A Critical Appraisal of The Anti-Piracy Law of Nigeria

Nigeria’s June 2019 law on piracy and other maritime offences is an important step in securing the country’s coastline and seas. The Ant-Piracy law on Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act,[1] 2019 (POMO Act) aims to ‘prevent and suppress piracy, armed robbery and any other unlawful act against a ship, aircraft and any other maritime craft, including fixed and floating platforms.’ It also observed that this law gives effect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 (UNCLOS) and the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988 (SUA). Despite the enactment of this huge law and policies targeted at ameliorating the numerous problems at Nigeria’s coastline and seas, the situation in Nigeria seems degenerating owing to the fact that there are no adequate compliance of the laws as well as the ineffective implementation or enforcement of the law. This paper seeks to critically evaluate the impacts of the Act and also its weaknesses. It also discusses Nigeria’s capacity to implement its new law and detect and prosecute crimes. Analysis includes an evaluation of the steps taken by the governments of the region and the effectiveness of the implemented strategies to counter the threat posed by piracy in the region. In identifying the barriers and challenges to combat piracy, a comprehensive arrangement based effective cooperation is proposed in the paper. Keywords: PIRACY LAW, NIGERIA DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/113-06 Publication date:September 30th 2021 *PhD & LLM (Coventry), BL (Nigeria), LLB (London Met), Lecturer, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University. Email: [email protected], Phone: 09020176657 **LL.M (RSU) in view; BL (Abuja); LL.B (UK); Dip-in-Law (UK). Senior Associate Tuduru Ede, SAN & Co. Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Email: [email protected]/[email protected]. 08065357894, 08052339985 [1] https://lawnigeria.com/2019/12/suppression-of-piracy-and-other-maritime-offences-act-2019/ accessed 04/08/202

Endogenous Transmembrane TNF-Alpha Protects Against Premature Senescence in Endothelial Colony Forming Cells

RATIONALE: Transmembrane tumor necrosis factor-α (tmTNF-α) is the prime ligand for TNF receptor 2, which has been shown to mediate angiogenic and blood vessel repair activities in mice. We have previously reported that the angiogenic potential of highly proliferative endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) can be explained by the absence of senescent cells, which in mature endothelial cells occupy >30% of the population, and that exposure to a chronic inflammatory environment induced premature, telomere-independent senescence in ECFCs. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the role of tmTNF-α in the proliferation of ECFCs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we show that tmTNF-α expression on ECFCs selects for higher proliferative potential and when removed from the cell surface promotes ECFC senescence. Moreover, the induction of premature senescence by chronic inflammatory conditions is blocked by inhibition of tmTNF-α cleavage. Indeed, the mechanism of chronic inflammation-induced premature senescence involves an abrogation of tmTNF/TNF receptor 2 signaling. This process is mediated by activation of the tmTNF cleavage metalloprotease TNF-α-converting enzyme via p38 MAP kinase activation and its concurrent export to the cell surface by means of increased iRhom2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we conclude that tmTNF-α on the surface of highly proliferative ECFCs plays an important role in the regulation of their proliferative capacity

HYPOGLYCAEMIC AND HAEMATINIC PROPERTIES OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

Background: Anaemia is known to be associated with diabetes; moreover, with the increasing cases of diabetes there is need for the use of more affordable alternative herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes and anaemia. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and haematinic properties of Artocarpus heteropyllus on diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heteropyllus was screened for phytochemicals and its acute toxicity was tested on mice. Induction of diabetes was done at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w) (with exception of the control group). The extract was administered to rats for a period of 7 days at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg b.w, respectively, following induction. Blood samples of rats were tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin, neutrophil lymphocyte and eosinophil counts. Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus showed no mortality up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. Administration of the extract to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in the FBS of diabetic rat, and significant increases (p< 0.05) in RBC, PCV, WBC and haemoglobin levels. Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus increased the haematological indices of diabetic rats. Our findings support the use of this plant as an herbal alternative in the treatment of diabetes and anaemia associated diabetes

Validation of coronavirus-2019 phobia scale using preschool practitioners in urban and rural communities in Nigeria Implication for educational sociologists

Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) emerged in December 2019, causing significant changes in people’s social lives and other human activities. The outbreak halted educational activities throughout the world. The Nigerian experience was unique in that most people were skeptical about the pandemic’s existence. This practice contributed to the Nigerian people’s fear of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, in Nigeria, there has never been a validated or established Covid-19 phobia scale, necessitating this study. This study was a pure validation study on COVID-19 phobia scale (C19PS). The study area was south-east states and a sample of 386 preschool practitioners in urban and rural communities of South East States, Nigeria participated in the study. The eligibility criteria include being a preschool teacher and demonstrating signs of COVID-19 phobia. The validation of the C19PS was done by subjecting the data gathered to principal axis factoring analysis with varimax rotation. The model fit for the data was tested using root mean square error of approximation and comparative fit index. It was found that the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of .845 for the measure of the adequacy of the sample size. There was also a significant Bartlett’s test of sphericity (P<.05). This implies that the correlation matrix for the C19PS is not an identity matrix. It was revealed that C19PS had good overall reliability (a=.896) and model fit (Root mean square error of approximation=.042, comparative fit index=.943) in a sample of Nigerian preschool practitioners. As a result, C19PS was recommended as a trustworthy tool for identifying persons who suffer from COVID-19 phobia.https://www.journals.elsevier.com/medicineam2023Science, Mathematics and Technology Educatio

Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil ameliorates Bisphenol‐A‐induced adipokines dysfunctions and dyslipidemia

From Wiley via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2022-12-25, rev-recd 2023-01-07, accepted 2023-02-06, pub-electronic 2023-02-18Article version: VoRPublication status: PublishedThis study demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) capable of alleviating BPA‐induced dyslipidemia and adipokine dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CMSO on adipokine dysfunctions and dyslipidemia in bisphenol‐A (BPA)‐induced male Wistar rats. Six‐week‐old 36 albino rats of 100–200 g weight were assigned randomly to six groups, which received varied doses of BPA and/or CMSO. The administration of BPA and CMSO was done at the same time for 42 days by oral intubation. The adipokine levels and lipid profile were measured in adipose tissue and plasma using standard methods. BPA induced significant (p < .05) increases in triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, LDL‐C, and atherogenic and coronary risk indices in adipose tissue and plasma, as well as a decrease in adiponectin and HDL‐C levels in Group II animals. BPA administration significantly (p < .05) elevated Leptin levels and reduced adiponectin levels. BPA plus CMSO reduced triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, LDL‐C, and atherogenic and coronary risk indices while increasing adiponectin levels and HDL‐C in adipose tissue and plasma (p < .05). The results showed that BPA exposure increased adipose tissue as well as serum levels of the atherogenic index, triglycerides, cholesterol, coronary risk index, LDL‐C, leptin, and body weight with decreased adiponectin levels and HDL‐C. Treatment with CMSO reduced the toxicities caused by BPA in rats by modulating the body weight, adiponectin/leptin levels, and lipid profiles in serum and adipose tissue. This study has shown that CMSO ameliorates BPA‐induced dyslipidemia and adipokine dysfunctions. We suggest for further clinical trial to establish the clinical applications

A Legal Evaluation of Nigeria’s Electoral Jurisprudence

The practice of conducting elections in Nigerian politics dates back to Pre-Independence particularly, after the enactment of the Clifford Constitution of 1922. After Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960, the Nation prides herself as a democratic Nation regardless of the 13 years of military interference. This, she tends to demonstrate by conducting periodic Elections every four years to select leaders. This exercise is made possible by virtue of the existence of some legal frameworks which set Electoral modalities and guidelines for effective electioneering. Some of these laws as will be expansively discussed in chapter three of this research established INEC and empowered it to function as the main Electoral Umpire; and also, at most one independent Electoral Commission in each state of the Federation. These laws laid down rules and regulations guiding the activities of these Electoral Bodies and candidates prior, during and after the Elections. The 1999 Constitution for instance recognizes the existence of INEC and its functions, saddled it with some responsibilities and made provisions for qualifications, disqualification and tenures of candidates. It suffices to say that the coffers of the Nation is seriously affected each time Election is to be conducted given that the exercise is capital intensive. In spite of the money spent, the deafening echoes of unfree, unfair and incredible Election keep reverberating throughout the nooks and crannies of the country. There have been allegations that most, if not all of Nigerian Electoral experience is characterized by broad day light rigging, favoritism, ethnicity complicity by Electoral Umpire, thuggery, intimidation using State and non-state actors. What this ultimately show is sheer non-compliance with these laws. In any case, it is believed, that is the reason our courts are inundated with countless Electoral Petitions. The Courts have never failed in their roles of shaping the Nigerian democractic and political landscape, using judicial powers and pronouncements, especially where there exist an area not covered by law. Conclusively, this research recommends the implementation of the 2008 Uwais Electoral Reform Committee Report. Keywords: Legal, Election, Jurisprudence, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/118-01 Publication date: February 28th 202

An Evaluation of the Legal and Regulatory Framework for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Nigeria

The privatisation of its industries and utilities started in Britain in the early 1980s and since then the private sector became involved in the ownership, operation and management of public assets and the provision of infrastructure services. The era of government providing singlehandedly providing infrastructural development and facilities are long gone. Government all over the world in this present dispensation cooperate with private sectors in the provision and management of various infrastructural facilities in their respective countries. Privatisation and economic liberalization became a standard policy prescription by international development institutions for most developing economies. The most common form of private investment in infrastructures has been the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The success or otherwise of PPP in delivering infrastructure in developing societies such as Nigeria has, however, been a vexed issue. Since 1998, Nigeria has enacted a number of laws to regulate private investment in infrastructure development. One reason why policymakers opt for PPP include the need for the government to tap from private sector skill and expertise, the necessity for the public sector to concentrate on policymaking as well as the urgency to meet the increase in demand for infrastructure An examination of the legal and institutional framework for private sector investment in infrastructure assets and services and its prospects for Nigeria and other developing countries would be undertaken in this paper. Keywords: public-private partnership, infrastructural development, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/118-05 Publication date: February 28th 202

Hypoglycaemic and Haematinic properties of ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Background: Anaemia is known to be associated with diabetes; moreover, with the increasing cases of diabetes there is need for the use of more affordable alternative herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes and anaemia. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and haematinic properties of Artocarpus heteropyllus on diabetic rats.Materials and Methods: Ethanol leaf extract of Artocarpus heteropyllus was screened for phytochemicals and its acute toxicity was tested on mice. Induction of diabetes was done at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w) (with exception of the control group). The extract was administered to rats for a period of 7 days at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg b.w, respectively, following induction. Blood samples of rats were tested for fasting blood sugar (FBS), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin, neutrophil lymphocyte and eosinophil counts.Results: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus showed no mortality up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. Administration of the extract to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in the FBS of diabetic rat, and significant increases (p&lt; 0.05) in RBC, PCV, WBC and haemoglobin levels.Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of A. heterophyllus increased the haematological indices of diabetic rats. Our findings support the use of this plant as an herbal alternative in the treatment of diabetes and anaemia associated diabetes.Key words: Diabetes, Hypoglycaemia, Haematology, Alloxan, Oxidative stress

Application of Assessment Models for Health Risk and Pollution from Surface Water from Okumpi River in Nwangele, Imo State, Nigeria

The mean and standard deviation of pH value in the present study during the wet and dry seasons varied from 6.21±0.22 - 5.75±0.41. The mean and standard deviation of EC in the current study ranges between 219.15±12.20 - 193.30±14.81 μS/cm for wet and dry seasons which are found to be in line with the WHO standard used. The mean and standard deviation of DO for this study during the wet and dry seasons were found to be 10.03±0.58 - 6.47±0.41 (mg/L). TDS for wet and dry seasons ranges from 374.79 ±5.33 - 121.65 ±6.33 mg/L. The nitrate [9.05 ±1.08 - 8.09 ±1.57], sulphate [3.91 ±0.51 – 3.73 ±0.46] and phosphate [82.78 ±3.86 - 81.76±3.32] in this present study for wet and dry season were all found to be below the standard. The Hazard quotient via ingestion and Hazard quotient via dermal has a reduction in the order of lead > nickel > iron > manganese > copper > zinc and lead > zinc > nickel > copper > iron > manganese > cadmium, in cooperation in children and adults in wet season, correspondingly. The Hazard quotient via ingestion and Hazard quotient via dermal has a decrease in the following order of nickel > lead > manganese > copper > iron > zinc and lead >zinc > nickel > copper > manganese > iron > for both children and adults in dry season, respectively. Lead possess carcinogenic risk for the inhabitants of this area due to the value of the carcinogenic risk n wet season of 4.05E-4 in adult and 1.55E-3 in children, in dry season of 2.57E-4 in adult and 9.88E-4 in children, against the standard set by the USEPA of 10-6 – 10-4. The surface water is not suitable for drinking as seen by the high water quality index of > 300. Lead possess carcinogenic risk for the inhabitants