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Christianity EtcRe: 5 Problems With Heaven! by PasD(m): 8:51pm On Oct 31, 2013
The fo.ol has said in his heart 'there is no God'

Smh
Christianity EtcRe: The Sin That God Cannot Forgive? (the Unpardonable Sin) by PasD(op): 8:42pm On Oct 31, 2013
So those 'unbelievers' God will not forgive them again even if they repent? because Jesus said 'neither in this world or in the world to come' and also, note that the pharisees are not just 'unbelievers'. They believed in God, as a matter of fact, they were the 'teachers' of the law. Do I understand you to mean that the pharisees did not really know God? I believe they know who Jesus was but chose not to accept Him. Try and clear me sir pls
ayoku777: The unpardonable sin is the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, it is also the 'sin unto death' in 1John 5v16.

So what does it mean to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? It is to reject or deny His witness of who Christ is. The work of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Christ. John 15v26 -but when the comforter is come, ...he shall testify of me. John 16v14 -he shall glorify me, for he receive of mine and shall shew it unto you. Thats the work of the Spirit, to testify of Christ as the Messiah. Anyone who rejects and denies the Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that he died and rose for your sins and justification commits the sin of blasphemy against the Spirit. That is the sin unto death, the sin that carries the consequence of spiritual death and eternal condemnation. John 8v24 -for if ye believe not that i am he, ye shall die in your sins.

So it is perfectly safe to say a christian CANNOT commit this, coz you couldnt even be a christian if you did. And secondly, i must add that the reason this sin is unforgivable is not coz God cannot forgive it, it is unforgivable coz it is the sin of refusing to come to Jesus to receive forgiveness. Every other sin has the promise of unconditional forgiveness except this one. This is the sin that makes you a sinner or an unbeliever, every other sin makes you a carnal or immature believer. Other sins too have consequences, but not spiritual death or eternal condemnation.

Matt 12v31 -wherefore i say unto you, ALL manner of sin and blasphemy SHALL (not can) be forgiven unto men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven.

Can is possibility, shall is promise.
Christianity EtcRe: The Sin That God Cannot Forgive? (the Unpardonable Sin) by PasD(op): 8:38pm On Oct 31, 2013
Pls in essence where do you stand? Did the sin end with the pharisees or is it still available for commision 2day?
sunkoye: Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men except for blasphemy against the Spirit. Using the working definition of blasphemy as “speaking evil of,” it becomes clear that the sin described by Jesus was a “tongue sin” that the Pharisees had committed, or at least were dangerously close to committing.
What had the Pharisees done that would have put them in jeopardy of committing the unpardonable sin? According to His own testimony, during Jesus’ time on this Earth He cast out demons by the “Spirit of God” (Matthew 12:28). When the Pharisees saw that Jesus had performed a verifiable miracle, they could not argue with the fact that Christ possessed certain powers that others (including themselves) did not have. Therefore, in order to cast suspicion on the ministry of Jesus, they claimed that He was casting out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of demons. The name Beelzebub is simply another name for Satan as can be seen from Jesus’ reference to Satan in Matthew 12:26. Even when faced by the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit through Jesus, the Pharisees were, in essence, attributing Jesus’ power to Satan, and claiming that Jesus was Satan incarnate instead of God incarnate. It is this, and nothing else, that our Lord calls the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost . it is very scary how destructive tongue can be!.
Christianity EtcThe Sin That God Cannot Forgive? (the Unpardonable Sin) by PasD(op): 7:10pm On Oct 31, 2013
"Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32"And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come, matt12:31.

Did you see that?

Many often believe that Jesus paid for our sins, present, past and future ( I strongly advocate that too) but from the statement above, What is “the unpardonable sin”? Many worry that they have committed it. But just what is the sin that “shall not be forgiven”? Do only converted people commit it—or can non-Christians?

Is this sin the same as 'the sin unto death' in 1john?

Jesus spoke of a sin that “shall not be forgiven...neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matt. 12:31-32). This sin is most often referred to as “the unpardonable sin.”
Widespread confusion surrounds this subject. So many people worry that they may have committed, or did commit, the unpardonable sin. Yet most have not known how to recognize the sin that “shall not be forgiven.”


So my main aim of creating this topic is for the matured bible scholars to tell us what they know about this sin. We all believe that Jesus is the 'Advocate with the Father'.

Many people believe it to be murder, others believe it to be funication, but from the statement, the sin is not an act but an art (blasheme).

If you have any idea share pls. But all I know is that if Jesus said there is such sin, then there is such sin!
Forum GamesRe: Create A Mental Picture Of Nairalanders by PasD(m): 6:59pm On Oct 30, 2013
onila: I am brown skinned

never been to the club in the last 5 years

I don't crave for attention, I am actually a loner in real life and quite reserved

but am beautiful, tall and shy smiley cool
u look like my kind of gyal! Tall, fair, shy, beautiful, etc.....can I haff yor lumber?
BusinessRe: Tinubu's Daughter Crowned Iyaloja Of Lagos by PasD(m): 8:42pm On Oct 29, 2013
Who is tinubu? Is he a musician?
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 10:08pm On Oct 28, 2013
@chomzy..cut it!
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 10:33pm On Oct 27, 2013
Justeenaleo: Since u get communication from hell Abeg help me find out if truly satan get horn nd tail
or better still let her give you satan's fone number (I'm sure she has it) so that you can ask him ursef.
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 10:31pm On Oct 27, 2013
lorretta u: that's to say you're already on your way to hell then.cos I'm sure you fall somewhere in that group.let's start from the basics. You're not a virgin(fornicator)
And you've lied before(liar)

I hope you've bought your haeir thermocool air conditioner.I heard it's very hot in hell.
you heard well!!!! Lol
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 10:26pm On Oct 27, 2013
gothrones: This is the part that makes me believe the Christian God is simply evil. Adolf Hitler, a man who killed million of Jews, and a common liar will be subjected to exactly the same punishment. That makes no sense whatsoever.
you don't know anything about HIM my friend. I just pray u know the smallest of how sweet His love is.
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 6:40pm On Oct 27, 2013
I'm a god:
I think the issue of abortions should be judeged not on the alter of religion but rather the conscience of the person that wants the abortion. I mean if a person of reasonable age and sound mind wants a pregnancy terminated who are you to refuse? It should be the responsibility of government to make a safe condition for abortions to be carried out. Not everyone believes in God or falls within your moral bracket.
I like the phrase 'I think'. U sound more to me like a legalist......and an atheist. I gbadun ur argument shaa
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 6:35pm On Oct 27, 2013
Charlesamino: Na wa ooo, i wonder if al these arguments answer d questn of d simple thread
I wondered too oooo
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 3:14pm On Oct 27, 2013
If I include hin you know you are guilty right? I was being sentimental (all because of u!)
Esan Abiodun M: Y u dnt include d forker way giv am bele
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 3:12pm On Oct 27, 2013
You are wise as you are spiritual....but I dnt think you know God that much too. We can only knw Him in part you knw? But to say the truth, I had to read ur comment again and again and all I garra say is 'hey man, whoever you are, you are 'deep'.
Pyrrho: This ar d kind of questns dt gives the 'Westerners' d impression dt we ar underdeveloped.


@OP, ur questn already assumes dt God wld definitely punish someone.

Wat if God jst forgives everyone?huh
Who wld God punish for the death of a mother who dies at child birthhuh

Ur questn also sounds 'underdeveloped' cos u dnt knw law makers ar supposed, obligated always mk laws witout prejudice or sentiments.
I'll jst give u reasons (since u bliv in God so mch) why God might nt punish anyone.

1. U ar wrong to assume u knw God better. God as they say is merciful and loving. U wld contradict ur faith if u try to prove otherwise.
2. The Government mks laws for its ppl, unfortunately we aint a nation. If a little minority accepts it as right, it doesn't necessitate dt the majority ar forced to partake.
3. The doctors ar also obligated to obey the law, who allowed for such laws in d first place? If u tink God disapprove u can leave ur job, and let those who sees nothing wrong in it do their jobs.
#BottomLine
Its ur faith, bt u shld ask ur religious teachers who shares the same faith.
And its still nt generally accepted dt the fetus is a person. U probably assumed dt too already.
Too many assumption!!!
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 3:06pm On Oct 27, 2013
'Unwanted' by the woman. Not by God. There is such thing mate! Shh!
Ema prince: @op
there is no such thing as "unwanted pregnancy"!!!
GOD knows the reason why the child came and no human has the right to kill the baby.

Government is not GOD so don't follow his way of reasoning.

all the people that aided it are guilty!
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 3:04pm On Oct 27, 2013
Onye ajuju anaghi efu uzo. (He who askes questions does not miss his way.) You have no proof of this accusation.
Ryda: ALL OF THE ABOVE cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy IS LIKE U DON COMMIT THAT IS WHY U ARE ASKING.
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 2:58pm On Oct 27, 2013
Kai.
felifeli: God punish you for asking that question. Am I God ? Or have you ever seen God on Nairaland ? Better be careful yourself. sad sad
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 1:27pm On Oct 27, 2013
This post actually captivated me. Guy this is what I call critical reasoning......but towards the end of the post you started talkin trash (no offence pls). This is what I call 'fine nonsense' (no offence pls)
victorv12: Terminating a pregnancy doesn't have anything to do with any god or religion. Any bastard being brought into these world with no parental care is a burden to the society and the country at large. Don't you think it's better when people like Assari Dokubo, Stella Oduah and crooks alike being terminated before coming into this world? Majority of these bastards are the one giving us problems today.

Abortion clinics should be legalize across Nigeria, we should not involve God or one religious sentiment into this issue. Population explosion is for real. We should not encourage our Nigeria sisters to be giving birth to babies with no parental or fatherly love for them. Someone was able to give me a gist regarding the last censor...he told me about a man that use to hawk fried dough/donuts for living, having four wives and over 1o children. I keep wondering, how can a man be hawking donuts and be able to cater for Four wives and over Ten children! The truth is that, children being raised under such a terrible condition will be psychologically traumatized...they can't miss it. And that's one of the problem we're facing presently in Nigeria. About the tale of a leader with no shoes!! Majority of our leaders upbringing are rotten, and psychologically traumatized. Nigeria is a country which is unfortunate of not having psychiatric and abortion clinics at disposal. Majority of our leaders, if they're put under psychiatric test, majority of them will shed tears if they start analyzing their upbringing which is traumatized with bad parenting or no parents at all. That's why the bitterness majority of our leaders have at heart is to finish us all based on their terrible upbringing. They believed they suffered as children and the populace too must share out of their suffering. They are "cold" as ice! An example is Assari Dokubo...he left his people in the creek and the Delta region and went to open a university in another country. I think Asari will prefer to be aborted in the first place rather than to be terrorizing Nigerians over crude oil production and his dream regarding Kalabari /ijaw people breaking away from Nigeria!
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 1:14pm On Oct 27, 2013
buoye1: Even bible said Avoid foolish questions....This is 1......why not leave God to decide thathuh?OP
who be this one?
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 1:01pm On Oct 27, 2013
Q.Mark:
Still wondering why the man/boy is not in your options. Abi na the girl inpregnate herself?
I didn't put the men is the option?? Oops! I just realized!!! Can someone pls help me tell 'humblebygrace' to edit the topic and add 'man' there? Lol.
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 12:54pm On Oct 27, 2013
wiegraf: Thank you for, and again, spending time on a post you supposedly don't care about.

And please keep your gods genocidal love away from me. I wouldn't wish it even on a Hitler

Kudos
if you are talkin abt a god that's fine. But if you are talkin abt God then you need to retract this statement or I wil respond to you in an.............way. Do it now 'oga'
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 12:46pm On Oct 27, 2013
That's the actual reason why I wrote this topic. Thanks for this. Can u see the topic just made frontpage? Lol am so happy lol
italo: The OP obviously presumes the responses to be from religious people. He said "who will God punish?" He is not expecting a debate about God's existence with people who dont believe in God.


If you are so keen to debate whether abortion should have any thing to do with religion...or whether there are consequences for sin, I'll be happy to tell you if you open another thread for that.

But why would you want to debate "religious nuts?"
Christianity EtcRe: Did Ananias And Sapphira Go To Heaven? by PasD(op): 10:34am On Oct 27, 2013
tshegs19: Ion even know dis people cry lipsrsealed
Acts 5:1-11
The Message (MSG)
Ananias and Sapphira

5 1-2 But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.

3-4 Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.”

5-6 Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.

7-8 Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?”

“Yes,” she said, “that price.”

9-10 Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

11 By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.
Christianity EtcDid Ananias And Sapphira Go To Heaven? by PasD(op): 9:57am On Oct 27, 2013
I'm just curious.

NB:
This is not a yes or no answer. Pls give your reason if possible with bible references....

Thanks for commenting.
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 7:41am On Oct 27, 2013
Brb lemme use google. Dnt go away ooo. Kai abokina.
wiegraf: Are you picking on me? Where do you see me 'picking' on someone?

Do you know how to use google?
Music/RadioRe: Evergreen Nigerian Songs by PasD(m): 2:34pm On Oct 26, 2013
Wait till you hear mine!!! Watch out for the ROYAL REALM
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 2:31pm On Oct 26, 2013
Wanna pick on me sir? Maybe u should explain what cyber war means to me so I dnt get to misappropriate it again
wiegraf: Do you even know what cyber war is?
Christianity EtcRe: Who Will God Punish For Abortion? The Doctors, The Government Or The Women? by PasD(op): 7:06pm On Oct 25, 2013
Enough!!! Both of you!! This is called cyber war. I have patiently read ur comments and I say enough of this! THREAD CLOSED!!!!!!!! Wdh!
PoliticsRe: What Is Your Take On The Upcoming 'national Conference'? by PasD(op): 6:27pm On Oct 25, 2013
You think the conf will not hold?
Jeel: I ok it. Even if it will not be implemented now it will shake up some dust and increase awareness
PoliticsWhat Is Your Take On The Upcoming 'national Conference'? by PasD(op): 5:29pm On Oct 25, 2013
Do you think that's what Nigeria needs now?

Do you think it will work?

Some say it will be more effective if only it is 'sovereign'

Some say it's GEJ's plan to please both the Senate and the mases and it won't work.

Some say if it's 'sovereign', the National Assembly has been denied their work and their existence could be threatened because Nigerians could decide they don't need them again.

Some say It's a calculatd plan to 'split' Nigeria.

The primary duty of the Sovereign National Conference is to address and find solutions to the key problems afflicting Nigeria since 1914 to date. The concern is to remove all obstacles which have prevented the country from establishing political justice, economic justice, social justice, cultural justice, religious justice and to construct a new constitutional frame-work in terms of the system of government-structurally, politically economically, socially, culturally and religiously.

Chief Gani Fawehinmi (2000)

Openmind Foundation is about Education, Empowerment and Change.  Out of frustration over the state of Nigeria in terms of poverty, slow/lack of solid human development, terror, corruption and disunity, etc., some Nigerians have attributed these conditions to a faulty country foundation. “The foundation of this country was built upon dishonesty, corruption, selfishness, tribalism and all evil. We need to visit our foundation again, destroy every evil brick, rebuild with love and respect for one another, integrity of the heart, sacrificial living, love for our father land,”  COMETI, a blogger, argues. She is not alone in that view. The intensified activities of Boko Haram since the election of President Jonathan Goodluck, is reminding many, once again, of Nigeria’s ugly past, and culminating in growing/renewed calls for Sovereign National Conference (SNC).  The purpose of this article is to provide readers with information on the history and purpose of Sovereign National Conference. It is only through reliable information that quality decisions about Nigeria’s future can be made. We will crown the discussion with a reproduction of the text of a speech delivered in March 2000 by late Chief Gani Fawehinmi at a Press Conference in Lagos. The speech is entitled, “A call for genuine Sovereign National Conference, an alternative to chaos, catastrophe and disintegration”.

The Governor General of Nigeria between 1920 – 31 , Sir Hugh Clifford, described Nigeria as  “a collection of independent Native States, separated from one another  by great distances, by differences of history and traditions and by ethnological, racial, tribal, political, social and religious barriers.”  (Nigeria Council Debate.  Lagos, 1920).  This description captures the problems of today’s Nigeria vividly. The ill-faithed Ad Hoc Constitutional Conference, which got dismissed by Lt. Col. Gowon on November 30, 1966, can arguably be considered the start of demands for a Sovereign National Conference. Describing the purpose of SNC, Theophilus Emiowele Osezua wrote:

The Sovereign National Conference will give ethnic nationalities an opportunity to examine the questions that have made Nigeria such a disaster and come up with some answers such as the right of every nationality to have greater control over their resources.

The above explanation might sound somewhat selfish, discriminatory and divisive. Therefore, it is not surprising that Dr Ramsom-Kuti, the former Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, argued that “to push home the meaning of SNC, an understanding of the history of Nigeria is crucial”. In support of the statement, he wrote:

Long before 1914 when Nigeria was amalgamated, the present space was not a void. People, empires and modes of production existed. The far North was ruled by Hausa Habes which was the home of many tribes, Hausa Magajiya, Abyssinian or of coptic stock. From 900 to 1500 AD. The Hausaland was besieged by political forces from Bornu, the Berbes, Tuyaregs and Arabs. The most formidable was the 1804 Jihad which swept the Habeland, imposed an oligarchy, seized the people and the land until the advent of British rule. The Yorubaland had the Oyo empire which triumphed until about 200 years ago, we also have the Bachama, Birom, Angas, Tiv, Kaje, Nupe, Ijaw, Igbo and numerous others. The merging of the Southern and Northern protectorates in 1914 was accidental so also was the name, Nigeria given to its people. It is important to say that British rule was not forged on negotiations with Nigerians, but negotiations with ethnic nationalities. So also there was no “Nigerian position,” but ethnic nationality positions. The 1960 independence, to our knowledge, was preceded by a curious finding conducted by Henry Willink supported by Gordon Hardow, Philip Mason, and JB Shearer which compiled a report on July 30 1958 now known as the Willink Commission of Enquiry. I advise the senators to read carefully the various positions of nationalities visited by the British agents in compiling their reports. It is of note that every nationality in the space called Nigeria had a position and there was not and will never be a ‘Nigerian position’ except that imposed by the few people in power (www.nigerdeltacongress.com).

This position is shared in a published academic work by Major Abubakar A. Atofarati, student, US Marine Command and Staff College (1991/92). He wrote:

The Federation of Nigeria, as it is known today, has never really been one homogeneous country, for its widely differing peoples and tribes.  This obvious fact notwithstanding, the former colonial master decided to keep the country one in order to effectively control her vital resources for their economic interests.  Thus, for administrative convenience the Northern and Southern Nigeria were amalgamated in 1914.   Thereafter the only thing this people had in common was the name of their country since each side had different administrative set – up. This alone was an insufficient basis for true unity.  Under normal circumstances the amalgamation ought to have brought the various peoples together and provided a firm basis for the arduous task of establishing closer cultural, social, religious, and linguistic ties vital for true unity among the people.  There was division, hatred, unhealthy rivalry, and pronounced disparity in development” (http://www.africamasterweb.com/BiafranWarCauses.html).

Perhaps you are beginning to appreciate the position of those who claim that the foundation of Nigeria was built upon dishonesty, corruption and selfishness, and consequently demands comprehensive and all inclusive re-engineering. The late human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi,  stressed the importance and urgency of SNC in a Press Conference on March 22, 2000. He lost his battle with cancer on September 5, 2009 and is greatly remembered for his human rights activities. In reproducing his 2000 speech, we are honouring him and his work. You can read the full text of his speech on the book with the title below:

A Call For Genuine Sovereign National Conference, An Alternative to Chaos, Catastrophe and Disintegration

by

Chief Gani Fawehinmi
Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP)
PoliticsWhat Is Your Take On The Upcoming 'national Conference'? by PasD(op): 5:05pm On Oct 25, 2013
Do you think it will work out fine?

Do you think that's what Nigeria needs?

Some say its a call to split Nigeria. One of my friends told me today that it won't work because GEJ wants to use it to please both the Senate and the mases at the same time.

Some say it should be Sovereign while others say if its sovereign, then the National Assembly has been denied their work and their existence could be threatened, Nigerians can decide they don't need them again.

The primary duty of the Sovereign National Conference is to address and find solutions to the key problems afflicting Nigeria since 1914 to date. The concern is to remove all obstacles which have prevented the country from establishing political justice, economic justice, social justice, cultural justice, religious justice and to construct a new constitutional frame-work in terms of the system of government-structurally, politically economically, socially, culturally and religiously.

Chief Gani Fawehinmi (2000)

Openmind Foundation is about Education, Empowerment and Change.  Out of frustration over the state of Nigeria in terms of poverty, slow/lack of solid human development, terror, corruption and disunity, etc., some Nigerians have attributed these conditions to a faulty country foundation. “The foundation of this country was built upon dishonesty, corruption, selfishness, tribalism and all evil. We need to visit our foundation again, destroy every evil brick, rebuild with love and respect for one another, integrity of the heart, sacrificial living, love for our father land,”  COMETI, a blogger, argues. She is not alone in that view. The intensified activities of Boko Haram since the election of President Jonathan Goodluck, is reminding many, once again, of Nigeria’s ugly past, and culminating in growing/renewed calls for Sovereign National Conference (SNC).  The purpose of this article is to provide readers with information on the history and purpose of Sovereign National Conference. It is only through reliable information that quality decisions about Nigeria’s future can be made. We will crown the discussion with a reproduction of the text of a speech delivered in March 2000 by late Chief Gani Fawehinmi at a Press Conference in Lagos. The speech is entitled, “A call for genuine Sovereign National Conference, an alternative to chaos, catastrophe and disintegration”.

The Governor General of Nigeria between 1920 – 31 , Sir Hugh Clifford, described Nigeria as  “a collection of independent Native States, separated from one another  by great distances, by differences of history and traditions and by ethnological, racial, tribal, political, social and religious barriers.”  (Nigeria Council Debate.  Lagos, 1920).  This description captures the problems of today’s Nigeria vividly. The ill-faithed Ad Hoc Constitutional Conference, which got dismissed by Lt. Col. Gowon on November 30, 1966, can arguably be considered the start of demands for a Sovereign National Conference. Describing the purpose of SNC, Theophilus Emiowele Osezua wrote:

The Sovereign National Conference will give ethnic nationalities an opportunity to examine the questions that have made Nigeria such a disaster and come up with some answers such as the right of every nationality to have greater control over their resources.

The above explanation might sound somewhat selfish, discriminatory and divisive. Therefore, it is not surprising that Dr Ramsom-Kuti, the former Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, argued that “to push home the meaning of SNC, an understanding of the history of Nigeria is crucial”. In support of the statement, he wrote:

Long before 1914 when Nigeria was amalgamated, the present space was not a void. People, empires and modes of production existed. The far North was ruled by Hausa Habes which was the home of many tribes, Hausa Magajiya, Abyssinian or of coptic stock. From 900 to 1500 AD. The Hausaland was besieged by political forces from Bornu, the Berbes, Tuyaregs and Arabs. The most formidable was the 1804 Jihad which swept the Habeland, imposed an oligarchy, seized the people and the land until the advent of British rule. The Yorubaland had the Oyo empire which triumphed until about 200 years ago, we also have the Bachama, Birom, Angas, Tiv, Kaje, Nupe, Ijaw, Igbo and numerous others. The merging of the Southern and Northern protectorates in 1914 was accidental so also was the name, Nigeria given to its people. It is important to say that British rule was not forged on negotiations with Nigerians, but negotiations with ethnic nationalities. So also there was no “Nigerian position,” but ethnic nationality positions. The 1960 independence, to our knowledge, was preceded by a curious finding conducted by Henry Willink supported by Gordon Hardow, Philip Mason, and JB Shearer which compiled a report on July 30 1958 now known as the Willink Commission of Enquiry. I advise the senators to read carefully the various positions of nationalities visited by the British agents in compiling their reports. It is of note that every nationality in the space called Nigeria had a position and there was not and will never be a ‘Nigerian position’ except that imposed by the few people in power (www.nigerdeltacongress.com).

This position is shared in a published academic work by Major Abubakar A. Atofarati, student, US Marine Command and Staff College (1991/92). He wrote:

The Federation of Nigeria, as it is known today, has never really been one homogeneous country, for its widely differing peoples and tribes.  This obvious fact notwithstanding, the former colonial master decided to keep the country one in order to effectively control her vital resources for their economic interests.  Thus, for administrative convenience the Northern and Southern Nigeria were amalgamated in 1914.   Thereafter the only thing this people had in common was the name of their country since each side had different administrative set – up. This alone was an insufficient basis for true unity.  Under normal circumstances the amalgamation ought to have brought the various peoples together and provided a firm basis for the arduous task of establishing closer cultural, social, religious, and linguistic ties vital for true unity among the people.  There was division, hatred, unhealthy rivalry, and pronounced disparity in development” (http://www.africamasterweb.com/BiafranWarCauses.html).

Perhaps you are beginning to appreciate the position of those who claim that the foundation of Nigeria was built upon dishonesty, corruption and selfishness, and consequently demands comprehensive and all inclusive re-engineering. The late human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi,  stressed the importance and urgency of SNC in a Press Conference on March 22, 2000. He lost his battle with cancer on September 5, 2009 and is greatly remembered for his human rights activities. In reproducing his 2000 speech, we are honouring him and his work. You can read the full text on his book below:

A Call For Genuine Sovereign National Conference, An Alternative to Chaos, Catastrophe and Disintegration

by

Chief Gani Fawehinmi
Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP)
Music/RadioRe: Your Advice For An 'upcoming' Artiste by PasD(op): 7:56pm On Oct 24, 2013
Question no1. Sir is it both secular and spiritual songs?
No2. The artiste may be scared to send his song. U knw what I mean?
sweetkevisco: Are you a talented artiste,and you need a
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but you dont know how to contact them. Dont
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