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French legislators in the lower house overwhelmingly agreed on a ban on burqa-style Islamic veils yesterday as part of a rigorous effort to define and defend French values.

But many of the country’s Muslim population are not happy with the development.

Those who supported the ban say face-covering veils do not conform with the European country’s ideal of women equality or its secular tradition, the Associated Press (AP) reported yesterday.

The bill is controversial abroad but popular in France, where its relatively few outspoken critics say conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy has resorted to xenophobia to attract far-right voters.

The ban on burqas and niqabs will go in September to the Senate, where it also is likely to pass. Its biggest hurdle will likely come after that, when France 's constitutional watchdog scrutinizes it. Some legal scholars say there is a chance it could be deemed unconstitutional..

Spain and Belgium have similar bans in the works. France has Europe 's largest Muslim population; about 5 million of the country's 64 million people are believed to be Muslims. While ordinary headscarves are common in the country, only about 1,900 women are believed to wear full face-covering veils.

The main body representing French Muslims says such garb is not suitable in France but it worries that the ban will stigmatize all Muslims.

In yesterday’s vote at the National Assembly, there were 335 votes for the bill and just one against it. Most members of the main opposition group, the Socialist Party, walked out and refused to vote, though they in fact support a ban.

They said they have differences over where it should be enforced, underscoring the controversy among French politicians on the issue.

The bill bans face-covering veils everywhere that can be considered public space, even in the street, but the Socialists only want it in certain places, such as government buildings, hospitals and public transport.

France's government has sought to insist that assimilation is the only path for immigrants and minorities and last year it launched a grand nationwide debate on what it means to be French. The country has had difficulty integrating generations of immigrants and their children, as witnessed by weeks of rioting by youths, many of them minorities, in troubled neighborhoods in 2005.

At the National Assembly, few dissenters spoke out about civil liberties or fears of fanning anti-Islam sentiment. Before the vote, the Greens lawmaker Francois de Rugy said the conservatives "are throwing oil on the fire — you are reviving tensions just to win votes."

Legislator Berengere Poletti, of Sarkozy's party, said face-covering veils "are a prison for women, they are the sign of their submission to their husbands, brothers or fathers."

The niqab and burqa are also seen in the country as a gateway to extremism and an attack on secularism, a central value of France for more than a century. Discussions in the country have dragged on for more than a year since Sarkozy declared in June 2009 that the burqa is "not welcome" in France .

There has been some concern the bill could prod terror groups to eye France or its citizens as potential targets. Following Sarkozy's comments, al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb issued a statement on web sites vowing to "seek vengeance against France."

The legislation would forbid face-covering Muslim veils in all public places in France and calls for euros 150 ($185) fines or citizenship classes, or both.

The bill is also aimed at husbands and fathers — anyone convicted of forcing someone else to wear the garb risks a year of prison and a euros 30,000 ($38,000) fine, with both penalties doubled if the victim is a minor.

Officials have taken pains to craft a language that does not single out Muslims. While the proposed legislation is colloquially referred to as the "anti-burqa law," it is officially called "the bill to forbid concealing one's face in public."

It refers neither to Islam nor to veils. Officials insist the law against face-covering is not discriminatory because it would apply to everyone, not just Muslims. Yet they cite a host of exceptions, including motorcycle helmets, or masks for health reasons, fencing, skiing or carnivals.

In March, France 's highest administrative body, the Council of State, warned that the law could be found unconstitutional. It said that neither French secularism nor concerns about equality for women, human dignity or public security could have legal justifications.

ABUJA-A Bill to Prohibit the Overseas Basic and Undergraduate Education of Children and Wards of Public Officers and other Matters, awaits second reading in the House of Representatives.

The Bill sponsored by Rep. Emmanuel Bello (PDP/Hong/Adamawa) and slated for second reading by the House after its three-week recess, seeks punishment for public office holders who send off their children for education abroad without a “waiver” from the Education Minister.

“That is rubbish talk you can send your children anywhere you like. This is democracy, if you have money you can send your children in space. Issues like that are better taken as motions instead of Bills.”

“Subject to a written waiver granted under the hand of the Minister for Education, every child and or wards of public servant shall henceforth undergo basic and undergraduate education in the Country.

“The Minister for education shall in consideration of an application for waiver pursuant to section I be guided by the nature of the proposed course of study for an undergraduate applicant, medical condition and the general national interest”, the Bill states, adding however that without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of this Act, any public officer whose children and or wards are undergoing basic and undergraduate education overseas immediately before the date when this Act comes into force shall be deemed to be doing so pursuant to a waiver granted by the Minister or this for education”, the Bill states..

US, UK, EU place visa ban on Yar'Adua's men *President's aides' names compiled by global anti-money laundering body *UK envoy, Jonathan in strategic closed door meeting

Written by Taiwo Adisa

Monday, March 1, 2010

TOP officials of Western powers, including the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom, (UK), Canada and the European Union (EU), have given clear indications to the Nigerian government that they are placing visa restrictions on aides of ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua, who are believed to be

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orchestrating political confusion that could endanger Nigeria's democracy.

In separate representations to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan in the last one week, sources confirmed that the Western authorities have also compiled names of such "trouble makers" in the country and forwarded same to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global anti-money laundering body, for the investigation of their alleged stupendous wealth.

Sources close to the administration confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that while some of the Western governments made representation to the Nigerian authorities through their ambassadors in Nigeria, others actually sent special envoys.

It was gathered that a special envoy of the UK government actually met with the acting president behind closed doors on Saturday.

A source said that the delegation also included the UK Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr Bob Dewar, who led the team with a special message to the acting president.

Though the meeting was held behind closed doors, a source close to the government said that the discussions centred on how to stabilise the Nigerian democracy.

It was gathered that the UK government had, on its own, identified those described as 'trouble makers' in Nigeria, who are regarded as orchestrating political confusion in the country.

The acting president was told that, henceforth, such persons would be placed under scrutiny in the UK and that their names were being forwarded to the FATF.

It was gathered that while some of those involved have only earned salaries all their life, their offshore accounts are fatter than those of well known businessmen.

Sources said that there was the suspicion in the Western countries that some of those who have earned illicit funds could be willing tools and agents of terrorism.

It was also gathered that these Western governments were ready to seize assets of any of the targeted officials which could not be defended.

"There could be the likelihood of prosecutions at the end of the day but I guess they came early to inform the Nigerian authorities such that it will not be news to them when some Nigerians start facing serious times in the Western countries," a source said.

It was learnt that the Western countries are seriously seeking the intervention of FATF to isolate the channels by which the said officials moved huge sums from Nigeria in recent years.

"They decided to inform Nigeria early enough because they would require the cooperation of the Nigerian authorities," a source said.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, has written to Dr. Jonathan, expressing the support of his administration for the Nigerian leader and listing areas the two countries need to urgently collaborate.

The letter, dated February 26, 2010 and signed by the Prime Minister, stated the support of the UK's government to Jonathan's commitment to the fight against corruption and finding a lasting solution to the problems of the Niger Delta.

Brown welcomed the inaugural speech by Jonathan on February 9, stating that the UK was ready to continue to partner Nigeria on the path of progress.

Some of the priority areas the UK hoped Jonathan would concentrate on and further collaborate with the West included the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Niger Delta, electoral reform, the fight against corruption and the fight against international terrorism.

The letter reads: "I am writing to congratulate you on taking up your new role as Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"As you know, we firmly believe that principles of abiding by the constitution, together with democratic values, non-violence and the rule of law are fundamental to resolving political and constitutional issues. I commend the efforts made by the Executive Council of the Federation, the National Assembly and the Executive to promote a peaceful and democratic solution to the recent uncertainty.

"The UK has long been a committed friend and partner of Nigeria and have continued to give strong and constructive support during the recent difficult weeks. I welcomed the commitments you made in your address to the nation and would strongly support you on the need for electoral reform and democra-tisation, tackling corruption and bringing peace and stability to the Niger Delta..

"We face joint challenges internationally, including in the fight against global terrorism. We remain committed to help you tackle poverty and make real progress towards the MDGs. I hope we can work together on these and other issues.

"I also look forward to working with you closely on the UN Security Council. We hope that you will be able to support strong UN action in response to Iran's failure to address international concerns over its nuclear programme and its breach of five UNSCRs.

"We remain committed to help you tackle poverty and make real progress towards the MDGs, in particular I hope we can work together to support the 1-Goal campaign and education for all in advance of the South African World Cup this year. I hope we can work together on these and other issues.

"We extend wishes for President Yar'Adua's recovery and I look forward to meeting you in the not too distant future.

Yours Sincerely,

Gordon Brown.