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Keyamo: Why I Will Keep Two Jobs; Says It Is Not Public Funds

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Festus Keyamo, a serving Minister in President Mohamadu Buhari’s administration has said he has not broken any law for accepting to serve as a spokesman for the Presidential Campaign Council of Bola Tinubu.

Reacting to remarks by a Civil Society Organization, (CSO) in a statement, Keyamo explained that there is no conflict of interest between his official duties and political activities.

The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to a statement by a certain CSO alleging a conflict of interest between my role as a Campaign Spokesperson and as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Firstly, without meaning to demean them, these are people fully aligned to opposition parties but disguising as CSOs. We know them.

“I cannot recall a single statement like this from these people throughout the PDP era when PDP Ministers were fully involved in Presidential campaign activities.

“For instance in 2015, my brother, Special Duties Minister, Kabiru Turaki, served as the Deputy Director-General (North) of the PDP/Jonathan Campaign Council.

“These characters kept mum. So, you can be sure that this is PDP speaking through one of their NGOs. Secondly, I am a full member of my Party, the APC, and I am entitled to participate in Party activities.

“My dues to my party is deducted every month from my meagre salary and sent to the Party. Being a Director in a campaign Council is like every other party activity.

“They want to deny me my fundamental human right to freedom of association because I am a Minister. Thirdly, there is no conflict of interests.

“I fail to see any. Am I using public resources to campaign? Not at all. We have an APC campaign office and I have my well-furnished private chambers, better equipped than my Minister’s Office.

“Even the car I use to media interviews is not a Ministry car. Since I became a Minister, the Ministry has not provided a SINGLE car for my personal use.

“I have been sacrificing for the nation with my personal cars and resources. This is now on record and my Permanent Secretary can attest to this.

“I grant interviews after my day’s work or at weekends or at break time. Fourthly, Campaign Directors are volunteers; at least I am. We are not paid a single salary or allowance for our work, so the allegation of double privilege (whatever that means) is incorrect.

“Fiftly, what does the law say? Section 84 of the Electoral Act clearly states that political appointees are to resign if they are to contest for any party position or any public office.

“No mention was made of ad hoc appointments for party activities. So, strictly speaking, no law is being violated here.

“Therefore the so-called position of these people are untenable, ill-informed and consequently rejected.  They are jittery about the stout defence of our party and Government we are putting up and the unblemished projection of Asiwaju BOLA Ahmed Tinubu (our candidate) that we are making.

“I am sorry to disappoint them, but I will serve my country and I will serve my party.”

Costa Rica 2022: Falconets Zoom Into Quarter Finals, Defeat South Korea

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Falconets of Nigeria continued their impressive outing at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 Female World Cup in Costa Rica with a 1-0 victory over South Korea.

An Esther Onyenezide 82nd minute strike was enough to give the Nigerian Ladies their second win at the World Showpiece .

After over an hour 15 minutes delay due to heavy rainfall which halted the match as the  pitch was waterlogged, the match  commenced with the Falconets giving their Asian opponents a run for their talents.

The South Koreans created more meaningful chances, calling the Falconets Goalkeeper into action on several occasions, but she was equal to the task keeping her clean sheet.

On two occasions, the South Koreans hit the woodwork, but couldn’t get the desired goal.

At the other end, the Nigerians attackers were not sharp, but managed to get two shots on target.

The Falconets made their first attempt to score a goal in the third minute through Bashirat Amoo, who tried a long-range effort from a free kick but it was calmly saved by South Korea keeper Kim Kyeong-Hee.

In the 22nd minute, the Koreans went on the attack again with Lee Soo-In hitting a long-range strike but the ball hit the woodwork.

With four minutes left in the first half, Amoo made a long-range strike which went off target.

Five minutes into the second half, Onyenezide tried a long cross into the area on the back of a pouring attack but South Korea’s keeper rose high to claim the ball.

In the 82nd minute, the goal finally came thanks to a brilliant long-range strike from Onyenezide which flew past the Korean keeper into the back of the net.

The powerful strike from outside the box by Esther Onyenezide gave the Falconets the desired Three points to the delight of Nigerian supporters at the San Jose stadium, with a delighted Coach Christopher Danjuma jumping with ecstasy

The Koreans pushed forward for the equalizer but could not break down a resilient Falconets defence.

The Falconets will face Canada in their final group game on Wednesday by 3.00am Nigerian time.

In the other Group match, France defeated Canada 3-1 to keep their hopes of booking a place in the Quarter Finals alive.

Nigeria has automatically qualified for the Quarter Finals and lead the Group with Six Points, with its two closest rivals, France and South Korea tied on three points apiece.

France face South Korea in their last Group match. The winner of the match will join Nigeria in the knockout phase.

2023: Speaker Gbajabiamila Says Youths Will Determine Who Wins

By
James Orji
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The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has urged youths to make the wise choice in choosing their candidates as the future of the country depends on it. He said young persons will determine who wins at every level.

Gbajabiamila spoke on the heels of the upsurge in the participation of young persons in the electoral process ahead of the make-or-mar 2023 elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC recently disclosed that out of the over 12 million newly registered voters close to nine million were young persons.

There has also been an up tip in the participation of young persons in the campaign of candidates of their choice, both on social media and other platforms, watchers of the political process say.

Speaking Gbajabiamila said whatever choice the youths make this time around will determine whether the country will move forward or not.

The Speaker who spoke virtually to participants at a Youth and Social Development Summit, organised by the Gbaja Professionals Volunteers Network, GPVN in Abuja to mark the 2022 edition of the United Nations International Youth Day, said Nigeria’s future “will depend greatly on the choices young people make in the lead-up to that election and at the polling booth.”

According to him, “It is unfortunate that the political conversations about the forthcoming elections have become dominated by the loud voices of division and derision for whom politics is a contact sport designed to inflict the greatest harm on the individuals and the body politic.

“These voices have elevated fake news over facts and the politics of grievance and victimhood over studied consideration of the policy questions and answers that will determine the fate of the young people who make up the majority of our population.

“You must resist this. It is time for the voices of reason and compromise, whose manifest desire is to be part of the solution, to seize the debate, and make their voices heard.

“This summit is part of that effort to refocus the public debate on matters of substance and consequence, and I am honoured to be associated with it”.

2023: Police Warn Tinubu, Obi’s Supporters Against Violence

By
James Orji
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Nigerian Police Force, NPF has warned the supporters of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP to eschew violence ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The Force issued the warning against the backdrop of violent comments and verbal exchanges among the supporters of the frontline presidential hopefuls, particularly on social media.

Obi had recently cautioned his supporters to avoid violence while campaigning for him after Tinubu alleged that the LP candidate’s supporters are attacking him.

Peter Obi
Obi: Cautioned Supporters Against Violence

“We have come to a point where it becomes imperative to tell Obi to show leadership and disavow his supporters who are employing fake news and disinformation as deliberate tools to deceive and poison the minds of unsuspecting Nigerians,” Bayo Onanuga, spokesman of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation, TCO said in a tweet. .

The police have therefore warned the candidates and their supporters that any threat to life is a criminal offense, and violates the Electoral Act.

Speaking to The Punch, Olumuyiwa Adejobi the Force’s spokesman said the police will prosecute those who engage in violent campaigns.

Adejobi said anyone who felt threatened should report to the police for appropriate action.

According to him, “Threats to life is a criminal offense, and everyone has the right to take up cases against anyone who threatens their life or engages in an act capable of making their life precarious or causing a problem in the country.

“Hence, whosoever feels threatened is at liberty to approach the police formally, for necessary action.

“The Electoral Act is clear on electoral offences and appropriate punishments. Also, our criminal laws can be applied in handling election-related crises. We have our laws and we are duty-bound to enforce them at all times.

“While we urge all political actors to be law-abiding and desist from violating the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, we will always engage relevant stakeholders, especially politicians, in deliberations, from time to time, on how to have a seamless exercise in 2023.”

Atiku Vs. Wike: PDP Reconciliatory Meeting Holds, Governors Wade In

By
The Source
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Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike

By Gideon Njoku

Unless there is a last minute  change, a meeting of the warring Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, factions will hold in Abuja on Monday.

The meeting is between Team Atiku and Team Wike.

It is not the only meeting slated to resolve the festering crisis which, if not contained, could be a drawback to the beginning of the campaign, proper.

Governors under the umbrella of the Party, this medium gathered, have resolved to wade into the crisis and make peace between its two heavyweights.

The wrangling between the Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, and the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has for weeks on end, been threatening to tear the party into two factions and so, affect its 2023 aspiration.

Trouble started in the Party when Atiku beat Wike to a second place during the PDP Presidential Primary held in Abuja. Shocked at his defeat and what he saw as a betrayal, Wike stormed out of the venue.

He felt betrayed, both by his erstwhile strong political ally, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who, at the venue, withdrew from the race and asked his supporters to vote Atiku, and the indiscreet action of the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who visited Tambuwal hours after the Primary, and hailed him as “the hero of the Convention.”

In 2019, Wike had backed Tambuwal against Atiku.

From the beginning, Wike was against an Atiku taking part in the Presidential Primary, insisting it “is the turn of the South.” Not a few PDP members and non- members, had the same opinion, especially, as the National Chairman, Ayu, is a Northerner. No one region produces both the Chairman and the Presidential candidate at the same time.

The PDP did when it, surprisingly, threw the race open.

However, the crisis took a turn for the worse when Atiku picked Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate, instead of Wike who, according to the Chairman of the Committee set up to screen possible running mates for Atiku, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, topped the shortlisted three which included Okowa and the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel.

Wike and his supporters hit the roof. Wike’s anger over the way he was treated, knew no bounds. He has, since then, given the Party space, shunned all appeals at reconciliation, and has instead,  been directly and indirectly, threatening the party as well as having an open, uncomfortable romance with high profile members of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The PDP is worried over this romance.

No doubt, the crisis, if not checked, is likely to harm PDP at the polls. To lose Rivers State is a big deal.

However, there seems to be a glimmer of hope that the issues will be sorted out.

According to our sources, a meeting of Team Atiku and Team Wike is scheduled to hold today, Monday, August 15, 2022 to sort things out.

Among other things, the source said one of the requests Team Wike will make is that Ayu steps down as the National Chairman and make way for a Southerner to emerge.

In an interview with ARISE TV, recently, Atiku had said Ayu would step down as soon as he, Atiku, wins the Presidential election. This is neither here nor there. He has not won yet, and who knows who will win in a race already being touted as a three-horse race between Atiku, Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, and the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu.

But Atiku’s submission contradicted Ayu’s earlier stand. Ayu had said he would step down as National Chairman if a Northerner emerged the Party’s Presidential candidate. He has, since Atiku’s emergence, sat tight.

Those expected at the reconciliatory meeting, among others are:

Camp Wike

*Professor Jerry Gana, PDP Board of Trustees member, who, the other day, hosted a meeting between Atiku and Wike, the first since Okowa’s choice.

*Bello Adoke, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice under the Goodluck Jonathan Government

*H.E. Donald Duke, former Governor, Cross Rivers State

*H.E. Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor, Ondo State.

*H.E. Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Governor, Gombe State.

Camp Atiku

* H.E. Ahmadu Finitri, Governor, Adamawa State who, a couple of days ago, visited Wike in PH, apparently, on the behest of Atiku.

*Hon Adamu Waziri, former Minister of Police Affairs.

*Hon Eyitayo Jegede, SAN

* H E Sen Liyel Imoke, former Governor, Cross Rivers State.

*Engr. Jide Adeniji

Not a few PDP faithfuls are praying for a fruitful meeting.

Buratai Demands N10b From Sahara Reporters

By
The Source
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Buratai and Sowore

By Gideon Njoku

A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, is hoping to be N10 billion richer than he is. And wants that  whopping amount of money from Sahara Reporters.

The, now, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, says the Media House  defamed him and injured his character.

He has, therefore, sued the publication at an Abuja High Court, demanding the sum.

The suit is a consequence of a report published by the publication which alleged that Buratai stashed the sum of N1.8billion in one of his properties in Wuse, Abuja, which was discovered during a raid on the property by the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC. Discovered and impounded too, according to the report, were a good number of assorted luxury vehicles. All, including the alleged cash, the publication said, are  suspected to be for the Nigerian Army which Buratai headed before his retirement and appointment as an Ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari, and were meant to prosecute the war against insurgency.

Buratai denied the allegations, and insisted he had no such property in Wuse, and that no property of his was raided by the ICPC.

The ICPC in a clarification, exonerated Buratai, and said no property of his was

raided, but admitted it raided a property owned by an Army Contractor.

In the suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/252/2022,  filed at an FCT High Court by Buratai’s Counsel, Dr Reuben Atabo, SAN, the former Army Chief is not only asking for N10 billion, he is also asking for a retraction of the story, and an apology to be published in two National Newspapers and in Sahara Reporters as well. He, also, wants the publication to desist from a further publication of any libelous or defamatory write-up against him.

Gunmen Attack Police Division, Abduct DSP

By
The Source
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Nigeria Police Force

By Charles Igbo

Daring gunmen have attacked a Police Division in Abia State, and abducted a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP.

The DSP, identified as Dickson, was the Divisional Crime Officer, DCO.

The Attack on Mbala Divisional Police Division, in Isuochi Community, Umunneochi Local Government Area, Isiukwuato, Abia State, has been described worrisome and unfortunate by the Abia Police Command spokesperson, Geoffrey Ogbonna.

The Attack was said to have been resisted by Policemen as there was a thunderous shoot-out between the hoodlums and the Police, but nobody could stop them from abducting the unfortunate DSP, an indigene of Enugu State.

Umunneochi has become very notorious for the activities of hoodlums and the number of abductions in the area.

24 hours after the attack on the Police facility, the Deputy Registrar of the Spiritan University, Nneochi, Rev. Fr. Dr. Chinedu Nwadike, and a Seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor, were abducted in the same community  on their way to Enugu. Their abductors have made a ransom demand of N50m.

On May 31, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Kanu Uche, his Chaplain and the Methodist Bishop of Owerri Diocese, were abducted along that stretch on their way to Imo Airport. A whopping sum of N100m was paid for their release.

Reports say the abducted DCO has a couple of years before his retirement from service. No contact has been made by his abductors.

The Abia Police Command says efforts are in top gear to locate and secure freedom for him.

In A Second Attempt, Rev. Fr., Seminarian, Abducted; Ransom Is N50m

By
The Source
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Chinedu Nwadike- Spiritan University

By Charles Igbo

The Deputy Registrar of Spiritan University Nneochi, SUN, Rev. Fr. Chinedu Nwadike, a Catholic Priest,  has been abducted  by gunmen.

Abducted along with Fr. Nwadike on Friday, August 12, 2022, is a Seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor.

It is not known, exactly, where they were abducted as there are two versions in circulation.

While one version said they were abducted in front of the University, as soon as they drove out of the University’s gate, another said they were kidnapped on Umunneochi-Ihube Road by the Enugu-Okigwe Road.

They are, however, agreed that the abductors have made contacts with families, asking for the sum of N50m for their release.

The Fr. is a native of Nkwerre, Imo State.

A family source is quoted as saying: “Rev. Fr. Dr. Chinedu Nwadike (CssP), from Umuezeanoruo, Eziama Nkwerre LGA, Imo State, and a young Seminarian, Emmanuel Nwafor (Pre-postulant), were on Friday, 12th August, 2022, kidnapped on their way to Enugu State, Umunneochi area, along Enugu-Okigwe road.

“Both are members of the Holy Ghost Congregation Missionaries, living their lives of sacrifice and selflessness in service to a better society.

“He is currently the Deputy Registrar of SUN, Spiritan University Nneochi.”

However, another source said he was kidnapped as soon as he drove out of University gate. The source also revealed that an attempt had been made before now to kidnap the Rev. Fr., but that he miraculously escaped even after some gun shots were directed at him.

Said the source: “Fr. Chinedu  Nwadike was kidnapped August, 12th, 2022, at Nneochi area shortly after driving out of the gate of his University, Spiritan University Nneochi, SUN, on his way to Enugu.”

It is not known if the abduction was random or if the Rev. Fr. was specifically targeted, in which case, somebody must have divulged his itinerary to his abductors.

Said the source: “This is the second attempt to kidnap him in recent time. In the first attempt, they shot directly at him, but he managed to escape. But this time, they succeeded and are said to be demanding a ransom of N50m. Curiously, a Military checkpoint is located around the place.”

That stretch is notorious for the activities of kidnappers the Military checkpoint, notwithstanding.

Recall that the Methodist Church Prelate, Samuel Kanu Uche, was kidnapped along the same stretch on May 31, 2022, along with his Chaplain and the Bishop of Owerri Diocese. The Prelate was on his way to the Imo Airport to take a flight back to Lagos after a Pastoral visit to Umunneochi. Their kidnappers were paid a whopping N100m which was delivered to them within  24 hours.

On release, he made allegations against the soldiers in the area, insisting he strongly suspected a connivance between them and their kidnappers who he identified as Herdsmen.

The youths in the area protested the Prelate’s ordeal by blocking the Enugu-Porthacourt express Road and asked for the sack of Military checkpoints in the area.

Fr. Nwadike’s brother, Chikezie said the family has embarked on prayers for his release and that of the Seminarian.

There is no statement from the Police, yet, at the time of filing this report.

2023: Peter Obi’s Supporter Tackles Activist, Deji Adeyanju, Accepts $10,000 Bet; Optimistic

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Deji Adenyanju and Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

An ardent supporter of the Presidential aspiration of Peter Obi, Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate who identified himself as Ben, has dared activist, Deji Adeyanju, and accepted a-$10,000 bet with him on Obi’s emergence as President of Nigeria come 2023.

The ‘Team Obident’ supporter said that Adeyanju has been picking on Obi and attacking his person by saying categorically that the former Anambra Governor would come a distant third at the February 2023 polls.

Adeyanju had offered a bet of $10,000 to anyone who has the guts to imagine Obi would win the polls, stressing that Obi would come third behind Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and People Democratic Party, PDP, Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The Obi supporter in a viral video told Adeyanju that, “I want you to understand that I have made my comments and I am not satisfied so I am taking you to your words, and basically placing a bet with you with the sum of $10,000, and I want you to also display your own cash in the next one hour after seeing this video for me know and make sure you have the said $10,000 and you have access to go your money, send me an account of a reputable Nigeria with an agreement. Let’s bet this that Peter Obi wins this election In February 2023.

“I will credit the account you send and you also will wire yours and we sign an ageeemrn agreement. We can do Zoom call. I am taking you to your own words. I am Peter Obi supporter, I am based in Nigeria and abroad, and I hate what is happening in Nigeria my country, and I strongly believe that Peter Obi is the answer. You are on the wrong side of history”, the ‘OBI-dient’ supporter told Adeyanju.

Gov Akeredolu Harps On Religious Tolerance

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, went a step further on Sunday when he preached the political gospel of ‘Emi Lokan’ to the church congrgation and  emphasized the need for the people to shun religious division.

Governor Akeredolu urged that Nigerians should not allow religion to bring quarrels among them.

The Governor reiterated his position on Southern Presidency, stressing that time has come to rotate power to the South in the interest of justice, equity and fairness.

He spoke at the Agape International Church 34th Annual Convention 2022, held in Akure. The theme of the convention is, “This is my Time.”

While pointing out that the people have always lived together in harmony despite their religious differences, Governor Akeredolu gave a practical example of Her Excellency, Omolewa Ahmed, wife of former Governor of Kwara State who is married to a Muslim.

”The theme of the convention is, “This is my Time”, that is, ‘Emi Lokan’. So, if you are now saying this is your time, what is the meaning in Yoruba?

“It is ‘Emi Lokan.’ The choice of the theme, I’m sure it is something that the Lord Almighty put your mind to do so that it will resonate to “this is my Time, Emi loan.’

“We have a very interesting coincidence here. Today, we have Her Excellency Omolewa, wife of former Governor of Kwara State here.

“I have known her to be a true christian, very true one, leading the altar in her home, in a home where the husband is also a true Muslim. And they are all living together peacefully. That is one example.

“There are so many examples. But I will give one more. There is one of our leaders who is a Muslim and married to a senior Pastor in the Redeemed. We all know Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They all live together. I know in my family that there are Muslims there, and we are not quarreling.

“There are many people here that have both Muslims and Christians as family members and there is no quarrel. Religion should not bring quarrel among us and that is where we stand.

“What we believe and stand by is that since we started this Republic in 1999, we have been rotating power from North to South, and for us, by that rotation, this is the time of South.

“This is our time and nobody is going to take it. ‘Awa lokan’. Wonderful theme for this time. When the theme was chosen,  I’m sure nobody was thinking about ‘Emi lokan’ or anything; but it is just by coincidence.

“God has spoken through Agape that this is our time. I thank you Agape.”

On the compulsory installation of CCTV device in worship centres and other public places, the Governor lauded the church leadership for complying with government directives, saying Agape is security compliant.

Governor Akeredolu also used the occasion to thank God who has made the arrest of attackers of St Francis Catholic Church Owo, possible, saying it is a prayer answered.

He further charged the congregation and all residents of the state to always be security conscious and be alert.

“If you see something, say something. if you hear something, say something. Please let us be watchful and be security conscious. Our security lies in our hands. We must be alert. God will continue to protect all of us.

“Whatever government asked you to do, please comply. Have security men at your gates, have your CCTV cameras and check all new faces before allowing them into your churches.”

The Governor, who warned those acting as informants to kidnappers in the state, stressed that anybody, camp or village that aids and abets kidnappers in the state would be obliterated.

“We will not wait for us to be captured. Nobody can capture us. We are from Ondo State, we are indomitable, we are fighters and we will fight to the last.”

Governor Akeredolu was also celebrated at the convention for his sterling leadership quality.

The General Overseer, Agape International Church, Bishop Felix Adejumo described Governor Akeredolu as the voice of the South West, who has been doing a lot to protect not only the people of Ondo State but the entire South-West region.

Earlier, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, who delivered his sermon on the theme of the Convention, “This is my Time”, prayed that time has come for the congregation to receive all the good things they have been praying and waiting for.

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