Twitter: CNPP Urges FG To Thread Carefully, Blames NASS

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June 8, 2021

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the Federal Government to “thread carefully on its clandestine effort to gag the social media voices in Nigeria.”

The CNPP, in a statement signed by the Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, blamed the National Assembly for “allowing the President and members of the Federal Executive to continue to take actions that are detrimental to the wellbeing of the ordinary citizens and the young people in the country.

“The National Assembly has not only continued to be a rubber-stamp legislative chambers, but also an arm of the executive, and has willingly surrendered its oversight functions. Unfortunately, they have slept on its Constitutional powers to check the excesses of the Executive.

“Today, rather than help the intermittently recessing economy and reduce unemployment in the country, which is the root cause of youth restiveness in the Nigeria, the Federal Government claims that National interest supersedes economic interest. Is economic interest not part of our National interest?

“The deleted President’s tweet that ignited the suspension of Twitter was part of the reasons we have severally called for the sack of key President’s information handlers, particularly Lai Mohammed and Garba Shehu who have continued to cause more harm to the President’s image than making it.

“The reasons adduced for the suspension or ban of Twitter have remained laughable as the Federal Government failed to exhaust other channels of communication. The action of the Federal Government amounts to killing an ant with the slag harmer.

“We are shocked that the action of the Federal Government has now worsened the employment deficiency in the country, according to media reports, yet the government is shopping for more unjustifiable reasons for her poorly thought out action.

“The CNPP calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to exercise restraints in dealing with issues that affect the youths and those actions that could directly or indirectly widen the unemployment gaps in the country as the idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop”, the statement read.

#Twitter Ban: Chaos In House Of Reps, As PDP Members Walked Out, Moves Against FG

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 8, 2021

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By Akinwale Kasali

The House of Representatives was in disarray, Tuesday, following mixed reactions over the Federal Government’s ban on Microblogging platform, Twitter.

Opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members frowned at the ban, calling on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government to rescind its decision.

PDP members roundly condemned action, leading to a walk out by its members from the Green Chambers in protest.

It was gathered that the rowdy session after the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, ruled PDP’s caucus leader, Kingsley Chinda, out of order.

Chinda had prayed that the Twitter ban imposed by the Federal Government be suspended in the interim.

However, following opposition to the motion, lawmakers and some members of the PDP staged a walkout.

Briefing journalists at the Press Centre of the National Assembly after the walkout,

Hon. Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers said the House will move an official motion Wednesday to that effect.

He added that the motion may likely be rejected by the House, but the lawmakers will move the motion notwithstanding.

It will be recalled that last week Friday, the Federal Government suspended Twitter, enforcing a law that any Nigerian who uses the platform will face the wrath of the law.

A number of Nigerians, including high profile Clerics have since called the bluff of the FG.

Electricity: W/Bank Ranks Nigeria Worst, FG Spends N1.5trn On Power In 2 Years

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Bayo Bernard

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June 8, 2021

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Nigeria has been ranked the world’s number one in terms of provision of electricity to her people. What this means is that the west African nation has the lowest electricity tele density, according to the World Bank in a recent report.

The Bretton wood, US based bank made this known in a statement on Monday, where it said Nigeria tops the list of 20 countries with the largest population of over 580 million people lacking access to electricity.

Two years ago, Nigeria accounted for 90 million unelectrified people, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo with 70 million, and Ethiopia (which replaced India in third place in 2019) with 58 million people.

The World Bank’s revelation came on the heels of a recent disclosure by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that the federal government spent over N1.5 trillion on electricity generation in the last two years.

In spite of this, records provided by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS indicate that the total power generation hovers around less than 4000 megawatts.

The President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s promise to grow generation to 7,000MW by 2021 had been farfetched as the country continues to wallow in darkness, while the breakdown of power grids across the country is a normal occurrence, according to experts.

According to the World Bank, erratic power supply has cost the country over $29 billion in annual income.

It also said that the number of people without access to electricity in the world declined from 1.2 billion in 2010 to 759 million in 2019. Out of this figure, about half of them live in fragile and conflict-affected settings such as Nigeria.

The statement, quoting the recently released Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress report, said that unless efforts are made towards significantly Improving power supply, access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030 in these countries remains elusive.

The bank said “According to the report, significant progress has been made since 2010 on various aspects of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, but progress has been unequal across regions,” the statement reads.

“While more than one billion people gained access to electricity globally over the last decade, COVID’s financial impact has made basic electricity services unaffordable for 30 million more people, the majority located in Africa.

“Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia had the biggest electricity access deficits, with Ethiopia replacing India in the Top 3.”

Some countries have showed sustained effort to improve electricity supply to their peoples, the bank said in the report, noting that “Among the 20 countries with the largest access deficits, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Uganda showed the greatest improvement since 2010, thanks to annual electrification growth rates in excess of 3 percentage points, driven largely by an integrated approach that combined grid, mini grid and on-grid solar electrification.”

It ranked Nigeria among the top 20 countries with most people lacking access to clean fuel and technologies for cooking.

According to the institution “Of the top 20 countries with greatest number of people lacking access to clean fuel and technologies for cooking, 10 are located in Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, Ghana, Niger),” the statement adds.

“Six are in Eastern Asia and South-eastern Asia (China, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Viet Nam, the Democratic Republic of Korea) and four are in Central Asia and Southern Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan),” the report said.

Super Eagles Seek Revenge Against Indomitable Lions In Austria

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Akinwale Kasali

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June 8, 2021

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will file out against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the Second leg of their International Friendly encounter at the Wiener Neustadt Stadium in Vienna, Austria.

Last Friday, the Indomitable Lions defeated the Coach Gernot Rohr team 1-0, courtesy of Zambo Anguissa strike to record its first victory over the Nigerian team in over a decade.

Prior to last week’s encounter, the Super Eagles defeated Cameroon 3-2 in Round of 16 tie at the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Both teams were in the same group enroute to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, with the Super Eagles winning 3-0 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and recording a 1-1 draw in Yaounde, Cameroon Capital.

Cameroon is the host of the 2022 African Cup of Nations, and is testing running its squad ahead of the tournament.

The ‘revenge match’ is to commence 5pm Nigeria Time.

Coach Rohr will be without William Troost Ekong and Jamilu Collins whom he both lost to injury in the first leg of the pulsating friendly encounter.

He is, however, planning to pair Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem and Victor Ozornwafor in a three man defense formation.

Paul Onuachu, Peter Olayinka and Kelechi Iheanacho are expected to lead the attack, while Moses Daddy Simon is expected to start from the bench.

Team Captain, Ahmed Musa is expected to start today’s match alongside, Francis Uzoho in goal, replacing Maduka Okoye in goal, with new invitees also having a chance to make their debut.

The friendly matches are a dress rehearsal for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to commence later in the year.

Allow The Igbo To Go – Northern Elders Forum

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The Source

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June 8, 2021

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By Gideon Njoku

“The Forum has arrived at the difficult conclusion that if support for secession among the Igbo is as widespread as it is being made to look, and Igbo leadership appears to be in support of it, then the country should be advised not to stand on its way. It will not be the best choice for the Igbo or Nigerians to leave a country we have all toiled to build and a country we all have responsibility to fix, but it will not help a country already burdened with failures on its knees to fight another war to keep the Igbo in Nigeria”

The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, one of the most influential voices in North, made up of academics, technocrats and politicians, has advised Nigeria to allow the Igbo to secede from Nigeria if they so desire.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, June 7, and signed by its Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF said “All Nigerians are paying the price of failure of two sets of leaders. At the National level, the Administration appears to have lost the capacity to halt the gradual decent of the country into anarchy.”

But taking a hard look at the South-east, it said the Political leaders in the Zone have been cowed into submission by the violence and terror of IPOB/ESN.

“Muted voices of millions of Igbo cannot be heard so that fellow Nigerians could understand the degree to which secession by the Igbo represents the popular choice”

The Forum believes it is important to address amendments to the Constitution so as to achieve major changes in the “structure and operations of our Federal system now”, but noted the National Assembly has lost touch with the people they say they represent.

It, also, strongly condemned the attacks and killings of Northerners and Federal Government employees as well as the destruction of National assets insisting:

“Those who are involved in it must be arrested and prosecuted. Until the Igbo decide whether it wants to secede or remain part of Nigeria, the law applies to it, and Federal and State Governments who have responsibility to enforce the law and protect citizens must enforce it.”

Following is the full Statement by NEF.

“Northern Elders Forum has reviewed events and tendencies which suggest that the country is headed for more crises. Nigerians live in fear of violence today, and in fear of uncertain future. The capacity of the Nigerian State to secure citizens, protect the country’s territorial integrity and resist violent assaults on our unity is weakening to the levels of making threats that have no impact.

“Armed criminals of all types have increased their audacious stranglehold over our lives in all parts of the country.

“Irredentists are increasingly asserting their influence over in the South East and some part of the country, and in the manner that millions of Nigerians now live. Rhetorics from political leaders and ethnic champions who speak in threats and demands routinely suggest that the sentiments in support of irredentism are becoming more widespread.

“All Nigerians are paying the price of failure of two sets of leaders. At the national level, the administration appears to have lost the capacity to halt the gradual descent of the country into anarchy. Political leaders in the South East appear to have submitted to violence and terror of IPOB and ESN.

“Muted voices of millions of Igbo cannot be heard so that fellow Nigerians could understand the degree to which secession by the Igbo represents the popular choice.

“This nation has had to fight a terrible war to preserve the country. The North had paid its dues in that war, as indeed it did in many ways throughout the history of the country. Under our current circumstances, no Nigerian should welcome another war to keep the country together. The North in particular has more than enough challenges, and we recognize that violent secession by any part of Nigeria will compound the problems all Nigerians live with.

“The Forum has arrived at the difficult conclusion that if support for secession among the Igbo is as widespread as it is being made to look, and Igbo leadership appears to be in support of it, then the country should be advised not stand in its way. It will not be the best choice for the Igbo or Nigerians to leave a country we have all toiled to build and a country we all have responsibility to fix, but it will not help a country already burdened with failures on its knees to fight another war to keep the Igbo in Nigeria.

“The Forum insists that attacks and killings of Northerners and Federal Government employees and destruction of National assets must stop. Those who have been involved in it must be arrested and prosecuted. Until the Igbo decide whether it wants to secede or remain part of Nigeria, the law applies to it, and Federal and State Governors who have responsibility to enforce the law and protect citizens must enforce it. We support calls for Northerners who are exposed to harassment and violence to consider relocating to the North.

“Unlike the postures and complacency of the leaders of the South East, we advise that all Igbo and other ethnic groups from the South residing in the North should be accorded the usual hospitality and security.

The Forum believes that it is vital to address amendments to the constitution and achieve major changes in the structure and operations of our Federal system now. Members of the National Assembly elected by Nigerians have lost touch with the people they are supposed to represent. This explains the major distances which exist between the people and the vital national institution which should play a major role mitigating national crises.

“The National Assembly should explore additional avenues for tapping into opinions that can help redress serious limitations to the Federal system before the 2023 elections.

“The North is willing to discuss all matters related to constitutional amendments/ restructuring with the leadership of the country and other groups who see their presence in the future of Nigeria.”

Insecurity: IMHA Exonerates IPOB/ESN, Says It Is Political; Only One Governor At A Time, It Warns

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The Source

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June 8, 2021

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By Charles Igbo

“The whole issue of Insecurity in Imo State has political underpinnings as such, politically instigated and covertly motivated to achieve some political ends

The Imo State House of Assembly, IMHA, has exonerated the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its Security Wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN, from the frightening insecurity in the State.

The IMHA in a statement signed by its Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Johnson Duru Iheonukara, said that after a thorough investigation, “We ( members) have it on good authority that IPOB/ESN to our knowledge and understanding are not organisations founded on the principles of violence cum arms insurrection, rather advocates of Igbo liberation and security through peaceful non-violent means.”

Instead, the IMHA said the situation is politically motivated. It said: “The whole issue of insecurity in Imo State has political underpinnings, as such, politically instigated and covertly motivated to achieve some political ends”

The Assembly, short of pointing accusing fingers at the direction of any politician, or politicians, therefore, warned that there can be only “one Governor and one Government House at a time.”

It said: “The Imo State House of Assembly, makes bold to state that there can only be one Governor and one Government of Imo State at a time, as such, those hell-bent on truncating the peace and tranquility of the State for political reasons should desist forthwith.”

The Assembly said it stood in solidarity with Governor Hope Uzodimma in all his efforts aimed at getting “a first hand security information from the grassroots and proffering plausible solutions to them.”

Following is the full text of the Statement.

“The Imo State House of Assembly after a painstaking investigation and detailed study of the security situation in Imo State hereby issues this press release and states as follows:-

“▪ That the whole issue of insecurity in Imo State has political underpinnings, as such, politically instigated and covertly motivated to achieve some political ends.

“▪ That we have it on good authority that IPOB and the ESN to our knowledge and understanding are not organizations founded on the principles of violence cum armed insurrection, rather advocates of Igbo liberation and security through peaceful non-violent means.

“▪ That the timely passage of the Imo State Security Organization Law by the House was a manifestation of our tacit and absolute support to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, in his drive to set up an effective, proactive and grassroot-propelled security architecture for Imo State.

“▪ That the Imo State House of Assembly hereby calls on critical stakeholders, leaders of thought, the Clergy and Traditional Institutions to rally round the government, in her quest to rid the state of elements of destabilization fomenting trouble in our dear state, and to endeavour to convoke meetings of all stakeholders, youths and political gladiators in their respective domains to further sensitize them on the need to refrain from any activities that could further exacerbate the already tensed security situation in the state.

“▪ The Imo State House of Assembly makes bold to state that there can only be one Governor and one Government of Imo State at a time, as such, those hellbent on truncating the peace and tranquility of the state for political reasons should desist forthwith.

“*That we support and encourage the ongoing local government by local government stakeholders interface with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, towards getting a first hand security information from the grassroots and proffering plausible solutions to them.

“▪ The Imo State House of Assembly hereby commiserates with the families that have lost their loved ones in the crossfire, including the family of our late colleague, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, who was a former Speaker of the Adamawa House of Assembly.

“▪We call for restraint by security operatives in the discharge of firearms, while imploring them to apply professional conducts in the discharge of their duties in the state at all times.

“*Assembly likewise calls on the law abiding citizens of the state not to be afraid of the presence of security agents in the state, but go about their normal legitimate businesses, because it is for their protection and safety that the government requested for more security agents to be brought in to augment the ones we have in the state already towards having an all-round protection for our people.

“*We commend the commitment and sound leadership being offered by His Excellency, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma, more so at this trying time in the life of this administration, which by no small measures has rekindled hope and assurance of safety and protection to Ndi-Imo-Nile, and so far left no one in doubt of his capabilities and sagacity.

“▪ Finally, we call on Imo youths not to be discouraged by the insecurity in our state but to remain resolute in their support of the efforts of government to ensure peace and tranquility in no distant time, also appealing to them not to be involved in any action that could cause any disaffection between them and the security agents deployed for their protection.

“Thank you all. Imo is firmly in the hands of God, just as we have overcome the challenges thrown our way by enemies of the state. God bless us all.”

However, a member of the now notorious unknown gunmen, a group which has been on a killing and destruction spree in the State, Stanley Osinachi, who was arrested alive when his colleagues, including their leader, Joseph Uka Nnachi, alias Dragon, were gunned down by Security agents, during a failed attack on the Imo State Police Command Headquarters, on Sunday June, 6, confessed he is a member of the ESN, recruited by Dragon.

During the attack, six of them were killed during a crossfire with Security Agents, and a frightening quantity of dangerous weapons, their operational vehicles, and charms, recovered from them.

Imo State has been under an unprecedented violent attack by gunmen, in as many weeks. A number of innocent people have been killed, including civilians and security personnel. Many Federal facilities, including those of the Police, INEC and Correctional Centre, have been torched.

And, so were the country homes of the Governor and that of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba.

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

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Adesina Soyooye

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June 8, 2021

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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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June 7, 2021

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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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June 7, 2021

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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

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The Source

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June 7, 2021

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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.

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