₦airaland Forum

Will the clueless one heed?

"According the Wall Street Journal report, the Federal Government of Nigeria is said to be making an annual payment of over N3.6 billion to Tompolo, N1.44 billion to Mr. Dokubo, N560 million to Tom Ateke, and N560 million to Victor Ben alias Boyloaf".

This alone is enough to make America blacklist Nigeria in any arms deal. Jonathan save yourself while you can!

Public Fund

[Tupac]
The preacher want me buried why? Cause I know he a liar
Have you ever seen a crackhead, that's eternal fire
Why you got these kids minds, thinkin that they evil
while the preacher bein richer you say honor God's people
Should we cry, when the Pope die, my request
We should cry if they cried when we buried Malcolm X
Mama tell me am I wrong, is God just another cop
waitin to beat my ass if I don't go pop?

[Chorus: Prince Ital]
Love for dem dat steal in the name of da Lord
Dem a tell nuff lie but holdin my bird in a cloud
Usin de name of de Lord in vein
While de people in de ghetto, feel nuff pain.

.......... Tupac

ByFemi Aribisala The armed robber takes your money from you with a gun in his hand: the pastor takes your money bybrandishing a bible.

Jesus berated the mercenaryreligious leadersof biblical days. He told them: “‘It is written, my house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matthew 21:13).

This word remainspertinent to pastors in the churches of today. They come up with all kinds of schemes designed to squeeze money out of their church-members. They search the scriptures, looking for quotable quotes that can be used to make merchandise of men. Some of their favourites are those scriptures dealing with giving first-fruits to priests.

Fleecingthe flock

Those monthswith names ending with “ember” in English are sometimes referred to as the “ember” months. These include September, October, November and December. Strictly-speaking, October does not fit thisbill; otherwise it would have been called “Octoember.” Nevertheless, it is conventional also to include it as one of the “ember” months.

In these months, there is a definite change of emphasisin the messages preached bypastors in many of today’s new generation churches. If you have been payingattention, you would have noticed this already. In the “ember”months, pastors start to talk repeatedly about the need to give “first-fruits;” laying down the foundation for a major robbery routinelyplanned for January.

In the Old Testament, first-fruits were required to be given to priests. Ezekiel says: “The best of all the first-fruitsand of all your special gifts will belongto the priests.” (Ezekiel 44:30). This scripture is seized on bytoday’s money-grubbing pastorswho now insistthat the “first-fruits” of all the membersof their congregation must be handed over to them.

This is disingenuous because, in the New Testament, there is actually no longer an exclusive priesthood. Instead, Jesushas made all believers: “kingsand priests to our God.”(Revelation 5:10). But thisfact is conveniently ignored by today’s first-fruits collectors.

First-fruits were given to priests because they were not allowed to own landed-property in Israel. God said: “I am to be the only inheritance the priestshave. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession.” (Ezekiel 44:28-29).

However, the pastors of today are men of means and property owners. In no way whatsoever do they fit the bill of a people without inheritance who only have God as their possession. Indeed, some of today’s mega-pastors are multi-millionaireswho drive around with bodyguards in a cortege of Jeeps and even fly around in private jets.

Fruitsof money

As the word indicates, first-fruits were strictly-speakingagricultural produce. Moses says: “The firstof the first-fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.” (Exodus 23:19). This shows first-fruits were crops. Indeed, money was never regarded asfirst-fruit in the bible; neither was it ever paid assuch.

However, today’s pastors would not find it funny if you were to bringyour first-fruitsto them in bananas or pineapples. First-fruits are now only acceptable in cash or cheque. If you ask why, don’t be surprised if you are told that: “Money is the answer to everything.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19).

Scripturally, first-fruits were only required from Jews livingin Israel because God gave them their land. First-fruits were inapplicable to Israelitesliving in foreign lands. This also means first-fruits are inapplicable to today’s Christians who are mostly non-Israelisand do notlive in Israel. Nevertheless, pastors hoodwink Christiansby claiming there are special blessingsattendant upon givingfirst-fruits to pastors anywhere.

In biblical days, first-fruits were not required from those in non-agrarian trades, such as carpenters or fishermen because these professions were not tied to the land. However, today’s opportunist pastors collect first-fruits from anybody and everybody.

It should be clear from the foregoing therefore that pastors who insist on collecting first-fruits in the churches of today are nothing but thieves and robbers. The armed robber takes your money from you with a gun in his hand: the pastor takes your money by brandishinga bible.

Bonanza

It used to be the case that first-fruits were defined asa Christian’sfirst salary after leaving school and securing gainful employment. But some pastors quickly realised that this only gives them the right to a Christian’s salary once in a lifetime. Therefore, this soon became inadequate, leading to more ingenious and more financially lucrative biblical “revelations” about first-fruits.

Many pastorsnow insistthat since the January salaryis the first in the year, it legally fallsunder the definition of first-fruits. Therefore, they now require that all church-goers hand over to them their entire January salaries in the name of first-fruits. This makes the first-fruits boon far more profitable than the tithe; which is just atenth of the Christian’s salary. Moreover, the tithe is nominally given to “the church.”The “first-fruits” is a far more rewarding scam because the money is specifically addressed to the pastor.

If this “godliness” is taught effectively, a pastor can make abundle of money at the beginningof every year. Just do the maths. Imagine a situation where the pastor gets the Januarysalary of every single member of his congregation. Depending on the size of hischurch, he can getin one bonanza enough money to last him alifetime. Is it any wonder, therefore, that pastors are very zealousin preaching about first-fruits in the “ember” months?

Many even refuse to be limited to their churches. Turn onto Christian television such as the TrinityBroadcasting Network in the “ember” months, and you are likely to find Paula White or Steve Munseyextolling the blessingsof giving first-fruits. Of course, the first-fruits must be sent to them and to no one else.

Comeuppance

In one of Nigeria’s big churches with a large branch-network, the pastors were making a killing collecting first-fruits. But one of them used the money to put up achurch building. Thiswent a long way to endear him to his congregants. Other pastorswho had nothing to show for the first-fruits theycollected became concerned that the pastor would soon bring them into disrepute. So they decided to take “appropriate” action.

They reported him to the General Overseer of the church. Histransgression was that he put up an entire church building single-handedly. So doing, they claimed, he prevented others from getting blessed by not takingcontributions from them. The General Overseer wondered where he got the moneyto erect the entire buildingby himself. So they told him the money came from the first-fruitshe collected from his church-members.

The General Overseer became even more curious. Just how much first-fruit were these pastors collecting? He was astonished to discover the sums involved. It was unacceptable that such lucrative businesswas taking place in his churches without due recognition for his position. Therefore, he fired amemo to all his parishes: henceforth, all first-fruits must be forwarded intact to headquarters.

However, his memo backfired. Thereafter, hissubordinate pastorsnoticeably lostall interest in collecting first-fruits. “Let everybody shout hallelujah.”

“They are greedy dogswhich never have enough. And they are pastors who cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for hisown gain, from his own territory.” (Isaiah 56:11).

Source: Vanguard

Jonathan's 4yrs in power has served nobody but himself and his cronies. Tufiakwa!

Pan-Yoruba association, Afenifere Renewal Group, has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo created some of the challenges bedeviling the country.

In an electronic mail to our correspondent, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kunle Famoriyo, said though the ex-president shared the blame, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was responsible for the extent of insecurity, economic crisis and corruption in the country.

He said, “With the security of the country at the lowest abysmal region and unbridled corruption eating daily into the fabric of our society, you can smell nepotism all over the place.

“The reign of impunity and terror can be found in President Jonathan’s administration. Even as former President Olusegun Obasanjo created part of the problems confronting Nigeria today, his reign cannot be compared with the clueless Jonathan administration that some people are trying to market to us in Yorubaland.

“We are no fools. President Jonathan has been able to run Nigeria aground economically; he should not be painted as a performing president.”

Jonathan, two weeks ago, had visited the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State for a summit of Yoruba leaders convened by a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Mr. Olabode George.

As a result of the President’s visit, students of the institution had reportedly protested the alleged interruption of their examination, claiming Jonathan’s presence subjected them to unfavourable conditions, as commercial buses were not allowed to convey them to the campus by security agents.

Famoriyo claimed that Jonathan could not be regarded as an advocate of Yoruba advancement and development, adding that those who “stage-managed the Jonathan endorsement” in Ile-Ife had never been known to be in the vanguard of Yoruba developmental struggle.

“Were Gen. Alani Akinrinade and Mr. Wale Oshun at the Ife Summit? The translation of democracy for us in Yorubaland is a struggle for development. We know the political tendency that cares for our advancement.

“We know the people who still have the milk of humanity flowing in them and whose body language empathises with the people. Jonathan should ride his bicycle to somewhere else in Bayelsa State,” Famoriyo said.

According to the Afenifere spokesperson, the fact that there is no clear-cut ideological base for Nigerian politics presently does not mean that the Yoruba are blind, or that they don’t know who is working and fighting for their interest.
Source: Punch

Another Paul Pogba mistake in the making

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal wants to send Adnan Januzaj out on loan in the January transfer window to gain more playing time. Real Sociedad, Internazionale, and Napoli are all interested in the youngster.


Source: Punch

You forgot to tell us that he is TA Orji's stooge and Rubber Stamp.

He is still the best among the bunch though

Daaaayuuum! And may it come to pass
Picture of the year 2014. Lols

My friend we can only trust in God, but hope that Buhari will be different when he takes over from the Drunken Master in Aso Rock come 2015.

I need facts on what he achieved in the east and not questions on what he promised please And if you cant remember any, kindly move over

I need hard data and not some sentimental or emotional bullshit.
He promised us heaven and earth in 2011, we voted massively for him. This is 2014 and all things seem to still be the same or has gone from bad to worst in the east.
If no one can point out any meaningful completed project, then Jonathan must think we are the dumbest people on earth asking for our vote the second time.
The "abandoned property" drama of 1970 by Jonathan's brothers is just being played out again by Jonathan in neglect form this time.
Ok, as an Igbo man, i want to vote for Jonathan, somebody should convince me why i should give him my vote again in 2015.
I'm waiting

If its lalasticala then its front page bound. Boards ship. Sail on capt'n. Front page here we come
@topic, too bad


Modified: Guessed right. Boarded the right ship.
Wanna make front page? Follow lalasticala like his shadow

She dey compete with patrick obahiagbon?

This man is on his own! Jonathan must "change" or APC can have their way with change. Jonathan has just treated igboland like some abandoned property. Say no to calculated and seeming clueless continuity. He that knows any completed federal project by Jonathan in Igboland aftet 4yrs should step forward or remain silent forever. The Ebele in his name is a "TROJAN".

Yes to change! No to Niger Delta deceit again in 2014/2015. We are Igbos and cant be fooled twice. Its 2014, not 1970.

Buhari for ever!

Its for his oil pipeline security contract. Lets stop being silly for its sake.


Buhari till 2023

We want change abeg!

No

Musiwa should we say RIP?

Bad News

Nawaao!

holatin:
hmmmmmm political dembelum

Meaning?

Sweet and nice combo

Charity they say begins at home! Clueless Jonathan made me spend 4hours on Mbiama bridge last friday due to traffic jam. And thats the bridge leading to his house. If he couldnt give this road to Julius berger instead of Setraco and complete it in 1 or 2 years, then he really is the most CLUELESS organism on the face of the earth.

Vote Buhari for Change!

The Federal Government has set the first quarter of 2015 for the completion of the East-West Road, linking Warri, Delta State, with Oron in Akwa Ibom State.

The Minister of Niger Delta, Chief Stephen Oru, said the project initially scheduled for completion in December, 2013, had to be shifted to next year because of inadequate funding.

Oru made the comment while briefing journalists on the activities of the ministry at the National Press Centre, Abuja, on Friday.

He said the ministry had achieved 81.3 per cent completion of the 338-kilometre road.

The minister disclosed that the Federal Executive Council added a fifth Section to the road initially divided into four sections, to cover Oron to Calabar.

He said the additional section, expected to ease transportation from Oron to Calabar, would be partly funded with a loan from the China Exim Bank.

He said, “Due to paucity of funds and the short dry season prevalent in the region, the inauguration of some of the completed sections (of the road) has been shifted to the first quarter of 2015.

“Presently, the overall project achievement stands at 81.3 per cent completion.

“The Federal Executive Council has just approved Section V of the East-West Road, covering Oron to Calabar in Cross River State; a distance of about 23.09 kilometres.”
Source: Punch

Buhari for life president. No to lame and blind continuity

Good calculation!