₦airaland Forum

The controversy surrounding the Charismatic Bishops’ endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election has taken another interesting turn.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the President of the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Bishop Leonard Kawas, was questioned about whether the group’s support for Tinubu was connected to financial benefits or political appointments.

Kawas insisted that the bishops had not received money from Tinubu for their endorsement. He also pointed out that the group supported Peter Obi during the 2023 election without receiving financial payment from him.

However, when asked whether the bishops would accept financial support from the Tinubu administration if it was offered in the future, Kawas gave a striking response:

“When that time comes, we will pray about it. And whatever the Lord leads us to do is what we will do.”

His comment has generated discussion online, particularly because the bishops have publicly endorsed Tinubu while also calling on the administration to empower religious leaders to help reach Nigerians at the grassroots.

Kawas maintains that the endorsement was based on the group's assessment of Tinubu's administration, rather than money.

But what do you make of his statement: “When that time comes, we will pray about it”?

Is it simply a statement about accepting legitimate support, or does it raise questions about the relationship between religious leaders, politics and government?

[Channels Television's interview clip]

A fresh political controversy is unfolding in Benue State after some youths blocked the convoy of former Anambra State governor and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi from proceeding to Yelewata, where he had planned to visit victims of the deadly attacks and make personal donations.

Reports say the youths blocked the road and chanted “Obi go back”, forcing Obi and his team to return to Makurdi and eventually leave the state. Obi said he was in Benue to sympathise with families affected by the killings and visit communities affected by the crisis.

The incident has now generated another debate: Should IDP camps and communities affected by insecurity be kept completely separate from political activities, especially as the 2027 election season approaches?

Some Benue youths seen in videos circulating online argued that the suffering of displaced people should not become a political tool. They called for respect for the victims and for genuine solutions to the insecurity that has forced thousands of residents from their homes.

At the same time, Obi maintains that his visit was humanitarian rather than a campaign rally. He said politicians should be able to visit communities across Nigeria, listen to residents and understand their problems firsthand.

The Benue State Government, however, said it was not informed about Obi's visit. The state's Commissioner for Information said a high-profile visitor was expected to formally notify the state government so that security and protection could be arranged. The police gave a somewhat different account, saying they had been informed of the planned visit on the eve of Obi's arrival and had deployed personnel for security.

The controversy has also taken a clear political dimension, with some Benue youth groups publicly expressing support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

But beyond the politics, the bigger question remains: What happens to the people living in the IDP camps?

Benue continues to face a serious displacement and humanitarian crisis. Recent reporting has highlighted gaps in healthcare and other essential services in some camps, while government and humanitarian agencies continue relief interventions.

The debate is therefore bigger than Peter Obi, Tinubu or any political party. Displaced families need security, food, healthcare, education and, ultimately, the ability to return safely to their communities.

What do you think? Should politicians be allowed to visit IDP camps during an election season if they say their purpose is humanitarian, or should such visits be restricted to prevent them from becoming political events?

A serving senator has been embroiled in scandal of sponsoring bandits. Yet, the security agencies never deemed it fit to probe the allegations, invite him for questioning and get to the root of the matter.

Yet, we keep loosing the lives of our gallant officers to these terrorists.

So, is this really worth celebrating?

You see some people saying we are producing just 1.7 million barrels of crude oil daily and some other countries are producing more. Hence, we shouldn't compare.

They won't come out straight to say why Nigeria is producing such a meagre amount of crude oil... Which is BAD GOVERNANCE!

Did Saudi Arabia just wake one day and start producing such amount? How many barrels of crude oil was Nigeria producing before?

BAD GOVERNANCE EMBODIED IN CORRUPTION!

WHY IS THE PRESIDENT AND HIS APPOINTEES NOT USING CNG-POWERED VEHICLES? ARE THEY ONLY FOR THE MASSES?

We are talking about Intentional government driven by welfare of the masses which is lacking in this government.

Mind you, all these people in government don't buy anything from their finances... INCLUDING THIS HIGH PMS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. They get all for free.

Yet, you see people who will never benefit from this largese defending them because of crumbs. Is that not witchcraft?

I hear some people saying it is Iran US that is responsible for the high prices.

These people know more than Dangote who said the high petrol prices is due to smuggling to neighbouring countries.

FAILURE IS WHEN YOU ABANDON YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND START LOOKING FOR WHO AND WHAT TO BLAME RATHER THAN YOUR INADEQUACIES!

I heard someone say ADC should stop the incitement.

There is no time to waste thinking whether people that make comments like that are h.umans.

IS BUYING PETROL AT N1500 NAIRA NOT INCITEMENT ALREADY?

Na wa o!

Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has asked the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic records following a legal action seeking access to his educational documents.

The development follows a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja by Abayomi Arabambi, who is seeking orders compelling UNN, WAEC and NYSC to release records relating to Obi’s academic and service credentials. The UNN case was filed on September 9, 2026.

Reacting to the development, Obi said he has “absolutely no objection” to the legitimate release of his academic records.
He specifically asked UNN to make available his certificates, admission records and other official documents relating to his studies, provided the request complies with the law. He also said other institutions he attended could release his records in accordance with applicable procedures.

Obi stated that as someone seeking public office, he welcomes legitimate scrutiny of his background and qualifications. He also challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational records available for legitimate public scrutiny.

It is worth noting that the legal action itself does not establish that Obi's certificates are fake or invalid. The reported case seeks access to official records so that the relevant information can be obtained and examined.
Interestingly, the Labour Party has also clarified that Arabambi is no longer a member of the party, following his suspension earlier in 2026.

Mr. Peter Obi revealed the specific bank account containing the alleged embezzled ecological fund, in response to Governor Soludo’s claim that Anambra State is still servicing the debt.

Phantom Debts and Ecological Loan Fallacy[/color][color=#000099]
My attention has been drawn to trending claims by the Anambra State Government that my administration left behind inherited debts, including a ₦2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities, and pensions. This is completely false.
We systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over ₦35 billion. At the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor did we owe anything to any contractor for projects duly executed and certified.
The ₦2 billion ecological fund in question was released barely three months before the end of my tenure for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis. Despite pressure to spend the money, I refused, insisting that it should be left for my successor because government is a continuum and the funds were tied to a specific project.
The money was therefore left 100 per cent intact in First Bank, in Account No. 2018779464, with a balance of over ₦2.13 billion.
It is important to stress that funds tied to specific projects or set aside for particular purposes were not even included in the over ₦75 billion in savings we left behind.
If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning.
—PO

This government just makes statements and utterances like they are addressing fu.u.uls.

Sincerely, judging from comments on this platfo.m, I can say they are not wrong. I actually don't blame them anymore.

When the sl.aves are in love with the crumbs their sl.avemasters feed them with, and, are too shortsighted to see that the whole bakery belongs to them, and not just crumbs from a loaf.

The foundation being set by this present government and party has taken Nigeria back to the stone age.

I am amazed at the level of backwardness this present government and ruling party has taken Nigeria to.

We now have different questionable charlatans, mediocre, louts, and unworthy people at the helm of government affairs.

When I hear their utterances and actions, I feel bad at what a whole giant and light of Africa has turned into.

You quoted the wrong person.

My opinion was for intellectuals.

Thank you.

Cromagnon:
when you get there let them know all your family secrets

These people are politicians and gamers. Never take them seriously.

One: He actually wants to port to APC

Two: He is patronising the president so that he won't have issues with LG funds and election when it takes place.

Simple as ABC

Whenever I see talks like this, I know Nigeria has failed.

Cromagnon:
when you get there let them know all your family secrets

Nigerians are now so intellectually bankrupt that important questions can't be asked again.

Who is paying for this vacation?

The government is quick to site "best global practices" when it favours them.

The presidents of many of these so-called best global practices don't leave their countries for vacation... USA, France, ... Those that leave their countries fund their feeding, lodging and co. The government may only pay for the jet fuel and securities attached to the president... which the citizens are even still complaining about.

So, the big question is: what is our president paying for when he goes for vacation?

Nigerians, wake up!!!

The Big Question is: WHY WAS PRESIDENT TINUBU AGAINST SUBSIDY REMOVAL DURING JONATHAN'S REGIME?

WHEN DID PRESIDENT TINUBU KNOW THAT PMS SUBSIDY IS BAD FOR NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS?

WHY DID PRESIDENT TINUBU TELL NIGERIANS DURING HIS CAMPAIGN THAT HE WILL BRING DOWN THE PRICE OF PMS?

Fayemi told us that they only played politics with Nigeria and Nigerians.

THE MAJOR ISSUE IS NOT PMS SUBSIDY, BUT CORRUPTION!!!... Please, do not be deceived.

We are all learned and exposed.

Tinubu and Atiku both understand what they are doing. It is a game between them. Nigeria as a whole is also a game to them. Nigerians are just the ones at the loosing end.

This man is just doing is work and protecting is source of daily bread.

Logically speaking, he doesn't even have an atom of knowledge of the relationship between Atiku and Tinubu.

So please my fellow brethren, just leave the two Nigeria politicians to continue washing their dirty linens outside.

This one of the fellows that intelligence is far from.

Pls, don't argue with him.

Jayhome24:
Go to court biko or do your worst..

Whenever I see these online banters about Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, I just shake my head. No INTELLIGENCE!

Who and What demarkets Nigeria more? A country that the president's existence is blurry.

Why will someone be concerned about stopping investigations about him and his past and some greedy people are happy with it?

How can a sane person be comfortable with lack of transparency and accountability?

Nigeria is too big for this, but this people have taken the country backward.

The level of intellectualism is at the lowest presently.

This as actually actually reflected in the economy.

Why will a public officer not have a legit profile?

Why will the highest public officer in Nigeria have blurred history?

What is the essence of education in a country like Nigeria?

How can a country grow and develop with this charlatans running the day-to-day affairs of country as big as Nigeria?

When I see some so-called Nigerians defending this highest level of mediocrity, I just know that Nigeria will continue to go down... it is never a curse, but reality.

You can not plant cassava and be expecting rice.

You are always more theoretical than practical

nairalanda1:
Best way to stop this kindapping is to freeze the bank accounts of the kidnapped victims and their relatives.

Hear me out.

Italy used to have a kidnapping problem. The Mafia kidnapped not only Italians, but also even foreigners. Even one of the then richest men in the world had his kid kidnapped in Italy. For years all sorts of methods were tried. No can do.

Then the Italian government took drastic measures...they passed a law freezing accounts of kidnap victims and their relatives and friends. You get kidnapped, they won't be able to pay ransom

Of course, everyone abused the government to high heavens...told them that they wanted to kill their people, and so forth. Even media joined in the criticism (even the New York times was critical self...all the way from the USA).

But it has been over 20-30 years and not one person has been kidnapped by anyone since then. No money. If a kidnapper calls with ransom demand, the family would tell them that 'we can't even access our own accounts for daily need, talk less of ransom, government has touched it already'

Because of this, kidnapping became less lucrative, and thus fell out of favor.

Just a thought.

I actually have no reason to get annoyed at you... and when I asked what subsidy was, I wasn't talking about the term generally, and not narrowing it down to only oil and gas.

I said "many Nigerians don't even know what subsidy is"

Your comments are actually more theoretical than practical... Maybe you have your game.

I will advise you address issues foundationally rather than superficial.

Thank you.

Nigerians love leaving the real issue and focusing on irrelevancies.

Is subsidy the issue? NO?

The major issue that Nigerians intentionally refused to focus on boldly and face squarely is "CORRUPTION".

How many beneficiaries of subsidy corruption have been prosecuted and convicted by this government? Are they ghosts? They government wouldn't do that because they are also one of them. How many of them have been made to cough out their corrupt proceeds from the subsidy in the oil and gas sector. Your guess is as good as mine... NONE!

It is only a blind and deaf person that will continue to accept that Nigeria doesn't have money... Not with the level of money laundering within the system.

The excuse being given for not granting overseas scholarships to scholars is that Nigeria doesn't have money to continue financing it. What a fallacy! But, they have money for personal wastage. SMH

And the youths who are meant to demand for accountability, are busy licking the asses of their captors... Stockholm syndrome.

How as the subsidy removal benefited Nigerians, except for the selfish, self-centred and greedy few.

The propaganda now is that Atiku wants to bring back subsidy?

Please, what is even the subsidy? Many Nigerians don't even know. The corrupted rulers will just words and push out the propaganda just to achieve their selfish purposes.

The question sane Nigerians should be asking the the government is accountability. But, will they? SMH

1st question: How did the company end up winning the bid for the road construction?

2nd question: When was the company registered and what is the company's job portfolio with regards to road construction?

3rd question: Does the ministry of works just give out road construction contracts without due monitoring?... If there was due monitoring, tax-paying citizens wouldn't have experienced this man-made hardship resulting from the greed of government officials.

The major question remains: who will compensate Nigerians who went into heavy financial losses due the incompetence of the government with regards to this particular road?

*Please, don't be deceived with the word "concession". No this and know peace✌🏾

Curiosity led to me asking you this question: Who is the best performing governor among Aregbesola, Oyetola, and Adeleke?

press9jatv:
can't you reason with your brain niiii. Can APC import thugs to the government house niiii. They were even caught in the government house via cameras. They will be fish out here

A very fair question would then be:

Where does the New Testament command Christians to give exactly 10% of their income to the church, and where do the apostles enforce that command on Christians?

It would be noted that: Paul expected Christians to financially support ministry and help the poor. For example, 1 Corinthians 9:13–14 says those who preach the gospel have a right to live from the gospel.
The distinction is that Paul said: “Give generously, willingly and according to what you have".

Lifediary:
Please, note this message of Paul to the Christian brethrens;

2 Corinthians 8:1–15 (KJV):

1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Please, note this message of Paul to the Christian brethren;

2 Corinthians 8:1–15 (KJV):

1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Well, there are references in the New Testament with regards to tithing within the Jewish religious system, particularly the Levites/priests. But there is no clear example of the Christian church collecting a 10% tithe from Christians.

Paul even taught Christians about giving saying:
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

The apostles, including Paul, were not recorded collecting tithes from Christians.
They received offerings/support, but the New Testament does not describe them as collecting a 10% tithe.

The cycle continues and expands.

Hmm...

This is more serious than imagined. What actually makes this election belong to the federal government?

Any ideas?

Everyone has forgotten about the refinery.

My question is: Which is better? Building a New Refinery or Constructing a Coastal Road of 15 trillion naira? Which of these two projects will serve Nigeria & Nigerians more?