THE General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has asked Nigerians not to expect relief from the current hardship in the country anytime soon.

In fact, he said things will get hotter before getting cool.

Pastor Adeboye said this while delivering prophecies for the year 2024 at the Church’s Cross Over Service held at the Church’s new auditorium in Simawa Ogun state.

In his words: “Everything God is saying is centred around that little sentence; The wind is blowing, include in your prayers that the wind will blow you good.

"As far as Nigeria is concerned my beloved children, things will get worse before they get better. Things will get a little hotter before it will cool down.

“Because the wind is blowing, some serious secrets will come to the open. The elders have a saying that ‘when the wind blown the anus of the chicken will be exposed’.

However, the cleric advised Nigerians not to lose hope ‘because the wind is blowing also mean things will get better’.

On individual prophecies, Pastor Adeboye told his church members to get ready to grab the many opportunities that will come their way this year.

"Some people will start as nobody but will become significant before the end of the year,” he said.

On the international scene, Adeboye said there will be divine interventions in parts of the world where things are hot at the moment.

He added that there would be mighty breakthroughs at the global level in the discovery of treatment for diseases like cancer, asthma, hypertension, diabetes and others.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the hard times they are experiencing.

In a Christmas message by Eseme Eyiboh, the senate president’s special adviser on media and publicity, Akpabio said the pains which Nigerians are going through due to the removal of petroleum subsidy was for the good of everyone.

He called on Christians to pray and be hopeful because “Nigeria will also overcome its current challenges and today’s pain will surely produce joyful gains in a very short time”.

"On behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and indeed the entire National Assembly, I wish to sincerely congratulate all our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of the feast of Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ,” the statement reads.

"As you celebrate, I urge you not only to merry but also, continue to pray for our dear country Nigeria and our leaders. Show love to one another and continue to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, especially his humility, sacrifice, love for neighbour and loyalty to God and constituted authority.”

Akpabio also asked Nigerians not to give up on their leaders, particularly the present government of President Bola Tinubu.

“I am confident that with your prayers and support, the current administration will wipe away your tears in the no distant time,” the senate president said.

“In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth echo within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May His hope reignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.

“Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the reason for this season – the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.”

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima on Saturday said both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches must be explored in tackling the various security challenges across the country.

He stated this at the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Security Studies’ Executive Intelligence Management Course 16 which was held in Abuja.

The agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East, the banditry in the North-Central, and terrorism in the North-East and North-West need to be tackled using not just a kinetic approach but also non-kinetic means, Shettima noted.

Attributing the current insecurity in parts of the country to poverty and unemployment, the Vice President harped on the need to improve governance in the country.

"For every Asokoro, there is a Karu. For every Maitama, there is a Dutse Alhaji. We need to create jobs. We need to improve governance in the country,” Shettima said.

Calling for the unity of the country, Shettima assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to bring development to the country, canvassing for support from Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event is the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), who hinted that the agency will soon unveil weapons produced by its personnel.

According to him, the DSS will soon begin to “produce what it eats, and eat what it produces.”

Among the weapons the Secret Service will soon unveil are Unmanned Aeriel Vehicles (UAVs), he stated.

Bichi also assured that the agency will continue to support the National Institute for Security Studies to succeed in its quest to impart knowledge that will enhance security in the country.

He charged the participants to utilise the skills they have acquired to develop the country, urging Nigerians to remain patriotic and shun those whom he described as warmongers who want to set the country on fire.

The Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 commenced in February 2023 with 89 participants drawn from 35 agencies across Nigeria and four other African countries, namely, Niger, The Gambia, Rwanda and Chad.

The leadership of Labour Party has confirmed that they are part of the new coalition of concerned political parties that was launched this week.

A group of seven opposition political parties on Wednesday formed a new coalition in a bid to strengthen democracy in the country.

The movement tagged the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties was formed in Abuja at a meeting attended by leaders of the political parties at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party.

However, the name of Labour Party, another major opposition party, was conspicuously missing in the list of members.

The coalition comprised the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

When contacted, the LP leadership denied withdrawing from the coalition.

In an exclusive phone chat with our correspondent, the National Secretary of the party, Umar Farouk, explained that the National Working Committee of the LP was duly informed about the formation of the coalition.

He said, “They (coalition) wrote and informed us. In fact, we shortlisted people to represent the party at the session yesterday (Thursday); unfortunately, those who were supposed to be there did not go. But we are together with them. The LP is part and parcel of the coalition.”

Sharing his sentiment, the chief spokesman of the LP, Yunusa Tanko, stated that the mission of the coalition was basically to defend the tenets of democracy and ensure that the country did not fall into a one-party state.

“The LP has been speaking basically with the PDP, NNPP and trying to see how we can speak as one to save democracy in which all of us are stakeholders,” he said.

‘APC not bothered’

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress has dismissed the threat of the new coalition formed by major opposition parties, saying they are not threatened by the move.

'APC not bothered’

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress has dismissed the threat of the new coalition formed by major opposition parties, saying they are not threatened by the move.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, disclosed that while members of the new coalition were free to exercise their democratic rights, the ruling party was not losing sleep over the development.

A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has urged the National Assembly to unbundle the commission to make it more effective.

He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a Citizens Town Hall on Electoral Reform organised by Yiaga Africa, European Union (EU) in collaboration with the National Assembly joint committees on electoral matters.

Jega also said if Nigeria’s electoral process must be improved, the issue of cross carpeting by politicians must be proscribed.

"From 2011 to 2022, a lot of efforts have been made to reform the electoral process. A few months after a new government has been sworn in, electoral reforms have started. The 2022 electoral reforms are the best in recent times but there is room for improvement.

"We must look at the voting rights and inclusion, political parties, primaries and litigation, security and public enlightenment which are necessary to electoral integrity.

"If we want to improve politics and deepen democracy, we must prevent cross carpeting by politicians from one party to another. The reason why our lawmakers don’t want to do that is because they win elections in another party and join the ruling party later,” Jega said.

The former INEC boss said even elected governors are cross carpeting which is affecting the polity.

He said, “The law is very clear. If you move, unless there is a crisis, a by-election should be conducted. If a politician crosses the carpet as a matter of principle, he should vacate his or her speech.

“If you cross the carpet, you should be able to vacate the seat. I strongly support the recommendation that the appointment of INEC chairman and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) should be reviewed.

Because when the president nominates, there is no serious screening. The legal provisions of appointing someone that is non partisan should be considered.

“INEC should be unbundled. We also need to review how people stand to contest a presidential election. Some people form political parties just to run for the office of the president. A political party should not field a presidential candidate unless they meet a certain threshold.”

He later submitted his recommendation to the National Assembly members at the event.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the national assembly will work hard to ensure that they make INEC truly independent.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Sylvester Okonkwo, Akpabio said they were committed not only to go along with the people, but want to protect the independence of INEC and restore the trust of the people in the electoral process.

“All stakeholders must be doggedly involved in this. History will record every move we take to move this country forward. We will collaborate with Yiaga Africa and other stakeholders to ensure that we do the right thing.

"The National Assembly and this administration is ready to work with anyone and everyone that is ready to work for the progress of this nation. The time has come for all of us to be positive about our country. Let us also find time to talk about the great achievement that has been made for the greatness of our country,” Akpabio said.

On his part, Executive Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, said that Nigerians must realise that making the nation’s democracy and good governance work for the interest of the people is not by mere wish or thinking.

"Everyone must play their parts in ensuring that the democratic system work for the interest of the nation,” Itodo said.

The anticipated mega rally and protest on Saturday by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) supporters in Kano State failed to materialise despite heavy security measures put in place across the metropolis.

In the wake of the Appeal Court judgment, which ousted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and declared Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna of the APC as the winner of the March 18 election in the state, stakeholders from both parties had initially planned rallies and protests.

However, the streets remained deserted as no supporters were sighted, contrary to the earlier planned agendas.

The Director-General of the Gawuna/Garo Campaign Organisation, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, confirmed the suspension of its plans, stating concerns over the security of lives and properties as the paramount reason.

He was quoted as saying, “Looking at the issues of security of properties and lives that are at stake, we have shelved the plan.”

Contrary to earlier indications, the NNPP’s state Chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, had denied any plans of a protest. However, there were reports of some groups of supporters standing by the original plan despite the official rebuttal.

Earlier, the police command in Kano issued warnings against any attempts to stage public processions, protests, or rallies, urging all parties involved to refrain from actions that could lead to unrest.

Security operatives were observed stationed at strategic locations and patrolling major streets across the state, especially within the metropolis.

Mansur Haruna Dandago, an aide to Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC, emphasised the change of plans based on the critical importance of prioritising security concerns.

He stated, “We have decided to prioritise the security of lives and properties, hence the decision to shelve the planned event.”

Despite the initial intentions, the day passed without any significant gatherings or protests, as both political parties seemingly prioritised peace and security over their planned demonstrations.

The situation in Kano remains relatively calm following the planned rallies being called off, as stakeholders continue to navigate the aftermath of the court ruling and its implications for the state’s political landscape.

Hope Uzodinma, the Imo state governor-elect, says the victory recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo and Kogi states during the off-cycle election shows that Nigerians are happy with the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 11 conducted off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

On Friday, Uzodinma and Usman Ododo, Kogi governor-elect, presented their certificates of return to President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Uzodinma said APC’s victory in Kogi and Imo states showed the “growing popularity” of the party.

Uzodinma said they came to present the certificate to the president to appreciate his leadership in the country.

“You recall that the election of November 11, our great party, APC, is growing in popularity and came out successfully in Kogi and Imo states,” Uzodinma said.

Our victory at the polls shows that Nigerians are still very happy with the APC. Nigerians voted en mass for the President and this victory validates this claim through the voters in Kogi state and Imo state.

“So we have come to honour the president and also use the opportunity to thank him for his support, advice, and wisdom.

“He imparted on us and achievements he has recorded since he became the president which most of us leverage on to be able to convince the voters to vote for us.”

There was tension in Kano city on Friday as supporters of the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party and the All Progressives Congress vowed to go ahead with their planned protests today (Saturday) in defiance of warnings by the state police command.

The separate protests are for and against the Court of Appeal ruling, which affirmed the governorship election petitions tribunal’s judgment removing Governor Abba Yusuf of the NNPP.

The NNPP supporters are protesting against the judgment of the appellate court and the emergence of a conflicting written judgment that affirmed Yusuf as the duly elected governor, but the court later explained that the removal of the governor was valid as the conflicting written judgment was a clerical error.

On the other hand, supporters of the APC are insisting on their planned protest in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Nasiru Gawuna.

The state police command, however, warned that it would not allow any unauthorised protest capable of snowballing into violence, adding that it would deal decisively with organisers of such and anyone caught fomenting trouble.

The warning was contained in a statement on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, on behalf of state Commissioner of Police, Mr Husaini Gumel.

The statement read in part, “Credible information at the command’s disposal revealed that some groups of people claiming to be political party supporters of both the NNPP and the APC are using various media platforms and mobilising people and planning to enter the streets on Saturday, 25th of November, 2023 to stage protests against the Kano State governorship Appeal Court’s verdict.

"The information further revealed that the intention of the protesters is to shut down the state and attack prominent political party opponents; an action which may likely result in violence.

”At this juncture, the police command is making it categorically clear that no formal notice was received from any of these political parties about the plan to conduct any protest or gathering.”

Haruna added, “The police command is issuing this warning to all residents of the state to be extra careful as whoever intends to conduct any protest or procession should do so only in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“Furthermore, the position of the law is very clear; whoever attempts to disrupt the peace in the state will be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

"You will all recall that before and after the Court of Appeal ruling, the leaderships of both the NNPP and the APC had attended a peace meeting and signed an accord among themselves before the Kano State Police Command where both buttressed their stand of working with the security agencies for the promotion of sustainable peace.

"In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, calls on all residents to maintain calmness and avoid any form of unlawful gathering, protest, or procession that may trigger violence as joint security forces have since been dispatched to strategic locations to safeguard peace and order throughout the state.”

Military on alert

The Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Kano, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Jamiu Are, during a courtesy call to him by the leadership of the Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel, gave an assurance that the military would collaborate with the state police command to ensure peaceful co-existence in Kano State.

Are said, “Kano is the commercial nerve centre of the North, and we cannot compromise its security, as it will disrupt the economy of the region in particular and the country at large.

“Kano is not only central, but the nerve centre of all activities in the northern part of the country and the commercial nerve centre of the region. Whatever happens in Kano will spread to parts of the North.”

He pledged that the military would continue to collaborate with other security agencies in the state, like the Department of State Services, the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure that the security of lives and property was secured.

Are added, “We do not want anything to happen to Kano; that is why insecurity has been contained in Kano.

This is possible because of so many factors, including the synergy among all the security agencies. Rest assured that all of us that are involved as security agencies are working as one in the way we work.”

Govt blames opposition

When contacted for his reaction on the threat by both the APC and the NNPP to stage protests, the state Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, stated that the position of the government was that the protest was largely being organised by the opposition to discredit the government.

According to him, the opposition is staging a protest ostensibly to cause a breach of the peace.

“We are happy that the state government has called on the security agencies to ensure that they protect lives and property of the people,” the commissioner added.

Dantiye noted that the governor appealed to the good people of Kano to remain calm and have faith in the judicial process of the country.

He said Governor Yusuf called on the people to remain calm and maintain peace and not cause any harm or engage in anything that would cause the destruction of lives and property.

ShenTeh:


Dia Nyee? Bedeno be?

ShenTeh:


BTW, op, are you from Kaiama? It's your handle that's nudging me.