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2023 Elections: Nigeria’s Christendom for Unity or Disunity of the Nation

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Presidential inauguration: Obi didn’t call for boycott, postponement – LP

2023 Elections: Nigeria’s Christendom for Unity or Disunity of the Nation

2023 Elections: Nigeria’s Christendom for Unity or Disunity of the Nation

The body of Christ has never been this divided over politics, this is fueled by the aggressive and loud manner the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been going about its campaign for recognition, it would be recollected that CAN had faced similar disunity when the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria pulled out of the association during the period Pastor Ayo Oristejafor was the president it only returned in 2018 and this time around making utterances that will polarize the pulpit.

Recently when a group of about 30 clergymen from various churches and denominations across Nigeria stormed the unveiling of the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima in support of his aspiration for the office of the President, the clergymen were talked-down on by others in the Christian community, most vocal is the Vice President of CAN (19 Northern States and Abuja) and its chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, who described them as hire mechanics.

 

 

 

 

 

In his words “BAT is free to hire mechanics and other artisans and sew clerical garments for them. An effort that will only add to their many ropes when the political exercise is over but will not change the need for fairness and justice that CAN is calling for.”

The tone of CAN representative set the social media on fire as this seems to be the basis with which these clergies are been abused, this singular action has brought ridicule to the body of Christ since findings revealed some of those people are actually known to the Rev. Joseph John Hayab, take for example Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, of Gboko Catholic Diocese Benue State who is also the APC Governorship Candidate in the State, also Bishop Edward Williams Chanomi of Chapel of Peace Mararaba, Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule, and to later inspire movements for civil rights and freedom across the world, “The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different.”

It will be recalled that Christianity like Islam preaches peace and unity but the current trend shows religion is being used as a platform for power by many of these pastors who would ignore competence to stake a claim at a place in political relevance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastors are regarded as an epitome spirituality and intelligence who are usually apolitical since it is expected they are fathers to their diverse congregation and the prospected ones, but that has since changed since they are now vocally and angrily expressing their displeasure that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not choose a northern Christian as a running mate even when no northern Christian has emerged the CAN president in over 40 years.

The choice of words of some of this leaders shows they have an axe to grind even when both the Presidential candidate are known to be liberal and has even expressed their mind about not representing any religion but Nigerians, after the appearance of the clerics at the unveiling days back, the tone of the CAN representative that issued a statement is that of somebody who will not care if the country will go into flames.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The attendance of the clergy caused a great deal of controversy and speculation as online sleuths picked holes in their attire, claiming that their shoddy appearance was proof of a conspiracy on the part of the APC to invite fake Christian leaders to the unveiling.

When asked about their decision to attend the event decked in religious garb, one attendee who did not give his name said “I am proud to be a Christian BAT supporter. I have no problem with a Muslim-Muslim ticket because I very much believe in the Jagaban”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another one of the clergy identified as the senior pastor of Yoke Breakers Prophetic Ministry, Bishop Ugokwe Prince; the founder Christian and Muslim Love International foundation said; they believe in the unity and religious harmony of the country.

Speaking further he disclosed that they are to show support and solidarity and offers prayers for the party and also to advise in areas they believe as a group of clergy can contribute to the party to get it right in the forthcoming presidential and general election come 2023, he stated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even when Tinubu has politely and categorically defended his choice of Kashim Shettima as the man who can help him bring the best governance to all Nigerians, regardless of their diverse religious affiliations or considerations of ethnicity or region, these naysayers will not stop at discrediting and condemning the Muslim-Muslim ticket over a mundane issue of a same faith ticket in d presidential race of a country with such magnitude like Nigeria.

It stands to reason that such primordial religious sentiments shouldn’t be allowed to becloud our collective entity as one big united family, religion or no religion.

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Crisis Averted? Tinubu Settles Lagos Assembly Rift, Affirms Obasa’s Leadership

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Crisis Averted? Tinubu Settles Lagos Assembly Rift, Affirms Obasa’s Leadership

Tinubu Intervenes in Lagos Assembly Crisis, Upholds Obasa as Speaker

President Bola Tinubu has successfully intervened in the lingering leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa’s continued tenure as Speaker despite previous recommendations for his resignation.

The resolution followed a crucial meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The President’s decision, however, runs contrary to the recommendations of a panel previously established to mediate the crisis.

Reversal of Agreement

The panel, led by former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Chief Gbenga Daniel, along with members of the Governance Advisory Council, initially advised that Obasa should return as Speaker but step down shortly after, allowing for a new Speaker from Lagos West in the interest of political balance.

On March 3, 2025, Mojisola Meranda, who had taken over from Obasa after his impeachment, resigned from her position and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was subsequently reinstated in line with the agreement. However, in a dramatic twist, he indefinitely adjourned the Assembly and refused to step down as originally planned.

Tinubu Brokers Lasting Peace

During the closed-door meeting, Tinubu urged lawmakers to put aside their grievances and work together under Obasa’s leadership to ensure stability in the Assembly and across Lagos State.

“Tinubu met with the lawmakers behind closed doors. They expressed their concerns, and he resolved the issues. Obasa will remain as Speaker, and the lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” a source familiar with the meeting revealed.

Despite dissatisfaction among some Lagos stakeholders over Obasa’s defiance of the original agreement, the source assured that Tinubu would engage all concerned parties to maintain unity.

“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel, but the President will address their concerns to ensure lasting peace,” the source added.

Obasa to Withdraw Lawsuit

In a further development, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.

“The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and in return, Obasa must withdraw his case against Meranda and the Assembly members in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this arrangement,” another insider disclosed.

Prior to this directive, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), had confirmed that despite his reinstatement, the Speaker had not withdrawn his lawsuit, arguing that the allegations against him—ranging from high-handedness to financial mismanagement—needed to be addressed.

With Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court set to hear the case on March 17, 2025, all eyes are now on Obasa’s next move following Tinubu’s directive.

Political Ramifications

The intervention by Tinubu, a towering figure in Lagos politics, signals his firm grip over the state’s political structure. However, the decision to allow Obasa to remain as Speaker could spark further discontent among factions within the ruling party and raise questions about adherence to internal agreements.

For now, the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis appears to have been temporarily resolved, but the long-term political implications remain to be seen.

 

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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly

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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly"

LOCKED OUT: RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR DENIED ENTRY TO ASSEMBLY, BUDGET PRESENTATION STALLED

…Fubara Laments Attempt to Frustrate Governance
…Tension Mounts as Assembly Faction Defies Supreme Court Ruling
…Tinubu Pressures Governor to Implement Verdict Amid Growing Political Standoff

 

Rivers State was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied access to the Port Harcourt Aba Road temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex, effectively blocking him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Accompanied by his entourage, Fubara arrived at the Assembly Quarters only to be met with locked gates, an action seen as a bold and calculated move by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident underscores the deepening power struggle between the governor and Wike’s faction, which the Supreme Court recently recognized as the legitimate Assembly leadership.

48-Hour Ultimatum and Assembly’s Defiance

The legislative crisis escalated after the pro-Wike lawmakers issued Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, challenging an earlier approval by a four-member faction of lawmakers aligned with the governor. However, instead of attending the session, Fubara invited the lawmakers to Government House, Port Harcourt, a move they outrightly rejected.

Governor Fubara Reacts: ‘I Leave Everything to God’

Addressing the development during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana LGA, Governor Fubara expressed disappointment at the obstruction, emphasizing that his priority remained the state’s economic stability and the welfare of civil servants. He lamented the resistance he has faced in executing governance duties despite following due process.

“I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly,” Fubara stated. “I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 a.m. to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged.”

Despite his efforts, Fubara said he was left standing outside the legislative complex, only to hear claims that no official communication was made regarding his visit.

“I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret,” he added. “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim.”

Presidential Pressure: Tinubu Orders Compliance with Supreme Court Verdict

The budget blockade comes just 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed Governor Fubara to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. During a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu reinforced his stance, demanding adherence to the court’s decision to prevent further instability in the oil-rich state.

However, Fubara’s camp views the legislative impasse as an orchestrated attempt to sabotage his administration. His allies argue that the governor is being cornered into submission, with the opposition exploiting institutional control to dictate terms.

Calls for Resignation, Threats of Impeachment

Adding to the already volatile situation, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, called for Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to comply with the Supreme Court ruling could lead to impeachment proceedings. The remarks signal a potential escalation in the crisis, with political forces aligning to push Fubara into a corner.

As tensions mount, Rivers State finds itself at the center of a deepening political crisis. The coming days will determine whether Fubara can navigate the high-stakes battle or if the opposition forces will tighten their grip on the state’s political landscape. One thing remains certain—this is a battle far from over.

 

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Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

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Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

The Lagos State House of Assembly has plunged into further turmoil following the controversial purchase of N5 billion worth of vehicles for lawmakers, exacerbating the already strained relationship between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his predecessor, Mojisola Meranda.

Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that during Obasa’s removal as Speaker, Meranda facilitated the purchase of 39 vehicles for lawmakers. However, it emerged that before his ouster, Obasa had approved N7 billion for the same procurement, with plans to source the vehicles from Dubai. His removal on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers, citing highhandedness and financial mismanagement, paved the way for Meranda to assume the Speaker position.

Meranda’s tenure, however, was short-lived as she resigned on March 3, 2025, after intense pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, allowing Obasa to reclaim the speakership while she reverted to her Deputy Speaker role. Despite this political settlement, legal and financial disputes between the two factions continue to rage.

Legal Battle Over Procurement

The controversy now centers on the legality of the vehicle purchase made under Meranda’s leadership. Sources close to Obasa allege that she acted without proper authorization, thereby undermining his earlier procurement strategy.

“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an anonymous aide to the Speaker disclosed.

Another insider added, “In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles from Dubai. However, after his removal, Meranda changed the process to open bidding, leading to local procurement instead. That is the major difference.”

Meranda’s Defense: A Cost-Saving Measure

Meranda’s camp has firmly defended her decision, asserting that she actually saved the state N2 billion by purchasing 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser for N5 billion, compared to Obasa’s planned expenditure of N7 billion for 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prados.

A close associate of Meranda emphasized, “Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew funds from the Assembly’s account. She merely adjusted an existing procurement approval, resulting in significant cost savings.”

He further argued that Meranda’s decision to source the vehicles locally ensured better financial prudence and transparency. “Unlike Obasa, who planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were purchased domestically. Also, she did not approve any vehicle for herself as Speaker, unlike past administrations,” he added.

Court Showdown Looms

Despite political efforts to resolve the leadership crisis, Obasa remains steadfast in challenging his removal in court. His lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), underscored the significance of the case, stating, “The allegations against him, including highhandedness and fraudulent practices, are serious and must be legally addressed.”

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has now set March 17, 2025, for the next hearing, after an initial adjournment from March 10, following further filings by Obasa’s legal team.

What Lies Ahead?

The unresolved legal battles and lingering power struggle between Obasa and Meranda continue to cast a shadow over the Assembly’s stability. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of the procurement controversy and the broader leadership crisis could shape the political landscape of Lagos in the coming months.

 

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