₦airaland Forum

In a democratic nation as Nigeria, it has now become the order of the day to criticize our leaders, people in authority, etc either because we're not satisfied with our standard of living, or the state of the economy, or we feel that can do better. Of course it is a common practice internationally, Democrats vs Republicans (USA), PDP vs APC (Nigeria), African National Congress vs Democratic Alliance (South Africa), etc as these oppositions acts as checks to the ruling parties through constructive criticisms.

But then what does the Bible advice us to do? This piece will briefly answer the question.

Prayer is important. And the Bible makes special mention of praying for those in positions of authority. Such authorities include government officials (international, national, and local) and pastors, church elders, school boards, school principals, employers, and the like.

Interceding for those in authority is not an option. It is a biblical command that we are to obey. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty”(1 Timothy 2:1-2, KJV).

Understand that the Apostle Paul is writing this instruction to his protégé Timothy at a time when the vile emperor Nero was at the helm of the vast Roman Empire. Christians were viciously persecuted, clothed in wild animal skins and put in the arena before hungry lions, even covered red in pitch and used as human lanterns to light the streets of Rome.
Nevertheless, the aged apostle, who would soon be martyred during Nero’s reign of terror, instructs Timothy to make prayer for the rulers of his day—including the deranged Nero—a personal priority.

There should be a sense of urgency in our prayer life, an
understanding that we “do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The prince of darkness is grimly and powerfully at work in world affairs, and prayer is a great battlefield especially as we pray for those in leadership.

When the Scripture says that the “king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water” (Proverbs 21:1), it means that a Sovereign God can turn the heart of a king (leader) at any time and in any way. If there are policies and platforms that don’t conform to biblical ethics, the intercession of Christians can be used in a powerful, transforming way.

It is also very clear that the ultimate reason the Bible instructs us to intercede on behalf of our leaders is so that they might come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “This (our intercession) is good and acceptable in the sight
of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

God’s desire is that as many people as possible be saved before He returns. He commands “all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30), so that they might escape the eternal wrath of God at the judgment.

Praying for those in authority means that we are constantly
asking that the Lord will open their hearts to the truth of the Gospel message, and receive Christ as their Savior. Born-again leaders have the indwelling person of the Holy Spirit to guide them as they seek to govern.

We do not pray for our leaders merely for our own benefit. Leadership can be a tiring task.

James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

Leaders carry a degree of responsibility to their followers. They are often the targets of criticism and the go-to people in a crisis. If they are leading well, they are living their lives in service. We pray for them because we recognize the greatness of their task and because we are grateful for their willingness to lead.

So how should we pray for our leaders? First, if we are uncertain that they know Jesus, we should pray for their salvation. But whether or not our leaders are Christians, we should pray that God will guide them as they guide us. We should pray that they be
wise and discerning and surrounded by helpful advisors. We know that God has placed our leaders in authority over us ( Romans 13:1 ), and we can ask
Him to use them as He will. We should also pray for their protection. When praying for pastors or ministry leaders, we can pray for them to have strength in the midst of spiritual warfare and to remain encouraged in the Lord. We should pray for their families, who often feel scrutinized and bear
an extra load.

Briefly stated, we should mention our leaders before God in prayer and ask Him to have His way in their hearts, to support those around them, and to use their leadership to benefit their followers.

God bless you and wish you a great week ahead.

Cc: Lalasticlala Seun

cold:
Can he? Never mind,we both know the answer to that.

You need Jesus

kevoh:
Go and sit down. god can not make an amputee whole.

Lol. You need Jesus

cold:
God cannot make an amputee whole again

You're high. Go to bed.

God cannot praise himself, hence depends on the praise of his children.

Scripturally, it says he delights in the praises of his people. If also says he dwells in our praise.

In the extreme of it, if we fail to praise him, the Bible says he'll raise stones to praise him.

Nigeria’s economy all through 2015 has witnessed a downturn since President Muhammadu Buhari came into power. This has been triggered and worsened by the oil price at the International dipping as low as $36 a barrel.
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in September issued a statement saying that the economy was going into recession by 2016.

The Trade Union Congress, TUC, in reaction to statement in line with the present economic woes coupled with the sufferings Nigerians are made to pass through on a daily basis decried that the nation was already in recession.

The 2016 N6trn budget brought a sigh of relief as experts were optimistic the government would massively pump cash into the system after mopping up through the Treasury Single Account, TSA. In the budget, the President pegged the crude price at $38 per barrel. This is higher than the current price which has fallen below the benchmark in just a few days. It now hovers around $36 with experts projecting $20 per barrel as soon as next year. Nigeria’s mono economy seems poised to struggle under the weight of Iran’s proposed plans to flood the market with millions of barrels after years of being under sanctions.

Presently the United States, US, Congress has
lifted its 40-year-old ban on export of the Middle
Eastern nation’s crude oil, as part of an omnibus
budget bill.

Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Lisa Murkowski, while hailing the passage of the bill by legislation said, “By lifting the domestic crude oil export ban, we are sending a signal to the world that our nation is ready to be a global energy superpower. “

With this two nations coming into a market that is already saturated it means that in 2016 there will be a huge glut. This will further push the price of
crude to a degree of insignificance thereby countering Buhari’s fiscal year frame work.

The Naira on the other hand has lost its savour due to external pressure as 95% of what is consumed within the country is imported. As it stands, except we diversify and explore other areas of export and reduce government’s huge expenditure on subsidy, (among several others) the country will continue to experience a total collapse of the entire system.

All Progressive Congress, APC, National Leader Bola Tinubu, in a recent keynote address, admitted that the economy under Buhari has slumped. He advocated for the total removal of fuel subsidy with its proceeds directed to infrastructural development and diversification of the economy. It is one thing to point in a direction and another to go in that direction. Where is our economy going?


http://www.post-nigeria.com/buharis-2016-budget-iran-u-s-pose-major-threats/

Today is IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu's marriage anniversary.

braine:

Is it true that you lot squandered and looted our treasury??


These asssholes didnt come out to address us on how they shared and bastardized our funds we entrusted with them. Look at these idiots talking about 'media trails' as if we don't deserve to know whats happening. I don't want to vex, its TGIF today, I won't let some common criminals spoil my day.




[size=14pt]Bloody wailers.[/size]

You call this wailing uh? Issorait... Why not advice Buhari to probe Amaechi, Tinubu, Obj, Fashola and other APC governors??

This is just a $2.1bn scandal which was shared by many, yet Obj single handedly looted over $16bn for power which was never accomplished till date meanwhile the same Obj is romancing with your Lord and King Buhari and you have the mouth to be talking trash.

Lalasticlala, obinoscopy, mynd44, seun this should be on FP.

Senator representing Bayelsa East and philanthropist, Mr. Ben Murray Bruce of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has pledged to sponsor the Master in Technology research sample of a Twitter user, @tahir4purity, who complained that he has no job and that the high exchange rate of naira to dollar has complicated his situation.

The Common sense advocate agreed to sponsor the project, noting that Tahir Ahmed is a young man contributing to Nigeria.

The profile of Tahir on Twitter reads, “I am a practising mineral exploration geologist …I have great concern in developing and standardizing the mineral & mines sector in Nigeria”.

The decision of Ben Bruce was well received by Tahir and other users of the micro-blogging site.

FACTIONAL SPEAKER!!!

Reminds me of the last NGF crisis. AMAECHI vs JANG... Later, the NEW-PDP, then G-7 Governors, then the G-5 Governors, then APC.
AND NOW LIES, LIARS, PROPAGANDAS, TURNING BACK ON THEIR PROMISES, etc....

Reading

CHANGE

December 17, 2015

Press Statement

Corruption: Media Persecution Unnecessary

Our attention has been drawn to a publication in a national daily wherein the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly stated that the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh raised an alarm on threats to his life because, according to them, he was being investigated on money laundering charges of transferring funds to key members of the PDP.

This office indeed finds it curious and diversionary that Chief Metuh’s public outcry against the federal government on threats to his life is now being replied by the EFCC with allegation of transferring money to party members.

Whilst we will not trend with the EFCC in their well-designed media trial, we find their action a perfect example of media persecution and mob lynching.

This agency has continued to flout the principles of rule of law and due process as obtained in other democracies where suspects are invited, investigated, prosecuted and punished accordingly if found guilty.

However, it must be communicated that being in control of apparatus of power does not permit any administration to engage in violations, harassments and media persecution all in an attempt to hang charges on select individuals especially on account of political leaning.

Nevertheless, on the issue of honesty, integrity and probity in the fight against corruption, it is imperative that the following issues already in the public domain be addressed;

1. Is it really true that Mr. President had collected his monetized statutory benefits from the government before reportedly collecting vehicles from the office of the National Security Adviser?

2. Is it correct to state that it is the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that dealt with the statutory benefits of the President as former heads of state in line with the convention and norm of dealing with past heads of state?

3. Is the collection by Mr. President from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) a bit out of line in receiving benefits from government?

Finally, while restating Chief Metuh’s commitment to the PDP’s total support for the on-going war against corruption, we reiterate the need to sustain the laudable democratic values that had been greatly enriched by the last administration.

WE STILL NEED THE NATIONAL TRUTH COMMISSION!!!

Signed:

Richard Ihediwa
Special Assistant To
National Publicity Secretary (PDP)


https://mobile.facebook.com/Official-Peoples-Democratic-Party-PDP-Nigeria-333519270030012/?refid=46&sld=eyJzZWFyY2hfc2lkIjoiMWFiYjBhYmI3YTllNDE1ZTgxYjFlNTc3NmJhN2U0NDEiLCJxdWVyeSI6IlBkcCIsInNlYXJjaF90eXBlIjoiU2VhcmNoIiwic2VxdWVuY2VfaWQiOjE1NDE2Njk0NzUsInBhZ2VfbnVtYmVyIjoxLCJmaWx0ZXJfdHlwZSI6IlNlYXJjaCIsImVudF9pZCI6MzMzNTE5MjcwMDMwMDEyLCJwb3NpdGlvbiI6MCwicmVzdWx0X3R5cGUiOjI3NH0%3D

Long overdue

Quite revealing.. I'm shocked.

Op try and arrange the writeup. Perhaps the piece can make FP.

..

Millerz:
yes, same here bit the senate won't pass the bill. they'd rather pass the social medial bill instead. They want Nigerians to be suffering and smiling.

Hehehe... Don't mind those people. They're a bunch of hypocrites.

Linda Ikeji wasn't named here. So why all the fuss about her by Kemi Olunloyo... Mtcheew... Nonsense fame and attention seeker.

.

OilGas:
Dasuki was sharing bailout funds for companies.

Companies owned by fellow party's men or associates.

Millerz:
I sincerely wish death on every looter.

They're all murderers. Cuz when you loot money meant for the general public, you rid people of good health care, roads, etc, causing people to die from preventable causes.

Sincerely. I think it's high time the death penalty for public fund looters is passed.

Abobi see how these people dey share our money o...
No more symphathy for these crooks...

see dollars eehhh

odinese:
Who really wants to check names..?
Not even in anybody's mind.

Na name I come check o...

odinese:
Who really wants to check names..?
Not even in anybody's mind.

Na name I come check o...

EazyMoh:
Born-to-rule born-to-rule born-to-rule!
It is PDP southerners that always use that adjective to describe us. In our arguments, our campaigns, our ideals we never claim we are superior than anyone from any tribe. We all know those who claim to be the Lord's chosen people, the most special Africans and so on and so forth.
We only boast of one thing and one thing only, which is our population size.
FFK kept mentioning core north leaders core north leaders core north leaders! who are these core north leaders? He conveniently factored out some prominent northerners first by claiming they are from middle belt, but when next he decides to write another article he would claim North rule Nigeria for 39 years.
Playing ethic religious and/regional sentiment is a failed theory in modern Nigerian politics as witnessed by FFK and his PDP gang during the last election. If FFK likes he should keep trying hard to bring biased historical events in order to pitch southerners against PMB's government for one reason and one reason only, that PMB is a core-northerner, but I assure you. Nigerians are now very wise to follow that line of reasoning.

Rubbish talk... Address the facts that have been put up by FFK and stop deviating from the issue on ground.

Little wonder the North despite the fact that they've been in power for 39yrs, still remain the least developed region in Nigeria. GOD IS NOT HAPPY #FACT

Indeed I couldn't agree more with FFK. Whenever blood of an innocent man is shed, it always cries to God for vengeance as is seen in the case of Cain and Abel. Hence the Bible clearly said that it is the blood of Jesus that speaks better things that the blood of Abel.

The reasons for Nigeria's multi problems might not be far-fetched and it is due to the millions of innocent blood that have been shed mostly along ethnic and religious lines.

SOLUTION: IF MY PEOPLE WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SINS, AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND.
2 CHRONICLES 7:14 (KJV)

CrazyMan:
Lol its almost the same issue I raised on my thread...we christians should start showing our lord Jesus Christ some respect.

Acts 11:26  And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Christians were first called that name in Antioch cos they exhibited the qualities and characteristics of Christ. People saw Christ in them and decided to name them after their master.

Now removing Christ and replacing it with X shows we (Christians) have very little reference for Christ. It shows that Christ isn't in us, cos if he is, and we have reference for him, we wouldn't nickname him X.

Yeah I understand.

Ghen Ghen!! I see all these is pointing towards GEJ.. E DON BE!!!

Cool but they look like fulanis...

Michellla:
am not his gf so i have no say in how his room looks.

Yeah but you're his new Nairaland gf