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Mbaka Chides, Defies Catholic Church; Says Mother-Church Cowed- Down To Lilliputian

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka

By Adesina Soyooye

“Anybody who will stop people from worshipping here will regret it. I am the Servant here”

By Adesina Soyooye

The stage is set for what could be an epic battle between the the Leadership of the Catholic Church, Enugu, and one of its Priests, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka.

Back from a forced 30-day retreat meant for him to search his soul, Mbaka in his first service to the congregation at the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, AMEN, broke all the instructions given to him by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, His Lordship Callistus Onaga.

Fr. Mbaka not only dared the Bishop, he chided the Catholic Church, and stopped short of asking the Bishop: “What can you do?”

Fr. Mbaka is the Founder and Spiritual Director of AMEN, which boasts of a congregation clearly sold on him, and seems more loyal to him than the Catholic Church.

Mbaka built his fame on his claims to being a Seer, and a  Prophet. He is at home with Politicians and makes mostly political predictions.

A good number of his predictions and what he says became so controversial that they made the Church uncomfortable.

Politicians flocked his Ministry, and his Church, became unarguably, the richest Church in that part of the country.

A rabid supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Government, Mbaka, however, fell out with the Presidency when he recently made an astonishing about-turn, accused Buhari of bad governance and asked him to resign from office, failing which he asked the National Assembly to impeach him.

The Presidency dismissed him as a Contractor-Priest, revealing in a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, that he turned against Buhari because the President did not give him contract.

Mbaka did not deny. He said it was not personal; that all he did was to introduce three foreign contractors to the President who were capable of helping Nigeria security-wise. Not a few people found his explanation untidy.

Embarrassed, Bishop Onaga made to call him to order by asking him to shut-down AMEN for 30 days, and go on a Spiritual retreat. But Mbaka wouldn’t have it.

On the day he went to see the Bishop, and was kept for one day, members of his congregation embarked on a violent protest, destroying both the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Court.

On coming out, he did not condemn the violence, instead, he applauded them for their action, an action which the Catholic Church saw as a sacrilege.

The Bishop declared a seven-day fasting period.

A few days later, a contrite Mbaka apologised to both the Church and the Bishop. Finally, he embarked on the forced Spiritual retreat, a polished way to say he was on a 30 day suspension.

A day to his resumption a couple of days ago, the Bishop read the riot act  in a letter addressed to him.

Mbaka was banned from political predictions and prophecies for political offices. No more politics from the Pulpit. AMEN was also reduced to a Chaplaincy, and brought under the supervision of the Bishop, even though Mbaka was still left in charge. But, it was made clear to him that he was like any other Priest and could be transferred out,  and another posted to the Chaplaincy.

However, in his first full service, Mbaka defied all those.He said he would never shut -up, and lamented that the Church has been so cowed down it has become a Lilliputian.

He hinted that there was connivance with Security agencies to get him out of the way, but he described the thought of it as dangerous. “Who are they looking for. A dead man? I have been dead since 1995”, He declared.

Mbaka: “I got a call that the DSS people from Abuja came here (Enugu) with a letter of invitation to Abuja. Over what? What I cannot understand is that the Mother-Church in Nigeria should be “cowed down” to Lilliputian.

“The Church is a lion and lamb. The Bible says if the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do. Every Priest is a Prophet and a King. We must protect the sheep.

“In this time, when killings are every day story, when there is hunger everywhere, people do not have hope again. The only hope I have is God. Anybody who will stop people from worshipping here will regret it.

“I am the servant here. They don’t understand history. I spoke against Abacha. I went to Minna to tell Babangida what was wrong in his time. I spoke to Obasanjo face to face. I perform under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I ministered to the late President Yar’Adua. I am being used by a higher being called the Holy Spirit.

“If they are attacking me here and there, no wahala (no problem). The Bible says if God is for us, who can be against us? Only God can be God. I heard the security people (in his Church)did not accept the letter. They asked them to come on Monday to give me the letter.

“If they know the anointing here is too hot for them, let them change. I will not keep quiet.”

It is not known what step the Church will take, Mbaka having defied its authority. But many are of the opinion that he could resign, or push the Church into taking a drastic action against him.

It is, also, not known if the DSS would still invite him or not, or why he is being invited.

Igangan Massacre: Akintoye Says War Has Been Declared Against Yoruba Land By FG-Backed Fulani Terrorists

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Banji Akintoye

By Ayodele Oni

The Leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye, has issued a red alert to the Yoruba people, urging them to use whatever means to defend themselves.

According to him, the early Sunday attack on the people of Igangan, Oyo State, by the alleged Fulani Terrorists, was a declaration of war against the peace-loving Yoruba People.

Prof Akintoye, in a statement he personally signed, accused the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of backing  Terrorist Herdsmen that have been maiming, killing and raping the Yoruba people.

He advised Yoruba people to arm themselves with whatever they could lay their hands upon to defend their land against external aggression.

“It must now be clear to all Yoruba people of all classes and economic circumstances that war has come in a big way to our homeland.

“This war has been coming relentlessly for five years, but some of our own people failed to understand the full intent and impact of it. Some have thought the answer is to do one constitutional or political thing to Nigeria and the war would go away.

“But we must now all know that such propositions concerning Nigeria are blatantly unrealistic.

“And indeed these endanger Yorubaland, the Yoruba people and the Yoruba civilization by diverting the attention of our people from the manifest reality of our time.

“We now call on all Yoruba people at home and abroad to focus on the danger of the moment in a manner that will be powerful enough to preserve our nation and civilization.

“First we call on our State Governors to push aside all the constitutional objections that have been constantly raised from certain quarters whenever our governors have taken measures to defend our people.

We are particularly grateful to Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State and all other Governors who support him in the patriotic and manly statement that he has issued on the Igangan disaster.

“We repeat what we have said again and again that we will stand fully and powerfully behind our Governors in any measure that they may adopt to defend our people.

“We say to our state Governors your first constitutional duty is to ensure the security of life and property in our Yoruba states. In the face of that important task, constitutional and political finesse and obstructions are a danger to the lives and property of our people.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, has failed woefully to protect the Yoruba people, along with other indigenous peoples of the Nigerian South and the middle belt against these invading, marauding forces.

“In fact when we consider all the behavior of the Federal Government in the face of this danger to the indigenous peoples and citizens of Nigeria, we can not avoid the conclusion that the Federal Government is a sponsor of the terror in our land.

“The Federal Government started by saying and doing nothing about the terrorism while apparently instructing the security agencies to do nothing to confront the terrorism.”

TB Joshua: Foreigners Leave In Droves, As Uncertainty Hangs Over SCOAN’s Future

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Synagogue Church

By Akinwale Kasali

The fate of foreigners at the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, and the Church hangs on the balance following the death of its founder, Pastor TB Joshua, as economic activities in the area is heavily affected

The heavy presence of armed Mobile Policemen and Military Personnels at the entrance of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN, was unprecedented. The movement of worshippers in the Church compound was  sober, a reflection of the sorrow they are battling with.

They were not allowed into the Church auditorium, but were allowed to sign the condolence register placed at the entrance of the auditorium.

Seen in small groups were women, men, youths and others, discussing the passing of the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua.

Just as the reporter was walking out of the Church following the restriction of Journalists from entering by security men at the Church, a Coaster bus, full of foreigners, was seen being driven out of the Church premises. A Police escort was leading the Bus.

On enquiry from some of the worshippers who pleaded anonymity, they  told this news medium that some of them were returning to their countries following the death of the founder of the Church.

In his words, “A lot of the foreigners have been leaving in droves because of the uncertainty of what the future holds for them.

“Some of them will go back to their Country’s embassies so that there return to their country will be facilitated by their Consulate”.

The Journalist probed further of speculations that some of the foreigners had their passport held, on their behalf by the late TB Joshua, while some were saving money with him.

Responding, the source said that some of the foreigners had planned to spend the rest of their lives in the vineyard of God, but this unfortunate incident has made them rescind their decisions.

On who takes over the saddle of the Church after his demise, the source said that the Church was in a fix because the next step will be determined by the Church Leadership and the disciples of the Late Prophet.

Pastor T. Chris is a known figure in the Church and a protégé of the Late TB Joshua. He could be said to be the second in command to the Late Joshua, as he usually anchors Church services when the late Pastor is out of the country.

There is speculation that there could be a power tussle between Pastor Evelyn Joshua, wife of TB Joshua, who also is a known figure in the Church.

Though she isn’t all that pronounced like other wives of popular and prominent Men of God, she was a pillar behind her husband.

“She has been at the backline and an unknown face supporting her late husband behind the scene,” a source said.

Shops and businesses within the Church and outside the Church were closed, as commercial activities were put on halt.  The owners were mourning the exit of the Man of God.

Lamenting is the Manager of De One Lodge Hotel, opposite the Church, which also houses a lot of foreigners and tourists who came visiting.

The Manager said that no doubt their business will be heavily affected, because their major customers are members of the Church.

“It was basically because of the Church that our Chief Executive Officer, who is late, opened this hotel.

“We experience huge patronage mostly from the Church, prompting us to build another outlets within the area.

“This is a great loss to Bolorunpelu Land. TB Joshua greay impacted us. He even assisted our CEO when he wanted to build the other outlet. He supported us because he knew the Church hotel and houses couldn’t accommodate the influx of people coming to the Church. We have lost a legend and a gift to humanity”.

The death of TB Joshua came  few weeks after the demise of the Baale of Bolorunpelu, High Chief Abubakar Tiamiyu Adewusi, the community that houses SCOAN.

Son of the late Baale, Kazeem Adewusi, said that the death of Joshua is a big blow to the community, Egbe Idimu Local Council Development Area, Alimosho Local Government, Lagos and Nigeria as a nation.

Adewusi said the development the community witnessed through grading of the roads, interlocking of roads, Installation of transformer, Corporate Social Responsibility and development of the Community are the handiwork of TB Joshua.

“This is a colossal loss. You could see that shops aren’t opened because the death of TB Joshua is still like a dream. He impacted lives. He was a friend to all.

“I remember vividly three weeks ago when he visited the Palace of the Late Baale to pay a condolence visit. He prayed with the widows and children of the late Baale. He brought foodstuffs and also gave the widows N500,000. The youths of the community also enjoyed the largesse.

“During the Covid-19 Pandemic, he gave us foodstuffs like Rice, Oil and Spaghetti and N5,000 each. Ha, I can’t still believe he is no more. We pray that God give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

Churches in the area were said not to hold Sunday Services in their respective Churches just to mourn the exit of TB Joshua.

Sunday June 6, 2021, was the Juvenile Harvest of Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Worldwide, and it is a doctrine for them to do a rally to mark the celebration.

This was however stopped because of the news of the death of TB Joshua.

The Youth leader of the Community, Pastor Adio, founder of Gospel of Christ Apostolic Church, said that TB Joshua was a blessing to the community and the nation at large.

He recalled how the Late Man of God gave the community Two Transformers for the installation and even tarred the road of the community.

“This is so painful. It will take a lot of time before people would truly believe he is no more. He impacted lives of both old and young, Christians and Muslim alikes. He was a man of the people. Every festive period, he will give everyone Rice, Oil and N5,000”.

Kunle Salami couldn’t hold back tears as he recounted the lives and time of TB Joshua.

He lamented that his business is heavily affected.

Salami owns a Barbing Saloon in the area, and he said most of his customers are foreigners and tourists from the Church.

He said on weekends, he  usually smiled home to the bank, because he gets at least N1,000 each for every hair he barbed unlike people who live in the community who pay a meagre N300.

“Immediately I heard about his demise, I wept uncontrollably because I know my business is affected. I am thinking of diversifying and looking at another business to venture into. Just like me, other business are on the verge of Collapse”.

Salami stressed that a lot of people rented shops and pay heavily with the optimism of getting back their money and making profit because of the environ and location.

“Those shops you see go for at least N8,000 to N10,000 per month and they have been making profit. How will they feed themselves and family, and also sustain their businesses.

“The presence of the Church boosted businesses in the area. Some people even converted their houses to hotel just to make money and they smiled home to the bank. What is their fate presently?”, He queried.

Adebisi Wasiu, who owns a Supermarket at the area said that no doubt, his business will be affected.

He said his shop was always a point of call for buyers and residents of the Church. But it seems to be the end he said, as the tourists and foreigners will return to their country.

A visit to the House of TB Joshua on Ajisegiri Street, Agodo, Ikotun, saw heavy presence of armed Mobile Policemen and Soldiers who didn’t allow mourners to enter the house, rather, family members, associates and known disciples were the only ones allowed in.

People on his strength spoke well of him, his antecedents and the impactful role he played in the Development of the area, people and organisations.

The Chairman of Egbe Idimu LCDA, Kunle Sanyaolu Olowoopejo, mourned the death of TB Joshua, describing as a gift to humanity, urging People to see his life as a reflection of love to humanity.

It would be recalled that TB Joshua’s Church wasn’t accepted as a member of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and he never related with the association or its leadership.

He once had an issue with House of God Pastor, Chris Okotie, who said that the acclaimed healing power of TB Joshua to the practice of an ancient Asian yoga-like sorcery called Shamanism.

The practice involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to encounter and interact with the spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world.

He added that Joshua was a shaman who he regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits, who typically enters into a trance state during a ritual, and practices divination and healing.

Okotie Lambasted Christ Embassy Church Pastor, Chris Oyakhilome, for fraternising with TB Joshua. Other Pentecostal pastors warned T.B Joshua not to parade himself as a Pentecostal preacher.

“He is an occultist,” says Pastor Anselm Madubuko of the Revival Assembly Church in Lagos, stressing that  he claims he was born again in his mother’s womb. It is tragic that Spirit-filled people are led astray by him.”

“It is puzzling why Americans are drawn to him,” said Ayo Oritsejafor, Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church in Warri and former President of the Christian Association of God, CAN. “Where and when did he get saved? Who is his Pastor? That is what I would like to know.”

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, headed then by Bishop Mike Okonkwo, denounced Joshua as an imposter in a statement.

It said the group had for years warned of “the dangers of infiltrators who have modernized cultism by injecting the name of Jesus Christ into their largely unbiblical practices. It is necessary that we reiterate this position that the Synagogue (of All Nations) falls into this category.”

Interestingly, after the demise of TB Joshua, accolades are being showered on him for his love for humanity and impact on the lives of even the less privileged.

Twitter: Adeboye Flays Ban, Minister Meets Foreign Envoys

By
The Source
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The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Enoch Adejare Adeboye has described federal government’s ban of Twitter as violation of human rights of Nigerians.

The cleric said this on the heels of meeting held by Foreign Affairs Minister, Onyema with ambassadors from UK, EU, US and UN on Monday.

The minister said after the meeting that the ban could be lifted if the blogging site abide with extant rules, noting that the federal government  is taking the missions’ concerns “very seriously”.

Onyema said” We are not saying that Twitter is threatening the country or any such thing; why we have taken this measure is to stop them to be used as platforms for destabilisation and facilitation of criminality or encouragement of criminalities.”

The diplomatic missions had, in a joint statement on Sunday called on the Buhari administration to rescind the decision.

The magazine learnt that the reactions did not go down well with the administration which has faced both local and international backlash over the ban.

Adeboye expressed his feelings  on Monday in a tweet he shared on the microblogging platform. The federal government ban took effect on Saturday night.

He said tweeting is in accordance with Article 19 of the UN universal declaration of human rights.

According to him ” the Redeemed Christian Church of God is domiciled in more than 170 Nations & Territories. The tweets here are in accordance to Article 19 of the UN universal declaration of Human Rights,” the cleric tweeted.

The federal government had on Friday announced the “indefinite” suspension of Twitter owing to “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

The development led to the blocking of access to the micro-blogging platform by MTN, Globacom, Airtel, 9mobile, and other networks.

OPINION: Buhari’s Jekyll-and-Hyde Personality

By
The Source
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Reno Omokri

By Reno Omokri

Please research this: On June 2, 2013, General Muhammadu Buhari responded to the military offensive launched by the Jonathan administration to deal a mortal blow to Boko Haram by granting a press conference in which he described that military offensive against Boko Haram as being against the interest of Northern Nigeria.

The next day, the headlines read ‘The military offensive against Boko Haram is anti-North’- Buhari. And Buhari’s statements not only divided the Armed Forces, they also ended up providing aid and comfort to the enemy (Boko Haram).

Now, consider that exactly eight years later (June 2, 2021), the same Muhammadu Buhari is now an elected President, and he is threatening the Southeast of Nigeria with Civil War 2.0.

It is almost spiritual considering the date and timing. In Scripture, the number eight is figurative of renewal and rebirth. Now, in this case, we see a renewal and rebirth of the hatred, bigotry and ethnic chauvinism that led to the first Nigerian Civil War. And we pray that there shall be no rebirth of that unfortunate time.

How could Buhari have been against a Military offensive against Boko Haram, yet want one against the Southeast?

It is either this is not the same Buhari as the one in 2013, or it is the same Buhari, but he has lost his memory. Which is it?

And it is not just that. There are more inconsistencies that show that we must reassess the state of mind of Buhari.

Consider, for example, that a month ago, Muhammadu Buhari was “appealing” to herdsmen and bandits to stop their acts of terror. And then a month later, another Buhari is threatening the Southeast with Nigerian Civil War 2.0.

How can one man have such a different reaction to similar events? Is this a case of Multiple Personality Disorder? Are we dealing with a Jekyll and Hyde schizophrenic personality? Is Buhari bipolar? What is happening here?

And there are more troubling signs that point to cognitive dissonance on the part of Muhammadu Buhari. Consider the following:

Bandits abduct 330 schoolchildren, then abduct 200 Islamic school pupils. Buhari did not threaten war.

Boko Haram wipes out 1000 soldiers, kills many United Nations medical staff, and occupies huge swathes of Nigerian territory. Buhari did not threaten war.

Herdsmen kill over 5000 Nigerians, and cause even more to become refugees in our neighbouring Benin Republic. Buhari did not threaten war.

Miyetti Allah says that ‘Nigeria belongs to the Fulani’ and asks their members to ignore lawful and constitutional laws from governments in the South and Middle Belt of Nigerian. Buhari did not threaten war.

347 Shiite men, women, children and infants killed in Zaria. Buhari did not threaten war.

Yet! Buhari brings up the Nigerian Civil War to intimidate the Southeast because of the recent insecurity in that region that is nothing compared to what is happening in the North? Again, I urge my readers to research this: No nation fights two civil wars and remains as one nation.

I really do not get Buhari. Not at all. Not at all. He wants to fight unknown gunmen, yet he does not fight the gunmen that are known? Soldiers escorted Gumi to have meetings with bandits. Soldiers escorted Katsina state Governor, Bello Masari, to have negotiations with bandits. If Buhari wants to fight war, let him start with the gunmen that are known!

Why is the Southeast’s case different and deserving of war? I am not understanding!

The statement by the President in which he threatened to “treat them (Igbo of the Southeast) in the language they understand”, is very demonstrative of the mindset of this administration and nobody should be left in any doubt that Nigeria is now in the hands of a warmonger.

The greatest threats to One Nigeria are not Sunday Igboho or Nnamdi Kanu. Both of these men are just symptoms of the disease. The disease is Muhammadu Buhari. If appointments were balanced. If development were even. If herdsmen and bandits that kill us were punished. If Buhari had not said, “those who gave us 5% cannot be treated like those who gave us 97%”, who would talk of Oodua and Biafra?

Buhari has severely diminished the appetite for One Nigeria amongst Southerners. People like me, who still preach unity, are now seen as fools.

We have three arms of government. All headed by Northern Muslim Males. We have 18 military, paramilitary and law enforcement bodies. 15 are headed by Northern Muslim Males. That is not unity. That is dominance. And I will not be dominated. That is the reason for Nigeria’s disunity. Not Sunday Igboho, or Nnamdi Kanu.

I was watching a session at the Nigerian Senate where Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa threatened the Southeast with war. This same Bulkachuwa is from Bauchi, a state whose government recently sounded the alarm that Boko Haram had infiltrated their state. Has Bulkachuwa won that war before he wants to fight the Southeast?

President Buhari and Senator Bulkachuwa’s All Progressives Congress’ Government, through another APC Senator, Ibrahim Geidam, once proposed foreign scholarship for Boko Haram members and only backed down when the heat was too much.

My question is this: Is foreign scholarship the language Boko Haram understands, while war and violence is the language the Southeast understands?

Look, the earlier we face it, the better: Buhari is not fit to be Nigeria’s leader. He is a Northern irredentist. Even in the North, his loyalty is to his tribe, to the exclusion of other Northern ethnicities. Look at his threat of war against the SE. I am ashamed of Nigeria’s current leadership

And then look at this government saying Twitter’s mission in Nigeria is “suspect”. What nonsense! Twitter’s mission to Nigeria was never suspect when Buhari and his goons, under the control of Nasir El-Rufai, were using Twitter to spread lies against then President Goodluck Jonathan and his government.

These guys have not received up to half of what they unleashed on Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and they are now threatening Civil War 2.0. Their chickens have come home to roost. Their children of hate have matured into angry demons, and turned on them, now they want to blame Twitter because blaming is all they know how to do.

You can imagine Buhari threatening Civil War 2 on the Southeast? Take a look at the casualty figures from the war on Boko Haram. It is full of Igbo officers and men. The Igbo are fighting ISWAP in the North and you have the guts to sit in an air-conditioned office in Abuja to threaten their heartland with war? Then you expect these same soldiers of Southeast origin to keep giving you their all and dying to fight Boko Haram?

And to those who think it was only the Igbo peoples of the Southeast that were affected by Muhammadu Buhari’s Civil War 2.0 threat, I hate to burst your bubble.

Foreign Direct Investors heard that threat. International aid organisations heard that threat. International finance corporations heard the threat. At this very moment, they are all being advised by their government to leave Nigeria.

Finance and investments that were on their way to Nigeria are now making a U-turn. Because money is a coward. It runs from where there are threats of war to where there are promises of stability.

As a result of these factors listed above, the economy will shrink. Again. The Naira will be devalued. Unemployment will rise, and the resultant joblessness will lead to a steep rise in the insecurity and crime epidemic facing the nation.

It is beyond the Igbo. It is beyond the Southeast. It will have Naira and Kobo ramifications for all Nigerians. As long as Buhari continues in that office, the problem will not go away. Chances are that it will become worse. Much worse. Much, much worse!

Omokri, a Commentator on National Issues, was an Aide to Former President Goodluck Jonathan

105 Ondo Medical Doctors Resign Over Unpaid Salaries

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ondo Medical Doctors

By Ayodele Oni

No fewer than 105 members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have resigned from the service of Ondo State Government in the last one year.

The Association, in a press statement signed by the NMA State Chairman, Dr. Stella Adegbehingbe and State Secretary, Dr. Olorunfemi Owa, on Monday, blamed the trend on irregular and percentage payment of salaries by the state government.

According to the statement “some departments in the State-owned Teaching Hospital, which could hitherto boast of between six and eight Doctors, are now left with one or two Doctors.

“This makes it practically impossible for the hospital to function at a minimum acceptable level.

“Consequential vacancies in the medical officer cadre need to be urgently filled. About 50 medical Doctors in this cadre have left the employment of the Hospital Management Board without replacement over the last few months.

“Yawning vacancies exist in the Resident Doctor and Consultant cadres at the Teaching Hospital. These have remained difficult to fill due to the haphazard safety payments.

“We have it on good records that about 105 medical doctors have resigned their employment from the Teaching Hospital in the last year alone.

“Ondo State has not been able to engage requisite numbers of House officers since 2019. This has made our work almost impossible because this group of Doctors have a peculiar role in Health service delivery.

“It is troubling to note that only three House Officers are left in the service of the Ondo State Government across the three senatorial zones.

“There is no gainsaying that the ongoing laudable efforts at having a Contributory Health Insurance Scheme in the state can only be successful if the urgent issue of manpower need is adequately addressed,” the NMA said.

NBC Orders Broadcast Houses To Close Twitter Accounts

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has, on the order of the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, directed all Broadcast stations in the country to close their Twitter account following the ban on the social media outlet.

Ekanem Antie, NBC Director of Public Affairs, released the statement on behalf of Armstrong Idachaba, the Director General of NBC. The statement was made available newsmen in Abuja Monday.

Idachaba said all Broadcast stations should “desist from using twitter as a source (UGC) of Information gathering for news and programs’ presentation, especially, phone in.”

The Nigerian Government had banned Twitter in Nigeria, accusing it of condoning hateful attacks on the Government, but deliberately taking down President Muhammadu Buhari’s Post.

Also unconfirmed reports indicate that Government has gone far in negotiations with the Chinese Government to help them in checking the continued use of Twitter via VPN.

But since the ban, Human Rights Organisations and the International Community had condemned the act as  assault on free speech. Though the platform was suspended, most tweeting Nigerians, including Media Houses, have continued to tweet, bypassing the ban using VPN, an app that allows tweeters to hide their true location on the internet.

Igangan Attack: Anger Boils, Govs Sue For Calm

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Governors of the six south west states in the country have condemned the weekend killings, by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Igangan, Oyo state as a dastardly act.

According to the residents, houses and farmlands were burnt by the rampaging herdsmen, who they said attacked the town with more than 20 motorcycles and deadly weapons.

Taiwo Adeagbo, an official of Igangan Farmers’ Union, said the gunmen arrived around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday.

He said “Aside from killing our people, the Fulani herdsmen also set a petrol station ablaze and cars ablaze. They have also burnt the palace in Igangan.”

The Governor of the state, Seyi Makinde has called for calm.

Makinde, who spoke on Sunday said he is currently being briefed on the Saturday’s night attack, said he received the shocking news of the attacks on residents of the community in the early hours of Sunday.

“I urge residents to remain calm as security operatives are now in control of the situation,” the governor said.

At least 15 people were reported killed in the incident by gunmen who were said to be on a mission to avenge the deaths of their kinsmen during a clash with indigents, led by Sunday Adeyemo, popular as Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba youth activist in January this year.

The clash led to the eviction of the Fulani leader in the town Alhaji Salihu Abdulkadir , while his multi-million properties were also touched by the angry protesters who claimed that the fleeing Fulani herdsmen were responsible for the spate of kidnapping and rape in the sleepy town.

Abdulkadir has claimed that he lost over N500 million to the attack, apart from his children and family members who were killed.

Some of the resident said after the attack on Sunday that Fulani herdsmen who are angry that they have been evicted from Igangan carried out the attacks.

But while speaking on the issue, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, who spoke unbehalf of his colleagues said everything will be done to bring attackers to book, adding that Amotekun, a regional security body set up by the governors in the region have been directed to secure the zone.

Akeredolu said “We have just received with rude shock a premeditated attack on our people at Igangan, Ibarapa, Oyo State, in the early hours of today. This cowardly onslaught on a peaceful community has occasioned loss of lives and property on a large scale.

“It is horrendous, callous, and highly provocative. All well-meaning Nigerians must condemn, in the strongest term possible, this latest assault on decency and communal harmony.”

Forex: CBN Issues Stern Warning To Banks’ CEOs

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

The chief executive officers of commercial banks in the country have been warned to desist from causing forex scarcity as the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN moves to ensure liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

The stern warning was issued to chief executives of financial institutions at a meeting which was held at the instance of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele recently, the magazine has learnt.

The parley, according to those privy to it was called to address series of complaints by customers that their banks are not making forex available to them for important purposes.

The aggrieved customers include those that want to pay for their children/wards school fees abroad and others who needed such transactions to settle what an insider in the CBN described as ‘invincible items, which are legitimate”.

Worried by the spate of complaints, the apex bank has also promised the banks that more foreign exchange will be allocated to them to address the immediate demands of customers, which includes requests of travelers seeking foreign exchange for travel allowances, payment of tuition and medical fees, among other requests, with a strong warning to the banks that such allocations should not be diverted.

Some banks when allocated forex by the CBN at official rates, sell same to bureau de change operators who sell at parallel market rates with a view to making higher profit for themselves and enabling banks, insiders in the banking sector told The Source.

Sources close to the CBN told the magazine on Monday that the apex bank Governor is seriously worried that some banks are frustrating its efforts to stabilize the volatile foreign exchange market to their selfish ends.

Emefiele told the CEOs to desist from denying customers, particularly travelers, the opportunity to purchase foreign exchange, for the purposes which includes Personal Travel Allowance, PTA, Basic Travel Allowance, BTA, tuition fees, and medical payments as well as Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs transactions.

Going forward, the Emefiele-led apex bank has now established a hotline which customers can call when experiencing problems with the banks when it pertains to foreign exchange requirements, according to the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Osita Nwanisobi, who also confirmed the meeting with DMBs chief executives.

The CBN has urged customers with genuine complaints to call the CBN via the Bank’s toll-free line: 07002255226 or send an email to [email protected] if their requests are not met.

According to Nwanisobi, the apex bank remained committed to ensuring liquidity in the foreign exchange market, and this will be ensured that those that need forex for legitimate means get it.

“The CBN agreed to increase the amount allocated to banks for travelers, Small and Medium Enterprises among others.The banks also agreed to operate something akin to foreign exchange imprest account such that the coffers of banks would be replenished so long as they retire the initial amounts to the satisfaction of the CBN, ”.Nwanisobi said.

He urged interested members of the public seeking to purchase foreign exchange for PTA, BTA, payment of tuition fees or medical fees to approach their respective banks for that purpose.

“We wish to assure members of the public that the CBN shall continue to monitor market developments and is committed to ensuring an efficient FX market for all legitimate users,” he said.

He advised customers to approach customer service representatives of their designated banks should they encounter challenges.

Uzodimma: How Security Agents Saved Imo Police H/Qs, Sunday, Routed Attackers; Reassures Imolites

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Security Agents in the morning of Sunday, May 6, 2021, routed gunmen who invaded the Imo State Police Headquarters. This will be the second time the Police Headquarters will be under attack. 

In the first attack on Easter Monday, the attackers had a free reign. It was the same day they attacked the Federal Correctional Centre, Owerri. During both attacks, they torched office blocks, releasing prisoners and detainees. But in the case at hand, they met their waterloo.

According to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, in a Press Release signed by the Governor’s  ChiefPress Secretary/Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, the hoodlums came to effect the release of their colleagues under detention who had already confessed to the atrocities they committed in the State. 

Uzodimma also  explained that his Government  is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that peace returns to Imo State faster than expected.

The Governor spoke on Sunday while addressing the congregation at the Government House Chapel, Owerri after Service, to allay the fears of Imolites on the early morning shootings at the state capital.

Governor Uzodimma said the shooting was as a result of an attempt by the bandits to attack the Police Headquarters Owerri but they failed due to the resistance put up by the security agents.

“Today, security architecture of Government yielded another huge success as the combined efforts of security agencies in the State repelled another attempt on the Police Headquarters  in Owerri, Imo State. 

“You must have learnt of the shooting in the early hours of today (Sunday). It was an attempt by the bandits to release some criminals in police custody, particularly most of those that have confessed to having committed the crimes for which they were arrested and detained.”

The Governor said that the Police  working with the army and other security agencies were able, not only to repel the bandits, but apprehended all of them and recovered  seven AK 47 Riffles, three  Pump Action Riffles and some explosives they would have used to burn down the Police State Headquarters Owerri. 

He, therefore, enjoined Imo people to join hands in prayer and thank God for taking control of the security situation in the State.

Governor Uzodimma reassured Imo people that government is on top of the security situation in the state, and that he “will not fold its hands and allow the freedom and welfare of our people trampled upon.”

He promised that government will do everything humanly possible to step up action to ensure there is peace and tranquility in Imo State to allow our economy to grow.    

He reiterated his earlier call for the people to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation “as God Almighty will go ahead and complete the good work he has started in Imo State.”

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