samebony1:
Thank you Reuben Abati. You spoke my mind on the proposed Akwa Ibom project in Lagos.
I feel it is a bloody waste of precious resources that should instead be channeled towards bringing about development and securing the future of the state.
But some prefer to develop Lagos while at the same time asking Multinationals to come and develop Akwa Ibom for them
What a contradiction

Thank you. Well said!

Religion was not quite a major divisive issue in the community in which we lived in the Old Cross River State in my days as a student there. On Sundays, students felt free to attend church service either within the campus or outside. I do not recall any major religious upheaval in the largely Christian community that the old Cross River was.

In those days, there was the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (Olumba Olumba), the indigenous Qua Iboe church, the Presbyterian church, the Anglican Church, the African Church, the Apostolic Church, the Foursquare Church, the AME Zion and the Methodist. The Pentecostal Churches were beginning to spread and take root. On campus, there was the formidable, evangelical Scriptures Union.

So much has changed between then and now. The return to civilian rule has worsened the political exploitation of religion in Nigeria, and the old Cross River is not exempted. The politicians who took over from the soldiers after Nigeria’s second independence in 1999, have made it all the more tragic, as the lines between religion and politics have become blurred. No part of the country is exempted and many of our clerics are no better than government agents and spokespersons.

This is sad because Nigeria’s second independence was a long battle that was won with the support of the religious establishment. With the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, many clerics became pro-democracy activists. These clerics found the courage to turn the pulpit and the prayer ground into platforms for opposing military despotism. The Nigerian church became the church of the poor, defending the people against their tormentors. Many religious leaders saw the need to speak the truth to power and they did. But in the last 18 years, one of the most grievous outcomes of our democratic experience has been the manner in which religious platforms have become vehicles for opportunism, alimentary politics and sickening hypocrisy. The consequence could be as bizarre as the Boko Haram posing a threat to national sovereignty and as treacherous as the clerics becoming government consultants and the churches no better than government parastatals.

I find the most pernicious devaluation of religion in this manner in the Old Cross River State, especially the part of it now known as Akwa Ibom State. Akwa Ibom is predominantly Christian and animist, with Christianity as the popularly advertised face of religion in the state. For some reason in that state, the churches and the state have closed ranks in the last 18 years to the clear disadvantage of the people. Churches in Akwa Ibom operate more like government parastatals. Our investigation reveals that the best title for anyone to bear in any government establishment in the state is Elder, or Apostle, or Evangelist, Supreme Leader, Pastor, Deacon…that is - it is increasingly the norm for government officials to identify with a particular church and to use their position to mobilize religious support for the government of the day. The state government also does not joke with the churches. It is a vicious and cynical mind-control game going on yonder. Akwa Ibom pastors and religious leaders have learnt to defer to the state government and they are well-patronized in return for their loyalty.

Our investigation, inspired by a recent scandalous incident, further shows that we are not generalizing when we say that in Akwa Ibom state, the biggest business is church business and sycophancy. The church in that state is distancing itself from the poor and lending itself to the state as an instrument. In some of the churches, sermons are delivered and dedicated specially to the state Governor. When pastors begin to behave like praise-singers, the Church would need to take a second look at its men. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) may soon find the need to intervene in Akwa Ibom state to remind the Pastors that their job is to provide leadership and succor for the people, and not to serve as an extension of the state government secretariat. In other states where the clerics have become partisan politicians, and I am sure if the Christian body looks closely enough, it will find other examples, there should be an internal crusade to rescue the Church and sanction erring pastors.

I am using Akwa Ibom as an example because of the aforementioned recent incident: In August, Inibehe Effiong was suspended from the African Church, St. Paul’s Parish, Uyo Central Diocese, Eket, along with other members of the church who participated in a protest in Uyo against the plan by the state Governor to build a second Governor’s lodge in Lagos. In a letter titled “Suspension of Bar. Inibehe Effiong and other protesters of government policies” signed and dated 16th August 2017, one Rev. Richard Peter, “Chairman in Council,” as he describes himself, ex-communicated Inibehe Effiong and other Christians from the African Church.

He says: “We write with total dissatisfaction over the ugly incident of protest carried out by Barr. Inibehe Effiong and other indigenes of Akwa Ibom State of which majority are Christians.” Richard Peter may not be a lawyer, and he doesn’t have to be one, he only needs to be intelligent enough to know that the right to protest, differ, associate or express one’s opinions, is a constitutional right, and that there is nothing dissatisfactory in a group of citizens whatever be their religious affiliation, expressing an opinion about government.

But he adds: “No sane individual can wake up and start protesting against the Government of Akwa Ibom State, owing to the fact that Akwa Ibom State is one of the Economy recovery/Investment Centre (sic) Globally.” Richard Peter is obviously bored with his job as a cleric. He should be advised to pull off his cassock and join the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information.

Hear him: “Our Governor deserves respect, appreciation and maximum support, instead some evil minded/demonic sponsored persons disguise themselves in the name of protest to destroy the hard earned reputation/achievement of His Excellency the Governor. The relocation of Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Lodge at Lagos is not only timely but is also what the entire citizens are yearning for and our Dear Governor hearkened to the yearnings of his people. We commend the amiable Governor for his efforts so far in making our dear state the desire of many and we endorse him for 2019 and beyond.”

On the basis of this gibberish, Richard Peter urges the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to set up a panel to investigate all the Christians who took part in the protest and suspend them, write to the law enforcement agencies and ask for the arrest of the protesters (Je-su-s Chri-st!), direct Inibehe Effiong and co to apologise to the Governor/Government of Akwa Ibom state, and that the pastors of the said protesters be suspended if they fail to “educate them on the dangers of standing against the “Divine Rule”. Please, in what way is the Udom Emmanuel government divine?

Richard Peter further accuses Inibehe Effiong of “fraudulent activities” and concludes: “We urge all Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to DAKKADA and resist any attempt to bring down peace, progress and development in our loving state”. DAKKADA is a campaign slogan of the Udom Emmanuel administration in Akwa Ibom state, and obviously, Reverend Richard Peter is already positioning himself as a campaign manager for the Governor’s second term ambition.

Inibehe Effiong whose interventions in the public arena are usually informed, incisive and learned should sue Rev. Peter for his malicious and defamatory allegations. The only problem is that this Rev. Peter is not alone. He speaks the mind of a growing crowd of pastors in Akwa Ibom and elsewhere and draws attention to the crisis within the Christian body in Nigeria. The church in Nigeria must beware of the creeping triumphalism of the politics of stomach infrastructure in the House of God. What else could ever motivate a man of the cloth to refer to a Governor’s rule as “Divine Rule”? This Peter, like the Biblical Peter, obviously denied his calling, the moment the cock crowed.

In an unsigned letter, the Management of the African Church, St. Paul’s Parish Eket, purportedly dismissed the letter by Richard Peter and promised to set up a disciplinary and investigative panel. Three weeks later, we have not heard anything. Peter is Chairman in Council of the same church management that is pretending to investigate him. I think the disclaimer is ineffectual and is probably of no consequence. The African Church Incorporated and the Christian Association of Nigeria to which the Rev. Peter letter was addressed should respond to the incident and publicly state their position. Rev. Peter wants CAN not only to ex-communicate Effiong but also Christians of other faiths who may have queried Udom Emmanuel’s “divine mandate” in Akwa Ibom State. He is wrong. It is a stinging shame that a Reverend of the African Church, founded in 1901 as a protest movement, with the motto: “heaven’s light our guide” and a Reverend Richard Peter, whose two names speak to courage and strength, is now the one championing the politics of cowardice and acquiescence in Akwa Ibom state.

The decision by the Akwa Ibom State Government to build a new Governor’s Lodge in Lagos, worth N9. 1 billion or N2.1 billion, in order to have a befitting, presentational house for receiving foreign investors and diplomats at the country’s commercial capital is of course wrong-headed and even if it can be justified, the public has a right to comment on it. Akwa Ibom has a liaison office in Lagos and other buildings. Why not renovate one of those buildings? And why erect a special edifice in Lagos for meetings with foreign dignitaries when the embassies have their main offices in Abuja? If the Akwa Ibom state Governor needs to meet with investors, why should he meet them in Lagos? Akwa Ibom state has an airport and dignified places where important meetings can also be held. Is it not better to take potential investors to Akwa Ibom instead of giving them a treat in Lagos?

The problem with many of the Governors across Nigeria is the Lagos syndrome. They have lived in Lagos and worked all their lives in Lagos; when they go back home to become Governors or whatever, Lagos never leaves their system. They recruit their closest aides from Lagos, take Lagos ideas to the hinterland, and struggle to connect the future of their states to Lagos. In the process they create contradictions. It is a fact for example that many Akwa Ibomites want the headquarters of Mobil, a major oil and gas explorer in their state, relocated from Lagos to Eket. Why should Mobil go to Eket, if as Reverend Peter and the Udom Emmanuel administration tell us, Lagos is a better meeting venue than either Uyo or Eket? Since Lagos has become the front desk for Akwa Ibom state, all international companies doing business in Akwa Ibom should also have their front desks in Lagos.


http://saharareporters.com/2017/09/05/akwa-ibom-churches-parastatals-reuben-abati

Governor Udom Emmanuel said he cannot receive investors, consular generals, ambassadors, senators in Uyo so he needs to build a befitting Governors lodge in Lagos to do that.






Governor El Rufai is receiving US Senators and House pf Rep members in Kaduna.



Governor Udom please learn from Governor El Rufai. Thank you!

kjhova:


The only ignorant entity on display here seem to be you and I really mean this not to be seen as an insult. Why am I engaged in such speculation as aforementioned? See below:

1) Was the Uyo stadium built at the cost of over N100Bn? Please show us your source and I will accept as default.
2) Have states not invested in industries before in this Nigeria and the investments still go bad? So what is this point about industries?
3) Do you have any proof that Akwa Ibom isn't already investing in industry along with the stadium project?
4) Are you aware that even if it takes the Uyo stadium 15 years to break even, it is still viable for such high end project?
5) Do you realize that Akwa Ibom's improving sports facilities profile is part of the state's larger tourism drive which is beneficial on the long run?
6) In simplicitas, is it wise for you to stamp me as ignorant on a matter which you have very scanty info on?; How much will the Eket stadium cost, what is the breakdown of the funding, When is the targeted break even, what other values are envisaged besides financials, etc, etc.

Don't throw abusives, man. The Eket stadium is worth it IMO...& this is my opinion.

Mr Man if you don't know, every government should seek for means to elevate her people from poverty. I'll answer your questions one after the other.

1. Yes the stadium was quoted to cost that much, don't forget that Akpabio in his usual style doesn't disclose how much he spends on a project. Nobody knows how much was spent on uncompleted Ibom Tropicana and the rest.

2. Did you really say what's the point about industries? Mehn... , I was right when I said you are just ignorant! So you think it is normal for the country to import everything including toothpick? By the way, why is Gov Udom Emmanuel making so much noise a out industrialization if there's no point? SMH...

3. Yes I have a solid proof. Go to the location of the Vehicle Assembling Plant at It and it's been overgrown with weeds, the coconut plants imported from South Africa, imagine is wasting away at Mkpat Enin. The peacock paint reactivation is a mere political propaganda, you hardly see it in the market to buy. The so called pencil and toothpick produced are not also common in the market.

4. In a poverty strikes state like Akwa Ibom, you congratulate the government for investing in a project that will not have immediate and daily impact on the people but that will take 15 years for the benefits to accrue. You try!

5. What tourism are you talking about? It's funny how you folks jump on issues you don't have any clue of. If you are talking tourism there are many places to develop to boost tourism in the state and not building a campaign stadium in Eket!

6. That stadium will cost nothing less than a N5billion and I'm just being very fair. There are other basic infrastructure in Eket the government can develop. The roads are riddled with potholes.

Besides why not give out grants to people to start businesses that will take them out of poverty than build stadiums, cinemas and hotels everywhere.

Of course, to you it's fine because being on nairaland to attack for your paymaster is fetching you small change but those people suffering in the villages haven't felt the impact of the nest of champions talk less of the another round of senseless spending in the name of building a stadium in eket.

kjhova:
Do we all just complain by default? Is this a Nigerian trait??

The government of Akwa Ibom concludes to build a new stadium in Eket to compliment the functional one at Uyo and a man in Lagos, Abuja or Enugu is e-complaining about wastage!

Have you done the feasibility to conclude that the project is a waste? When the Akpabio administration built the one in Uyo, we also screamed blue murder yet today, the stadium has proven commercially viable.

Kudos to the government on this one as I am confident that it won't be a white elephant.

Must you always show your ignorance? How many matches has the over N100bn Godswill Akpabio stadium hosted in Uyo, can you compare it with the amount spent in building it? Imagine if that money was used to build or finance 100's of industries, youths will be employed.

There is extreme poverty and unemployment in Akwa Ibom State and you are here congratulating a government that is about to waste money again on a useless project.

Did you say the nest of champions is commercially viable? smh...

You have no clue of economics.

Arc Obong Victor Attah!!!






I see you Sir



Thank you for the representation!

ceeethru:
I think is surprising to see people here celebrating impunity of the highest order in a supposed democratic regime, there's no doubt that Nigerian judges are very corrupt, but can the president be bold enough to arrest the judges that has spoken in his favour? This is purely an act to intimidate other judges to work on his favour, even the roothless military junta of Sani Abacha and IBB never acted like this; but today the claimed educated in Nigeria are celebrating every nasty moves made by this stark illiterate, that is to show the level of education they operated in Nigeria, this nonsense can't even happen in Zimbabwe or Somalia.

You are so ignorant!

You prefer the nation's resources to be stolen and nothing happens?

I knew it

I've always known it

I should have known that one person that will support if not bring up the motion with be His Excellency, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio.


He is always there when looting state funds and bribery is concerned.


He will soon be invited after bribing his way to the senate and bribery his way too to install his puppet, Governor Udom Emmanuel.


Shame! Ino asuk ade ino!

Religious jamboree... See his sit and staff, intimidating people with their own money.

Smh

You are still a child! So keep quiet and listen to elders.

When Akpabio was sworn in as governor you were just 9 nine years old meaning you knew nothing about democracy that started when you were just one year old talk less of the state that is 11 years older than you.

You have nothing to say, your conciousness came alive only in Akpabio's era that's why you see him as all in all.

Read your history book lad, Akwa Ibom is beyond PDP and Akpabio with his stealing cronies.

And talking about a man in Ikoyi, I bet you that man has transformed Lagos! Have you been to Lagos before the only state in Nigeria working while you cry for salaries in a state that receives the highest allocation in the country?

Just google Eko Atlantic City, Lagos rail, Oshodi inter change etc

Lagos has the best functional system in Nigeria. Functional hospitals, schools, bus system, rail, fire service, security, markets etc

Keep quiet small boy, Lagos is not in your league all thanks to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. From Tinubu to Fashola to Ambode keeping Lagos in front.

The Nigerian youth is a failure. Oil exploration is good for the economy, more oil means more money for Nigeria yet ignorant youths will criticize out of hate for the president.


Wise up folks!

uniklinkum:
Both demagogues are world class losers and racists, to even think black people support these two people that hate them with all there mind is pathetic. Anyway to all em supporting the trampy one, he is going to lose big come November.. the Khan family controversy is just the last straw for the republican party, mass endorsement for Hillary from gop stakeholders to follow next week.

hahaha... You comment is very funny. Does the black man have respect for himself? A black man first of all doesn't love his fellow black man.

The black man doesn't deserve to be respected. Why? This is a man that will steal his country's money meant for development and keep in Europe and America while his country looks like a war torn zone. The black man is excited when he gets a visa to travel to these countries and feels he is above every other person around.

The black man's continent is perpetually at war with itself meaning you don't have right thinking people who are ready to build their country with their own resources. Trillions of dollars have been stolen from Africa by black men and kept in Europe and America while his country doesn't have basic infrastructures.

They can be racist for all I care, the black man doesn't deserve to be treated well. The black man doesn't contribute anything to the world of science and technology rather they use available resources to buy guns and kill themselves.

There's no point feeling bad because the world can do very well without the black man! They have the right to be racist! It's only a black man that will risk his or her life in a boat in a ocean to cross to Europe, which other people do that as compared to African migrants?

Feel sorry for yourself because these world leaders are saying the fact!

MIKOLOWISKA:
what's the difference between what I said and the daftness you just displayed. what's the difference between Nnpc and Nnpc retail
your mumu den cook am from village

The more you try to sound knowledgeable the more you exposed your ignorance.



I will just ignore you!

They don't even look llike street traders









Wayo

MIKOLOWISKA:
can you see your life.
No response
You sef how daft you sound
Did nnpc not build mega stations even with abundance of private petrol stations
Mtscheew

Olodo


NNPC has a subsidiary called Retail who is in charge of that!

In trying to sound smart you just exposed yourself!

ramond007:
Buhari is the worst thing that has ever happened to Nigeria,I hate him to my marrows!!!!

That's why you are where you are!

Frustrated

Depressed

Angry

Lonely

Sad...


Good luck to you


Buhari is here to stay! Deal it with or stay in your world of frustration!

admax:
Laura Ikeji - No talent, No Beauty and No benefit to Humanity: Gifted a PORSHE car by sugar daddy;
Nairalanders: Am happy for her. God pick my call etc

Avg. Nigerian Pastor - Prays and preaches for members. Donates to the motherless, widows, orphans etc: Gifted a PORSHE car by an appreciative wealthy member(s)
Nairalanders: Pastors are 419, Pastors are thieves etc.

What a life!
God will help you people that support people like Kim Kardashian flaunting jets but want Pastors to trek to South Africa to preach.

All na the same jor...

Leave that thing

This is nonsense!



Students need to outgrow such childishness!



What is this?


They won't add anything to the society that needs solutions... Half baked graduates from a third rated polytechnic!

Wike is a thug and a clown, he thinks because he is a lawyer (charge and bail anyways) he can manipulate the judiciary.


E no go work!

.

MIKOLOWISKA:
but he can enforce meter distribution.
He can build more power stations.
Stop making excuses for him.
What of housing, is that also dependent on militants cease fire.
Abeg mowu hia word

Always comment with the context!

He can build more power stations really?




If I tell you that you don't know the job of the minister, you'll get angry, always rushing to comment on issues they have no clue about



Let me educate you, electricity generation in Nigeria privatised! understood?

yaki84:



when akwaibom beggar suddenly becomes fashole spokesman on nairaland, u know say the hustle is real.

i don beg you for money before?



Sorry try again later ipob yoot!

yaki84:



when akwaibom beggar suddenly becomes fashole spokesman on nairaland, u know say the hustle is real.

i don beg you for money before?



Sorry try again later ipob yoot!

It's funny when Nigerians will jump on this thread and criticise the minister for the comment. If you ask Nigerians, do you pay your light bills? They will get defensive on why they shouldn't pay but they expect stable electricity from where now? Some people owe electricity companies hundreds of thousands and they have light almost 24 hrs yet rrefusesto pay for it!


That is why the distribution companies are in debt because you have refused to pay your bill, you bypass the meter and use electricity free of charge but will still ccome online to condemn and criticise a man who is doing his very best!


Pay your bills and taxes so that government can have money to execute projects!


Note Fashola is not controlling anything, the electricity generation of this ccountry is in private hands.

Good news!



You won't see the wailers here

nigerianvenom:


They can only rant and keep ranting without bin objective on issues like this.
Tomakint, thomasthomas,

Akpabio asslicker, you had better leave me alone and continue licking your masters ass!

Absolute Nonsense!



Post UTME is just a corrupt means for Universities to make money from students! Why should a candidate pay twice to be admitted into the University?


The question I'm asking and will still continue to ask is, since the inception of Post UTME don't we still have people graduating with Third Class and Pass or some even Fail and drop out? So what's this noise about selecting good and bad students?


ASUU should go and sit down or they go on their useless strike as usual!


If I'm the FG any University that wants to go against the decision should have their VC and governing council sacked! Damn it! Enough of this nonsense!

Excellent!



Let me also add, when Sanusi exposed the $20bn fraud in NNPC he was sacked as CBN yet President Jonathan wasn't called a tyrant!

When Ms Oruma Otteh was harassed by the House of Representatives members during the hearing of NSE, they were not tyrants and she even exposed Hon. Hembe


Leave sentiments out of this! Let he or she ewho borrowed money pay back! They are complaining because its not business as usual and Nigeria should stop supporting those that are frustrating their future rather they should raise their voice against them than fight eor fellow struggling compatriot!

When the going was good, no one remembered you, when the going gets good again no one will remember you, so what's the fuss?

Millerz:
Oga, I'm not trying to paint P.H in a good light. I was only stating facts.

The bolded is a big fat lie. If anyone tells you they live in PH and are scared to leave their home when its past 7, then that person must have some serious brain damage or psychological issues.

Okada doesn't operate anywhere in P.H and this has been on since 2007 or thereabouts. Maybe you're referring to other L.G.As in Rivers but definitely not P.H. And even at that, the banning of Okadas was about the frequent deaths/accidents and nuisance being caused by Okadas.

I only cited Lagos as an example.

My dear come and see ooo

You said nothing of such happens often in PH, then now this

PH is a den of cultist, armed robbers and kidnappers

https://www.nairaland.com/3191455/student-cultist-caught-stealing-uniport-photos

orisa37:
Now imagine yourself as a father with no ordinary GCE. Despite your poor conditions, you're able to send your son abroad to get a PhD and come back to raise your standard. But you wouldn't let him perform at all, let alone try, because you're confused and lack understanding of your son's international approach to development and progress. The Constitution is there which gives relevant and adequate immunity to all ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES during their tenure in office. Why should Devil(Eartum) get into one against the other to prevent the other from performing?

Let Saraki and Ekeweremadu face the music for forgery, you have nothing to gain, you are not even related to either to them.

Your position is just pure hatred for the President. Carry on hating.

VERDA:


Your very right about our politicians,sometimes the quiet ones are worse and about how a child should act but sadly most children are not wise or matured enough to grasp the concept of healthy competition,an 8 year old does not know or understand what a healthy competition is,all he/she will perceive is daddy and mummy seem to like Okon more than me ignoring their own inadequacies,plus i do not think parents should nuture an environment where their young children compete for their love and attention,all I am saying is that it is the parents job to set and enforce the rules including deciding shores,rewarding and purnishing accordingly,that way every child knows the repercussion for his/her action or inaction.Same rules for all.Your analogy might of course work for healthy young adults who are more matured.

Well it depends on how the parents go about it. It's not meant to bring disaffection but to show the children that there is reward for handwork!

I remember in my primary school days, if I'm amongst the first three in the class, I usually get extra chicken and toys that will make my siblings too work hard to enjoy the goodies next term.

It works for children even more, children are very competitive. If you go to a school and see how these children work hard to outdo their classmates in termimal exams then you'll know they understand these things. It's all a way to make them work hard.

Millerz:
Wasnt it around this time last year that we kept hearing of Bank Robbery day after day in Lagos? accompanied by frequent broad day light robberies on mainland bridge?

Understand me. PH is safe. However other parts of Rivers state aren't as safe as PH. Whenever you hear of cult killings, there's a 90% possibly that it didn't happen in P.H. Such things happen mostly in Omoku and the neighbouring L.G.As, they hardly occur in P.H.

I'm not saying they don't happen in P.H, they do but not often. Even the Lagos that is portrayed by the media to be safe was where I met suspected fraudsters/kidnappers last year, but that is another story.

How did Lagos even come into the picture? We are discussing PH here and for you to speak as if you have all the facts is funny. Now one said Lagos is completely safe I don't know why you want to use that analogy but PH right from time has been a very volatile place. Things were a little calm during the Amaechi era but towards the end when political became rife, insecurity picked up again.

I know you are trying your best to paint PH in good light but not that most people don't leave their houses after 7pm in some places in PH not even the outskirts like you said! Just recently, okada operations have been banned in some LGAs something that wasn't there before and of this is not a pointer to the security situation in PH and Rivers State as a whole then continue the image laundering of a volatile city.