religion

Apostle Suleman: Is It Payback For Festus Keyamo?

Published

8 years ago

April 21, 2018

BY ADEMOLA PAUL

As first call, I would like to open my assessment of the state of the Church and the oppressed in Nigeria with a brotherly gesture at Barrister Festus Keyamo; his award of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) after eight attempts, and his latest appointment as the spokesman for the reelection bid of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.

It should be noted that Festus Keyamo is warmly referred by the majority as controversial not because he is the foulest of men, but because, he, as I have been privileged to discover, is a man who hunts with extreme anxiety and desire for results by any means possible. However, one of the most destructive of creative sins is deploying one’s talents against the success of fellow man.It is the death of creativity when bad blood is allowed to become an obstacle in man’s life.

That Nigeria is fast getting on the list of countries where the minority, and to a greater degree, the Church, is persecuted is an obvious fact. No thanks to actions of certain professionals, who, perhaps, unconsciously have been of vast assistance to plots against opposition voices.

This article is focused primarily on the alleged sex drama involving a man of God, Apostle Johnson Suleman, of which the lead actor, one Stephanie Otobo herself later confessed was falsehood and a plot organized by a clique that included those feared by Suleman’s bluntness on the Church matter and national issues as well as opportunists struggling to milk the cleric through the open. Interestingly, Stephanie Otobo mentioned Keyamo as one of the ring leaders of the aborted plan.

The partial war was so heated that Apostle Suleman’s church, sometime in March 2017, raised the alarm that the celebrity lawyer and some others had planned to publish Suleman’s cloned video clips in a desperate bid to prove that he had an amorous relationship with Otobo. It was not long after the church’s statement that series of corrupt images were released on the internet purported to be those of the cleric and the accuser. However, while the drama lasted, Festus Keyamo cleverly avoided direct connection. A lawyer from his Lagos chambers stood in all through.

It would be unfair to Apostle Suleman’s attackers to allude that he is a stranger to such plot. He is not because he has always stood tall speaking his mind like true Church leader. And the sign was obvious one clear month before the Otobo attack that indeed future surprises awaited him. The cleric had been ambushed one night by men of the State Security Service (DSS) while on a two-day crusade in Ekiti State alleging that he made inciting remarks at one of his church sermons. But for the state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, who prevented them, the cleric would have been arrested and taken to Abuja that night.

His sin? Suleman had told members of his church that he received anonymous calls about Fulani herdsmen that were sent to attack him and he told his people that if any strange faces came around him, they were not there for prayers, so they had better responded.

What should be of concern around this matter is, whether indeed there’s any connection in the failed act of Festus Keyamo and his co-schemers against Apostle Suleman with the present government’s attitude toward the Church.

Is it payback for Keyamo who after eight failed attempts at securing the SAN title eventually was awarded by the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government? Note also that Festus Keyamo was just appointed the campaign spokesman for President Buhari’s second term ambition. These are questions disturbing the mind since the ugly attacks on Suleman, a firebrand preacher known for his bold traits as Oracle of God.

The sorry state of the modern Church is aptly captured in this legendary quote by Martin Luther King Jr; “So often, the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often, it is an arch-defender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church’s silence and often even vocal sanction of things as they are.”

However, with a voice like Apostle Johnson Suleman’s, it is professed that the Church is not the master or the servant of the state but rather the conscience of the state. The Church must be the guide and the critic of the state and never its tool.

In order words, it is time the Church freed itself from the shackles of political correctness, speak the truth, and face the facts about the violent persecution of the poor, especially Christians.

The war is real against the oppressed and the climate of injustice and oppression is more prevalent in today’s Nigeria. The attempted plots at shutting down voices against persecution of the Church is manifest in the fact that Nigeria has become like a giant Ponzi scheme in which the sweat, toil and earnings of the masses used to improve the fortunes of a privileged class at the leadership level. This is the battle voices like Apostle Suleman are determined to win, possibly. Yet, this is the vision a category of people by action and inaction are positioned to kill.

The most common idiocy in Nigeria now is criticism of the Church of God and servants of God; the reproach is focused on tithing, first fruits, private jets, church-owned educational institutions, testimonies, teachings, and more. But such debate is unwise. It is a debate so flawed that no matter how smart one may feel, the moment you participate in it, you are in the realm of the stupid.

I do not say the Church is beyond criticism, it is not. But I strongly believe that the church leadership must be ready to face the moral challenge of the day and stand up and be counted.

-Deacon Ademola Paul writes from Igbosere, Lagos Island

religion

Adamawa Progressive Elders Council Felicitates Muslim Ummah @ Eid-el Fitri

Published

2 weeks ago

March 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Adamawa Progressive Elders Council Felicitates Muslim Ummah @ Eid-el Fitri

The Adamawa Progressives Elders Council under the leadership of His Excellency Brigadier Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has sent a strong worded message of felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Adamawa State and indeed the entire country on the occassion of the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the Ramadan season.

In a message sent by the Media office of the Organization, the group extended warm felicitations to the Leaders of APC in Adamawa State particularly the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. Also the group sends Sallah salutations to the National Vice Chairman North East of the APC, the State Chairman of the party and all members of the state working committee.

While acknowledging that the one month long spiritual exercise was marked by sacrifices and charity, General Marwa said the Council “expects every member of the Council and indeed every citizen of Adamawa state to live in peace with one another and to embrace a culture of unity, fraternity and the pursuit of an Adamawa state that promotes our common heritage and shared prosperity”.

Addressing the core issues related to the establishment of the Council, the leader of the group said in celebrating a spiritual event like Sallah, what normally happens are moments of joy and happiness that transcends our natural faultlines. In his words, “in times like this we normally set aside our differences to rejoice with each other, l therefore enjoin us to carry this spirit beyond the Sallah period. We should build a bond of unity that endures”

The Adamawa Progressives Elders Forum therefore calls on all the people of Adamawa state to rededicate themselves to the peace, unity and progress of Adamawa state.

The group urges the Muslim Ummah to carry on the lessons of piety and charity imbibed during the Ramadan season beyond the end of fasting period.

Speaking further on behalf of the group, General Buba Marwa called on the members of the APC in Adamawa state to approach all the political activities coming up within the INEC timetable with maturity, understanding and brotherhood.

According to him “the goal of the progressive elders council is peace, unity and understanding among all members of the party in the state and by extension the entire citizens of the state”

While reflecting on the recently concluded e-registration of party members in the state, General Marwa celebrated Adamawa state for emerging with the second highest figure nationwide after Lagos State.

He commended the NSA, the Governor, the State Chairman of the Party and State Working Committee members for this unprecedented feat.

Gen Marwa as the leader of the Council believes that this is an affirmation of the confidence the people of Adamawa have in the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

On behalf of the entire Membership of the Adamawa Progressives Elders Council, His Excellency Gen. Buba Marwa felicitates with the Muslim Ummah and prays for a very successful celebrations in peace, unity and brotherhood. May the season bring abundant blessings to the land and to the people of Adamawa state.

news

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

Published

1 month ago

February 19, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival

– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced

In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.

During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.

He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.

On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.

He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.

The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.

Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.

It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.

This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.

It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.

religion

Manipulation: Ignorance Is a License to Bondage — Dr. Chris Okafor

Published

2 months ago

February 6, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Manipulation: Ignorance Is a License to Bondage — Dr. Chris Okafor

“Nothing honours until a spirit interferes.”

Manipulation, broadly defined, is the act of influencing or controlling a person or situation through subtle or overt tactics for personal advantage. In many cases, such influence is perfected through spiritual interference, because the spiritual realm ultimately governs the physical.

This profound subject formed the focus of the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) Service ministered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor, at the international headquarters of the ministry in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

Speaking on the topic “Manipulation”, with the subtitle “The Spiritual Aspect,” Dr. Okafor explained that manipulation exists in two dimensions: demonic manipulation and divine manipulation.

Demonic Manipulation

According to the Generational Prophet, demonic manipulation represents the negative expression of spiritual control, where individuals are influenced by the spirit of darkness to act contrary to their true intentions and divine purpose.

He noted that under demonic manipulation, people often say or do things their inner conscience did not authorize, acting solely under satanic influence. This, he explained, accounts for the increasing hostility, false accusations, and defamatory statements directed at genuine servants of God in contemporary times.

“Many people speak evil against true men of God, maligning those sent by God to help them. Often, it is not entirely their fault—it is the work of demonic manipulation,” he stated.

Dr. Okafor, however, offered reassurance, emphasizing that a prayerful life and proper spiritual alignment provide immunity against such attacks. He stressed that when a believer is connected to a spiritual father and guided correctly, no level of manipulation can stop destiny or destroy God-ordained blessings.

He warned that unchecked manipulation can damage destiny and limit access to divine blessings.

Divine Manipulation

The Prophet further taught that just as there is demonic manipulation aimed at destruction, there is also divine manipulation—the intervention of God to protect, guide, and align His people with His eternal purpose.

“If there is a demon manipulating destinies wrongly, there is also a God in heaven who divinely interferes to preserve glory,” he declared.

Dr. Okafor explained that believers who understand the principles of serving God in truth and in spirit operate under divine manipulation, where God orchestrates events in their favour. Under such covering, no demonic manipulation can prevail.

He added that consistent prayer, commitment to kingdom service, partnership with God’s work, and active soul-winning neutralize every form of demonic interference.

Solutions to Manipulation

According to Dr. Okafor, the ultimate safeguard against manipulation is a disciplined prayer life and total commitment to the things of God. Such spiritual alignment ensures that no demonic influence can infiltrate a believer’s path.

The PHDS midweek service witnessed a mighty move of the Holy Spirit, marked by deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and divine solutions to numerous cases presented before Elohim, the God of Grace Nation.