Abuja - Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo on Thursday in Abuja explained to President Goodluck Jonathan why the Benin Airport was shut by the State Government.
Oshiomhole gave the explanation in an interview with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with at the Presidential Villa.
He said he was in the villa to brief the president on the circumstances that led to the disruption of activities at the Benin Airport that left many travellers stranded.
He noted that the State Government acted in line with the law by demanding the remittance of taxes from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The governor also took the opportunity to condole with Jonathan and the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on the loss of her mother.
The governor noted that although the issue had been resolved, the closure was not about tenement rent but about a federal law of Pay-as-you earn, which the State Government tried to enforce.
“It was one of those unfortunate incidents and I have just briefed the president.
“We only tried to enforce the tax law which I know is a federal law. It is not tenement rent, contrary to what the general manager of FAAN was saying. It is about pay-as-you earn.
“Those who work for FAAN and those who work for the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) who live in Edo State under the law, their taxes are deducted from source by the authorities.
“They are obliged by law to remit such monies within 30 days but the money in question had never been remitted as far back as 2010, 2011 and now 2013.
“We have made all the efforts through the revenue board to get FAAN’s management to remit the money but they refused.’’
“The only lawful thing we have to do in a democracy is to approach the court and show the relevant sections of the law which obliges FAAN and NAMA to remit pay-as-you earn and point out the fact that when you don’t do that, it is criminal.
“Tax is not a voluntary contribution by members of an association, it is a compulsory levy and if you default in countries where the rule of law is strong, you are a candidate for prison, it is not negotiable.’’
Oshiomhole explained further that the state’s revenue board, having obtained a restraining order from a competent court, went to serve it on the manager of FAAN in the office, which he said, was about 400 metres away from the airport.
“The manager felt that the only way he could draw public attention recognising the essential nature of the airport, was to shut down the airport.
“He, by himself, decided to lock all the gates to the airport to make it inaccessible.
“He decided to prevent the plane from boarding passengers and compelled planes to fly back to Lagos empty all to draw public attention in what appears to be inconveniences to him.
“He now extended it and that led to the drama that you saw.
“I have just explained everything to the president, that in relation to State Government and Federal Government there are rules of engagement.
“It is more so when you recognise that there is third party which is the travelling public who have businesses to take care of.’’
Speaking on the registration of the All Progressive Congress, Oshiomhole said the registration would further deepen democracy.
The governor commended INEC for the development, saying the action showed that the commission was truly independent from executive interference.
“It is all about battle of ideas, battle of programmes and the welfare of our people.
“If you have two viable parties that are capable of engaging, then the people will have the basis for genuine and meaningful choice,” he said. (NAN)
Friday, August 2, 2013
Glo X Factor: Eviction begins Friday
THe first contestant to be evicted from the Glo X Factor singing reality TV show will be known on Friday when the Result Show will be broadcast.
Sponsors of the show, Globacom, said the contestant who scored the least votes among the Top nine, during the first voting process from 8 p.m. on Saturday to 8 p.m. on Monday will be sent home.
The Top nine acts competing for the ultimate prize of N24 million and a recording contract with Sony Music are Eshum and Symphony from Ghana and Nigeria's Ankara Boi, Pheel, Princess Pat, DJ Switch, Vicky, DNA Twins and SmoothBoiz.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy, fast-rising music act and Glo ambassador, is scheduled to perform at the Result Show. The dancehall star is currently making waves in the music industry, especially for his hit singles such as "Like To party" and "Tonight.
Members of the public can vote for their favourite contestant by sending the contestant's voting number via SMS to "33680" from Nigeria and "1739" from Ghana.
Sponsors of the show, Globacom, said the contestant who scored the least votes among the Top nine, during the first voting process from 8 p.m. on Saturday to 8 p.m. on Monday will be sent home.
The Top nine acts competing for the ultimate prize of N24 million and a recording contract with Sony Music are Eshum and Symphony from Ghana and Nigeria's Ankara Boi, Pheel, Princess Pat, DJ Switch, Vicky, DNA Twins and SmoothBoiz.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy, fast-rising music act and Glo ambassador, is scheduled to perform at the Result Show. The dancehall star is currently making waves in the music industry, especially for his hit singles such as "Like To party" and "Tonight.
Members of the public can vote for their favourite contestant by sending the contestant's voting number via SMS to "33680" from Nigeria and "1739" from Ghana.
Husbands will be scarce by 2023 - Women group
Organisation of Nigeria on Thursday warned against the alarming drop of male-child in education.
With the drop, the group noted that in the next 10 years, there would be a scarcity of quality husbands in the country.
The organisation National President, Chief Felicia Onyeabo, stated this on Thursday at a briefing to herald the inauguration of Cor Mariae College, Abuja. The inauguration holds on Friday (today).
She said, "The future of this country is going to be very bleak for the male-child. How many girls do you see hawking clothes? Go to Onitsha, they are all men. We have looked round and have come to see that there is a neglect of boys in education. Who are the armed robbers on the streets? They are mostly the boys. Let us concentrate on training boys.
"The NCCWO feels that a vacuum is being created, and very soon, we shall be faced with a situation where our educated girl-child will not find a corresponding suitable boy-child to marry. This is because more boys drop out of school, apparently because the high rate of unemployed youth discourages our young boys from appreciating the need to be educated.
"The NCCWO also consideres the fact that in the near future, quality husbands will become extremely scarce, with too many highly educated women looking for husbands, and settling for anyhow husbands, just to get married. The result of this type of situation is better imagined and will not augur well for Nigerians."
With the drop, the group noted that in the next 10 years, there would be a scarcity of quality husbands in the country.
The organisation National President, Chief Felicia Onyeabo, stated this on Thursday at a briefing to herald the inauguration of Cor Mariae College, Abuja. The inauguration holds on Friday (today).
She said, "The future of this country is going to be very bleak for the male-child. How many girls do you see hawking clothes? Go to Onitsha, they are all men. We have looked round and have come to see that there is a neglect of boys in education. Who are the armed robbers on the streets? They are mostly the boys. Let us concentrate on training boys.
"The NCCWO feels that a vacuum is being created, and very soon, we shall be faced with a situation where our educated girl-child will not find a corresponding suitable boy-child to marry. This is because more boys drop out of school, apparently because the high rate of unemployed youth discourages our young boys from appreciating the need to be educated.
"The NCCWO also consideres the fact that in the near future, quality husbands will become extremely scarce, with too many highly educated women looking for husbands, and settling for anyhow husbands, just to get married. The result of this type of situation is better imagined and will not augur well for Nigerians."
BBATheChase: The Story Of Melvin And Namibia Girls
As the Chasers were still sticking to their group sleeping arrangements and from the look of things they were having a blast bumping beds with one another as they prepared to go to sleep in the middle of the night, Melvin jumped on top of Dillish and planted playful kisses on her neck and made loud kissing noises.
The naughty Namibian did not mind of course. After all there is no bigger flirt in the Big Brother House than Dillish. The Namibian has even said so herself. But the kisses planted by Melvin on Dillish was just in jest as the two clearly like to have good clean fun together. But what do you think; could all of the playfulness between these Ruby buddies eventually lead into something more or are they destined to remain as platonic friends? Lets take a look at starting weeks to the build up of the Chase.
The Story Of Melvin And Nam Girls
In between the fifth and six week, if my memory serves me right, Melvin confessed to Dellish that he liked her. Just before this revelation, Dillish playingly mentioned to Melvin that she knows she's in a relationship, but she's ready for whatever. She said it might be confusion or loneliness but she's ready.
He wanted to know if she liked him, so Dillish said yes, like a brother, but she liked him from the start (as a person). From there the convo was very back and forth, and within that, he said he liked her.
This confused Dillish, because she knows what Maria feels for Melvin, and had seen them together looking like it's going somewhere. She asked him if he then likes them both, and he said yes.
She asked him if it's both at the same time, to which he said he liked Dillish first. But when he came to the house and heard she had a Bfriend he didn't want to cause trouble.
He says at first, he was attracted to hér, and then Maria. But now he wants to tell her that he likes her more.
She told him he is a player, for liking both the Nam girls and friends at that, but she will rather let him have her sister (Maria). She said Maria really likes him and doesn't want to betray her friend knowing this.
He convinced her that he now rather wants Dillish. Dillish said it's not a healthy situation and wanted to know why he waited so long to say anything. Dillish found it all very confusing… and they didn't chat further about it.
Will the Melish treat us to what happened last season between Keagan and Talia?
The naughty Namibian did not mind of course. After all there is no bigger flirt in the Big Brother House than Dillish. The Namibian has even said so herself. But the kisses planted by Melvin on Dillish was just in jest as the two clearly like to have good clean fun together. But what do you think; could all of the playfulness between these Ruby buddies eventually lead into something more or are they destined to remain as platonic friends? Lets take a look at starting weeks to the build up of the Chase.
The Story Of Melvin And Nam Girls
In between the fifth and six week, if my memory serves me right, Melvin confessed to Dellish that he liked her. Just before this revelation, Dillish playingly mentioned to Melvin that she knows she's in a relationship, but she's ready for whatever. She said it might be confusion or loneliness but she's ready.
He wanted to know if she liked him, so Dillish said yes, like a brother, but she liked him from the start (as a person). From there the convo was very back and forth, and within that, he said he liked her.
This confused Dillish, because she knows what Maria feels for Melvin, and had seen them together looking like it's going somewhere. She asked him if he then likes them both, and he said yes.
She asked him if it's both at the same time, to which he said he liked Dillish first. But when he came to the house and heard she had a Bfriend he didn't want to cause trouble.
He says at first, he was attracted to hér, and then Maria. But now he wants to tell her that he likes her more.
She told him he is a player, for liking both the Nam girls and friends at that, but she will rather let him have her sister (Maria). She said Maria really likes him and doesn't want to betray her friend knowing this.
He convinced her that he now rather wants Dillish. Dillish said it's not a healthy situation and wanted to know why he waited so long to say anything. Dillish found it all very confusing… and they didn't chat further about it.
Will the Melish treat us to what happened last season between Keagan and Talia?
Monday, July 29, 2013
Nobody forced me to accept Islam – Aisha Uzoechina
25-year-old Charity Uzoechina, the daughter of a Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor, recently converted to Islam and this development has sparked off serious controversy.
Her father, Pastor Raymond Uzoechina, accused the Estu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubukar, of hypnotizing his daughter, who now bears A’isha, to embrace Islam.
However, in this interview with Daily Trust, she bares her mind on why exactly she switched religions.
Excerpts:
Weekly Trust: What is your name?
Aisha Uzoechina: I was formerly known as Charity Uzoechina and now A’isha Uzoechina.
Why the change of name?
I changed my name because I have accepted Islam.
What brought you to Bida?
I came to Bida in 2012 to read Public Administration at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.
Are you still a student of Federal Polytechnic Bida?
No, I am not. I have withdrawn from the school.
Did you go back home?
No, I did not go home. At the beginning I was planning to go back home, because I wanted to tell my father that I have converted to Islam. When I converted, I was afraid to tell my parents, because of the way my father would behave. I know he will not take it lightly with me. So, for that I refused to go back home.
Did anybody force or enticed you to join Islam?
I joined Islam on my own. Nobody enticed me with anything to join Islam.
What informed your decision to join Islam?
I converted to Islam because I love the character of Muslims, particularly the way they behave. You know Muslims believe in God. I have Muslim friends and I watch what they do, that enticed me to join Islam. I used to read Qur’an when I was a Christian. I always join them to read Qur’an and through that I found out that it is the same one God they worship. So I embraced Islam.
How did your father come to know about your change of faith?
When I ran to the palace, I told you, it was very difficult before I could see the Emir. When I saw him, the emir refused to accept me, because my father did not know about it. He, therefore, collected my father’s number from me and called him. The following day my father came and said he wanted to see me. When we met we talked one on one.
What did you tell him?
Well the emir told him that I have converted to Islam. When my father talked to me, he said let’s go home, but I refused. I told him that I will not change my faith, because I have already accepted Islam and this is where I want to stay. He, therefore, threatened me so much so that I became scared of him.
What did he do to you amounting to a threat?
In the first place you know, I put on Hijab (veil), he said I should remove the Hijab. He was angry and used some harsh words on me, directing that I should remove the Hijab, but I refused. He threatened to take me to a village where nobody will set his eyes on me. So I became scared of him, therefore I refused to follow him. That is it.
Did the emir intervene?
The emir gave him one week to come back, but he came back even before it reached one week. He said he must take me home. He will not take me to our house, but he’ll take me to somewhere that nobody will set his eyes on me. I quickly ran back to the emir and to the Shari’a Court for protection. I don’t want to go back to my father, because he is threatening me.
How did you come to know about the Shari’a Court?
I found out from people. I went to them on my own to formally lodge my complaint.
Why Shari’a Court?
They have to protect me. You know when you take a case to court over life threatening issue, the court must protect you. That is it.
Did your father come back after you refused to follow him?
He came back. He kept on coming back. The other time he even threatened to bring some people to kidnap me.
Is it true that at a time your father came with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) officials to you?
Yes.
Is it true that you also went to the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI)?
Yes.
Why did you go to JNI?
I told you and I’ll still repeat it, though I don’t want to repeat my words again. I want them to intervene on my behalf, the threat is too much. Now I can’t go anywhere, I cannot even continue with my schooling. I cannot do anything because of the way he has been threatening me. He is still bringing people up till now to keep watch on me.
How do you know that your father has assigned people to keep watch on you?
There was a time that I wanted to go out, information came to me that my father was around and I had to stay back since I don’t want him to take me away. I know that if I gout anytime,I he’ll pick me up.
How did you come to know about JNI?
I have been reading about them. That is why I went to them.
How did you present your case to JNI?
I wrote to them seeking for their intervention, because I do not know how to go about convincing my father. I also learnt that the emir wanted to hand me over to my father, because the burden of my case is becoming too much for him to bear.
If your father should promise to allow you to practice your new faith, will you go with him?
I’ll not. In a family that you are the only Muslim, how can you practice in that house? You know when he (my father) came along with my mother the other time, his actions and the harsh words he used, even if I go back home, my life will not be secured in his hand. That is why I said I’ll not go.
Did you start learning anything about Islam?
Yes, I started learning how to perform ablution. I have learnt how to recite Surah Al-Fatihah, I am now in my second surah.
Do you pray five times a day?
Yes I do. I am even fasting now. I have been fasting since the beginning of the month of Ramadan.
What is your massage to people wanting to join Islam?
I have only one massage. Islam is good. Muslims are truthful, everything they say, they believe in God and they carry people along. Once a person converted to Islam, he’ll be carried along until he is strong to stand on his own.
What is your appeal to your parent?
I am appealing to my parents not to be angry with me. My conversion to Islam will not separate us. I still love them, even though I am here. They can come and visit me and I can also visit them. They shouldn’t think my new faith will take away the love I have for them. It will not. I am very sorry.
Her father, Pastor Raymond Uzoechina, accused the Estu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubukar, of hypnotizing his daughter, who now bears A’isha, to embrace Islam.
However, in this interview with Daily Trust, she bares her mind on why exactly she switched religions.
Excerpts:
Weekly Trust: What is your name?
Aisha Uzoechina: I was formerly known as Charity Uzoechina and now A’isha Uzoechina.
Why the change of name?
I changed my name because I have accepted Islam.
What brought you to Bida?
I came to Bida in 2012 to read Public Administration at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.
Are you still a student of Federal Polytechnic Bida?
No, I am not. I have withdrawn from the school.
Did you go back home?
No, I did not go home. At the beginning I was planning to go back home, because I wanted to tell my father that I have converted to Islam. When I converted, I was afraid to tell my parents, because of the way my father would behave. I know he will not take it lightly with me. So, for that I refused to go back home.
Did anybody force or enticed you to join Islam?
I joined Islam on my own. Nobody enticed me with anything to join Islam.
What informed your decision to join Islam?
I converted to Islam because I love the character of Muslims, particularly the way they behave. You know Muslims believe in God. I have Muslim friends and I watch what they do, that enticed me to join Islam. I used to read Qur’an when I was a Christian. I always join them to read Qur’an and through that I found out that it is the same one God they worship. So I embraced Islam.
How did your father come to know about your change of faith?
When I ran to the palace, I told you, it was very difficult before I could see the Emir. When I saw him, the emir refused to accept me, because my father did not know about it. He, therefore, collected my father’s number from me and called him. The following day my father came and said he wanted to see me. When we met we talked one on one.
What did you tell him?
Well the emir told him that I have converted to Islam. When my father talked to me, he said let’s go home, but I refused. I told him that I will not change my faith, because I have already accepted Islam and this is where I want to stay. He, therefore, threatened me so much so that I became scared of him.
What did he do to you amounting to a threat?
In the first place you know, I put on Hijab (veil), he said I should remove the Hijab. He was angry and used some harsh words on me, directing that I should remove the Hijab, but I refused. He threatened to take me to a village where nobody will set his eyes on me. So I became scared of him, therefore I refused to follow him. That is it.
Did the emir intervene?
The emir gave him one week to come back, but he came back even before it reached one week. He said he must take me home. He will not take me to our house, but he’ll take me to somewhere that nobody will set his eyes on me. I quickly ran back to the emir and to the Shari’a Court for protection. I don’t want to go back to my father, because he is threatening me.
How did you come to know about the Shari’a Court?
I found out from people. I went to them on my own to formally lodge my complaint.
Why Shari’a Court?
They have to protect me. You know when you take a case to court over life threatening issue, the court must protect you. That is it.
Did your father come back after you refused to follow him?
He came back. He kept on coming back. The other time he even threatened to bring some people to kidnap me.
Is it true that at a time your father came with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) officials to you?
Yes.
Is it true that you also went to the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI)?
Yes.
Why did you go to JNI?
I told you and I’ll still repeat it, though I don’t want to repeat my words again. I want them to intervene on my behalf, the threat is too much. Now I can’t go anywhere, I cannot even continue with my schooling. I cannot do anything because of the way he has been threatening me. He is still bringing people up till now to keep watch on me.
How do you know that your father has assigned people to keep watch on you?
There was a time that I wanted to go out, information came to me that my father was around and I had to stay back since I don’t want him to take me away. I know that if I gout anytime,I he’ll pick me up.
How did you come to know about JNI?
I have been reading about them. That is why I went to them.
How did you present your case to JNI?
I wrote to them seeking for their intervention, because I do not know how to go about convincing my father. I also learnt that the emir wanted to hand me over to my father, because the burden of my case is becoming too much for him to bear.
If your father should promise to allow you to practice your new faith, will you go with him?
I’ll not. In a family that you are the only Muslim, how can you practice in that house? You know when he (my father) came along with my mother the other time, his actions and the harsh words he used, even if I go back home, my life will not be secured in his hand. That is why I said I’ll not go.
Did you start learning anything about Islam?
Yes, I started learning how to perform ablution. I have learnt how to recite Surah Al-Fatihah, I am now in my second surah.
Do you pray five times a day?
Yes I do. I am even fasting now. I have been fasting since the beginning of the month of Ramadan.
What is your massage to people wanting to join Islam?
I have only one massage. Islam is good. Muslims are truthful, everything they say, they believe in God and they carry people along. Once a person converted to Islam, he’ll be carried along until he is strong to stand on his own.
What is your appeal to your parent?
I am appealing to my parents not to be angry with me. My conversion to Islam will not separate us. I still love them, even though I am here. They can come and visit me and I can also visit them. They shouldn’t think my new faith will take away the love I have for them. It will not. I am very sorry.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Elikem and Nando face off!
The House came to a standstill yesterday evening when Nando and Elikem got into a fight of major proportions.
All sorts of unpalatable were hurled atElikem by Nando, who finds Elikem’s childish ways offensive. “You’re a b*tch n*gga. You’re 22 and I’m 24 but you shake your butt in front of the cameras. Who does that? Now I’m regretting why I never Nominated you,” an aggravated Nando said. Nando was clearly pulling the wool over everyones eyes because he actually Nominated Elikem on Monday.
When Elikem said “I have nothing to say to you”, Nando told him “I have plenty to say and I will say it”. Nando then lunged at Elikem and grabbed his beanie. “That’s my beanie and only real n*gga’s are allowed to wear it. Not people like you”. After more insults were hurled, Elikem finally exploded and told Nando “I dare you to start this on the outside. I double dare you.” he shouted as Bimp, Oneal and Melvin scrambled to break up the volatile situation. The argument looked like it would turn catastrophic as soon as Elikem told Nando “F*ck you and your mother”.
Bimp and Melvin then dragged an incensed Nando to the bathroom so they could calm him down. “Nobody double dares me. I swear. I felt like stabbing that n*gga. These are the n*ggas that deserve to die,” the Tanzanian said. Nando already has a Strike after concealing a knife under his jacket during one of the Channel O parties.
Many of the Housemates said Nando was probably carrying it in case he and Sulu got into a fight. Because of his actions, Nando got a Strike. “Nando don’t do this. This could be seen as extreme provocation. You already have a Strike,” Bimp said.
Nando wasn’t having any of that and told Bimp “If he didn’t dare me, it would be fine. I won’t let it go. The whole weekend I will speak my mind,” Nando said.
All sorts of unpalatable were hurled atElikem by Nando, who finds Elikem’s childish ways offensive. “You’re a b*tch n*gga. You’re 22 and I’m 24 but you shake your butt in front of the cameras. Who does that? Now I’m regretting why I never Nominated you,” an aggravated Nando said. Nando was clearly pulling the wool over everyones eyes because he actually Nominated Elikem on Monday.
When Elikem said “I have nothing to say to you”, Nando told him “I have plenty to say and I will say it”. Nando then lunged at Elikem and grabbed his beanie. “That’s my beanie and only real n*gga’s are allowed to wear it. Not people like you”. After more insults were hurled, Elikem finally exploded and told Nando “I dare you to start this on the outside. I double dare you.” he shouted as Bimp, Oneal and Melvin scrambled to break up the volatile situation. The argument looked like it would turn catastrophic as soon as Elikem told Nando “F*ck you and your mother”.
Bimp and Melvin then dragged an incensed Nando to the bathroom so they could calm him down. “Nobody double dares me. I swear. I felt like stabbing that n*gga. These are the n*ggas that deserve to die,” the Tanzanian said. Nando already has a Strike after concealing a knife under his jacket during one of the Channel O parties.
Many of the Housemates said Nando was probably carrying it in case he and Sulu got into a fight. Because of his actions, Nando got a Strike. “Nando don’t do this. This could be seen as extreme provocation. You already have a Strike,” Bimp said.
Nando wasn’t having any of that and told Bimp “If he didn’t dare me, it would be fine. I won’t let it go. The whole weekend I will speak my mind,” Nando said.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Chinese newspaper erects ‘giant penis’ building
When it comes to office buildings, does size really matter? It just might, if China’s main state-run newspaper has its way.
The People’s Daily is used to breaking news, but recently it became the news after some dirty, dirty minds realized the paper’s new headquarters was starting to look like, well, a giant penis.
The building, which stands 150 meters tall, is currently under construction in Beijing. Due to its rather distinctive shaft — er, shape — mischievous pictures of the construction zone began cropping up on China’s Twitter equivalent, Sina Weibo.
More than one person pointed out that, with a little creative Photoshopping, the “Giant Penis” building fit snugly between the “legs” of the infamous China Central Television (CCTV) headquarters, sometimes referred to as the “Big Underpants” building.
If you think about it, the two buildings actually embody the traditional Chinese philosophy of yin and yang harmony, writes blog Hug China.
“As the CCTV headquarters nicknamed as Big Underpants plays the role of Yin (negative, female) with large hole under the ‘two pants,’ the People’s Daily new headquarters are the Yang (positive, male),” Hug China states. “The two key mouthpieces of CPC are really perfectly embodying the traditional Yin-Yang concept.”
Phallic puns aside, word of the mockery soon reached China’s censors, who were decidedly unamused and set about spoiling everyone’s fun, reports the South China Morning Post. Now, Weibo visitors searching for “People’s Daily building” are instead met with this message: “According to relevant laws, regulations and policies, search results cannot be displayed.”
“This points to both the frustration among young Chinese Internet users, and the sensitivity among censors to even silly dissent online,” Reuter’s Anita Li noted.
The People’s Daily is used to breaking news, but recently it became the news after some dirty, dirty minds realized the paper’s new headquarters was starting to look like, well, a giant penis.
The building, which stands 150 meters tall, is currently under construction in Beijing. Due to its rather distinctive shaft — er, shape — mischievous pictures of the construction zone began cropping up on China’s Twitter equivalent, Sina Weibo.
More than one person pointed out that, with a little creative Photoshopping, the “Giant Penis” building fit snugly between the “legs” of the infamous China Central Television (CCTV) headquarters, sometimes referred to as the “Big Underpants” building.
If you think about it, the two buildings actually embody the traditional Chinese philosophy of yin and yang harmony, writes blog Hug China.
“As the CCTV headquarters nicknamed as Big Underpants plays the role of Yin (negative, female) with large hole under the ‘two pants,’ the People’s Daily new headquarters are the Yang (positive, male),” Hug China states. “The two key mouthpieces of CPC are really perfectly embodying the traditional Yin-Yang concept.”
Phallic puns aside, word of the mockery soon reached China’s censors, who were decidedly unamused and set about spoiling everyone’s fun, reports the South China Morning Post. Now, Weibo visitors searching for “People’s Daily building” are instead met with this message: “According to relevant laws, regulations and policies, search results cannot be displayed.”
“This points to both the frustration among young Chinese Internet users, and the sensitivity among censors to even silly dissent online,” Reuter’s Anita Li noted.
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