The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has given further clarification to a memo it issued directing the creation of a political department in the church with the objective to help ” coordinate the engagement of our people who are willing to be involved in politics as well as mobilize support for them.”
The memo which leaked online came as political parties and politians gear up for electioneering campaigns ahead of the 2023 general election.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a pastor of the RCCG, is believed to nurse a presidential ambition, but he is yet to officially declare his intention.
Comments on social media insinuate that the directive from RCCG, a leading pentecostal church in Nigeria with about 32,000 parishes, is geared towards rallying support for the VP.
According to him, the directive existed long ago and is targeting at getting people involved in politics.
“There is nothing connecting Osinbajo with the directorate; RCCG has been mobilising, creating political awareness long since transition from military to civil rule. RCCG has made it a policy to educate its members on political education – get voter cards, no violence.
“The directorate has nothing to do with Osinbajo or anybody. I don’t know why people are linking something the church has been doing which every organisation should be doing to him,” he said to The Punch.
Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has reacted to the current challenges faced at Chelsea.
The United Kingdom government had on Thursday frozen the assets of Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich.
The billionaire is one of seven wealthy Russian individuals who had sanctions placed on them by the government on Thursday.
The development has restricted the Blues from selling any ticket or merchandise and also stopping them from offering new contracts to players.
Feeling sorry for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Klopp said Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is responsible for Chelsea sanctions.
The German professional football manager while addressing the media on Friday, insisted no employee at Stamford Bridge is to blame.
Klopp has now agreed with the decision taken by the government.
He said: “I feel for him (Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel) and the players. It’s not a situation all the employees at Chelsea are responsible for.
“One man is and that’s Putin. I don’t know about Roman Abramovich’s role in all this, but you can say he is close. I think what the Government did is right.”
There are indications that people from more countries than earlier envisaged are warming up for the upcoming Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris which comes from Friday, March 18, to Sunday, March 19, 2022. The event is already riding on the wings of the positive feedbacks and loads of testimonies from other Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris cutting across geographical, cultural and political divides globally.
Millions of people all over the world are sharing the great news of the event, as signs through billboards, advertorials on buses, trains, and other sources have got every home, every street, every community, every city, and every nation into a grip of expectations hoping for the great moments with Pastor Chris.
The Live Healing Services have become special times of signs and wonders, postmarked with remarkable miracles and testimonies. Paralysis, cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, mental disorders, and all manner of sicknesses and diseases are healed when the power of God touches those who need healing.
With the participation of over 6.5 billion people in the last edition of the healing services that took place in October 2021, many are confident in their expectations for this program. One such person is Bishop Janice Best of the United States of America, and she eagerly shares her expectations: “I am anticipating an increase in miracles and healing of all manner of sicknesses and diseases. During the last edition, we saw people get healed and I am looking forward to this again, and I urge you to join in and partake. Get ready to receive and carry healing grace to your world.”
Elisiva Falekaono was deaf for 17 years. This made communication and getting through each day a difficult task. She needed constant support from her family. This was her condition until she took a step of faith and participated in the #HealingStreams Live Healing Services last year. She touched her ears while Pastor Chris prayed and they popped open. Her hearing is perfect now. Glory to God!
Pastor Antonina Boltersdorf from Ukraine testifies, “For about a week, I had this pain in my shoulders, spine, and hand. The pain was so much that I couldn’t even lift my hands to pray. As we worshiped during the Healing Streams Live Healing Services, I suddenly discovered I could lift my hands freely without pain. The pain is completely gone. My spine, my shoulders, and my hands are back to normal.”
This is just a foretaste of what is to come for the March 2022 edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris. “Anyone anywhere can receive a miracle,” says Evangelist Dr. Eddy Owase, a senior minister of the Healing School. “Testimonies are the Word of God clothed within stories. When they are told, they communicate faith and power for the miraculous.”
How true. Even now, with the program still several days away, miracles are taking place already all over the world. As the testimonies pour out, the excitement and anticipation are heightening. You can register now and play your part in getting others to participate in the Live Healing Services at www.healingstreams.tv/3days. You can also sponsor the program and ensure its reach to 7 billion people all over the world.
The coronation of Oba Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland is underway at the ancient Mapo Hall Ibadan.
The new monarch is being ushered into the venue where he will be officially presented with instruments of office by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and the Ogun State Governor , Dapo Abiodun are present .
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa and Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi are also present.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Obateru Akinruntan; Olugbon of oarile Igbo, Oba Francis Alao, are also present.
Hours after his infinite suspension from NURTW, MC Oluomo has reportedly been appointed as the GM/MD of Lagos State Transportation Parks and Garages Management Committee.
This was disclosed by his son, King West, on Instagram. The state government is yet to announce this appointment.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied knowledge of the leadership change in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was gathered that INEC made this known on Thursday in a letter sent to Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger, who is the acting chairman of the party’s caretaker committee.
The officials pleaded not to be named disclosed that Sani-Bello had on Wednesday written to INEC in his capacity as the acting national chairman of the APC’s Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) inviting the commission to their National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for next week Thursday via zoom.
Sources confirmed to Daily Trust that the APC had send a letter to the electoral commission revealing a change of guard from Governor Mai Mala Buni to Sani Bello.
“Yes, there was a letter from the APC, which the commission replied because there were legal issues…They did not do the right thing,” one of the officials of the electoral body said.
Another official said INEC in the reply told the ruling party that it was only the national chairman and national secretary of the party that could write such a letter.
This means that the commission was yet-to-be be formally notified of the leadership change in APC.
Which in-turn means the new leadership led by Governor Bello cannot formally write INEC for official matters.
The Electoral Act 2022 in Article 82 (1) recently signed by President Muhammadu Buhari stated that: Every registered political party shall give the commission at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this Act.
Recall that the Niger State Governor had on Monday take over the leadership of the APC, claiming he has the backing of President Buhari
Confirming the change of leadership, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State said Buni who is on a medical trip in Dubai had been removed and won’t return as chairman.
El-Rufai accused the Yobe governor of widening crisis in the party, claiming that those loyal to Buni had obtained a court order to stop the APC convention from holding.
Also, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had accused Buni and some ‘yahoo yahoo‘ governors of trying to destroy the APC.
Backing Buni, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State had said the Yobe governor will return as the party chairman after his medical trip.
Speaking to his supporters, the embattled governor insisted that there was no crisis in the ruling party.
The Lagos State Transport Union has withdrawn its membership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.
This development is coming shortly after the national union suspended the chairman of the Lagos state chapter, Musiliu Akinsanya alias MC Oluomo. Rising from an emergency meeting at the state secretariat at Agege, MC Oluomo said;
“Being law-abiding and responsible citizens, we have decided to explore all avenues for peace in the interest of all, we will not support any action that can threaten the peace that we cherish so much in Lagos State.”
“Therefore, I, Comrade Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, on behalf of the State Administrative Council (SAC), State Executive Council (SEC) members and the entire union rank and file members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council with over 200 Branches and Zones hereby resolve to immediately withdraw our membership and operation from the National body of NURTW for peace to reign in Lagos State and to write the Lagos State Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and other relevant agencies about our decision.”
MC Oluomo urged the state government to take over the running of the affairs of the union pending the determination of the matter in the interest of peace.
He added that his action is in line with Section 40 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, saying, “Every person shall be entitled to assembly freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any association for the protection of his or her interests.”
“This means that every person shall be entitled to join an association and exit freely without molestation,”
“In view of this and the crisis at hand, Lagos State Government is hereby invited to consider its white paper on Transport Union activities, 2004 section 5C, which states that the government should take over the management of any garage or motor park where there is a crisis until such is resolved by the consultative committee”.
The soldiers who assaulted and injured some players of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan
have apologised to the players and the management of the Oluyole Warriors over the unfortunate incident.
The Media Officer of the 3SC, Tosin Omojola, said this in a statement on Thursday.
Ebenezer Odeyemi, Sochima Elum, Chimamkpa Onwubuche and Adekunle Adeniyi were on Tuesday night assaulted by some soldiers while eating at a cafeteria near the club’s camp at Idishin, Jericho, Ibadan.
While the trio of Sochima, Chimamkpa and Adeniyi luckily escaped, the military officers went hard on Odeyemi, who was unable to escape, having fell down while trying to run away like his colleagues.
On getting wind of the incident, the management of the Ibadan team took up the matter to officially make a report and also find out what led to the assault.
“When the ugly incident got to our notice, we took the lawful step to find out what really transpired between the soldiers in question and some of our players, in which one of them (Ebenezer Odeyemi) was beaten up.
“In response, they (the soldiers) gave their own side of the story, explaining what happened and then tendered their apologies over the incident, which they said was not deliberate.
“The soldiers involved said they were on patrol, having being drafted to the area as a security measures to put under the check the activities of some notorious gangs who have been terrorising residents of the area for some time,” the statement read in part.
The residents had arranged for the soldiers to beef up security in the area and it was one of their routine checks that led to the incident.
The statement further said that while patrolling, they ( soldiers) saw the four players at the spot and having initially passed, they decided to turn back, to find out who they were and what their mission at that spot was.
He added that on seeing them (soldiers) heading towards their direction, the players, out of fear, took to their heels, thus giving the soldiers impression that they (the players) were up to something.
While three others succeded in running away, Odeyemi was not that lucky as the soldiers caught him and pounced on him, suspecting that he and his fleeing colleagues were part of those wrecking havoc in the area, not knowing that they were footballers.
Odeyemi was said to have had a cut on his face as well as on his toes and a swollen ankle. The injuries will rule him out of the home match of the team this weekend.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has been sacked as the All Progressives Congress (APC) election appeal Chairman.
The South-West state governor was earlier appointed by Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC caretaker committee to chair the party’s election appeal committee ahead of its national convention slated for March 26, WEE TALK NAIJA understands.
The group that its members are known for settling scores with arms and charms directed MC Oluomo whose followers said they are battle ready to quit Lagos office over alleged misconduct
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has suspended its Lagos chapter’s Chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called Mc Oluomo, indefinitely over alleged misconduct, insubordination, and inciting members of the state chapter against the apex body.
This development may be connected to a protest staged by Mc Oluomo supporters during which they accused the union at national level of unnecessarily interfering in the state affairs.
NURTW has also directed MC Oluomo to immediately hand over the mantle of leadership to his deputy chairman and release all property belonging to the transport body in his possession to State Secretary, in a bid to avoid any leadership vacuum in the state.
It alleged that the decision to place MC Oluomo on indefinite suspension was basically to prevent any breakdown of law and order after it came to its notice that he was already inciting members against the union, an act that is completely against NURTW constitution.
MC Oluomo’s suspension was contained in a letter sent to him on decisions taken by the national body as regards his recent conducts which Union described as a total disregard for the constitution governing members’ activities across the country.
In the letter dated March 9th, 2022, and sighted by our correspondent on Thursday, the national body stressed that it resolved to suspend MC Oluomo after it became obvious that MC Oluomo was not apologetic over his actions even after he was directed to explain reasons for embarking on such.
According to the letter signed by the General Secretary for the national body, Kabiru Yau, the Union promised to often ensure that the NURTW constitution remains sacrosanct and adhered to by members across the country.
The letter reads: “This is to convey to you that in line with Article 42 section 5, subsection I, II, III, IV, V, and VIII of the union’s constitution, you have been placed on indefinite suspension from office as State Chairman of Lagos State Council of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) with effect from March 9th, 2021.
“Your suspension is sequel to sustained acts of insubordination and gross misconduct coupled with your clandestine plans to instigate crisis and unleash mayhem on any branch or branches of the union in Lagos state that refuses to obey your order or instructions not to accept directives from the national headquarters of the Union.
“Your orchestrated plan to attack branches that may disobey your orders aforesaid will ultimately endanger public peace and order in Lagos state. It is also very likely to threaten and/or affect the lives and property of the peace-loving people of Lagos state, particularly those doing their legitimate businesses within motor parks, hence the urgent need to take drastic actions against him.
“It is on record that you were earlier issued with queries on 25th of February 2022 and 3rd of March, 2022 respectively in which you were directed to explain the circumstances surrounding your untoward actions and to also show cause why disciplinary actions should not be taken against you for such acts of insubordination. You bluntly neglected/refuse to respond to the second query, while your response to the first query was unsatisfactory.
“In view of your suspension, you are hereby directed to hand over the mantle of leadership of the Lagos State Council to the State Deputy Chairman and also surrender all Union properties in your possession to the State Secretary of the Union forthwith”.
