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 Politics › Why The Rich Is Getting Richer,the Poor Poorer In Nigeria -expert by Celestialsword(op): 10:26am On Apr 27, 2024 |
By Emeka Anaeto, Business Editor & Nkiru Nnorom The Federal Government’s economic and monetary policies may have widened the gap between the rich and the poor in the past nine months. Also, the recent policies in the financial and energy sector have created the path to further widening of the gap in the months and probably years ahead without any sign of poverty reduction except palliative measures. Saturday Vanguard findings in the commodities and financial markets indicate that much more money is now being controlled by the rich as efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to mop up excess financial liquidity in its attempts to control inflation are not yet achieving expected results as the plight of the poor worsens. Economy experts and financial analysts told Vanguard that though some of the big players in the economy and the rich members of the society playing in a few sectors were also affected by the policies, they have demonstrated the capacity to not only overcome the negative impact quickly but are also exploiting the advantage of the new policies. They added that the poor have not only been further impoverished but have been stripped of the capacity to survive the harsh policies. They also said that while the poor were still groaning under the existing policies introduced in the early months of the current administration, more of such policies are still being rolled out monthly with indications that many more are still underway in the months if not weeks ahead. Some of the policies they listed include the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy, depreciation of the Naira against the world’s major currencies, raising of customs duty rates, and raising of benchmark interest rates, all of which have propelled the inflation rate to all-time high. Also, the analysts mentioned the rollout of new adverse policies including electricity tariffs as one of the major hardship-inducing policies that has recently added to the rising cost of living, which reduces the disposable income of the poor. According to the analysts, amidst all these adversities companies and individuals running the sectors in which the policies were based have been declaring stupendous profits. Those operating in the petroleum sector have equally declared mouth-watering profit growth amounting to 388 per cent in 2023 while Q1’2024 is also expected to come up as high. The bulk of the profits went to the owners of the businesses in the sectors. The rich across other sectors have also demonstrated their relative comfort with the current economic environment especially with the unprecedented over-subscription of 254 per cent to the CBN’s Treasury Bill sales three days ago. It is only the rich and the middle class that invest in Treasury Bills and they over-subscribed to the tune of N531 billion three days ago bringing their total investments in the treasury instrument to about N3.1 trillion in the past six months, while the poor searched for money to eat at least once a day during the period. Analysts’ insight Commenting on the impact of the various government policies on the income groups, Mr Tunde Awolola, Managing Director, Parthian Securities Limited, a Lagos-based investment house, stated: “The removal of petrol subsidies impacts everyone, but it disproportionately affects the poor due to increased transportation and living costs. “In the electricity tariff hike, Band A subsidy removal affects the rich but can indirectly harm the poor through economic ripple effects. ‘‘Interest rate hikes tend to benefit the wealthy while burdening borrowers, widening wealth disparities. “High inflation further exacerbates poverty by reducing the purchasing power of those with fixed incomes. ‘‘These dynamics emphasize the need for policymakers to consider the socio-economic ramifications of their decisions.” However, commenting also, Muda Yusuf, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Public Enterprise (CPPE) said though the pains of the reforms might be more severe on the poor due to lack of capacity to absorb the shock, Nigerians across all income levels feel the impact nonetheless but on a different scale. While arguing that it is not entirely true to say that the rich get richer while the poor get poorer as a result of the recent reforms, he explained that the rich whose businesses are exposed to the vagaries of fluctuations in the exchange rate, for instance, feel the impact the most. He said: “The current economic situation up until a few weeks ago has been very challenging. “First, it was an inevitable reform which brought a lot of challenges and pains and hardship. And I think everybody will agree with that. Hardship, especially in terms of inflation, which is driven largely by the depreciation of the Naira, and the high energy costs, that’s the cost of diesel, the cost of PMS, the cost of aviation fuel, and the cost of gas. “All of these things have taken a toll on the welfare of the citizens. And from the business point of view, the higher the inflationary pressure, the more challenging it is for businesses, especially those in the SME space because they are not in a position to transfer these additional costs to their consumers or to their customers. “So they have to bear the brunt to a larger extent of the increases in costs, which means that their profit margins have been eroded, and that also means in some cases that they are just struggling to break even.” On the other hand, he said: “Reforms and economic reforms by nature, impact more on the poor than the rich. “In other words, the pains of reforms are much more severe on the poor in the short term because when we talk about reforms, we talk about something that may not give an immediate result, but which is necessary to put the economy on the right footing going forward. “And because the poor have a lesser capacity to absorb the shock of these reforms, it follows that the pain on them will be higher than those who are in the upper economic bracket. “I must say at this point that even those who are in the middle class are also feeling the pains of these reforms.” Explaining further he said: “So, it is not entirely correct to say that the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. It’s not necessarily so. “It depends on the segment of the economy each individual finds himself or herself. For those who have high exposure, particularly, in their businesses to foreign exchange, and those whose businesses are dependent on importation, the impact of the reforms, at least, in the last few months, has been very severe. “I am talking about SMEs, manufacturers, and other micro-enterprises. This is because the rich have more exposure to exchange rate activities and transactions. Some of them even suffer more. “That is why we saw many instances of some companies declaring huge losses as a result of these reforms, particularly, the foreign exchange reforms that took place. So, you can say that the rich also cry. “There are some people in the upper bracket that are suffering a lot. In fact, their business went under because they could no longer afford to import and if they imported anything, the landing costs were so high that to get people to buy the goods became extremely difficult. “So, the challenges of the reforms are very profound even for the rich. So, it is something that cuts across everybody. But just like I said, it is easier for the rich, in most cases, to absorb these shocks than the poor. “Again, if you look at it from the energy point of view, the cost of diesel over the last six months has also gone very high, and most of the people and businesses that use diesel are people in the middle to high-Income bracket. “We know the implication of that even for their businesses. So, the impact on the rich is even more because if their businesses are not doing well, there’s no way they will claim that they are getting better.” He, however, said that people who are big shareholders in the financial sector, especially the banks and others who operate in sectors that have monopoly privileges seem to enjoy the benefits of the reforms by virtue of the fact that they are in a sector that’s generally favoured almost in all seasons. “But on balance, I think the reforms have affected both the rich and the poor. It is very difficult to say that the rich are getting richer. If you convert what some of the people you call rich have in dollars, it is almost peanuts. The value of what they own in terms of riches has dropped significantly except, of course, if you are talking about the political class. “This is because politicians are not doing any business, and they are not borrowing money. Moreso, they have access to government resources, some legitimate, some not too legitimate.” © 2024 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria |
| Foreign Affairs › King Charles 'very Unwell' But 'determine' To Win Cancer Battle by Celestialsword(op): 9:48am On Apr 27, 2024 |
King Charles 'very unwell' but 'determined' to win cancer battle as Palace reportedly begins planning monarch's funeral While multiple sources have said King Charles is optimistic about his health, it has been claimed the monarch's condition is dire and funeral plans are underway A source has claimed Buckingham Palace has actively been preparing for King Charles’ funeral amid bombshell allegations the monarch’s health is rapidly deteriorating. Buckingham Palace announced in February King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer after he underwent a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic, catapulting royal fans into hysteria. The 75-year-old monarch has since stepped away from the public eye and royal engagements while undergoing cancer treatment. Charles’ seemingly poor health has promoted Buckingham Palace to regularly update a large document outlining the monarch’s funeral plans. Charles’ seemingly poor health has promoted Buckingham Palace to regularly update a large document outlining the monarch’s funeral plans. Multiple sources have now told the The Daily Beast that while the monarch is determined to beat cancer he is facing a “declining health”. “Everyone is staying optimistic, but he is really very unwell,” a person claiming to be an old friend of the royal family told the outlet. “Of course, he is determined to beat it and they are throwing everything at it.” Behind the scenes, Charles’ seemingly poor health has promoted Buckingham Palace officials to regularly update a several-hundred-page document outlining the monarch’s royal funeral plans. Royal aides have dusted off the extremely detailed plan dubbed “Operation Menai Bridge” - named after the suspension bridge connecting the island of Anglesey with the Welsh mainland. “The plans have been dusted off and are actively being kept up to date,” a former royal told theDaily Beast. “It’s no more than what you would expect given the king has been diagnosed with cancer.” Military officials confirmed Operation Menai Bridge was being repeatedly updated but emphasised “planning for the worst” was “what the military do” given the grand scale of the monarch’s impending funeral. “Of course they are looking at every aspect of Menai Bridge. The queen’s funeral went like clockwork and set a high bar,” a senior official told theDaily Beast. Military officials confirmed Operation Menai Bridge was being repeatedly updated but emphasised “planning for the worst” was “what the military do". Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Military officials confirmed Operation Menai Bridge was being repeatedly updated but emphasised “planning for the worst” was “what the military do". Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Serious planning for Charles’ funeral began the day after the late Queen Elizabeth was buried on September 8, 2022. It uses the Queen’s funeral plan dubbed “Operation London Bridge” as a field guide to ensure it would run smoothly. The former Prince of Wales has never revealed the type of cancer he was diagnosed with, although he has declared it was not prostate cancer. Buckingham Palace has since remained tight-lipped about the King's medical journey, but well-placed insiders and political commentators have publicly said the monarch was “responding really well” to cancer treatment. Sky News Australia Australian News Channel Pty Ltd |
| Politics › Valuables Worth Over N20b Lost In Edo by Celestialsword(op): 5:11am On Apr 25, 2024 |
Valuables worth over N20 billion were yesterday lost to a fire which engulfed four shops at the Ugbowo axis of the Benin-Lagos Expressway, Edo State. Fire fighters from the Federal Fire Service, Edo State Fire Service, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (S&T), University of Benin (UNIBEN) Fire Service and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Fire Service put in their best, but they could not salvage the situation. It was gathered that the inferno started from one of the shops dealing in hospital and laboratory equipment, and then spread to the three other shops in the building. 2024 The Nation Newspaper, |
| Politics › Farewell by Celestialsword(op): 7:08pm On Apr 24, 2024 |
Columnist Oladapo Akande Good-byes are seldom easy but are often inevitable. Even an exercise as mundane as reading a book will require you to leave one page behind to progress to the next. And so life is. A journey that requires one to continually alight the train and board again at different stations. Until we all, at different times but also inevitably, reach our final stop. After 5 years and 8 months of writing this column, it is now time for me to move on. As I go, kindly permit me to share a few thoughts. Parting words, if you like. My hope is that some may find them useful. My column was born out of a desire to make a difference. To speak to some people out there. To highlight the importance of character and upholding values, both to us as individuals and ultimately for the benefit of the society we call home. I have always considered myself a thinker whose preferred mode of conveying thought is in writing. More so than a writer. And my thoughts are, more often than not, geared towards proffering solutions to societal issues rather than just pointing out the problems that are already obvious to everyone. Never have I professed to be a scholar, blessed with the ability to conjure up complex solutions to solve complex problems. I’m just not that smart. And so I try to stay in my lane by offering simple solutions, even for the most complex of issues. “Through several different articles over the years, I have also pointed out that leaders only need to show the people that they care, and the people will willingly support them.” Those solutions, which most people tend to overlook because they are just too simple for people to notice a nexus between them and the issue of concern, As an illustration, here are a few that I recommended in previous articles. It is my belief that having Zebra crossings on all the appropriate streets and enforcing the use of them by both pedestrians and motorists would help in tackling what I have long concluded is the number one reason for our country’s retarded progress on all fronts: self-centeredness. This single stroke can help tackle (1) unemployment, as numerous youth can be employed by state governments to enforce compliance by both motorists and pedestrians. Very few pedestrians are even aware that the law only protects them if they cross on the actual Zebra crossing and not just near it. (2) Indiscipline—as people inculcate the habit of obeying the law; and (3) Self-Centeredness—as motorists find themselves having to put others (the pedestrian) before themselves. Over time, this practice of putting others first and doing the right thing would become ingrained in our collective psyche. Through several different articles over the years, I have also pointed out that leaders only need to show the people that they care, and the people will willingly support them. Thereby removing the need for politicians to coerce, maim, and rig when it comes to elections. Saving them and everyone else a lot of money and trouble in the process. I made reference to my personal observation, where I discovered that those who appeared unfriendly and hard-faced during my exercise walks around my neighbourhood were not horrible people after all. It only required a warm and sincere greeting from me to open them up, and their whole countenance would instantly change. By extending that simple gesture, I acknowledged their existence. I had made them feel like they mattered. That is the desire of Nigerians and all human beings too, for that matter. But take note, too, that I didn’t wait for them to greet me first. Leaders are meant to lead. How? By showing others the way. More recently, and driven by my growing concern about the dangerously high youth unemployment rate in Nigeria, which is at 40% or more, I conceived and proposed the idea of tweaking our National Youth Service Corps scheme to include a 3- to 4-month mandatory skills acquisition programme for all Corpers. The potential benefits are endless. Aside from making graduates (many of whom are only armed with theoretical knowledge) infinitely more industry-ready and employable with industry-specific skills, there are also countless digital, technical, and vocational skills that can be mastered within that period for those learning from scratch. But perhaps what would please me most would be to see those graduates who grow into their own because they finally find themselves doing what their DNA has always prepared and directed them to do. I’m speaking specifically of the tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands who went through university only to please their parents but whose passion and strength lay in the genius that their hands could do. Remember this: what we learn today is how we will live tomorrow. Last but certainly not least, I will offer this advice. Model what you preach and claim to believe in. Sure, you can fool some people some of the time, but you will never be able to fool everybody all of the time. Your reputation will one day catch up with you, good or bad. Live by your convictions, as this will ultimately earn the respect of others, even if they do not always share your worldview. Over a period of almost 6 years, not once did Businessday need to remind me to submit my article. It was submitted like clockwork, always several days early. It’s not as if I didn’t have challenges throughout this time or that I didn’t feel under the weather every now and again, but I just strongly believe in the sanctity of commitments. Our dear country has gone through many changes in the almost 6 years that I have written this column. We have transitioned from a remarkably clueless presidency to one that began on slightly wobbly legs but whose steps are becoming surer by the day, showing much promise. No matter who we voted for, we would be doing ourselves the greatest disservice if we didn’t pray for its success. I have had a good run with my column and have made many new friends from those who reached out to me after reading my article. At this point, I must also express my utmost gratitude to BusinessDay for offering me this wonderful platform to air my thoughts. Last but not least, I want to say a big thank you to my column’s avid readers. You made it all worthwhile. However, like they say, every good thing must one day come to an end. Something tells me though that this may be ‘au revoir’ rather than ‘adieu’ as you may still come across the odd article. But for now, fare thee well. Changing the nation, one mind at a time. © 2023 - Businessday NG. |
| Sports › I'm In Saudi Arabia Because Of Money -ighalo by Celestialsword(op): 4:20am On Apr 24, 2024 |
Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo has stated that he, Cristiano Ronaldo and most of the players in the Saudi Arabia are playing in the Saudi Arabian league because of money, Soccernet.ng reports. Ighalo left mainstream Europe for Saudi Arabian club Chang Chung Yatai in 2017 after stints at Lyn, Udinese, Granada, Cesena, and Watford. The Nigerian striker made a mark with Watford, helping them qualify from the English Championship to the Premier League. Ighalo registered 40 goals and eleven assists in 100 appearances for the hornets, ensuring that he commanded a salary of €200,000 weekly when he moved to Chang Chung Yatai. Two years later, the Nigerian striker moved to another Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, where he also commanded a similar amount. Ighalo spent a year in Shanghai before moving to Manchester United on a six-month loan deal. Afterwards, the 34-year-old sealed a move to Al Shabbab, where he started earning €170,000. Ighalo’s transfer to the Saudi League coincided with the time when the league was undergoing a face-lift and money was being pumped into it. Two years later, Portuguese star Ronaldo moved to another Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr in a blockbuster three-year deal that would see him earn €210.704 million in total. That signaled the influx of players from mainstream Europe. However, some of these stars that have moved to Saudi Arabia hardly admit that they joined the League because of money, despite earning hundreds of thousands in euros. However, Nigerian striker Ighalo is not shy about his motivation for moving to Saudi Arabia. In a recent interview, the Nigerian striker revealed that he and most of the foreign players in the league decided to move because of money. “I don’t know when God says stop, but I know I not going to be more than three years before I stop. I’ve played for passion all my life, I have to play for money now,” Ighalo told Oma TV. Ighalo is currently with Al Wehda, where he has registered 12 goals in 26 appearances for the club. He is currently 17 goals behind Ronaldo, who has 29 goals this season. © 2024 The Sun Nigeria |
| Politics › Foreign Businesses'discrimination Insulting by Celestialsword(op): 4:09am On Apr 24, 2024 |
HAVING been caught napping, it is interesting to see the sanctions the authorities will mete out on foreign businesses discriminating against Nigerians in their own country. At the weekend, both traditional and social media were agog with the news that a Chinese supermarket on Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory was barring Nigerians from shopping in the store. In turn, it allegedly granted entry to only Chinese nationals and Nigerians working in the establishment. Discrimination of any sort is unacceptable in decent human societies. So, the Federal Government must conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against the Chinese outfit and apply the due sanctions if found culpable. The owner of the store denies the allegations. She is supported by the China General Chamber of Commerce, which said that visitors must adhere to security protocols in the estate where the supermarket is located. Already, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has sealed the store and summoned the owner following complaints by Nigerians. On many counts, their outrage is justified. No sound explanation justifies any business denying access to Nigerians in Nigeria. When a foreigner thus discriminates against them in their home, it suggests that they are second-class citizens in their own country. It shows that the government is weak and is unable to protect their interests according to the extant laws and conventions. This is a letdown. In one of its reports on the incident, The PUNCH stated, “For now, they (management) have stopped everything. The truth is that they are selling, but they said our people should stop coming. They said only Chinese individuals are allowed to shop here. The shop is only meant for Chinese people. People were allowed to come in throughout last year, but since January, they changed the policy and directed that no Nigerian is allowed to enter.” The saga gives a hint that discrimination by foreign business interests against Nigerians might be widespread. In another report, this newspaper reported that an Indian language school based in Ilupeju, Lagos, did not admit Nigerians but only Indian pupils. This is insulting. In India, a Nigerian will not likely establish a Nigerian-only school there or in another country. Outrage over discrimination against Nigerians at Abuja Chinese supermarket On the other hand, Nigerians suffer heavy discrimination abroad. This occurs repeatedly in Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and Latin America. Nigerians are incarcerated in many parts of the world unjustly, sometimes on trumped-up charges. Nigeria and South Africa rowed in 2012 after South Africa deported 125 Nigerians for reportedly entering the country with fake yellow fever vaccine certificates. In retaliation, Nigeria deported 84 South Africans. In all, 13,235 Nigerians suffered deportation by 10 countries in the four years to 2021, a report said. South Africans seem fond of violently attacking Nigerians and their business outfits. In part, this is a self-inflicted pain. A 2017 McKinsey report exposed Nigeria’s weakness. The report said of the 930 Chinese companies doing business in Nigeria as of 2017, only 317 were documented. Some of these companies can go under the radar to sabotage Nigeria. There are unending allegations that Chinese nationals are engaged in illegal mining, which costs the treasury $9 billion annually, according to the Federal Government. Some foreign companies allegedly violate the expatriate quota, thereby denying Nigerians jobs. In December, Adams Oshiomhole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, alleged that foreign companies bring prisoners to work on construction sites. To solve these discriminatory practices, Nigeria needs to critically evaluate its national outlook. The government should stop foreigners from abusing the magnanimity of its people, who welcome visitors with open arms. Through investigations, monitoring, and sanctions, the FCCPC and other related agencies should cast their nets wide to exterminate this obnoxious trend. Punch Editorial Board punchng.com © 1971- 2024 Punch Nigeria Limited |
| Politics › Bobrisky Begs Court To Convert Imprisonment To N200,000 Fine by Celestialsword(op): 3:49am On Apr 24, 2024 |
Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, has appealed against the six months imprisonment imposed on him by the Federal High Court in Lagos which convicted him of charges of abuse of naira. In the appeal lodged on his behalf by his lawyer, Bimbo Kusanu, Bobrisky wants the Court of Appeal to convert the six-month imprisonment to N50,000 fine on each of the four counts he was convicted of. Justice Abimbola Awogboro had on April 12, 2024, sentenced Bobrisky, to six months imprisonment without an option fine for abusing the naira by spraying the currency at a party, leading to mutilation. Bobrisky had on April 5, 2024, pleaded guilty to four counts of abuse of the naira preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The judge while sentencing the cross-dresser, said the judgment would serve as a deterrent to others who are fond of abusing and mutilating the naira. However, in his Notice of Appeal filed before the Appeal Court, the cross-dresser urged the appellate court to consider the fact that he has no previous record of criminal conviction. He averred that the sentence imposed by the trial court against him was punitive contrary to the mandatory provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law on sentencing. He stated that the trial court did not consider the positive antecedent of the appellant, who did not waste the precious judicial resources of the trial court, when he pleaded guilty to the charge. He also noted that he honoured the invitation of the EFCC on the first invitation during the investigation leading to the charge. “The sentence of the lower court that imposed the maximum penalty of six months imprisonment without option of fine on the appellant, who is a first-time convict without a previous record of criminal conviction, is harsh. “The learned trial judge erred in law and facts by his imposition of the maximum sentence of six months imprisonment terms against the appellant without the option of fine contrary to the provisions of Section 416(2) (d) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 that prescribed the mandatory guidelines on the trial court on imposition of sentencing after criminal conviction of a first time offender as the appellant. “The trial court imposed the maximum sentence on the appellant, who has no previous record criminal of conviction, when there are options to impose a lesser sentence by the provisions of the ADCJA. “The sentence imposed by the trial court against the appellant is punitive contrary to the mandatory provisions of the law on sentencing. “The appellant has suffered a miscarriage of justice by the maximum sentence imposed by the learned trial court. “The reasons adduced by the learned trial court for the imposition of maximum punishment on the appellant, which is essentially on what foreigners think of abuse of naira, is perverse and is out of tune with the reality of what the trial court should have been considered to impose maximum punishment on the appellant. “The intendment of the provisions of the Central Bank Act 2007 that the appellant was charged with is for Nigerians not to tamper with naira and not what nationals of foreign countries view about tampering with naira. “The trial court did not consider the positive antecedent of the appellant, who did not waste the precious judicial resources of the trial court when he pleaded guilty to the charge. The appellant honoured the invitation of the respondent, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on the first invitation during the investigation leading to the charge. “The trial court failed to exercise his discretion judiciously and judicially in sentencing the appellant which has occasioned a miscarriage of justice against the appellant.” punchng.com © 1971- 2024 Punch Nig |
| TV/Movies › N30m At Stake As Nigerian Idol Season 9 Begins Sunday by Celestialsword(op): 5:24pm On Apr 23, 2024 |
The Nigerian Idol is a reality TV show with a nationwide search for Nigeria’s next solo musical superstar. The quest is to find the best singer in the country who can be defined as the ‘National’ singer, and international artiste. Nigerian Idol Judges: The contestants will be facing the Nigerian Idol judges which are well-known musical stars: Omawumi, 9ice and Ric Hassani. Winning Prize: The winner of the 2024 Nigerian Idol stands a chance to win N30million and more. As the show kicks off in a matter of hours, a panel of three judges, made up of some of the music industry’s most influential experts, will be faced with the daunting prospect of choosing 50 talented singers to face the viewing public who will decide, in a series of live shows, who most deserves the chance of stardom. These 50 hopefuls will be set tasks to prove that they have got the musical talent to make it in one of the world’s fastest-growing and most competitive music industries. © 2024 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved. |
| Politics › Edo 2024 : LP Kicks As INEC Lists Wrong Deputy Governorship Candidate by Celestialsword(op): 2:14am On Apr 23, 2024 |
The Edo State chapter of Labour Party (LP), has rejected the final list of candidates for the 21 September governorship in the state, released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the list published by INEC, Oluyinka Faith Alufohai is listed as the deputy governorship candidate of the party, instead of Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri (SAN). It would be recalled that LP’s candidate for the election, Olumide Akpata, had earlier dropped Oluyinka Faith Alufohai for Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, as his running mate. The State chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi, in a statement on Monday, appealed to the party members not to be disturbed by the development. He, however, absolved the electoral umpire of what he described as “simply a technical error.” Ogbaloi noted that the state chapter of the party actually submitted the name of Alhaji Kadiri as its deputy governorship candidate, but was wrongly substituted at the national headquarters of the party due to “technical glitch”. LP's Olumide Akpata speaks on alleged clash with students at UNIBEN According to him, “Our team followed all necessary procedures and submitted Alhaji Kadiri’s name and credentials as the deputy governorship candidate, well within INEC’s stipulated window. “Unfortunately, a technical glitch occurred at the end of the national headquarters of our party during the submission process, resulting in the incorrect name appearing on the final list. “We are currently actively engaged with INEC officials to rectify this issue immediately and our team has provided all requisite documentation demonstrating Alhaji Kadiri’s valid nomination. We have been following-up with INEC diligently, to ensure it updates its candidate list with the accurate information. “We recognise the anxiety this error may cause, but urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their commitment to our party’s vision. “Your unwavering support and activism have been invaluable thus far, and we need you to continue spreading awareness of our platform and championing the positive change we represent. “The Labour Party is determined to contest the forthcoming September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship elections fairly and transparently. We should not allow this minor administrative hurdle to dampen our confidence or impede our momentum. “Together, we shall overcome any obstacle, minor or major, as we continue our march towards restoring Edo State to its pride of place nationally.” Copyright © 1994 - 2024 PM NEWS | |
| Car Talk › 5 Children Suffocates In Abandoned Car by Celestialsword(op): 1:58am On Apr 23, 2024 |
Minna— Five children, three of the same parents, have died from suffocation in an abandoned car in Minna, Niger State. The sad incident occurred in Gurara, Albishiri area of Minna. Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday. The five children were said to be playing in the area before they eventually went into the vehicle, a Honda Civic Accord with number plate, GO 778 BC, which was said to have been parked on the spot for almost three years. It could not be immediately ascertained whether the doors of the vehicles were locked or whether one of the doors was forcefully opened by the children. For over five hours, from about 11 a.m., when the parents and other neighbours were frantically searching for them, they were later discovered about 4 p.m., dead in the vehicle. One of the residents of the area simply called Muhammed described the incident as “very pathetic,” adding: “Three of the children are of the same parents. The other one is a child of the owner of the vehicle while the fifth child is from the neighbourhood. “The car had been parked on the same spot for almost three years and nobody had entered it since then. Everybody in the area joined the parents in searching for the kids only to discover them in the abandoned car stone dead after about five hours.” Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area of the state, Aminu Ladan, who lives in the area, confirmed the incident, describing it as “very painful but an act of God,” adding that the remains of the children had been recovered and handed over to their parents for burial. State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, also confirmed the incident, adding that the owner of the vehicle had been invited for questioning. According to him, “Based on information on Sunday at 6:30p.m., five children of about five and 13 years were found trapped in a Honda Civic vehicle with number plate, GO 778 ABC, at Albishiri area of Minna. “They were found to have suffocated in the vehicle while their bodies were later removed by the various parents of the deceased.” © 2024 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria |
| Politics › Edo 2024: INEC Publishes Final List Of Candidates by Celestialsword(op): 1:48am On Apr 23, 2024 |
The Independent National Electoral Commission has published the final list of 17 candidates for the Edo Governorship Election.https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/688311-inec-publishes-final-list-of-candidates-for-edo-governorship-election-2.html 2 Likes
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| Business › Abuja Chinese Supermarket Shuts Doors by Celestialsword(op): 11:36am On Apr 22, 2024 |
The Abuja-based Chinese supermarket criticised for refusing to allow Nigerians to shop in its facility is currently closed, PUNCH Online reports.https://punchng.com/abuja-chinese-supermarket-shuts-doors-after-punch-report/?amp 6 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Aiyedatiwa Wins Ondo State Guber Primary by Celestialsword(op): 5:10am On Apr 22, 2024 |
The governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been announced as the winner of the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress APC in the state. Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State and chairman of the seven-member committee set up by the national leadership of the party to supervised the exercise to elect a flagbearer for the November 16 poll in Ondo, announced the winner of the election around 12:43am on Monday, in Akure the state capital. The announcement came hours after Ododo ordered a rerun election in all the 13 Wards of Okitipupa Local Government with total validated registered members of 9,515 because of validated reports that the exercise did not hold in the Local government due to late arrival of materials and personnel as a result of logistics challenges. Specifically, Ododo said the candidate polled 48, 569 votes to defeat 15 other aspirants in the contest. The result shows that Aiyedatiwa won in 16 out of the 18 council areas in the state while Oke won in only Ilaje local government but came third after polling a total of 14,915 votes in the election. However, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin came second with a total of 15,343 votes, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim polled 9,456 while the former Commissioner for Finance Wale Akinterinwa polled 1,952 votes. Ododo, while charging the aspirants to set aside their differences and unite behind the candidate, appreciated all the aspirants who participated in the election, saying “your dedication to the service of Ondo State and commitment to serving the people under the platform of our great party are truly commendable. “We are grateful for your courage and determination to be part of this important process. Let us remember that the real work lies ahead of all of us as members of this great party. “We must follow the words of our leader and president, Bola Tinubu who has maintained that a political contest is a quest to serve to brothers and sisters from the same family but leaving in different rooms and must therefore remain in the same house after the election after the election has been won and lost. “So, we are all from the same family and as such, we have no need to abandon the party irrespective of the outcome of the election. We must set aside our differences and unite behind our candidate”, he said. Meanwhile, the announcement came amidst controversy and protests by some aspirants who called for the cancellation of the exercise over alleged irregularities and the replacement of Usman Ododo as the chairman of the committee. Aiyedatiwa alongside 15 others contested the governorship election through a direct primary election. They include; former Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa; Olusola Oke (SAN); former member of the House of Representatives, Mayowa Akinfolarin; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; former National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Isaacs Kekemeke and former Commissioner who represented the State on the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Gbenga Edema. Others are Gen. Ohunyeye Olamide Felix, a current member of the House of Representatives, Jimi Odimayo, Olusoji Adewale Ehinlanwo, Morayo Lebi, Diran Iyantan, Prof. Francis Faduyile and Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele while the two female aspirants among them are Funmilayo Adekojo, and Mrs. Funke Omogoroye Judith. On December 27, 2023, Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn-in as governor of Ondo state following the death of his principal and former governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who died in Germany after a protracted illness. published by THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LTD. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Sports › Osimen Likely To Move To PSG -canovi by Celestialsword(op): 7:19am On Apr 19, 2024 |
Agent Dario Canovi has disclosed that Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen will replace Kylian Mbappe at PSG this summer. Flashscore: Follow the fastest live scores & results on Flashscore! Recall that the Nigerian international has been the toast of many top clubs in Europe such as Chelsea, Man United and Real Madrid. However, in a chat with Kiss Kiss, Canovi stated that Osimhen will end up in PSG. “Osimhen’s future? In my opinion he is likely to play in PSG. “It would be the most successful signing after the farewell of Mbappè who has already been at Real Madrid for months, I see a farce that has been going on for some time so as not to say it. “Mbappè sent the coach to hell and also insulted him. The only team that has Mbappe in its hands is Real Madrid.” Copyright © 2024 Completesports.com |
| Politics › Edo 2024:imasunsuangbon Seeks Akpata's Disqualification As Lp,s Candidate by Celestialsword(op): 12:21am On Apr 18, 2024 |
One of the governorship aspirants of the Labour Party (LP) Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Benin to prevent the Governorship candidate of the party in Edo state from contesting the September 21 gubernatorial election. In the suit No. FHC B/CS/26/2024 and filed at the Benin division of the Federal High Court by his counsel A.A. Malik & Co, Imansuangbon said that Labour who is the second defendant in the suit erred in law by declaring Olumide Akpata the winner of the party’s primary conducted on February 23, 2024. This is even as the aspirant also filed another suit in the Abuja division of the Federal High Court where Imansuangbon alleged that Akpata and his running mate have lied under oat and supplied false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the Abuja suit filed on April 12, 2024, Akpata who is the first defendant, was joined in the suit by his running mate, Alufohai Faith, LP and INEC as the second, third and fourth defendants respectively. Like in the second suit filed in the Benin division, Akpata was only joined by LP and INEC as the first, second and third defendants. In the Benin suit, Imansuangbon said Akpata was not qualified to have contested the primary having violated the provisions of the section 222(c) of the Nigeria constitution as well as Article 28 of the party’s guidelines for the conduct of the primary. Imansuangbon further averred that votes garnered by the first defendant in the primary be declared invalid and wasted. It is now possible to live in Nigeria and earn salary in US Dollars with premium domains, you can earn as much as $17,000 (₦27Million) Click here to start. The plaintiff who listed nine issues for determination and 18 others for declaration by the court, asked the court to set aside the LP February 23 governorship primary in the Edo state. He asked the court to determine if Akpata is qualified to have contested the primary having failed to sign or endorse the indemnity form issued to him by the second defendant. He also asked the court to determine if the votes garnered in the purported primary should not be voided and wasted in the face of outright disregard to the constitutional provisions of the country and that of the party. Similarly, Imansuangbon asked the court to determine if he that scored the second highest votes in the said primary should not be declared the winner and validly nominated to be the governorship candidate of the LP. Alternatively, the court was asked to determine if the party conducted the February 23 governorship primary in a manner outlined, prescribed or otherwise circumscribed by section 84 of the electoral Act, 2022. That the court should also determine if the primary did not run foul of the provisions of section 84 (2), (3), (4) & (5) of the electoral Act, 2022. In his declaration, the plaintiff told the court to bar the INEC or any other agent, from recognizing Akpata as the governorship candidate of the LP for the September 21 Edo state governorship poll. He also called for the withdrawal of the certificate of return issued by the second defendant to the first defendant as the purported winner of the said primary. While asking for the sum of N20 million as cost of the suit, Imansuangbon also asked that a fresh primary should be conducted not later than 30 days of the judgement of the court. However, for the Abuja division of the suit, Imansuangbon alleged that Akpata supplied false information to the INEC according to information provided in their form EC9. He said where Akpata claimed to have been Akpata Olumide Anthony, but filled his name to be Akpata Olumide Osaigbovo. Similarly, his running mate who said that she was born in 1981, claimed to have had her first school leaving certificate the same year she was born. She was also alleged to have gotten three certificates, OND, HND and PGD in the same year in 2005. It is now possible to live in Nigeria and earn salary in US Dollars with premium domains, you can earn as much as $17,000 (₦27Million) Click here to start. According to Imansuangbon, their actions contravene the provisions of section 29 (5) of the 2022 electoral Act and also section 182 (i),(a) & (j) of the 1999 constitution of the federal government of Nigeria as amended. He thus sought for their disqualification and restrained from participating in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. Imansuangbon’s Abuja suit was accompanied with the affidavits in support of the originating summon. © 2024 - Independent Newspaper Nigeria. |
| Music/Radio › Burnaboy Named One Of TIME 100 most Influencial People In 2024 by Celestialsword(op): 11:34pm On Apr 17, 2024 |
businessday Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, professionally known as Burnaboy has been named as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2024. The 32 year old Grammy award winner was listed as an icon alongside American businessman Mark Cuban, popular movie star Taraji Henson, and Thelma Golden who was nominated by Michelle Obama. Burnaboy was nominated by Angelique Kidjo, a senior colleague in the music industry and fellow grammy winner, notably winning the coeveted award 5 times. Her nomination statement which earned Burnanboy a position on the list read “Ten years ago or so, when young African musicians would come to me for advice, I would tell them, ‘You don’t need to mimic American artists! The world needs the amazing richness and beauty of our traditional African music and our culture. “This land is where most of modern music comes from. This source of inspiration is inexhaustible. Its freshness and its elegance will get the world’s attention for sure. “Burna Boy has made that vision a global reality. Inspired by the fantastic drums of Nigerian folk music, and studied in the craft of the great African singer-songwriters, he follows in the footsteps of Fela Kuti—the internationally celebrated Afrobeats artist and activist. “Burna Boy’s deeply original flow and his signature groove have conquered the world with an impressive series of firsts: in 2023, he became the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium, and in 2024, he became the first Afrobeats artist to sing at the Grammys. “He is history in the making. Now a whole generation of young people from the continent is looking up to him.” Kidjo was named one of the 100 most influential people by TIME magazine in 2021 in recognition of her significant contributions to music and her influence in blending cultures to create a unique and soulful sound. Burna Boy featured Angelique Kidjo on his song including “Different” from his album “African Giant,” which won him his grammy, and has also been featured on Angelique Kidjo’s song “Do Yourself,” from her album “Mother Nature.” © 2023 - Businessday NG. |
| Politics › Fg Paying About N600bn Monthly As Fuel Subsidy - Rain Oil CEO by Celestialsword(op): 11:21pm On Apr 17, 2024 |
Business Hallmark Gabriel Ogbechie, the CEO of Rainoil Limited, says the federal government currently pays about N600bn as subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called fuel. Recall that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had claimed that the Bola Tinubu administration spent about N8trn on subsidy in the past eight months. Ogbechie who spoke on Tuesday during the Stanbic IBTC Energy and Infrastructure Breakfast Session held in Lagos, noted that with Nigeria’s daily fuel usage at 40 million liters and the foreign exchange rate at N1,300, the government’s subsidy per liter of fuel falls between N400 and N500, culminating in a monthly total of approximately N600 billion. “When Mr. President came May last year, one of the things he said is that Subsidy is gone. And truly subsidy was gone because immediately the price of fuel moved from 200 to 500 per liter. At that point truly, subsidy was gone,” he said. “During that period, Dollar was exchanging for N460, but a few weeks later, the government devalued the exchange rate. And Dollar moved to about N750. At that point, subsidy was beginning to come back. “The moment the two markets officially closed, officially the market went to about N1,300. At that point, that conversation was out of the window. Subsidy was fully back on petrol. If you want to know where petrol should be, just look at where diesel is. Diesel is about N1,300 and petrol is still selling for N600. “So I can tell you for free that there there is at least N400 or N500 liters subsidy on petrol today. If you look at our daily consumption, say 40 million liters, and we’re spending N500 per liter, that is about N20 billion every day, N600 billion every month and 7.2 trillion yearly depending on how we look at it. So, subsidy is definitely back on petrol,” he said. Speaking further, he said that NNPC being the only petrol importer in the country implies that there is an ongoing subsidy, as prices had to be fixed. “And if you look at it, NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol in this country because there is subsidy on petrol so the price has to be pegged,” he noted. Copyright © 2024 Business Hallmark Newspapers |
| Celebrities › Re: Cubana Chief Priest Arrives Court For Arraignment Over Naira Abuse by Celestialsword: 10:49am On Apr 17, 2024 |
Antoeni:Are you his lawyer |
| Politics › (breaking):naira Abuse:cubans Chief Priest arrives Court For Arraignmey by Celestialsword(op): 9:51am On Apr 17, 2024 |
A businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has arrived at the Federal High Court, Lagos, for his arraignment for allegedly abusing the naira. Cubana Chief Priest, who is already inside the dock, is being arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on abuse of naira for allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. He was alleged to have sprayed the Naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. He was said to have tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 notes issued by the CBN by spraying the same for two hours. Details later… Contact: theeditor@punchng.com |
| Politics › The"ruling" Class by Celestialsword(op): 9:25am On Apr 17, 2024 |
The “Ruling” class The legendary social activist and lawyer, Mahatma Ghandi, best remembered for his non-violent campaign for India’s independence from Britain, once said, “Whatever you do for me, without me, is against me.” Most people use the words’ “govern” and “rule” interchangeably, but there is in fact a subtle difference in their meaning and in the image each term conjures up in one’s mind. The Oxford Dictionary defines “govern” to mean “conducting the policy, actions, and affairs of a state, organisation, or people with authority.” “Rule” is defined as “having a powerful and restricting influence on something or somebody.” The word “govern” is used most appropriately when referring to a democratic form of administration where leaders are answerable to the people, where the leaders are mere representatives of the electorate who put them there, and the leaders in turn conduct themselves and the affairs of the state in a way that reflects where they believe power ultimately lies: in the people. “Rule,” on the other hand, signifies a dictatorial form of administration, one where the leader’s word is law and he can, to all intents and purposes, do as he wishes without any recourse to the people or proper consideration of what will best serve the people’s interests. When describing the history of government administration in Nigeria, it is my opinion that they have ruled far more than they have governed, and this is not prejudicial to whether they have been military or civilian governments. The one who governs is acutely aware of the transience of power, as he acknowledges that he only holds it in trust. It doesn’t begin and end with him, and he holds it only for as long as he is deemed to be using it well. “When describing the history of government administration in Nigeria, it is my opinion that they have ruled far more than they have governed, and this is not prejudicial to whether they have been military or civilian governments.” Lording it over the people has become the modus operandi of all levels of government in Nigeria. Admittedly, some state governors are far more democratic in the way they conduct themselves and administer their states than others. Several of them have acquired the odious reputation of sending security operatives after citizens for daring to criticise their actions. Many journalists have suffered the fate of being locked up because they wrote uncomplimentary reports, even if factual, about them. Even though these governors were among those who waxed lyrical about the beauty of democratic rule on the campaign trail as they sought the people’s votes, they appear not to have fully grasped what it truly means. Democratic concepts and practices appear alien to many Nigerian political leaders. The larger-than-life image that our leaders assume once in office and which seems to bestow upon them the “licence” to operate above the law, I believe, is largely responsible for the desperation for everybody to become somebody in our society. It would be fallacious to say that leaders of developed nations are perfect in character, but it would not be wrong to say that they are usually held to a higher standard and made to account for their actions. Their behaviour is constantly put under the spotlight, and every step out of line is severely condemned by the press and the public. Leaders’ errors are condemned by the press and public here too, but that, unfortunately, is usually where it ends, so no lesson is learned. Leaders in the developed world live with the consciousness of being watched and the expectation of setting a good example. Recognising that the same people who voted them or their party into power can also vote them out the next time around, they will usually whip themselves back into line. In most developing nations, however, the story is very different. Nigeria is a country that, time and time again, might have been shown to be right. As much as this speaks of the quality of leadership that we have in our society, it also sadly speaks of the aggregate character of the people. I say this because a major contributory factor to the malaise in Nigerian society can be traced to our penchant to venerate power rather than respect it. When this combines with a general mindset amongst the people of “what can I get away with” rather than “what is right or wrong,” the result is what we now see: leaders who have been made to believe they are the beginning and the end all. Leaders who believe their actions are no worse than what the average Nigerian would do if given half the chance. So, they feel justified. What is that famous saying about power? “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I believe the revered Abraham Lincoln is the one credited with having said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Need I say more? Lording it over the people and rubbing their noses in it has become part and parcel of Nigerian politics, but it is far from what governance should be about. Governance should be about serving the people and administering the country’s resources in a way that most benefits the greatest number of people. As Jonathan Bentham, the British jurist, political reformer, and ethicist, put it, an action can be deemed morally right only when it produces the greatest amount of happiness and good while causing the least amount of pain for the greatest number of people (the utilitarian theory). One does not need to be a PhD holder to know that over the years, “governance” in our society has mostly failed this test, representing what could best be described as the “rule of the few, by the few, and for the few.” And there appears to be a sturdy resolve by the beneficiaries to keep it this way. Changing the nation, one mind at a time. © 2023 - Businessday NG. |
| Politics › Re: 4 Ex-Governors, 21 Other Senators Sponsor no Bill In 10 Months by Celestialsword(op): 9:15am On Apr 16, 2024 |
eilas:many of them are incompetent, they bought their way there,to further enrich themselves 17 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › 4 Ex-Governors, 21 Other Senators Sponsor no Bill In 10 Months by Celestialsword(op): 8:58am On Apr 16, 2024 |
Four of the 13 former governors in the Senate and 21 other senators have not sponsored any bill since June 13, 2023 when the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated, Daily Trust’s findings have shown.https://dailytrust.com/4-ex-govs-21-other-senators-sponsor-no-bill-in-10-months/#:~:text=20%3A54%20WAT-,Four%20of%20the%2013%20former%20governors%20in%20the%20Senate%20and,Daily%20Trust's%20findings%20have%20shown. 3 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics › Vandalism Worsen Grid Collapse As Gas Shortage Slashes Power Supply by Celestialsword(op): 6:24am On Apr 16, 2024 |
Nigeria witnessed its sixth power grid collapse of 2024 on Monday, as electricity generation on the system collapsed from 2,583.77 megawatts at 2 am to 64.7MW around 3am before the grid was restored later in the day.https://punchng.com/vandalism-worsens-grid-collapse-as-gas-shortage-slashes-power-supply/?amp 1 Like
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| Politics › Re: Olumide Akpata Picks Yusuf Kadiri As His Substantive Running Mate. by Celestialsword: 11:16am On Apr 15, 2024 |
So it's now Yoruba Muslim that want to govern Edo state |
| Travel › At Least 19 Die In Tragic Road Crash In Oyo by Celestialsword(op): 9:02am On Apr 15, 2024 |
At least nineteen persons reportedly died in a recent collision between two vehicles on the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State. The Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the accident in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday. The FRSC disclosed that the vehicles involved were a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number NTT52ZY, travelling from Ibadan to Sokoto, and a Toyota Corolla saloon car. Naija News understands that the crash, which reportedly happened around 07:45 a.m., was caused by a route violation commonly known as ‘One Way’. The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) and Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Jonas Agwu, confirmed this information in a statement released in Abuja. According to him, the collision, caused by a traffic violation, led to a head-on crash between the two vehicles and, subsequently, a fire outbreak. The report indicated that the accident involved a total of 20 male adults. “Of this number, 19 persons were killed, while the only surviving victim was rescued by FRSC operatives with injuries. “FRSC rescue team that conducted the rescue operations have taken the injured victim to Opabode hospital in Oyo, for emergency medical attention. “The dead bodies have been deposited at Oyo General Hospital morgue,” the FRSC statement noted. Agwu reported that the Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, urged the general public to refrain from any actions that may result in road accidents. Additionally, he instructed sector commanders to intensify their patrol activities to tackle the issue of route violations on the country’s highways. Copyright © 2021 Naija News. |
| Politics › Re: Repentant Boko Haram Member Enlisted In Army Slits Woman's Throat In Enugu by Celestialsword(op): 4:56am On Apr 15, 2024 |
Boko Haram army Nigeria armed forces has been compromised,the country and it's citizens are no longer safe This is one of the disadvantage of a Muslim Muslim president and vice |
| Politics › Nigerian Army Reacts To Repentant Boko Haram Slitting Woman's Throat by Celestialsword(op): 3:46am On Apr 15, 2024 |
Nigerian army reacts to repentant Boko Haram slitting woman' The Nigerian army has reacted to the report of a repentant Boko Haram terrorist who got enlisted into the army slitting a woman's throat in the Enugu army barrack and hiding the body of the woman. In a post on its X account, the Nigerian army debunked the report while admitting that truly a woman was killed but not in the hands of a repentant Boko Haram terrorist. Allnews.ng had reported that according to SaharaReporters, a repentant Boko Haram terrorist who got enlisted into the Nigerian army, killed a woman who happened to be his lover by cutting her throat. It was also reported that the said repentant Boko Haram terrorist hid the body of the woman, however, the body was later discovered in a farm within the barracks. Debunking the report on X, the Nigerian army wrote, "The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters on 13 April 2024 titled, "Repented Boko Haram Member Enlisted into Nigerian Army slits Woman's throat in Enugu Barracks, Hides Corpse." "Much as it is highly regrettable that a young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship, the incident should not be latched on to insinuate a laughable claim that the dastardly act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram recruited into the Nigerian Army. "It is pertinent therefore to clear the air on the allegation as insinuated by Sahara Reporters. The NA has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. "However, considerations were given to the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically. "Such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation. "The sad incident of the gruesome murder of Miss Hauwakulu Tabra by Private Adamu Muhammad occurred on the night of Thursday 11 April 2024 and her corpse was discovered within the barracks on Friday 12 April 2024. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was actually murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions. "The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Miss Hauwakulu Tabra and also emphatically asserts that at no time has the NA enlisted repentant Boko Haram members into its fold as mischievously insinuated. *The general public should be rest assured that justice will be served, as the NA will not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks." © 2024 AllNews Media Limited - All Rights Reserved. |
| Family › Jnr.pope:gov Eno Visits,consoles Family Of Late Nollywood Makeup Artist by Celestialsword(op): 3:18am On Apr 15, 2024 |
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Nollywood makeup artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area of the state. According to a statement by Ekerete Udoh, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, went straight to the deceased family’s compound to console them. The statement noted that the governor thereafter gave automatic employment in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo, to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards. The governor also gave assurance of government’s assistance to the two sisters of the deceased, who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo and whose education was being sponsored by the late Nollywood makeup artist. The governor, in his remark, said: “This is deeply unfortunate for a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her youth service just last year and decided to pursue her passion. This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions. “It is unfortunate that her life ended the way it did. Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the government to console and encourage the family. You are not just the governor when people are celebrating; in times and moments like this, you become the mourner-in-chief and give them hope. “I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives. Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.” ‘Bring her remains for burial’ — Gov Eno’s order on makeup artist who died in River Niger Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd |
| Christianity Etc › 7 Ways To Please God by Celestialsword(op): 7:44am On Apr 14, 2024 |
1. Having faith pleases God. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). This passage identifies faith—belief in God and believing He will do what He says He will do—as a prerequisite for pleasing God. It also gives a prime example of this kind of faith: Enoch (verse 5). Enoch lived in the increasingly evil world before the Flood, but he didn’t go the evil way other people were going. Instead, he “walked with God” and “he pleased God” (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5). Enoch not only believed in the Creator God, he believed God would come to earth with “ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment” (Jude 1:14-15) and make everything right. Enoch knew that ungodly deeds bring evil results and must be replaced by godly deeds—walking the way God walks—for this world to experience real peace and joy. When we believe in God and believe what He says, that faith will also please God. 2. Being spiritually minded pleases God. “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:6-  .The Bible contrasts two mind-sets: the normal, human one (the fleshly, carnal mind) and the one led by the Spirit of God (the spiritual mind, verse 9). Thus having the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and leading us is another prerequisite for pleasing God. In Acts 2:38 the apostle Peter summarized the process God has set for us to follow to receive His Spirit: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Leading up to the passage in Romans 8, the apostle Paul explained his own experience with the two mind-sets. As challenging as he shows the process of change is in Romans 7, he makes clear that Jesus Christ will deliver us (verse 25) and that as a result of the change we become beloved “children of God” (8:16-17). Does this please God? Yes! Jesus said there is “joy in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7). God loves to add to His family. 3. The fear of the Lord pleases God. “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11). It’s not that God delights in having us be terrified of Him. Psalm 147 describes God as the One who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (verse 3). The passage praises His mercy, His knowledge (He knows the names of all the stars!) and His power to save the humble (verses 4-6). The Bible tells us to fear God, not because it is good for Him, but because it is good for us to accurately recognize that He is more powerful than anything else. Acknowledging this shows our deep respect for Him. The proper fear and respect of God will motivate us to avoid sin (Exodus 20:20). It reminds us that God will hold us accountable for our actions. Fearing God allows us to rely on Him and revere Him—which can deepen our love for the All-Powerful God who cares enough to stoop down and deliver a puny little human like me! For more about what it really means to fear God, see the article “Fear of the Lord: What Does It Mean?” 4. Studying and following Jesus Christ’s example pleases God. “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). During a vision of the future Kingdom of God known as the transfiguration, God impressed on Peter, James and John the preeminence of Jesus Christ. Jesus truly was the Son of God, and there is no one who has pleased God more! We should all hear Him and follow His example. Jesus said He always did “those things that please Him” (John 8:29), so we should study the four Gospels to learn how we, too, can please God. See our articles “Gospels” and “How to Study the Bible.” 5. Obeying God pleases Him. “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). In this passage, the prophet Samuel expressed God’s displeasure with Israel’s first king Saul. Saul had disobeyed God’s direct command with the excuse that “the people” had wanted to give what should have been destroyed to God instead. But God doesn’t want our physical gifts if we are going to break His laws to give them! Again, God doesn’t command us to obey just because it is good for Him, but because it is good for us (Deuteronomy 10:13). His laws and commands are beneficial; and as a result of obeying Him, we grow in godly, righteous character—we become more like Him! This is how to please God. The fact that obeying God is pleasing to Him is expressed in various ways throughout the Bible. God has “pleasure in uprightness,” He will bless those who “keep My Sabbaths, and choose what pleases Me” and who “abstain from sexual immorality” and avoid breaking any of God’s commandments (1 Chronicles 29:17; Isaiah 56:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3). 6. Doing God’s will pleases God. “[May God] make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:21). If we want to learn how to please God, we must seek God’s help to always do His will as well.What is God’s will? God’s desires, His commands and His plans are expressed throughout the Bible. In fact, the Bible was given to us to show us His will and to help us in a sense read His mind. Studying the Bible, meditating on it and praying about it are keys to gaining deeper understanding of His will. God’s will for us goes beyond just knowing what He wants. It involves doing “every good work”—working at maturing spiritually and becoming more like God (Matthew 5:48). Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of doing God’s will when He faced the terrible scourging and crucifixion for our sins, yet prayed, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). He was willing to give Himself totally to show His love and to do His Father’s will. If we want to learn how to please God, we must seek God’s help to always do His will as well. 7. Giving the sacrifices He wants pleases God. “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). We saw earlier that God rejected sacrifices that were gained through disobedience. But there are sacrifices that He is “well pleased” with, including giving praise and thanks to Him and sharing with others. These reflect His teaching on love expressed in the two great commandments that summarize the rest of His law: “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40). Pleasing God, not man It’s a natural human tendency to seek to please other people—those we can see. We can find it harder to focus on pleasing God—the One we cannot see. Jesus pointed out the problem with seeking to please man while pretending to try to please God. In the Sermon on the Mount He said, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). He made similar comments about praying and fasting to gain favor from men (verses 5 and 16). Instead, we should do these things privately, “and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (verse 4). The apostle Paul uses an interesting term to describe doing things just to be seen by others: eyeservice. “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God” (Colossians 3:22). Paul himself understood the importance of pleasing God, not man. “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). When we think about it, we realize that God is the ultimate source of all the good things we have received, even those things that come through family, friends and other people. He has given us all our blessings, and life itself. And He offers us eternal life as His children (1 John 3:1)! He deserves all our honor and worship. As King David wrote, “Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable [or, beyond our understanding]” (Psalm 145:2-3). The angels in God’s presence clearly see this. Revelation describes the 24 elders casting their crowns before God’s throne and saying, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11). What if we haven’t been pleasing God? The Bible clearly labels things that displease God and hurt us. The main label it uses is sin. Since we all have sinned (Romans 3:23), we all have displeased God. Thankfully, God loved us so much He made a way to wash away our past sins and allow us to start afresh. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice made this possible, and the Bible explains the process He wants us to follow. The apostle Peter summarized it in Acts 2:38: The beautiful thing about repenting of sin is that even this pleases God.“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Conversion is the process of changing from displeasing God to pleasing Him with His help. Study the key scriptures outlining this process in our booklet Change Your Life! The beautiful thing about repenting of sin is that even this pleases God. As Jesus said, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). The benefits of pleasing God No matter how much we give God, we can never come close to scratching the surface of what He has done for us—much less what He wants to do for us. In this life He offers awesome benefits, such as this general principle: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7). Still, in this life Christians will face persecution and tribulation, but as Jesus Christ said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). And in the future, He has an incredible gift in store for His faithful flock: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). One of the most exciting descriptions of the utopian Kingdom of God was recorded by King David, a man after God’s own heart. He wrote, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). |
| Crime › Kidnappers Grow Bolder With Huge Ransom Despite Fg's Threats by Celestialsword(op): 7:17am On Apr 14, 2024 |
With the increasing value of ransom being demanded by kidnappers, “which are often not negotiated and fully paid”, it is very obvious that kidnapping is now a very lucrative enterprise in the country. From N5miilion demanded by a militant group to release an oil worker in Nigeria’s Delta in 2015, to N10 billion (around $50 million then) demanded by Boko Haram to release some of the 276 captured Chibok girls, and to now N100 million for each victim of the 10 people kidnapped from their homes inside an estate in Abuja recently, kidnapping is truly enterprising as most of the ransom money is being paid even by the government that either keeps mum or denies such. The intrigue is that the assailants in the Abuja estate incident raised the bar of their demand from the initial N60 million per victim to N100 million, despite the death of three of the victims. That means smiling to the bank with N1billion for doing nothing but kidnapping and not being trailed, and also the reason for the spate of the crime in the country today. Also, recently, a former Nigerian Minister took to the social media to announce that he mobilised his friend whom he claimed donated N50 million to pay ransom to kidnappers who had abducted certain victims. All these are pointers to the fact that kidnapping has become a major criminal enterprise in the country as Nigeria was rated No.2 among the top 10 countries with the highest reported incidents of kidnapping by the ‘Top Teny,’ blog, with over 1,800 persons abducted annually, after Iraq, and followed by Pakistan, India and Venezuela. As well, ReliefWeb estimates that more than 1,680 schoolchildren have been kidnapped since the abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014, over 821 students were abducted in 2021 alone, while SBM Intelligence calculated that kidnappers collected about N653.7 million in ransom between July 2021 and June 2022 in more than 500 recorded kidnap incidents, with 3,420 persons taken, and 564 killed. As sad and depressing as the development is, Bem Hembafan, a retired security officer, decried that efforts made so far to tame the ugly trend seem to have yielded less result as more Nigerians are taking to kidnapping and collecting ransom in millions without being challenged. Recalling the recent Abuja estate kidnapping incident, the retired security officer, who runs private security for estates in Abuja and in Nasarawa State, blamed the recurring kidnapping on the loopholes and lack of coordination in the nation’s security architecture. “The assailants only succeeded because there was a compromise somewhere by an insider that resulted in a security breach,” he said, while querying the impact of the many security checkpoints within the capital territory. According to him, some domestic staff members, who are poorly paid, family members who are neglected, close friends, colleagues and neighbours are easy picks for kidnappers because of a handsome percent of the ransom promised to them. Considering the joint efforts of security agencies including; the Nigerian Military, the Police, Department of State Security (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), other sister organisations, many think that the country should have been enjoying relative peace from the menace of the kidnappers and bandits. Some of the efforts include the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity, to checkmate the rising cases of kidnapping and Sea robbery in the country. The Navy claims that the operation initiated by Emmanuel Uchechukwu Ogalla, a vice admiral and chief of Naval Staff, has lived up to its expectation with verifiable evidence, the Army, DSS, Police and all other security agencies are also reeling out results. The federal government on its part has been making promises on fighting insecurity, making strong statements when people are being kidnapped, also promising not to pay ransom, but the increasing rate of kidnap and ransom value say otherwise. Now, more innocent Nigerians, especially helpless school children are being kidnapped every day and ransom paid to the undeserving assailants. X-raying the situation, Stan Labo, a security expert, said that the present administration is yet to show political will to tackle insecurity in the country, noting that the current situation is just like the Buhari era. But some experts think that the country has not achieved the expected result due to the wrong approach to the fight. In his view, Emeka Okoro, a security analyst with SBM Intelligence, said that it will require a multifaceted approach to address insecurity in the country. According to him, the country needs improved security infrastructure, effective governance, social cohesion, economic development, and peace-building efforts to truly fight insecurity. “The political will to tackle insecurity is lacking; we are beginning to see semblance of what happened in the last administration; the political will is weak.” Darlington Amokeh, a Nigerian Diaspora, also blamed the spate of kidnapping to wrong approach to the fight against insecurity. The Houston-based medical doctor noted that the United States of America is succeeding in its security to an appreciable level by adopting the right approach and right personnel to any challenge. “I know that active shooting is a problem here in the US, but the law is dealing with the perpetrators, many are gunned down while shooting and most are in jail. “The American government is not relenting and Nigeria should also not relent and allow the kidnappers to have a field day, snatching human beings, and collecting huge ransoms. “There has to be legislation on it and the law should be enforced without fear or favour as it is here,” he noted. According to him, all the security agencies in Nigeria are in the fight with less result, hence the need to specify their responsibilities, and assign the fight against kidnapping to the agency that can handle it better than others. “In the US, the FBI, CIA, and other civil security agencies are the first point of contact. But in Nigeria, you often see soldiers leaving their barracks to settle any issue, even domestic ones that the Police can handle. I think that the government can retrain some of its security agencies in special combats like the US does. These are specially trained to handle specific security challenges and they deliver results. Nigeria can do the same,” he advised. “You don’t just name and shame. Those alleged to be sponsors of any kind of terrorism are prosecuted over here, if found guilty, their assets are seized, accounts frozen, they are jailed and some killed in an organised way. The government should not be afraid to confront them,” he said. Sam Onikoyi, another Nigerian Diaspora, is of the opinion that Nigeria needs to take good care of the security agencies and recruit more to ensure their commitment and better result in the fight against insecurity. According to him, Nigeria is grossly under-policed when considering the United Nations recommended Police to People ratio of 1:400, with Nigeria having about 371,000 policemen for its over 200 million people. “That ratio is grossly inadequate for a country of that population size and that is part of the reasons the Police and other security agencies are easily overwhelmed. One of my relations once had a security issue in Port Harcourt and the Police did not go beyond filling the report. That is not encouraging and it is also part of the reason many of such cases are not reported, including kidnapping and ransom paid,” he said. To curb the menace, Onikoyi is of the opinion that the government is bigger than anybody and should not pay ransom even secretly, but deal with the kidnappers as terrorists they are. He also suggested that the lawmakers should make kidnapping a criminal by enacting strong legislation against it, requiring life imprisonment or death sentence at worst. “We often hear the government claiming that no ransom was paid, but the body language says otherwise. How long will they bandits keep holding the country and its people at ransom, why do we have security personnel when they cannot protect innocent citizens, all it takes is political will and sustained onslaught on this enterprise called kidnapping or else, ransom will be paid in dollars soon and a whole state kidnapped too,” he said. Nigeria needs the FBI example The establishment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States and its strategies against kidnapping and other heinous crimes offer valuable lessons for Nigeria, which is grappling with similar security challenges. In the early 20th century, the United States faced significant law enforcement challenges as crimes became more complex and crossed state lines. The existing decentralised police and justice systems were ill-equipped to handle this new breed of crime. President Theodore Roosevelt and his Attorney General, Charles J. Bonaparte, recognised the need for a federal investigative force. In 1908, Bonaparte formed a group of special agents, which later became known as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI). This was the precursor to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was established to address crimes that local and state jurisdictions could not manage effectively, including kidnapping, which became a federal crime with the passage of the “Lindbergh Law” in 1932, following the high-profile abduction and murder of Charles Lindbergh’s infant son. The FBI employs a range of strategies, including intelligence gathering, coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and the use of specialised task forces like the Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) team to address kidnapping and other serious crimes. The FBI has continually adapted to evolving threats by updating its methods and expanding its jurisdiction. This includes addressing modern challenges like cybercrime, international terrorism, and domestic extremism. Lessons for Nigeria Nigeria is battling with persistent security challenges. Newspaper headlines scream of kidnappings, banditry, and religious clashes. Terrorists’ shadow stretches across the north, while communal violence erupts like wildfires. Kidnapping for ransom has emerged as a lucrative enterprise, thriving despite government assurances to curb it. Families, faced with the distressing ordeal of loved ones’ abductions, resort to crowdfunding on social media platforms in desperate attempts to secure their release. Nigeria has witnessed at least 735 mass abductions with 15,398 people abducted since 2019, a new report by SBM Intelligence says. According to the report, an average of five Nigerians are abducted on a daily basis since 2024 began. “At least 68 incidents of large-scale kidnappings have been reported in Nigeria since the beginning of 2024, averaging 0.91 mass abductions per day as of 15 March 2024. At the time of putting this report together, the 2024 numbers, which have reported 1867 victims in such abductions, have exceeded the whole count for 2019 (19; 153) and 2020 (59; 1152), respectively,” the report stated. Terrorism and ethno-religious conflicts continue to plague the northern regions, with recurring attacks in areas like Plateau State. Farmers abandon their fields, stalked by bandits waiting to pounce on them, their livelihoods sacrificed on the altar of insecurity. Businesses shut down, investments dry up, and economic growth becomes a distant dream in a climate of constant fear. Like the United States, Nigeria also has a central agency known as the Department of State Security (DSS) similar to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, the DSS has done little in intelligence gathering in the fight against insecurity in the country. Adopting intelligence-led policing strategies could enable Nigerian authorities to anticipate and prevent crimes before they occur, rather than reacting after the fact. This is a major strategy that helped the FBI curb kidnapping and other crimes in the US. Also, enhancing collaboration between various security agencies within Nigeria could lead to more effective responses to security threats. Sharing intelligence and resources can help in dismantling criminal networks. The security agencies in Nigeria appear to lack synergy. They work independently rather than working together to tackle insecurity. These agencies sometimes disagreed in public, which shows lack of cooperation. Engaging with communities to build trust and gather intelligence can be crucial in addressing crimes like banditry and terrorism. Community members often have valuable information that can aid law enforcement. While the FBI’s approach provides a model, it’s important for Nigeria to adapt these strategies to its unique cultural, social, and political context. Tailored solutions that consider local dynamics are more likely to be effective. Nigeria can draw on the experience of the FBI in the United States to develop a comprehensive approach to its security challenges. By employing intelligence-led strategies, fostering interagency collaboration, engaging with communities, and adapting strategies to the local context, Nigeria can make significant strides in combating insecurity and fostering a safer environment for its citizens. © 2023 - Businessday NG. All Rights Reserved. |
| Christianity Etc › Five Signs God Is Speaking To You by Celestialsword(op): 6:55am On Apr 14, 2024 |
God speaks to us in many ways and it is up to us to recognize and interpret those signs. We'll explore the various ways God communicates with us and learn to discern His voice amidst the noise of the world. 1. God's Word says He is speaking to you God's Word makes it clear that He is speaking to us and He cannot lie. The signs of His communication with us are all around, if only we have ears to hear and eyes to see. We must be open and attuned to the voice of God, which may come in many different forms, a still small voice within us, a word from a friend, a verse in Scripture, or a dream or vision. The Holy Spirit will often prompt us in a gentle and subtle way, guiding us towards the path that God has set before us. We may feel a peace or a conviction in our hearts, a sense of clarity or direction that we did not have before. These are all signs that God is speaking to us and leading us in His ways. We must also be mindful to discern the source of any messages we receive, whether they are from God or from the enemy. We can test the spirits by comparing them with the truth of Scripture, and by seeking wise counsel from the Holy Spirit. The more we seek God and His wisdom, the more attuned we will become to His voice and the more confident we can be in His leading. Let us not be like the Pharisees who sought after signs and wonders, but rather let us be like the faithful disciples who heard the voice of their Master and followed Him wherever He led them. A mean realizes that God is speaking to him through the Bible. 2. Inner peace, calm, and clarity When you are in tune with God's will, you will experience a sense of calm and tranquility that cannot be found anywhere else. You will also have a clear understanding of what God is calling you to do, and you will be able to discern his voice amidst the noise and chaos of the world around you. If you are feeling lost or uncertain about your path in life, seek God's guidance and ask him to reveal his will to you. Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you, and follow his lead with confidence and humility. With God on your side, you can be sure that you are never alone, and that he will always be there to guide you on your journey. 3. Messages through dreams and visions God sometimes speaks to us through dreams and visions. Some of these messages are clear and direct, while other times they may be symbolic or require interpretation. When God speaks, it is always for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. If you have been experiencing vivid dreams or receiving powerful visions, it may be a sign that God is trying to communicate with you. It is important to pray for discernment and seek wise counsel to understand the meaning of these messages. God may be revealing His plans for your life, providing guidance and direction, or warning you of potential dangers. It is important to listen carefully and obey what you are being told. Do not dismiss these messages as mere coincidence or imagination. God is always speaking to us, but it is up to us to listen and respond in faith and obedience. 4. Other people speak into your life Another sign that God is speaking to you is when you receive messages through other people. These messages may come in the form of advice, encouragement, or even warnings. It is important to pay attention to these messages, as they may be the very thing that God is using to guide you on your path. When we are open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will often find that God speaks to us through those around us. It may be a friend, a family member, or even a stranger who delivers a message that resonates deeply with us and provides us with the clarity we need. It is important to remember that not every message we receive from others is from God. We must use discernment and seek confirmation from the Holy Spirit and God's Word to determine whether a message truly comes from God or not. When we are attuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to recognize when God is speaking to us through others. We will be able to discern His will and direction for our lives, and we will be able to follow it with confidence and trust. God is always speaking to us, and He will use whatever means necessary to get our attention and guide us on our path. Trust in Him, and He will lead you to where you need to be. 5. Consistency and repetition of messages God speaks to us in many ways, and another sign that he is communicating with us is through consistency and repetition of messages. When God wants to get our attention, he will often send the same message to us over and over again until we take notice. It may be a message in the form of a scripture, a sermon, a song, a set of numbers, or even a conversation with a friend. Whatever the message, if it keeps coming up in different ways, it is likely that God is trying to tell us something. Consistency and repetition of messages is a way for God to confirm his will to us. When we hear the same message repeatedly, it may be a sign that we need to pay attention and take action. It may be that God is calling us to make a change in our lives, to take a step of faith that changes everything, or to trust him more deeply. If you are hearing the same message repeatedly, don't ignore it. Take time to pray and seek God's guidance. Ask him to reveal his will to you and give you the strength and courage to follow through on what he is calling you to do. A woman listens as God talks to her. When God speaks meaning When God speaks, it is not merely words that are spoken, but a divine meaning that is communicated. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that transmits this meaning from the mind of God to the heart of man. God's words are not stagnant or lifeless, but living and active, capable of transforming our very being. This is because the Holy Spirit is the living breath of God, and it is through Him that we are given understanding and illumination. Through God's Spirit, His words become a revelation to us, opening our eyes to the mysteries of the Kingdom and revealing the depth of His love for us. It is through the power of the Spirit that we are able to discern the true meaning of His words and apply them to our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out the truth revealed to us, guiding us into all truth and leading us on the path of righteousness. He is the source of our strength, comfort, and wisdom, enabling us to live a life that is pleasing to God. Therefore, let us not take the words of God lightly, but approach them with reverence and awe, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand the depth of their meaning. For it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can truly grasp the divine wisdom and knowledge that God desires to reveal to us. How do you know how God speaks? The Holy Spirit and the Bible are the means in which we know and understand how God speaks. It is only through a personal relationship with God that we can discern His voice and hear His guidance. We must be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and seek to understand His ways through prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and fellowship with other believers. As we grow in our relationship with God, we will become more attuned to His voice and be able to discern whether a message is from Him or not. We must also test everything we hear against the truth of Scripture to ensure that it aligns with His character and teachings. Knowing how God speaks requires a humble and surrendered heart, a willingness to learn, and a deep desire to follow Him above all else. Does God speak to us through signs? Yes, God can speak to us through signs, but we must be sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit to discern them. Signs are not meant to be a substitute for the Word of God, but rather can be a confirmation of it. God uses signs to get our attention, to confirm His Word, to give guidance and direction, and to reveal His presence. We must be careful not to put too much emphasis on signs or to become obsessed with them, as this can lead us astray. Instead, we must seek the leading of the Holy Spirit and study the Word of God, so that we may be able to discern the signs that God sends us and follow His will for our lives. Let us be mindful that signs can be misinterpreted and that we should always seek confirmation from God through prayer and the counsel of wise, mature believers. The Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher and He will lead us into all truth if we are willing to listen and obey. How do you hear when God is speaking to you? To hear God speaking to you, you must have an intimate relationship with Him through His Word and His Holy Spirit. It is essential to be in a place of stillness and solitude, away from the noise and distractions of this world, to listen and discern His voice. The Holy Spirit will speak to you in different ways, such as a gentle whisper, an inner knowing, a nudge or conviction in your heart, a dream or vision, or through the Scriptures. You must be willing to listen and obey, even if it contradicts your own plans or desires. It is also crucial to test the spirits and ensure that what you hear aligns with the character and teachings of God as revealed in the Bible. Above all, your relationship with God must be built on faith, trust, and a desire to do His will, not your own. What does God voice sound like? The voice of God is not one that can be easily described or imagined. It is beyond human comprehension and understanding. However, the Scriptures do give us glimpses of what it might be like. The sound of God's voice can be powerful and awe-inspiring, as seen in the thunderous words that spoke creation into existence. It can be gentle and comforting, like a whisper in the ear of a troubled soul. It can also be convicting and challenging, urging us to turn away from our sinful ways and follow Him. The important thing to remember is that God's voice is always speaking to us, whether through His Word, through His creation, or through the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within us. May we always be willing to listen and respond to His voice, no matter what it sounds like, for it is the voice of our loving Creator calling us back into relationship with Him. A man prays and listens as God communicates to him. What language does God speak? God speaks the language of love, which transcends all earthly languages and barriers. The Holy Spirit is the interpreter of this language, guiding us to understand and communicate with God on a deep and personal level. Through the Spirit, we can experience divine revelations, visions, and dreams that give us a glimpse of God's love and power. It is not about the language we speak, but rather the state of our hearts and our willingness to be open to the Holy Spirit's leading. We must seek God with all our hearts and He will reveal Himself to us in ways that go beyond our human understanding. How to know God's voice from the enemy Knowing God's voice from the enemy is crucial in our walk with Christ. It is a skill that can be learned through the help of God Himself and diligent study of God's Word. Firstly, it is essential to understand that God's voice will always align with His character, as revealed in His Word. The enemy, on the other hand, will attempt to deceive and contradict God's nature and Word. Secondly, God's voice will bring peace, clarity, and a sense of purpose. It will not cause confusion, fear, or anxiety. The enemy's voice, on the other hand, will often bring doubt, confusion, and fear. Thirdly, spending time in prayer and fasting, and seeking the counsel of God's Word can help discern God's voice from the enemy. Lastly, it is essential to continually seek the leading of the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth and help us recognize God's voice and the deception of the enemy. How does God send messages? God sends messages through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not always in an audible voice or a burning bush, but through the still small voice within our hearts and minds. The Spirit speaks to us in a variety of ways, including through dreams and visions, through the words of others, and through the circumstances of our lives. God also sends messages through His written Word, the Bible. As we study and meditate on the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit reveals to us the truth and wisdom contained within its pages. It is important to remain open and receptive to the ways in which God may be speaking to us. We must cultivate a spirit of prayer and listening, and be willing to obey whatever message God may be communicating to us. Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us into all truth. How does the Holy Spirit speak to us? The Holy Spirit speaks to us in many ways. It can be through an inner voice, a person, a circumstance, or even through the Scriptures. The key is to be open and receptive to His leading, and to be willing to obey His promptings. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit speaks to us through a still, small voice, prompting us to do something or guiding us in a certain direction. Other times, He may speak through a person, using them as a vessel to deliver a message or to provide guidance and wisdom. The Holy Spirit can also speak to us through circumstances, using events in our lives to get our attention or to teach us important lessons. And of course, the Scriptures are a powerful tool through which the Holy Spirit can speak to us directly, revealing truths and insights that we might not have seen otherwise. No matter how the Holy Spirit chooses to speak to us, it is important to listen and to be obedient to His leading. For it is through His guidance and direction that we can experience true joy, peace, and fulfillment in life. |
| Politics › Repentant Boko Haram Member Enlisted In Army Slits Woman's Throat In Enugu by Celestialsword(op): 1:24am On Apr 14, 2024 |
Repentant Boko Haram Member Enlisted Into Nigerian Army Slits Woman's Throat In Enugu Barracks, Hides Corpsehttps://saharareporters.com/2024/04/13/breaking-repentant-boko-haram-member-enlisted-nigerian-army-slits-womans-throat-enugu 11 Likes 5 Shares
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