NAF Denies Deploying 100 Aircrafts for Missing Dapchi Schoolgirls Search

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE DENIES DEPLOYING 100 AIRCRAFTS FOR MISSING DAPCHI SCHOOL GIRLS SEARCH
The Nigerian Air Force has denied media reports that it has deployed 100 aircrafts for the search of the Dapchi school girls that were abducted on February 19th. Read the statement below
The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to a statement being circulated to the effect that 100 NAF aircraft had been deployed in search of the missing Dapchi girls.
While paying a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Yobe State, in company of the Chief of the Air Staff, on 27 February 2018, the National Security Adviser, Mohammed Monguno, indeed spoke about the number of sorties so far conducted by NAF aircraft in the course of searching for the missing girls within a stated period. Obviously, the number of sorties does not equate the number of aircraft deployed.
You are please requested to use your medium to disseminate this information to the general public to erase the erroneous impression regarding the number of aircraft deployed by the NAF in the ongoing operations.
 While thanking you for your usual support and cooperation, please accept the assurance of my best regards.
OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public
Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

APC's Confusion Exposes Failure of Buhari's Presidency - PDP

February 28, 2018

PDP To APC: Your Party Has Collapsed

…Says Party’s Confusion Exposes Failure of Buhari’s Presidency

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reviewed the outcome of Tuesday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and surmised that the ruling party has finally collapsed.

The PDP also noted that the confusion, impunity and lawlessness in the APC has further exposed the failure of the Buhari-led Presidency, adding that this accounts for its rejection by Nigerians ahead of the 2019 polls.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Wednesday said the APC has ultimately lost its soul and can no longer be reckoned with as a political party, having been hijacked by the Presidency cabal.

The party alleged that the Cabal in the Presidency has overthrown its constitution, suppressed dissenting voices and now imposing a dictatorial regime within its ranks, reminiscent of a military coup.

The PDP said the development in the APC has further exposed the desperation by the Buhari Presidency to seize the political space, even within their party.

Nigerians watched with rude shock as President Muhammadu Buhari, the African Union anti-corruption champion, directly superintended over the worst kind of corruption in a political party by overthrowing its constitution and democratic processes, all in the bid to shut out other contenders in the Presidential race, a development which further confirms that the President has lost popularity even in his own party.

We invite all to note that whereas, the APC constitution provides for a four year tenure for officials of its organs and enshrined a re-election or reappointment at the expiration of the said tenure, the Buhari Presidency muzzled the APC NEC and imposed an illegal one year tenure extension for the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee, a fiat that is not provided for in the party’s constitution.

The APC is so dysfunctional that under the grip of the Presidency cabal, the party in contravention of its own constitution does not have a Board of Trustees (BOT), which explains the reason it lacks conscience and failed completely in delivering good governance to the nation.

Worst still, while its constitution provides for quarterly NEC meetings, the party has only held five since its formation in 2014.

From the outcome of the Tuesday’s APC NEC meeting, it is clear that the party has finally collapsed, lost all democratic credentials and can no longer provide level playing ground for its members or even other Nigerians to freely aspire for any position of their choice, particularly, the Presidency, Governorship and National Assembly positions in the 2019 general elections.

It is now certain that the APC is no longer a credible platform but an appropriated one, where only those anointed by the Presidency cabal can have the opportunity to aspire for any position within its ranks. The APC has been seized and is irredeemably damaged ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Furthermore, the confusion and lawlessness that were the hallmarks of the outcome of the APC caucus and NEC meeting signpost the failures inherent in the incompetent, blundering and corrupt Buhari-led administration which has brought so much hardship and violence to our dear nation.

This gives a strong insight into why the APC government was not able to adequately aggregate the issues, assemble the right economic team and muster the desired expertise, with appropriate programs and policies to run the much desired productive government in almost three years.

We therefore urge all Nigerians of good faith still in the APC to note that their platform has lost it all and as such take the bold steps to save our nation’s democracy.

On our own part, the repositioned and rebranded PDP remains open as the only credible platform for the much desired new national political engagement where all Nigerians can freely and democratically aspire to any position of their choice, be it the highest in the country without any let or hinderance.


The PDP therefore calls on the APC to note its self-inflicted doom and be ready to accept the inevitable defeat come 2019.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Don't Allow Your Aides to Mislead You - PDP Tells Buhari

February 27, 2018

Press Statement

PDP to Buhari: Don’t Allow Your Aides Set You Up over $500bn Claim

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the claim by President Muhammadu Buhari that PDP squandered the sum of $500bn oil proceeds within 16 years as baseless, unfounded, and unsubstantiated.

The party urged the President not to allow his aides railroad him into peddling such groundless allegations and bandying of unverified figures, as doing that could detract from his personality.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Tuesday, said the figures alluded to by the President does not even tally or reflect the actual oil related profile of the nation during the said period and urged the President not to allow his handlers set him up for public ridicule.

The entire country is aware that the Presidency is on a feverish mode over their bound-to-fail 2019 re-election bid for which they have resorted to making spurious claims against the PDP even when it is clear to Nigerians that the PDP has since rebranded while preponderance of those who mismanaged the nation’s resources have now found a safe haven in the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party however challenged President Buhari to name one corrupt person in the repositioned and rebranded PDP and it will hand him a list of an army of corrupt persons who are hiding in his APC including those who funded his 2015 presidential campaigns with stolen money in addition to his many cronies who are now frittering away billion of naira under his watch.

We know that President Buhari did not source his figures, otherwise we would have directly taken him to task on the veracity of his claims and detestable image of his party

We however ask; is the President and his handlers not aware of the humongous corruption going on under the Buhari Presidency? What have they to say to the recent Transparency International (TI) report which shows that corruption has worsened under the Buhari administration? What have they to say about the official memo detailing shady oil deals to the tune of N9 trillion ($25 billion) at the NNPC which is directly under the purview of the President as minister of Petroleum resources?

The Presidency is yet to address its complicity in the heavy sleazes in the National Health Insurance Scheme where billions of naira have allegedly been siphoned by their agents, in spite of the Treasury Single Account (TSA); the alleged diversion of N1.1 trillion worth of crude oil and the frittering of billions of naira meant for rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons in the northeast, all to service APC interests?

Nigerians are alarmed by the President’s claim that his administration inherited a collapsing economy when it is common knowledge that he was actually handed a thriving economy, ranked the third largest in Africa and one of the fastest growing in the world.

Has Mr President forgotten that when he assumed office in 2015, the value of our naira was N185 to 1USD? Nigerians are aware that the naira went as low as N510 to 1USD and in case Mr President is not aware, Nigerians are also ridiculing his much touted strengthening of the naira.

We therefore urge President Buhari and his dysfunctional APC to come to terms with the fact that Nigerians now know the truth and can no longer be swayed by propaganda and false claims with which the APC hoodwinked the nation in 2015.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

APC NEC Approves One Year Extension for Party Officers

Tenure Elongation: APC NEC Approves One Year Extension for Party Executives

 
24 hours after the Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen pushed for an extension of the tenure of all elected and appointed officers of the Party in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the national level, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, has given its seal of approval to the move.

Party spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, in a statement disclosed that “it was generally agreed by members to extend the tenure” for a year.

The current tenure will end on June 30, 2018, he added, meaning the sitting officers will remain in office after the swearing in of a new President, Governors, and federal lawmakers.

He added: “By this decision, all affected officers will continue in acting capacity for another period of 12 months after the expiration of their current term.

“NEC also by unanimous decision, passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.”

A political analyst said Tuesday that the officers of APC may end up with the two years advocated by the Forum of State APC Chairmen, ” because you know it does not make sense to go into a convention a month or so after a swearing in, that is if the APC wins at the center and elsewhere.”

The Forum of State APC Chairmen had in a communique had actually asked for a two-year extension.

In  communique on Monday, the chairmen said:

“The forum after dissections and thorough appraisal of the APC-led Government hereby unanimously pass a vote of confidence on our dear President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Chairman of our great party Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of our great party for their numerous achievements despite the challenges so far experienced in our dear country. We also urge Mr. President to present himself for second tenure come 2019.

“The forum hereby also resolved as follows:

“a. That we support His Excellency Senator Bola Tinubu-led peace and reconciliation committee and urge the committee to expedite action in reconciling members of the party. The forum also calls on all the members of our great party to give maximum support to the committee to achieve sustainable peace in the party

“b. In view of the short period between the time available for the proposed party congresses and INEC published time-table for conduct of party primaries and general elections, the forum resolved that the tenure of the present officers of the party at all levels be extended by 2 years to avert challenges in the party.

“c. in view of the reasons as adduced above, and the fact that the present constitution as amended in 2014 has not been fully tested in the short life of the party, the forum resolved that the proposed amendment of the party constitution be suspended.

“d. The forum extends our heartfelt condolences and sympathizes with the good people of Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Yobe and Bomo States for the attacks on them by the enemies of our dear country.”

EVERYDAY

Interreligious Education Will Reduce Religious Violence in Nigeria - CAN President

Interreligious Education Will Reduce Religious Violence in Nigeria

– CAN President

Federal Government should introduce Interreligious Education to all levels of Education with a view to reduce the menace of religious violence and its attendant problems in the country
This call was made Tuesday by the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle in his paper INTERRELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND COMMON CITIZENSHIP VALUES in Vienna, Austria at an Interfaith Seminar organised by KAICIID.
Ayokunle who traced the incessant religious riots in Nigeria to the absence of History, Civics and Interreligious Education in our schools calls on all religious groups and the government to wake up to their responsibilities in this regard if religious violence will become history.
“In those days in Nigeria when we used to study history and civics in primary and secondary schools, basic knowledge of at least Christianity and Islam were taught, but today,  when history is no longer taught, Inter-religious education has become more difficult.
“This to an extent may be responsible for a surge in religious violence more rampart now in Nigeria. All religious groups in Nigeria in particular and the globe in general must make concerted effort towards government's inclusion of Inter-religious Education in the schools curricula.”
According to him, “All over the world, the current trend is that educational institutions - colleges, universities (many are not religiously affiliated!) and even certain seminaries - are actively looking for ways to respond to the issues of education in a religiously multi-faceted world.
“They seek to entrench a transformational process through which students could be educated to become global citizens with an understanding of the diversity of religious traditions and with strategies of pluralism that engage diversity in creative and productive ways. Obviously, inter-religious education is increasingly essential for equipping people to be citizens of the world.
“Therefore, from a societal as well as pedagogical points of view, all academic institutions irrespective of their theological affiliation or inclination should be obliged to foster a religious dimension to citizenship.”
Speaking further, Ayokunle who also doubled as the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention said Interreligious education contributes effectively in the formation of people’s and societies’ religious identities, as well as in shaping perceptions about the other.
On the General Benefits of Inter-religious Education, the CAN President listed the following;
- It doused the tension of stereotype or resentment against other peoples’ religion which causes distance in relationships.
- It increases beneficial inter-relationships and widens the student's family network.
- Religiously bi-literate or educated people who know the history and theology of other religions are likely to have better grasp or understanding of world politics, history, culture and literature.
- Inter-religious Education gives students or people ample opportunities to make informed decision in adulthood of the religion they have the conviction to practice in life.
- Inter-religious education reduces religious conflicts and promotes mutual co-existence.
- Inter-religious education gives in the opportunity to see the world from more than one religious perspective and make better informed decisions. This would in the end give room to the accommodation of other religious adherents in the practice of their faith and mural interaction.
- It gives us room to appreciate similarities in all religions, especially, the common factors God and peace. It also allows us to understand the reasons for differences in religious beliefs.
- It enhances inter-faith dialogue and makes it more productive.
END .

Kindly help us in disseminating this information to the public. Thank you for your usual assistance and co-operation.

Signed
Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant, (Media & Communications) to His Eminence, Reb Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle.

Better Things to Come - Copeland

Better Things to Come
But [God's grace] is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel
– 2 Timothy 1:10

Have you ever wondered what it will be like when your body dies and you go on to heaven? Well, according to the Word, when that time comes, this flesh and blood tent you live in will die, but you won't feel a thing. You'll just take off the cloak of your flesh, lay it down and go to a better place.

Believers who have died and come back say that they have no sensation of loss—no sting. Their minds stay intact, and they even have arms and legs, but they are spirit and not flesh. One man said he couldn't even tell he wasn't in his body until he tried to grasp something. His hand would just go right through the material object. He was spirit and not flesh.

According to the Apostle Paul, to be absent from the body is to be present with God (2 Corinthians 5:1). So, when God calls you home, you'll just abandon your fleshly body and go to be with Him forever.

It's interesting though. God doesn't even refer to our old, abandoned bodies as being dead. He says they're just asleep. Why? Because He knows that just as sleep is temporary, so is the death of the body. He's planned a day when our sleeping bodies will be awakened and raised up in glory just like Jesus' was.

Hallelujah! There's coming a day when not only our spirits have victory over death, our physical bodies do too!

Death is not the "end" for you. It's only a change to a better place!

Gloria Copeland

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-9
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

HURIWA Backs Amnesty International on Human Rights Violations

Rights Violations: HURIWA backs Amnesty International:

*May drag FG to ICC if:

“The recently released yearly human rights reports by Amnesty International, the London based International Non-Governmental body which decried the high rates of extra-legal executions carried out by armed security forces amongst sundry gross human rights violations in Nigeria is the true reflection of the poor human rights record of the current Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.”

With the above statement, the pro-democracy and non-Governmental organization – HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has backed the United Kingdom’s based group even as it has asked the Nigerian state to rein in the killing machines that the armed security forces and police have become and ensure that alleged perpetrators of widespread extrajudicial killings amongst the security forces are named, shamed prosecuted and punished in the competent courts of law.

HURIWA alleged that there are killing machines operational amongst the different segments of the armed security forces mainly because these cells are underground and not accsessible to credible and independent local and international organisations. The group said it wrote a letter recently to the minister of justice and the National Assembly to compel law enforcement authorities with detention facilities to open them up for inspection at no notice by independent non governmental bodies but tje Rights group got no response.

HURIWA reiterated her condemnation of the two kangaroo presidential panels set up by the Army and the then Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbanjo on human rights violations against the security forces which turned up a choreographed and highly fraudulently pre-determined outcomes in which the military were absolved of blame in the large scale cases of extralegal killings of both the unarmed members of the hurriedly proscribed indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) and the detained suspected members of the boko haram terror group. The group therefore expressed joy that Amnesty international despite all threats, intimidations and hiring of amorphous groups of hungry unprincipled Protesters to blockade their national office in Abuja could muster courage to write a thoroughly researched and scienyifically provable reporys of grandscale human rights violations in Nigeria ladt year and this year.

The Rights group has in a media statement by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and National Media Affairs Director Miss. Zainab Yusuf  faulted the criticism by the military's high command of the well thought out and factually researched human rights violations by members of Nigeria’s armed security forces as reported by Amnesty international just as the Rights group lamented that the current government had embarked on a sinister plot to completely undermine the independence and powers of the National Human Rights Commission by failing to inaugurate a governing council and disobying the statutory provisions on funding autonomy.

HURIWA recalled that AMNESTY International Nigeria had accused the Nigerian Armed Forces of killing civilians under the guise of fighting herdsmen invading farming communities across the country.

HURIWA further recalled that the organization is demanding that: “The Nigerian authorities must investigate these attacks and, where these investigations indicate criminal responsibility, prosecute those responsible and bring them to justice.”

HURIWA quoted Amnesty International as affirming correctly that the Nigerian authorities’ response to communal violence is totally inadequate, too slow and ineffective, and in some cases unlawful as clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, Ondo and Kaduna have resulted in 168 deaths in January 2018 alone.

HURIWA quoted Amnesty as saying thus: “The government must totally overturn its response to these deadly clashes to avoid this crisis getting out of control. They need to investigate and briing suspects to justice".

HURIWA recalled that the UK group through her Nigerian office had claimed rightly so thus: “Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect,” said Osai Ojigho, director of Amnesty International Nigeria. Hundreds of people lost their lives last year, and the government is still not doing enough to protect communities from these violent clashes. Worse, the killers are getting away with murder.”

Amnesty observed that in some cases where the Nigerian security agencies did respond to communal violence, they used excessive or unlawful force resulting in even more deaths and destruction.”

HURIWA said that a press release made available to it amongst others stated that : "on 4 December 2017, Nigeria’s air force sent fighter jets to fire rockets at villages as a “warning” to deter spiralling communal violence, as hundreds of herdsmen attacked at least five villages in Adamawa state to avenge the massacre of up to 51 members of their community, mostly children, the previous month in Kikan. An Amnesty International team visited the villages in the aftermath of the air raids and gathered witness testimony from residents who described being attacked by a fighter jet and a military helicopter as they attempted to flee. The organization condemned the frequent deployment of soldiers to areas where there are communal clashes and pointed out that this has resulted in many cases of excessive use of force, unlawful killings and extrajudicial executions throughout the country as a well as undermine the police."

HURIWA noted that Amnesty International stated in the report that the Nigerian military is currently performing security operations in 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, often taking over routine policing duties; and frowned at government’s reliance on the military for help in handling what should be public order situations has also seriously undermined the role of the Nigerian police.

HURIWA said the group correctly faulted contradicting statements attributed to the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) Director of Public Relations, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, even as Amnesty International called on the Nigerian air force – which has received intensive training from the UK and US militaries in recent years –to hand over the footage of the incident and all relevant information to the authorities, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for investigation."

HURIWA sait it aggrees with the UK founded group that the step by the Airforce of Nigeria is unlawful and amounted to excessive force on a catastrophic scale.

"HURIWA aggrees with Amnesty International's  disclosure that the air raids occurred in the villages of Lawaru, Dong, Kodomti, Shafaron and Nzuruwei, where Amnesty International interviewed a total of 15 witnesses.Satellite and aerial imagery secured and analyzed by Amnesty International confirm the devastating cumulative effect of the herders and Air Force attacks, with at least eight villages heavily damaged or completely destroyed by fire".

HURIWA notes with satisfaction that the video footage shot by Amnesty International shows the widespread destruction of homes reduced to charred rubble, twisted metal and ash in areas where the villagers said the rockets landed. Amnesty International’s team also filmed shrapnel gathered by villagers.

HURIWA therefore asked the Nigerian Attorney General to prosecute offenders or risked being reported to the international criminal court in The Hague Netherlands so the relevant military commanders responsible for these killings are prosecuted for crimes against humanity.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers and Killers of Hon Hosea Ibi

TROOPS ARREST SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS AND KILLERS OF LATE HONOURABLE  HOSEA IBI

     Troops of 23 Bde deployed Wukari on EX AYEM AKPATUMA and team of Department of State Service from Jalingo conducted a cordon and search within Takum on Saturday 24. February 2018. During the Operation, three (3) suspects were arrested in connection of the kidnapping and murdering of Honourable Hosea Ibi, a member of Taraba State House of Assembly and Mr Chidiebere who was later released after the ransom was paid. The suspects are Jaka Ejukun (24years), Peter Isaga (33years) and Arachukwu Bedforth (21years)
     In a followed up investigation, a raid operation was conducted on Sunday 25 February 2018 by the combined team of own troops and Department of State Services in Gbise, Kastina Ala LGA where more arrests were made. During the operation the following suspects were arrested at various locations. They are Isaiah Suwe (23 years) a Tiv by tribe from Lessel Ushongo LGA of Benue State, Amadu Barnarbas Torva (aka Atamanin) (23 years)  from Gbise Kastina Ala LGA of Benue State,  Aondi Teroo          (21 years), Nengenen Mbaawuaga Damian (22 years), Aondoase Kayitor (18 years) and Ternenge Tersoo (19 years). Consequently, a total of 9 persons have been arrested in the kidnapping and murdering of Honourable Hosea Ibi.
     One of the suspects Amadu Barnabas Torva, participated actively in kidnapping and murdering of Honourable Hosea Ibi. Items recovered from him include,  3 Glo sim cards, 3 MTN sim cards, 2 Etisalat sim cards, 1 Airtel sim card, One Gionee Android phone, 3 Techno dual sim phones and his voter’s card. Other items include, 1 First Bank ATM cards without name on it with number 5061051125350935375, 1 vigilante identity card with Taraba State Command belonging to one Mr Moses Yaro suspected to be a previous victim of the gang and flash drive. Suspects are presently in own custody undergoing Department of State Service interrogation.
     The general public is advice to remain vigilant and report movement and activities of criminals promptly to the nearest security agency.
     You are kindly requested to disseminate this information to the general public through your medium. Thanks for your usual cooperation.

KO OGUNSANYA
Colonel
Deputy Director Army Public Relations

DAPCHI : PDP Demands Full Scale Inquest by National Assembly

February 26, 2018

Press Statement:

Dapchi Abduction: PDP Demands Full Scale Inquest By National Assembly

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the National Assembly to immediately, as a matter of urgent national importance, open a full scale investigation into the circumstances leading to and surrounding the unfortunate abduction of 110 school girls in Dapchi, Yobe state.

This investigation has become imperative in the face of rising speculations and conspiracy theorems in the public space, fueled by conflicting reports, attempts at cover-up and disagreements among government officials and agencies regarding the ugly incident.

The National Assembly must take a critical note of the allegation by Yobe State governor, Ibrahim Geidam, who insists that the abduction was preceded by the withdrawal of troops safeguarding the troubled area.

The governor is the chief security officer of the state and his statement cannot be taken lightly or even dismissed by just a wave of the hand by anybody or any government agency under any guise whatsoever.

The PDP also urges the National Assembly to investigate the various conflicting reports that have characterized the abduction, particularly the initial moves by the Federal Government to deny the occurrence of this incident.

Nigerians are indeed worried about the apparent deliberate design to hide the facts of this abduction and demand to know the truth. It is a common saying in Africa that thunder does not strike on the same spot twice.

We must not allow our national ambience to be filled with speculations from conspiracy theorists. Our lawmakers must therefore, in unraveling the matter, question all security agencies, particularly those operating in the area.

Furthermore, we urge the National Assembly to urgently come to the rescue of some of the parents of our abducted daughters, who were arrested and taken into custody for daring to demand to know the whereabouts of their children and wards.

The Federal Government must be made to live up to the basic responsibility of protecting lives and property and also to be truthful to Nigerians at all times.

We therefore demand a strong legislative action at the highest level to enable our nation know the truth on this matter and other issues directly affecting the safety and wellbeing of our citizens.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

We Left Dapchi in Police's Hands - Troops

Why there were no troops in Dapchi when terrorists struck, Army replies Yobe Governor



Following the damning comments by Yobe Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, blaming troops for the circumstances that led to the abduction of 110 female students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College, in Dapchi town, the Headquarters Theatre Command Operations LAFIYA DOLE has responded that it handed the town over the Police after securing it and ensuring peace there.

The Headquarters said it had to move soldiers to other troubled areas.

Gaidam told visiting Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima on Saturday: “I blame the whole attack on Dapchi on the military and the defence headquarters who withdrew troops from Dapchi. The attack occurred barely a week after the military withdrew the soldiers from there
“Before then, Dapchi has been peaceful, there was never such incident. But just a week after they withdrew the troops, Boko Haram came to attack the town….

“Let me be quoted anywhere, the military must take blame for the attack on Dapchi. The same thing happened in 2013 when the military suddenly removed troops guarding the town and a week later Boko Haram went there to attack the town and the secondary school there killing 29 students.”

The Operation LAFIYA DOLE Headquarters statement by its spokesman, Col Onyema Nwachukwu, reads in full:

The attention of Headquarters Theatre Command Operations LAFIYA DOLE, has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, Executive Governor of Yobe State, currently circulating in the media, in which he reportedly alleged that the withdrawal of the military was responsible for the recent suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ attack and abduction of female students from Government Girls Science Technical College in Dapchi .

This allegation is not only unfortunate, but also very far from the truth Although this Headquarters will not attempt to join in any blame game, it is very expedient to set the record straight for the benefit of posterity.

In carrying out its mandate to counter terrorism and insurgency in north eastern Nigeria, Operation Lafiya Dole, has been alive to its responsibilities vis a vis the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

Several communities and Local Governments that were hitherto under siege of the insurgents have been liberated and the insurgents pushed out. While troops continue to trail and decimate the remnants of the insurgents in the hinterlands, the security of the liberated communities and towns fall in the hands of the sister security agencies.

The recent dislodgement and further decimation of the insurgents from their enclaves in the Sambisa and the Lake Chad Islands are testimonials to the effective operations of troops against the insurgents.

Additionally, troops are regularly conducting long range patrols, raids and ambushes to canalise and take out fleeing insurgents. Given all these efforts, it is very astonishing and shocking that such unfortunate comment and allegation is been touted against the loyal and dedicated troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

Contrary to the comments being circulated, troops earlier deployed in Dapchi were redeployed to reinforce troops at Kanama following attacks on troops’ location at the Nigerian – Nigerien border.

This was on the premise that Dapchi has been relatively calm and peaceful and the security of Dapchi town was formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Division located in the town.

Troops’ redeployment was therefore done in tandem with the exigencies of operation and not as misconstrued. It is thus obligatory, to state that the allegation reportedly attributed to the Governor of Yobe state is misleading and misinforming.

We reiterate our commitment and determination to carrying out our mandate to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the north east. We also implore members of the public to continue to support us with credible information on the whereabouts o

We Left Dapchi in Police's Hands - Troops

Why there were no troops in Dapchi when terrorists struck, Army replies Yobe Governor



Following the damning comments by Yobe Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, blaming troops for the circumstances that led to the abduction of 110 female students of the Government Girls Science and Technical College, in Dapchi town, the Headquarters Theatre Command Operations LAFIYA DOLE has responded that it handed the town over the Police after securing it and ensuring peace there.

The Headquarters said it had to move soldiers to other troubled areas.

Gaidam told visiting Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima on Saturday: “I blame the whole attack on Dapchi on the military and the defence headquarters who withdrew troops from Dapchi. The attack occurred barely a week after the military withdrew the soldiers from there
“Before then, Dapchi has been peaceful, there was never such incident. But just a week after they withdrew the troops, Boko Haram came to attack the town….

“Let me be quoted anywhere, the military must take blame for the attack on Dapchi. The same thing happened in 2013 when the military suddenly removed troops guarding the town and a week later Boko Haram went there to attack the town and the secondary school there killing 29 students.”

The Operation LAFIYA DOLE Headquarters statement by its spokesman, Col Onyema Nwachukwu, reads in full:

The attention of Headquarters Theatre Command Operations LAFIYA DOLE, has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, Executive Governor of Yobe State, currently circulating in the media, in which he reportedly alleged that the withdrawal of the military was responsible for the recent suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ attack and abduction of female students from Government Girls Science Technical College in Dapchi .

This allegation is not only unfortunate, but also very far from the truth Although this Headquarters will not attempt to join in any blame game, it is very expedient to set the record straight for the benefit of posterity.

In carrying out its mandate to counter terrorism and insurgency in north eastern Nigeria, Operation Lafiya Dole, has been alive to its responsibilities vis a vis the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

Several communities and Local Governments that were hitherto under siege of the insurgents have been liberated and the insurgents pushed out. While troops continue to trail and decimate the remnants of the insurgents in the hinterlands, the security of the liberated communities and towns fall in the hands of the sister security agencies.

The recent dislodgement and further decimation of the insurgents from their enclaves in the Sambisa and the Lake Chad Islands are testimonials to the effective operations of troops against the insurgents.

Additionally, troops are regularly conducting long range patrols, raids and ambushes to canalise and take out fleeing insurgents. Given all these efforts, it is very astonishing and shocking that such unfortunate comment and allegation is been touted against the loyal and dedicated troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

Contrary to the comments being circulated, troops earlier deployed in Dapchi were redeployed to reinforce troops at Kanama following attacks on troops’ location at the Nigerian – Nigerien border.

This was on the premise that Dapchi has been relatively calm and peaceful and the security of Dapchi town was formally handed over to the Nigeria Police Division located in the town.

Troops’ redeployment was therefore done in tandem with the exigencies of operation and not as misconstrued. It is thus obligatory, to state that the allegation reportedly attributed to the Governor of Yobe state is misleading and misinforming.

We reiterate our commitment and determination to carrying out our mandate to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the north east. We also implore members of the public to continue to support us with credible information on the whereabouts o

HIS EXTRAVAGANT LOVE - Copeland

His Extravagant Love
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
– Deuteronomy 28:2

Some people have very low expectations of what God will provide for them materially. They trust Him to feed and clothe them, but they don't trust Him to feed and clothe them very well!

Somehow they've gotten the idea that God's an old miser who will do little more than put rags on their backs and beans on their tables. But that's not what Jesus told us. He said in Matthew 6 that God would clothe us better than He clothed Solomon. That one statement alone proves that God wants to do more than just meet our basic needs. He wants to bless us abundantly. I know that from personal experience.

A few years ago I came home and found two expensive automobiles parked in my driveway. They'd been given to me to use by men who'd been blessed by the Lord through my ministry.

I was baffled. "Lord," I said, "I didn't need these cars. I hadn't asked You for them, and I wasn't believing for them. What are they doing here?"

Then the Lord spoke up on the inside of me. Have you ever read the scripture in Deuteronomy that says blessings shall come on and overtake those who hearken to My voice?

"Yes," I answered.

Well, son, He said, you've just been overtaken.

Am I saying God gave me those expensive cars just so I could enjoy them? Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying.

First Timothy 6:17 says, "[He] giveth us richly all things to enjoy." God is a loving Father. He gets great pleasure from blessing His children. He's extravagant where we're concerned. But don't let that worry you. He can afford it.

Once you truly believe that and begin to hearken to His voice, it won't be long before His blessings will be overtaking you.

Kenneth Copeland

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 10:1-24
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

CONVINCE YOURSELF, NOT GOD - Prince

For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
Mark 5:28
- FEBRUARY 26 -
CONVINCE YOURSELF, NOT GOD
With a crowd thronging Him, Jesus was touched by a lot of people that day (Mark 5:31), but only the touch of one woman drew a response from Him. And her touch sparked off instant healing in her body, releasing her from a sickness that had plagued her for 12 years.

Do you want to know how to touch God and receive the miracle you need?

When the woman heard that Jesus was coming by her village, she said to herself, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” On her way to see Jesus, she probably told herself many times, “If I touch His clothes, I will be healed. I will be made whole.” We don’t know how long she had been saying that to herself, but she was convinced that Jesus would heal her.

If you are sick, convince yourself that Jesus is your healer and that by His stripes you are healed. You don’t need to convince God. He is not the one who needs to be persuaded because His blessing is already on you! It is you who needs to be persuaded that God has already given you your miracle. That is the reason you confess His Word—to convince yourself, not God, to persuade your heart, not His.

Some people confess their faith to others to convince God indirectly. For example, if they are believing God for healing, they go around telling their friends, “I am believing God for healing.” They are actually trying to convince or persuade God to heal them. They are telling God, “I’ve told so many people what I am believing You for. It would be very embarrassing if You don’t make it happen.” Their confession proceeds from unbelief and is used to manipulate God.

It is okay to tell others if you want to, so that they can stand in faith with you for your miracle. But don’t do it to prove your faith to God and to convince Him. You just need to convince yourself that God loves you and delights in blessing you. Just say to yourself, “By His stripes I am healed. I will not suffer lack. I am greatly blessed, highly favored, deeply loved!” And let God take care of the rest.

 Joseph Prince Ministries

NOTHING IS WRONG WITH GOD, HIS WORD AND YOU - Prince

You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.
Song of Solomon 4:7
- FEBRUARY 24 -
NOTHING IS WRONG WITH GOD, HIS WORD AND YOU
Sometimes, when we don’t receive our healing, breakthrough, restoration or miracle child, we can’t help but think that something is wrong with us. We tell ourselves, “Nothing’s wrong with God, nothing’s wrong with the Word, so something must be wrong with me!” My friend, if you think that your miracle depends on you, then you are on shaky ground.

In the old covenant, we see this “it’s all up to me” demand put on man. God’s part was to bless His people, but only if they played their part by obeying all of His laws. If they didn’t do their part, not only would they not be blessed, but the curse would also come on them.

Most of the time, they ended up under the curse because they just could not keep all of God’s laws. So God found fault with that covenant because though He wanted to bless man, man’s sins made it difficult for Him to do so. Man himself was the weak link.

In the new covenant, man has no part to play except to believe and receive. The new covenant of grace was cut between God the Father and God the Son—both infallible and more than able to keep the covenant.

God the Son is man’s representative. Jesus represents you and me. So in this covenant, how much we can receive from God depends on how good our representative is, how perfect His obedience is. Of course, Jesus is the perfect Man with perfect obedience. So in Him, we are qualified to receive all the blessings of God! We only need to believe and receive.

Jesus’ blood has been shed for the remission of all your sins. You are now the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21) By His one perfect sacrifice, He has perfected you forever. (Hebrews 10:14, KJV) There is no spot in you!

Today, the devil has no right to tell you that you cannot be blessed because there is something wrong with you. So as you are waiting for your miracle, say, “Nothing’s wrong with God, nothing’s wrong with the Word and nothing’s wrong with me! I am going to receive my miracle!”

 Joseph Prince Ministries

Peace at Home - Kenneth Copeland

Peace at Home
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
– James 3:16

Have you ever noticed that the easiest place to remain self-centered is at home? There's an incentive to be lovely with others, but with your family you are tempted to allow yourself more selfish privileges, as if it didn't count there.

Before I was a Christian, I was more courteous and nicer to friends than to my own family. I was more demanding and less forgiving with those dearest to me than with anyone else.

But after I made Jesus Lord of my life, I realized all that had to change.

Gloria and I began to learn through the Word how important harmony is within our family. We learned that if we wanted the power of agreemeent (see Matthews 18:19) to work in our lives, we could not allow strife in our home.

Strife drops the shield of faith, stops prayer results and invites Satan and his cohorts into your midst. Discord is deadly. It paralyzes the power of God in your life.

Don't allow the enemy to stop you at your own front door by allowing strife in your home. If you do, you'll be no threat to him anywhere else.

Put the power of harmony to work in your family.

Kenneth Copeland

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-13
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

Fear Not - Kenneth Hagin

Faith Food Devotional

Fear Not
February 23, 2018

"But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matt. 14:27).

God never comes with a message of fear. You can start in the Old Testament and trace all the way down through the New, and you will see that every time God manifested Himself to people, or sent angels or Jesus Himself, they always came with the message, "Be not afraid! Fear not!"

Fear doesn't come from God. It comes from the devil. And Christians, including preachers and teachers, have no business going around putting fear into people.

We hear so much fear preached: Fear of sickness and disease; fear of what's going to happen in the world; and fear of the devil. The way some people preach about demons causes people to be afraid.

I preach about the devil and demons, too, but I preach that we've got authority over them. I preach that we should always remember, in all our encounters with the devil, that He's a defeated foe.

Fear is not the message of the Church. Faith is the message of the Church. Good cheer is the message of the Church. "Be not afraid" is the message of the Church.

Confession: I am of good cheer. I am not afraid. I fear not. That is the message of God my Father to my heart. It is also His message to others. Therefore, my message to others is: Faith and good cheer. Be not afraid. Fear not!

HAVING ALL THINGS ADDED TO YOU - Prince

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
- FEBRUARY 22 -
HAVING ALL THINGS ADDED TO YOU
You are probably a responsible person who is concerned about providing well for your family—making sure that there is food on the table, money for the children’s needs, comfort and education, and so on.

What does God have to say to us about these legitimate concerns? According to Matthew 6:31, He tells us, “Do not worry.” Now, He is not saying that we don’t need all these things because in the same portion of scripture He says, “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:32)

So God cares about us having these things. He wants us to have all these things. In fact, He wants all these things added to us. And He tells us that the way these things are added to us is by us seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Therefore, our number one priority every day is to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. It is not to seek to add these things to ourselves.

But what is righteousness? Righteousness is not right behavior. It is right standing with the Father. It is the clearance of all your guilt, which makes you able to stand before God. It is not something you get through right behavior. It is a gift from God. Paul calls it “the gift of righteousness”. (Romans 5:17) And to “seek” this gift is to be conscious of the fact that you have it, to confess that you are righteous in Christ.

So this righteousness we are told to seek is not right behavior, but right standing before God, which comes to us as a gift when we receive salvation. At the cross, Jesus didn’t just remove our sins, He also gave us His righteousness so that today, we can come boldly before the throne of God and receive freely everything that He died to give us!

Today, if you want to provide your family with the good things in life, be assured that your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. Just seek His righteousness, not your own righteousness, and “all these things shall be added to you”!

 Joseph Prince Ministries

White House Mourns Graham

Statement by the President on the Passing of Reverend Billy Graham

Issued on:
February 21, 2018

Melania and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the passing of Billy Graham.  Our prayers are with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who worked closely with Reverend Graham in his lifelong ministry.

Billy’s acceptance of Jesus Christ around his seventeenth birthday not only changed his life—it changed our country and the world.  He was one of the towering figures of the last 100 years—an American hero whose life and leadership truly earned him the title “God’s Ambassador.”

Billy’s unshakeable belief in the power of God’s word to transform hearts gave hope to all who listened to his simple message: “God loves you.”  He carried this message around the world through his crusades, bringing entire generations to faith in Jesus Christ.

In the wake of the September 11th attacks in 2001, America turned to Billy Graham at the National Cathedral, who told us, “God can be trusted, even when life seems at its darkest.”

Reverend Graham would be the first to say that he did not do it alone. Before her passing, his wife Ruth was by his side through it all—a true partner, a wonderful mother, and a fellow missionary soul.  He also built an international team and institution that will continue to carry on Christ’s message.

Melania and I were privileged to get to know Reverend Graham and his extraordinary family over the last several years, and we are deeply grateful for their love and support.

Billy Graham was truly one of a kind.  Christians and people of all faiths and backgrounds will miss him dearly. We are thinking of him today, finally at home in Heaven.

The White House
21 February 2018

Transparency International Reports Vindicates Us - PDP

February 22, 2018

Press Statement

Corruption: TI Report Has Vindicated PDP.

…Says AU Was Misled on Anti-Corruption Award to Buhari

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the latest report by Transparency International (TI) showing that corruption has worsened under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has vindicated its stand that the current APC-led government is inherently and overtly corrupt.

The party said, by this new TI report, the African Union (AU) must have now realized its error in naming President Buhari as the African Union (AU) anti-corruption champion and should immediately withdraw the conferment.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Thursday, said the TI report has exposed the fact that those parading daily as champions of anti-corruption are rather superintending over the worst kind of official sleaze and hypocrisy in the history of our nation.

The party said the APC administration has been deceiving Nigerians with a ‘holier than thou posturing’ and painting others black when it is swimming in forms of corruption that is eminently festered by official concealment by the Presidency.

When the PDP first alerted that the APC and its incompetent Federal Government were swimming in an ocean of concealed corruption, many did not know to what extent.

It is shocking that under our 'saints', Nigeria has moved significantly from the 136th it ranked in 2016 to 146th in 2017, with President Buhari presiding on our nation.


This is a government that has been providing cover for its corrupt officials while operating heavily on propaganda, persecution  of opposition members with fabricated charges and toiling to sway the people with false performance indices.


This is a government that offered protection to former APC governors who were accused of stealing money meant for the development of their states to fund the 2015 APC presidential campaign, and even rewarded them with ministerial appointments.


We challenge the APC and the Presidency to speak out on this TI report. What have they to say when the world is now aware that they are complicit in humongous sleazes including the leaked official memo showing underhand oil contracts to the tune of N9 trillion ($25billion dollars) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources which are under purview of President Buhari as Petroleum minister?


What has the APC government to say when the world is aware that it is complicit in shady oil subsidy deals amounting to trillions of naira by its cabal who has also been fingered to be behind the illegal lifting and diversion of crude worth N1.1 trillion to service APC interests?

The world is now aware of the diversion of billion of naira meant for fight against  insurgency and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by the presidency cabal; the concealment of theft, by the cabal, of billion of naira at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) among other heavy sleazes around the presidency.

As we speak, the APC administration has increased taxes, levies and tariffs without a transparent remitting regime while funds said to have been recovered in the anti-graft war have not been adequately accounted for.

Instead, the government has been peddling false figures and bogus claims to hoodwink Nigerians while its cabal continues to fritter away funds meant for the good of the people.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Behold the Lord - Copeland

Behold the Lord
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.
– Romans 12:2

Inside, you're perfect—born again in the image of Jesus Himself. But outwardly do you find yourself falling frustratingly short of that perfection? Is there a solution? Yes! The secret lies in "the renewing of your mind."

Romans 12:2 tells us that, if you'll renew your mind, you can actually be "transformed." That word transformed is translated from the Greek word from which we get the term metamorphosis. It's used in Scripture in two other places.

One of those places is when Jesus was transfigured on the Mount as He spoke with Moses and Elijah. The other is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18. It says, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Changed, transformed, transfigured! Those are powerful, exciting words, and they describe what will happen to you as you spend time beholding the Lord in the Word and in prayer. As you spend time renewing your mind, your outer being will be transformed in much the same way as a caterpillar is changed into a butterfly. Instead of conforming to the image of the world, you'll begin to conform to the image of the reborn spirit within you which is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Take time to get away from the world and study God's Word. Meditate on it and let it change you from the inside out. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind and release the beautiful spiritual butterfly that's living in you!

Gloria Copeland

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:6-18
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

PDP Speaks on 94 Abducted School Girls by the Tetrorists

February 21, 2018

Press Statement

PDP Expresses Shock over Alleged Missing 94 Dapchi Girls…Tasks Police IG

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is shocked by reports that 94 Nigerian female students have been declared missing after insurgents attacked the Girls Secondary School Dapchi, Yobe state on Tuesday.

Indeed, we are very disturbed by this ugly development especially given the conflicting reports on the whereabouts of these innocent girls.

Our party restates that the life, safety and wellbeing of all Nigerians remain of paramount importance to us and we therefore insist that all efforts must be exerted to find these students.

The PDP is monitoring development on the position of the Nigeria Police investigation of the matter. We however charge the Inspector General of Police to immediately put all machinery in place to unravel this disturbing situation and recover the missing children.

We also urge the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled Federal Government to live up to its basic responsibility of protecting lives and property in our country.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

APC Government Stinks - PDP

February 19, 2018

Press Statement

Fresh N10bn NHIS Scam: APC Government Stinks - PDP

…Says Presidency Has No Honour Left


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Presidency has no honour left after reports that it concealed a N10 billion theft perpetrated by its officials at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).


It said the nation is being shoved to the precipice as the Buhari Presidency's incompetence manifest in the daily activities of government.


The party also described as the height of official hypocrisy for a government that is superintending over illegal withdrawals and outright stealing of funds meant for the welfare of the people yet brashly parading itself as champion of anti-corruption.


The PDP, in a statement issued on Monday, by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said it was shocking that the NHIS money was siphoned through the Federal Government Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the Central Bank of Nigeria which is under the direct purview of the Presidency.

The party said the only reason for the concealment was because the Presidency was complicit, while the stolen fund is being used to service an anti-people cabal brazenly operating in the Buhari-led Presidency.

Nigerians can now see the level of debauchery associated with this administration. It is appalling that a government can be so depraved that it superintended over the stealing of money meant to provide healthcare for the citizens.

We challenge the Presidency to speak out on this report as well as similar reported sleazes that has occurred under its watch.

Who in the Presidency authorized the withdrawal of the money from the TSA and who are the beneficiaries thereof?


What has the Presidency to say about revelations that it ordered the reinstatement of the indicted Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Yusuf Usman, to help conceal this illegal withdrawals and shield members of the presidency cabals involved in the deal?

Until and unless the Presidency clears its name by investigating, exposing and prosecuting those involved, it must directly be held responsible for this wicked act against Nigerians, who daily suffer hunger, depravation and death owing to the corruption in the APC government.

We hereby invite Nigerians and the international community to also note the refusal of the Buhari Presidency to act on the leaked memo showing corrupt oil contracts at the NNPC to the tune of N9 trillion ($25billion dollars) in a sector under President Buhari’s direct supervision as Minister of Petroleum?


The Presidency has also failed to offer explanations on the alleged involvement of its officials in various sneaky oil subsidy deals as well as reported diversion of N1.1trillion worth of crude last year to service APC interests.


Nigerians are aware that the Presidency has continued to shield fraudulent cabinet ministers including those known for extorting funds from agencies under them in addition to those indicted for corrupt enrichment.

Indeed, this government stinks and has irredeemably lost all honour.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Catholics Return to CAN After Five Years of Absence

Catholics Return to CAN After Five Years of Absence

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has returned to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) after five years of walking out of the national Christian Umbrella body in the country over some irreconcilable differences with the leadership.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria had in a letter dated September 24, 2012 and signed by Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, the President, Catholics Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBNC) and addressed to the then CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor announced its withdrawal from the organisation.

CAN formed in 1976, have five Christian blocs in the country: the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN); the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN/CPFN); Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Tarayar Ekklesiyoyin Kristi a Nigeria or The Fellowship of the Churches of Christ in Nigeria (TEKAN)/ Evangelical Church of Winning All (ECWA)

Since the emergence of his eminence, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle as the CAN President, he has been working hard behind the scene to ensure the return of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to the fold.

Most Rev Kagama had led the leadership of CBNC to the CAN National secretariat last year where in a meeting with Dr Ayokunle’s team they addressed the identified grey areas and Kagama disclosed the readiness of the Catholics to work with the new leadership.

And history was made on Thursday and Friday with the appearance of the CSN delegation led by  Rev Fr. Prof Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua who represented Most Rev Kagama at the expanded National Executive Committee meeting for the amendment of the constitution of CAN and the quarterly meeting of the Association.

Rev Ayokunle could not hide his elated joy on the new development when he was reacting to their return.

“Their return was one of the best things that have been happening since I was given the mandate to become the President of the Association. One of my visions for CAN is to bring our Catholic brothers and sisters back to the fold and I must acknowledge the support and understanding of my brother in Christ, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and his team.

"I give kudos to all the Principal Officers, the Directors and some Christian leaders in the country for their support and understanding while the dialogue lasted.

“My joy knows no bond with the presence of the CSN at the Constitutional Amendment Meeting held on Thursday and at the National Executive Committee meeting of the Association on Friday. It is our prayers that the Body of Christ in the country will remain one forever in Jesus’ name.

“At a time like this when Christians are almost becoming endanger species in Nigeria, when churches are being denied the Certificate of Occupancy especially in the core North, when Christians are being denied of key public offices and when the Church is expected to speak for the voiceless especially over the economic and social hardship in our country, we cannot afford of being at war with ourselves”.

Speaking further, Ayokunle who also doubled as the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention said, “Our Association is unity in diversity. Jesus Christ prayed for the Church shortly before He returned to heaven in John chapter 17 when He said, ‘I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me”’ (John 17:20&21).

Speaking in the same vein, the CAN Chairman, Northcentral, Rev Dr Israel Akanji who was among those who played prominent roles in the matter said the return of the Catholics to the Association is a sign of good omen to the Body of Christ in Nigeria.

“We are all happy with this new development, now the Body of Christ  in Nigeria is one, virile and strong. We can now speak with one voice. With their return, CAN is even now stronger and greater. We have learnt one lesson or two from the challenges that led to their withdraw. Never again will any of the blocks withdraw its membership.”

The Director of Legal issues, Barrister Samuel Kwanku disclosed that the association is working on the new Constitution to ensure that “CAN has an effective internal mechanism to address any misunderstanding among its members. We are all happy with the return of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN). Our strength lies in our unity.”

The CSN delegation participated fully in all the discourse while the two days meeting lasted.

Please, help us to disemminate this information on your popular medium as we acknowledged your usual co-operation.

Signed
Pastor Adebayo Oladeji,
The Special Assistant, (Media & Communications) to his eminence, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle.

A Hidden Treasure - Kenneth Copeland

A Hidden Treasure
The sower soweth the word.
– Mark 4:14

Right now, at this very moment, you have hidden within you a treasure that can change the world. A treasure that can change a man's eternal destiny, that can take him to heaven and save him from hell. A treasure that can turn a person's poverty into prosperity, his sickness into health, his sorrow into joy.

You have within you the all-powerful Word of God.

Don't keep it to yourself. Plant it wherever you go! Sow it into the hearts of those you meet. Share it at every opportunity.

"But I don't know how!" you may say.

Then start learning. Let these three steps help guide the way.

One: Make a decision. Make up your mind and heart today that you are going to share the Word with others no matter what! Determine right now that it's the most important thing you'll ever do. Commit to it. Once you've done that, you'll find the rest is easy.

Two: Prepare yourself. Spend time meditating in the Word each day. Allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you. That will make it easy for you to minister to others. You'll be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be able to hear His voice. He'll help you know what to say in each situation.

Three: Stay in faith. Once you've shared the Word with someone, trust God for the results. The Word of God does not return void. Even if they seem indifferent to you, even if it appears the Word had no effect, keep believing. Your faith will keep that Word alive inside them, and eventually, it will do its transforming work.

You have, hidden within you, a treasure that can change the world. What are you going to do with it today?

Kenneth Copeland

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-7
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Big Leagues - Copeland

Welcome to the Big Leagues
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
– Matthew 5:11-12

When persecution comes, don't sit around whining about it. Don't waste your time feeling sorry for yourself. Despite what you may think, that persecution hasn't come because the devil gets his kicks out of picking on you. It comes because you've become a threat to him. It comes because you've put the Word in your heart, and he knows that if he doesn't get it out, you're going to cause him more trouble than he can handle.

So, rejoice! Heavy-duty persecution means you've made it to the big leagues. It means the devil is taking you so seriously that he's sending in his best players in an effort to get you out of the game!

The players that make it to the Super Bowl don't look for some way out of it, do they? They don't say, "Boy, I sure wish I didn't have to be in that Super Bowl game. Those guys are the biggest, meanest players in the country. "Maybe I'll get sick and I won't have to play." No! They relish the opportunity. "Let me at 'em," they say. "I've worked all my life to get here and now I'm going to prove I'm the best!"

That's how you should be when the devil challenges you. You should accept that challenge with joy, knowing you're going to come out a winner. After all, your God is sufficient to see you through. He never stops and wonders if He's going to have enough resources to get poor, little you over your problems this time. He knows He can beat anything the devil brings against you.

So, when persecution comes, trust Him and rejoice, knowing that you've made it to the big leagues now!

Kenneth Copeland

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

Love is the Power Charge - Copeland

Love Is the Power Charge
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
– John 15:12-13

Love. It is the first and foremost command Jesus gave us, yet all too many believers neglect to follow it.

I'm talking about believers who can quote tremendous amounts of scripture and who may speak the Name of Jesus 35 or 40 times a day, yet they're rough and insensitive to the needs of their friends and family. They're so busy "serving God," they don't have time to serve people. Strife is their hallmark.

You may have been saved 45 years; you may talk in tongues all day long; but if you have strife in your heart and you're not living by the love commandment of Jesus, spiritual things are foolishness to you.

When you're in that condition, the Name of Jesus won't work. Faith won't work because the Bible says that faith works by love. In fact, none of the gifts of the Spirit will work if you don't have love. First Corinthians 13 says so.

Do you want to see the incredible power of God released through your life? Then start putting the love command in action. Start loving those around you.

Love is the power charge, friend. God's power package just won't work without it. That's why we've seen so many power failures in the Body of Christ. Starting today, you and I can turn those failures around. We can make up our minds to let the Word dwell richly within us. We can set our hearts on keeping the commands of Jesus and speak His Name with confidence and authority. And, most important of all, we can begin to love one another.

Then we will truly see the power of God begin to flow.

Kenneth Copeland

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

God's Love Makes You Strong - Joseph Prince

… know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:19
- FEBRUARY 14 -
GOD’S LOVE MAKES YOU STRONG
If you were to thank God for something today, what would it be? For me, it would be thanking God for giving me Jesus. For when I see Jesus on the cross, I see the love of God overcoming everything for me. It causes me to say, “Thank you, Jesus! I love you, Jesus! I worship you, Jesus! Bless you, Jesus! Hallelujah!”

And as we worship and celebrate the love of Jesus in our lives, we will find ourselves changed, and we will see the mighty power of God displayed for us and through us.

This was the case in the life of David. His personal times of worship, of being absorbed in God’s love for him, changed him from a mere shepherd boy to a lion killer, bear killer, giant killer and finally, a king over Israel.

Now, no one on earth, no matter how strong he is, let alone a youth, can come against a lion and prize open its mouth to snatch back his sheep which the lion had carried away, unless God’s anointing is on him. And this was indeed what happened to David the shepherd boy who went after the lion, caught it by its beard, struck and killed it, and thus delivered the lamb from its jaws. (1 Samuel 17:34–37)

My friend, no man can truly enjoy living in this world without God’s strength in his life, God’s favor in his work and relationships, God’s protection for him and his family, God’s increase in his finances, and God’s health and healing for his body. Likewise, no woman can survive emotionally, socially or physically without God’s tender touch, loving presence, sweet assurance and words of life in times of need.

Beloved, as you feed on Jesus’ love for you, you will be filled with the fullness of God. Like David, God’s anointing will begin to operate powerfully in your life. And when you encounter spiritual lions, even the devil himself—when he comes like a roaring lion against you, your loved ones or your possessions—you will grab hold of his mouth and tear him apart!

All UEFA CL Results

JUVENTUS 2 - 2 TOTTENHAM

FC BASEL 0 - 4 MANCHESTER CITY

REAL MADRID 3 - 1 PSG

FC PORTO 0 - 5  LIVERPOOL

Nigerians Have Lost Confidence in INEC - PDP

February 14, 2018



Press Statement



Kano Council Poll: Nigerians Have Lost Confidence In INEC - PDP.

…Says Commission Responsible for Underage Voters



The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Nigerians have lost confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for attempting to cover its complicity in the widespread impunity recorded in last Saturday’s Kano local council elections, particularly the documented massive underage voting that characterized the exercise.



The party said it was INEC that registered the minors as voters in the first place and as such should not in any way attempt to exonerate itself of involvement in the electoral fraud, simply because it did not directly conduct the elections.



PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Wednesday, said the press release by INEC, wherein it tried to exonerate itself from culpability in the participation of minors in Kano election, clearly shows that INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is completely unreliable and cannot be trusted.



We ask: Who is fooling who? Is it not INEC that registered the minors and issued them with Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) to participate in elections as clearly documented in the Kano council election? Can INEC truly acquit itself as the original culprit who set the stage for the eventual participation of the minors and overall rigging of the elections?



By resorting to lame excuses and trying to exonerate itself at a time it should be taking decisive steps to protect the sanctity of its sensitive materials such as the PVC, this INEC has shown that it cannot be relied upon as a responsible and trustworthy electoral umpire.



Indeed, if this INEC was serious about the sanctity of sensitive electoral materials, by now, it should have ordered the immediate review of its voter register in Kano and Katsina states, fishing out and prosecuting those who registered the minors and clean up the electoral system in the affected states.



Viewed alongside series of numerous other irregularities being allowed by INEC to favor the ruling APC, including alleged conspiracy with APC-controlled security operatives to intimidate opposition members and manipulate elections as witnessed in the last Saturday’s Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency Supplementary election in Katsina state, any reasonable person will decode that INEC, as presently constituted, has serious questions to answer, especially as we approach the 2019 general elections.



While we now hold the statement by INEC as part of our strong evidence of irregularities and violations in the elections, we charge the commission to redeem its name by immediately reviewing and sanitizing its voter registers in affected states, particularly, Kano and Katsina, as that it the only way it can demonstrate its dependability to Nigerians.



Finally, we want INEC to note, and in very strong terms too, that Nigerians will not accept anything short of credible, free and fair general election.  The commission should therefore ensure that it does not allow itself to be used by the APC against the will of the people, particularly in the 2019 elections, as such will be highly resisted.



Signed:



Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

Nigerians Have Lost Confidence in INEC - PDP

February 14, 2018



Press Statement



Kano Council Poll: Nigerians Have Lost Confidence In INEC - PDP.

…Says Commission Responsible for Underage Voters



The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Nigerians have lost confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for attempting to cover its complicity in the widespread impunity recorded in last Saturday’s Kano local council elections, particularly the documented massive underage voting that characterized the exercise.



The party said it was INEC that registered the minors as voters in the first place and as such should not in any way attempt to exonerate itself of involvement in the electoral fraud, simply because it did not directly conduct the elections.



PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Wednesday, said the press release by INEC, wherein it tried to exonerate itself from culpability in the participation of minors in Kano election, clearly shows that INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is completely unreliable and cannot be trusted.



We ask: Who is fooling who? Is it not INEC that registered the minors and issued them with Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) to participate in elections as clearly documented in the Kano council election? Can INEC truly acquit itself as the original culprit who set the stage for the eventual participation of the minors and overall rigging of the elections?



By resorting to lame excuses and trying to exonerate itself at a time it should be taking decisive steps to protect the sanctity of its sensitive materials such as the PVC, this INEC has shown that it cannot be relied upon as a responsible and trustworthy electoral umpire.



Indeed, if this INEC was serious about the sanctity of sensitive electoral materials, by now, it should have ordered the immediate review of its voter register in Kano and Katsina states, fishing out and prosecuting those who registered the minors and clean up the electoral system in the affected states.



Viewed alongside series of numerous other irregularities being allowed by INEC to favor the ruling APC, including alleged conspiracy with APC-controlled security operatives to intimidate opposition members and manipulate elections as witnessed in the last Saturday’s Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency Supplementary election in Katsina state, any reasonable person will decode that INEC, as presently constituted, has serious questions to answer, especially as we approach the 2019 general elections.



While we now hold the statement by INEC as part of our strong evidence of irregularities and violations in the elections, we charge the commission to redeem its name by immediately reviewing and sanitizing its voter registers in affected states, particularly, Kano and Katsina, as that it the only way it can demonstrate its dependability to Nigerians.



Finally, we want INEC to note, and in very strong terms too, that Nigerians will not accept anything short of credible, free and fair general election.  The commission should therefore ensure that it does not allow itself to be used by the APC against the will of the people, particularly in the 2019 elections, as such will be highly resisted.



Signed:



Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

The idea of Cattle Colonies is Rubbish - Fani- Kayode

"The proposed introduction of cattle colonies is the RUBBISH suggestion of a RUBBISH idea by a RUBBISH Minister who serves a RUBBISH President that leads a RUBBISH party which formed a RUBBISH Government.

When it comes to cattle colonies all I see, hear, feel and smell is RUBBISH!

Meanwhile hear this:

Fulani herdsmen have invaded the University of Ilorin, poisoned their dams and destroyed their research farms.

Fulani herdsmen have invaded Akure South Local Government Area, sacked and taken over the Council Secretariat and chased away all the workers.

Fulani herdsmen have killed 4 people in Southern Kaduna and two Civil Defence Corps officers in Benue.

Fulani herdsmen have killed innocent people all over Nigeria EVERY SINGLE DAY since Jan. 1st 2018.

Fulani herdsmen are targetting pregnant women and children for slaughter.

This is the legacy of Buhari and his Fulani fanatics.

Before independence Nigeria essentially had two foreign imperial powers (British and Fulani) running the affairs of our land.

In 1960 the British went away and left us in the hands of the Fulani. The British are back in the UK: when are the Fulani GOING BACK to Futa Jalon?

Finally consider this:

First Apostle Johnson Suleiman warned you.

Then Bishop David Oyedepo.
 

Then Dr. Paul Enenche.

Then Bishop El Buba.

Then Prophet T.B. Joshua.

Then Baba Ayo Adebanjo.

Then Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Then President Ibrahim Babangida.

And now Professor Wole Soyinka.

All this yet you refuse to listen.

The truth is that you are not just in a "trance" but in a spiritual voodoo cage.

The power of the broom has been broken, the spell has been shattered, the cauldron no longer boils, the demons no longer dance, the blood sacrifices have failed, the cow magic has ceased to work, the sorcerers' enchantment has come to an end: it is time for you to GO!"- FFK

Weary of Worry - Glorial Copeland

Weary of Worry
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
– 2 Corinthians 2:14

As you fight the good fight of faith today, remember this: Your mind is where the battle will take place. Whatever you allow to captivate your mind will rule your life. Will it be the Word of God or the lies of Satan?

The decision is yours.

If you want the Word to reign, make up your mind now to resist the devil when he comes to plant doubts within you. Refuse to surrender to the circumstantial pressure he brings your way. Decide at the outset that you will not succumb to this trial. Dig your heels in and stand immovable upon the promises of God.

When thoughts come that are contrary to God's will, cast them down. And above all, don't worry. Worrying is meditating the thoughts of Satan.

When you recognize you are worrying, stop it immediately. Replace worried, fearful and doubtful thoughts with the Word.

Be assured, Satan will continually try to tell you that your situation is hopeless. He will persistently peddle doubt, defeat and discouragement. But if you won't allow him to sell you his goods, his commission will be zero. If you don't buy his lies, he can't cause them to come to pass in your life.

God has promised that He will always cause you to triumph in Christ. You are guaranteed victory over any adversity you face today. Make up your mind right now to be a winner and you'll spread the knowledge of victory in Christ everywhere you go.

Gloria Copeland

PDP Commiserates With Buhari Over Relatives' Demise

February 12, 2018

Press Statement

PDP Condoles Buhari over Loss of Relatives

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commiserates with President Muhammadu Buhari and his family on the loss of two close relatives, Hajiya Halima Dauda and Hajiya Aisha Alhaji Mamman, which occurred in quick succession.

The PDP family has indeed been saddened by this very sad loss for which our prayers and thoughts have since been with the first family. The loss of a loved one at any point is always a painful experience and the PDP shares in this pain.

We join millions of other Nigerians in lifting President Buhari and his family in supplications, fervently praying the Almighty God in His mercies console them and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

In the same vein the PDP prays to God to grant eternal repose to the souls of the faithful departed.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

EPL RESULTS FOR SATURDAY

TOTTENHAM 1 - 0 ARSENAL

EVERTON 3- 1 CRYSTAL PALACE

STOKE CITY 1 - 1 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION

SWANSEA CITY 1 - 0 BURNLEY

WEST HAM 2 - 0 WATFORD

MANCHESTER CITY 5 - 1 LEICESTER CITY

Rejoice, O Barren! - Joseph Prince

… “Rejoice, O barren, you who do not bear! Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor…
Galatians 4:27
- FEBRUARY 10 -
REJOICE, O BARREN!
Barrenness. What a painful and frustrating condition. Yet, in Isaiah 54, God’s Word to those who are experiencing barrenness is to rejoice — “Sing O barren”!

Why? Because in the previous chapter, it tells us that the chastisement for our peace fell upon Jesus. (Isaiah 53:5) The word “peace” here in Hebrew means completeness, soundness, health, safety and provision. In other words, all these benefits are yours today because Jesus has already been punished at the cross for your peace. That is why you can start rejoicing.

So God wants you right now, in whatever area you are barren, to start rejoicing as if the fruit or yield you want to see has already come. He wants you to start thinking, speaking and acting as if the barrenness is no more.

If you are financially barren, start planning for what you would do when your finances increase. I am not saying that you go out and spend recklessly, but start making plans for increase. The time to do this is when you are still in what your natural eyes see as a barren stage.

You may say, “Pastor Prince, you don’t understand, the banks are chasing me!”

God says, “Rejoice because you are well provided for in Christ.” In Christ, you are already blessed with every spiritual blessing, including financial provision. (Ephesians 1:3) “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

If you are sick, start planning to do what you have not been able to do. Don’t rejoice only when the healing manifests and the pain is no more. Rejoice now in your healing because Jesus has already borne your diseases and carried your pains, and by His stripes you have already been healed. (Isaiah 53:4–5)

Whatever barren situation you are in, rejoice and tell God, “Father, because of the sacrifice of Your Son, I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. You have already given me everything. So I am going to act like it is so and rejoice!”

 Joseph Prince Ministries

Called to Intercession - Copeland

Called to Intercession
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
– Matthew 5:4

Do you know what Jesus was really talking about when He said those words? He was talking about the mourning of the intercessor. He was teaching about the comfort that comes to the intercessor when he is assured by the Holy Spirit that he has prayed through.

To pray through means "to break through the barriers that have stopped the work of God in the lives of others." It means using your spiritual armor to push back the forces of darkness that surround them.

There's a desperate need for believers who are willing to do that today. There's a need for intercessors who will go before God and reach out for His mercy and compassion for the sinner, for the sick and for this downcast world. For prayer warriors who will stick with it until they have the assurance inside, in their spirits, that every barrier is broken and every area of bondage has been abolished.

God is looking for intercessors like that—and there are certain things that won't happen on this earth until He finds them. There are blessings and moves of God that won't come until someone gives birth to those things by prayer.

Even the Lord Jesus Himself was ushered into the earth by intercession. Remember Simeon and Anna? They were both intercessors, prayer warriors of God. They'd spent years in spiritual mourning, praying for the Messiah to come. But when they were done, they experienced the comfort of the Holy Spirit. For when they saw Jesus as a tiny baby in the temple, they recognized Him and rejoiced.

If you're wondering if you're one of those who's been called to intercession, then you probably are. God is calling believers everywhere to experience that unique kind of mourning and comfort that only the intercessor knows. He's calling you to lay down your life for others through prayer.

Somewhere in the world, someone needs you to pray them through. Spend some time on your knees today.

Kenneth Copeland

Buhari is Insulting Nigerians - Falana

Yusuf’s reinstatement: stop insulting Nigerians – Falana warns Buhari


Femi Falana, activist lawyer, has called on Federal the Government to stop the reinstatement of the Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf.

Falana said this in reaction to the reinstatement of suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf by President Buhari.

The Senior lawyer warned the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to stop insulting the intelligence of Nigerians, adding that the reinstatement of Prof Yusuf cannot be justified in law.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos, Falana said: “In line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Messers Babachir Lawal and Ayo Oke, were suspended pending the conclusion of investigations into allegations of corrupt practices and money laundering levelled against them.

“But the established principle has just been set aside by President Muhammadu Buhari in this case.

“In a bid to play on the intelligence of Nigerians, the Federal Government has said the allegation of the criminal diversion of the over N900 million involving the Executive Secretary has not been swept under the carpet and that his purported reinstatement will not stop the investigation being conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The Federal Government should be advised to stop insulting the intelligence of Nigerians. Since Section 42 of the Constitution bans the Federal Government from according preferential treatment to any citizen, the reinstatement of Prof Yusuf cannot be justified in law. It should be withdrawn by President Buhari without delay.”

Tinubu Cannot Deliver APC - PDP tells Buhari

February 8, 2018

Press Statement

PDP To Presidency: Tinubu Cannot Deliver A Bad Product

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lampooned the Presidency for abandoning its responsibility of governance and now deploying resources meant for the good of the people to push a desperate but ill-fated mission to perpetuate on Nigerians, an obviously unpopular Presidential candidate in 2019.

The party said the Presidency has become so panicky that it effectively hijacked the functions of the leadership of its dysfunctional and ideologically vacuous All Progressives Congress (APC), by appointing people into partisan offices, outside its much-desired responsibility of governance.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Thursday, said it is ludicrous that after almost three years of failure to deliver on the littlest of its campaign promises, the Buhari Presidency is now moving around, cap in hands, looking for those to use once again to beguile Nigerians ahead of the 2019 elections.

The PDP stressed that the Buhari Presidency has failed to be remorseful for its misrule noting that the disagreements in their party are fallouts of members’ resentment towards its desperation for power.

'There is widespread disenchantment and indignation across the nation resulting from hunger and the inability of the Buhari Presidency to provide the people with basic necessities of life, which they had always enjoyed in the past.

'Nigerians are therefore waiting to see how Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has also openly expressed his concerns and disapprovals on the mismanagement of the economy and whose large constituents are direct victims of the ineptitude, impunity, nepotism, dictatorial tendencies, corruption and insecurity that has characterized the Buhari Presidency, will now turn around to preach that all is well and attempt to sell a practically bad product to the nation.

'It is instructive to further state that the desperate move by the Presidency to politically prey on individuals is mere foolhardiness and a totally decadent approach to pitch key leaders against the people on an issue that has already been thrown overboard.

This is more so as the political institutions and front runners that threw up the Buhari Presidency in 2015 have now, not only regretted their actions, but have also strongly advised that President Buhari should not contemplate contesting a second term in office.

Nigerians today suffer from pains inflicted on them by this administration and no amount of manipulation of individuals and public institutions can make them change their resolve to vote out APC in 2019, particularly as the party is stuck with an unpopular candidate.

The PDP therefore finds APC’s attempt to reconcile its dwindling ranks as laughable, cosmetic and politically inconsequential.

It will interest the APC to know that Nigerians are already rallying with the repositioned and rebranded PDP as we are poised to present a credible, competent and reliable candidate through a free, fair and transparent presidential primary.

Signed:


Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary