By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu has barred military personnel in Nigeria from engaging in homosese3uality, lesbianism, bestiality, cross-dressing, and other acts deemed contrary to the ethics of the armed forces.

Punch reports that the ban is contained in Section 26 of the revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 16, 2024. Military personnel are equally barred from body piercing, tattooing, disorderly behaviour, and drunkenness on or off duty.

The revised Harmonised Armed Forces Terms and Conditions of Service reads in part;

“An officer must not engage in homosexuality, lesbianism, and bestiality. He/she is not to belong to, or engage in activities of the Lesbian, Gay, Bis#xual, Transgender or Trans, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, As#xual or Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) group and cross-dressing, amongst others.

An officer must not engage in body piercing and tattooing of any part of his body. An officer shall not engage in any form of disorderly behaviour, brawl, or any action of public disgrace. An officer must not at any time be drunk whether on or off duty.”

An officer shall pay all just financial obligations in a proper and timely manner, especially those imposed by law and mutual contract. It is a very serious offence for an officer to be apprehended for failure to license or insure his vehicle, and other legal financial obligations. In the same vein, the issuance of a dud cheque constitutes an offence.

An officer shall not hold membership of any secret society or political party. He shall not participate, in any way, in activities concerned with such societies or parties even in observatory capacities.

For the avoidance of doubt, since cultural or purely traditional religious societies are not normally secret by membership or in the conduct of their affairs, they are ipso-facto excluded from belonging to secret societies.”

Having a private business, and misuse of government property for personal gain are also prohibited for serving personnel.

“An officer shall not engage in private business. He shall not use or be allowed to use government property, his name, position and connection in any way with commercial enterprises outside employment or activity with or without compensation, which interfere or has the tendency of interfering with his official duty or which may be reasonably expected to bring discredit to the Service.

An officer shall not accept gifts, favours, entertainments, etc, from officers junior to him in rank or from soldiers/ratings/airmen/airwomen,” the condition of service added.

The punishments or disciplinary measures against any personnel who violate the rules were, however, not stated.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Two unidentified individuals lost their lives after falling into a diesel reservoir on Ikosi-Oregun Road, Lagos.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday midway through rescue efforts by emergency responders.

According to Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), “Following distress calls, LASEMA activated the state’s Emergency Response Plans and deployed its Response Team.

“Upon the arrival of LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team, it was discovered that two adult males had fallen into a diesel reservoir.”

Reports indicate that one of the men accidentally fell into the reservoir while working. The second man, attempting to rescue him, also fell in.

Both victims sustained severe injuries and were transported to the hospital by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) after receiving first aid, including CPR.

Despite sustained medical efforts, the two men later succumbed to their injuries.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The FCT/NUJ Council has expressed shock over the demise of a popular Journalist, Oluwasegun Victor who passed on last Saturday.

This development was contained in a statement signed by the NUJ scribe, Jide Oyekunle on Saturday.

Read statement below:
“It is with profound sadness that Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council mourns the passing of our esteemed member, Victor Oluwasegun who departed this life on Thursday January 9th 2025 after a brief illness In Lagos.

“Late Victor Oluwasegun worked with The Nation Newspaper Abuja Bureau as Senior Correspondent and covered the House of Representatives in the National Assembly.

“He was a crack investigative reporter and prolific writer who have made an indelible mark on the sand of time in reporting the activities and workings of the Parliament over the years.

“Apart from a legacy of hard work, positivity, and compassion Oluwasegun was a shining star in the media industry.

“He was a happy man and known for infectious smile and a positive spirit that brightened even the most challenging days.

“He was always willing to lend a helping hand, share knowledge, and support colleagues, making our workplace a better environment for everyone.

“Those who have personal interaction with him will testify to this fact.

“The NUJ FCT Council extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who were touched by his kindness and generosity. 

“Late Oluwasegun hails from Shagamu in Ogun State and survived by his wife and  three children.

” He was an alumnus of Ogun State University and author of several books.

“The burial arrangements will be announced by the family.

“May the soul of Late Victor Oluwasegun rest in perfect peace.