
Here is what BET website published …
Whitenicious ..It's not a word that easily rolls off the tongue,
but it's becoming the newest catchphrase in skin bleaching.
What exactly does it mean to get Whitenicious? It means to
purchase the brand new, selling-like-hotcakes skin care line
just launched by Nigerian-Cameroonian singer Dencia.
Though the line claims to target "dark spots caused by
anything from acne, wounds, hyperpigmentation bruises" as
well as dark knuckles, knees and elbows, it seems like
Dencia's pushing another agenda — turning brown skin
white…or whitenicious.
Consider the shade journey of Dencia. The singer began her
career as a Kelly Rowland chocolate, eventually becoming
Beyoncé light brown and now she is more of a Katy Perry
pale. Dencia is not just the owner of the line, but the spokes
model, meaning her bright white skin is displayed all over the
website, in various modes of barely dressed melanin-lite.
Whitenicious-ness does not come cheap, with prices ranging
from $50 to $150. But the cost has not turned away the hordes
who bought so many that the line sold out in days. And it's
not just women in her home country of Nigeria (though
studies claim that as many as 77 percent of Nigerian women
use skin lighteners regularly), but thanks to the Internet, it is
available to anyone.
The World Wide Web has also made Whitenicious a popular
target for outraged bloggers, Tweeters and others who believe
there is a lot of self-hatred involved in a Black woman selling
something that turns brown skin white. Much of the attention
began after a Facebook post from author Dr. Yaba Blay, the
co-director of Africana Studies at Drexel University who has
extensively studied skin bleaching, and whose post led to over
100,000 views. Some of the resulting stories, like one on
Clutch magazine, emphasized the many health risks in
bleaching, from mercury poisoning to skin burns. Uptown
didn't mince any words, saying that the singer's line
exemplifies her "lack of self-love." When Jezebel columnist
Hillary Crosley caught wind of the product all she could
muster was "Please kill me now."
Dencia claims nothing but love for her critics. She has spent
the past few days on Twitter thanking her detractors for
writing "PhD worthy essays" that have increased her
visibility. When one Twitter user said, "I don't see how ppl
can support your skin line??? People should love what GOD
gave them" Dencia dismissed them by saying "God didn't
create darkspots." She even had a special Twitter message to
Americans, saying, "Damn I need to send media takeout a
check .. Sales Up 1,000%! all Americans .. Can't wait 4 u
ladies & Gents 2 say Goodbye 2 Dark spots."
Or, if more angry Americans get their wish, we'll be able to
say goodbye to Dencia's dangerous messages to embrace
Whitenicious.
Jimoh who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC was found guilty by Justice Ekwo on November 13, 2013 of converting N7 million belonging to the Council for personal use.
He was arraigned by the EFCC alongside one Samuel Abiodun Ojo, a Commissioner for Agriculture in March 31, 2010, who was however discharged by the court after a no case submission filed by his counsel in June, 2012.
Upon his conviction, the former council boss, through his counsel Olu Agunbiade, filed an appeal seeking a review of his conviction.
Agunbiade then wrote to the prison authorities in Koton-Karfe demanding the health status of the accused person. On the strength of that letter, the prison authorities took the convict to a specialist hospital where he was allegedly diagnosed of lung cancer.
Agunbiade also presented to the court a letter from the prison authorities, stating that the hospital did not have facilities to treat lung cancer. On the strength of these letters, the counsel prayed the court to grant his client bail on health grounds.
But counsel to EFCC, Wahab Shittu vehemently opposed the application on the grounds that it would be tantamount to throwing the prison gate open to convicted persons who would want to use health issues to escape serving jail terms. Wahab also told the court that the presumption of innocence was no longer available to the convict having been convicted and sentenced.
While dismissing the application as incompetent, Shittu assured that the state would give adequate medical attention to the convict even if it means sending him abroad for treatment.
Via: Vanguard
As several blocks within the troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, jostle for the control of the party through the appointment of a new chairman, indications emerged yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan might have settled for the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar.
Incidentally, Umar, an unassuming but active politician from Gombe State, is the same candidate that the President's wife, Patience and the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, are soliciting support for to emerge as the new National Chairman of the party.
*Idris Umar
A close source to the Presidency told Saturday Vanguard that the President was favourably disposed to supporting the emergence of Umar, who had been showing what it called 'absolute loyalty' and support to the administration since coming on board as a minister.
The source said, "It is clear that the post will be given to Umar because of the fact that the President has already given a nod to his candidature.
"Barring any change in the way things are, Umar will be announced as the new Chairman of the PDP," the source, who pleaded anonymity, said.
It was gathered in Abuja yesterday that in a bid to pave the way for Umar to move into the new role, he might be dropped in an impending cabinet reshuffle to be announced by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The President had even given a hint of tinkering with his cabinet when he told a delegation of PDP stakeholders from the North-West that the list of new ministers to be appointed by him would be forwarded to the National Assembly, which is expected to resume from their Christmas and New Year break next week.
Although it was not clear, who would replace Umar in the event of his being dropped in order to take up the new challenge, a source said that Jonathan was planning a major cabinet reshuffle that might sweep away the jobs of no fewer than 25 ministers.
The purge, it was learnt, was to pave the way for the emergence of 'politically relevant' ministers, who would be able to deliver the needed support for Jonathan to win his second term election and stay till 2019.
Findings by Saturday Vanguard showed that in a bid to counter the G5 governors and win election in those states, Jonathan had pencilled down the names of top PDP politicians who can match the governors politically.
A source close to the Presidency pointed out that in Rivers State for instance, two former Deputy Speakers, Austin Opara and Chibudum Nwuche, were being considered for ministerial appointment so as to be able to tackle Amaechi and win the state for PDP.
Amaechi was among the five PDP governors, who recently defected to the APC. The governors vowed on Thursday not to return to the PDP even with the removal of Bamanga Tukur, insisting that the virus of impunity and lawlessness had affected their former party.
In Niger State, the name of the former governor of the state, A.Y.Kure, who is believed to still enjoy a strong followership in the state might also emerge as a minister in the new cabinet being put together by Jonathan. The move is to ensure that Kure wins support for Jonathan in 2015 should the outgoing governor, Babangida Aliyu, who is torn between the PDP and APC, finally ditches his party.
The Presidency has also pencilled down the names of Boni Haruna, former Adamawa State Governor, as a potential minister in his cabinet so as to checkmate Governor Murtala Nyako, who has already moved over to the APC.
The same scenario is also playing out in Kano, where the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na'aba is being considered as a minister from the state so as to counter the influence of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is not politically friendly with Jonathan.
Via: Vanguard
