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RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC

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RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC

RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC

Following the July 26 2023 General Tchiani led military coup in Niger republic which ousted incumbent democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum and continued to hold the country by the jugular in defying calls, demands and sanctions for restoration of democratic governance, it is appropriate to situate the issues in proper perspective in order not to allow mischief makers and anti democratic elements who have unleashed their arsenal of lies, falsehood and misinformation to continue to confuse and incite the people as in their character.
The anti democratic elements have been on the prowl since the military putchists seized power illegally by twisting the narratives against the Nigerian government solely for political capital in response to the 30th July 2023 ECOWAS ultimatum to the coupists to return power to the democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum who is being held hostage or be prepared for a military action as a last resort if dialogue fails.
The July 30 2023 communique of ECOWAS on the illegal coup in Niger republic was very clear and comprehensible and it received global commendation as the most appropriate response to a defiant bunch of terrorists who usurped a democratic system of government in Niger republic.
RESOLVING THE MILITARY ILLEGALITY IN NIGER REPUBLIC
But rather here in Nigeria, a section of the Nigerian society who have refused to come to terms with the electoral loss of their candidates and parties at the last successfully and credibly conducted 2023 general election, saw this bold and courageous move to restore democracy in a troubled West African country by a sub-regional bloc ECOWAS, being presently led by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, as an opportunity to get back at the Nigerian government and so at every opportunity, they have taken to the media to whip up emotions and sentiments against the Nigerian government by capitalizing on the ignorance of a large population of our people with the lie that Nigeria is trying to wage a war against Niger republic which is untrue.
But the truth of the matter is that even when ECOWAS reconvened another extraordinary meeting on Niger republic in Abuja Nigeria on August 10, 2023, no where in the communique issued and read at the meeting was it ever mentioned that ECOWAS not to talk of Nigeria, was going to wage a war against Niger republic.
The communique of ECOWAS from the earlier meeting of 30th July and the latter extraordinary meeting of 10th August 2023 stated emphatically that the body was going to pursue all necessary peaceful means including the use of military option as a last resort to restore constitutional democracy in Niger republic through the immediate reinstatement of the democratically elected President Mohammed Bazoum.
Some of the anti democratic elements and mischief makers have been deploying their arsenal at full throttle to peddle the lies, falsehood and misinformation of, “We don’t war”, “Nigeria should no go to war against Niger republic”, when in actual fact, what they are saying is that ECOWAS should not intervene in restoring constitutional governance to Niger republic, but should allow the treasonable felons to remain in power, in utter violation of the constitution of Niger republic and ECOWAS protocol.
When these characters lie about the attempt to remove an illegal junta from power in a country by a regional bloc to which that country belongs to and is a signatory to the treaty on democratic governance as a declaration of war on the country, we need to inform those who might want to fall for the campaign of blackmail and calumny against ECOWAS because of the hate against Nigeria government from expected quarters, that in 2017, ECOWAS removed from power, a former President Yahya Jammeh in Gambia, when he lost a presidential election and refused to hand over to the winner to be sworn in, ECOWAS did not go to war against Gambia and no war ensued, but went there to restore and sustain democratic governance.
The same scenario of The Gambia reared it’s ugly head earlier in Cote D’Ivoire in 2010 when then President Laurent Gbagbo lost election to the incumbent President Alhassane Quattara, but refused to concede defeat and it degenerated into a social crisis costing hundreds of lives, but in 2011, Laurent Gbagbo was arrested and taken out to restore democracy in Cote D’Ivoire and the consequences is that no war broke out as would have been insinuated by anti democratic elements if such action had been contemplated as they are doing fraudulently and mischievously now.
The anti democratic elements have also gone further in trying to launder the image of the coupists by claiming that they enjoy the support of the people of Niger republic on the basis of some state sponsored rallies that have been organized to drum up support for the illegal junta repeatedly, but again we ask, can a rally or rallies be the basis for which an illegal junta should derive it’s legitimacy against a democratically elected government? The answer is absolutely no.
However, we must acknowledge the concern from some genuine quarters who have called for caution and appealed for dialogue in resolving the matter, and have even taken concrete steps to wade in, but till date, the junta in Niger republic is still obstinate and refusing to accede to the voice of reason.
Moreover, we are not surprised that the illegal junta in Niger republic is being supported by their sisters illegal juntas in Mali and Bourkina Faso, after all, it is said that, birds of a feather, flock together.
As the military junta in Niger republic continue in their path of illegality and perfidy as exemplified in their latest announcement of arraigning the incumbent President Mohammed Bazoum for treason, we call on ECOWAS and other defenders of democracy globally to remain steadfast and resolute in deploying military action as a last resort to drive out this terrorists who are presently illegally occupying the Presidential palace in Niamey as soon as possible so as to send an unmistakable and unambiguous message to coupists and their sponsors that the only acceptable, tolerable and legal route to political power in Africa, is through the ballot and not the barrel of the gun.
God bless ECOWAS
God bless Africa
Thank you.
Your’s Sincerely,
E-signed,
Nelson Ekujumi.

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Pastor Adeboye’s Open Heavens Daily Devotional For Today 7th May 2025

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*Pastor Adeboye’s Open Heavens Daily Devotional For Today 7th May 2025*

*Topic: He Can Change It*

Open Heavens is a daily devotional guide written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

MEMORISE: “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” – Ephesians 1:11 (KJV)

READ: Jeremiah 18:1-6 (KJV)

1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,

2 Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

Open Heaven For Today 2025 MESSAGE

Over the past three days, I discussed how everything that happens on earth is according to God’s design and that we are actors in His grand play. Because God is the writer of the play, He can change some things in it, such as actors, scenes, sequences, and the like, to suit His grand vision. For example, in 1 Samuel 2:30, He told Eli, “I said indeed that you and your father’s house will stand before me forever, but now, I change my mind.” That is an instance of God changing the actors that would be involved in carrying out His grand vision. God is the Writer and Director of your life, and the earlier you cooperate and surrender to Him, the better it will be for you. I pray that you will never do anything that will cause God to change His mind concerning His good purpose for your life.

As the Director of your life, God can also change parts of your life that don’t fit His purpose anymore. In today’s Bible reading, Jeremiah was in his house when God told him to go to a potter’s house because He wanted to speak to him there. If I were Jeremiah, I would have asked, “Daddy, are we not speaking already? Let’s continue our conversation here.” Thank God Jeremiah was an obedient fellow, and as I mentioned in the just-concluded series, obedience will keep you at the centre of God’s will. He stood up immediately and went to the potter’s house, where he met the potter working on a vessel. As Jeremiah watched, the vessel got damaged in the potter’s hand, but instead of throwing it away, the potter remoulded it into another vessel. By the time he was done, it didn’t look like the vessel had once been damaged.

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. – Jeremiah 18:4

Beloved, God can change those damaged portions of your life if you surrender everything to Him. He can remould you into another vessel fit enough to fulfil His original plan for your life. Don’t give up on the promises He has made to you or the glimpses of the glorious destiny that He has shown you because of negative circumstances or past mistakes. He can change everything and make your life a beautiful story of His grace – only put your trust in Him.

PRAYER POINT

Father, I surrender myself to You. Make me a vessel that is fit to fulfil Your good plan and pleasure, in Jesus’ name.

HYMN 6 – I Am So Glad That Our Father In Heaven

1 I am so glad that our Father in Heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Refrain
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.

2 Jesus loves me and I know I love Him;
Love brought Him down my lost soul to redeem;
Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree:
Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me.

3 In this assurance I find sweetest rest,
Trusting in Jesus, I know I am blessed;
Satan, dismayed, from my soul now doth flee,
When I just tell him that Jesus loves me.

4 Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing,
When in His beauty I see the great King,
This shall my song through eternity be,
“Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”

5 If one should ask of me, how can I tell?
Glory to Jesus, I know very well!
God’s Holy Spirit with mine doth agree,
Constantly witnessing Jesus loves me.

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BURATAI, COAS, GOVERNOR, ZAMFARA EMIR ATTEND 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF EMIR OF KAURA NAMODA, ORGANIZE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH

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*Buratai, COAS, Gov, Zamfara Emir Attend 5th Anniversary of Emir Of Kaura Namoda, Organize Free Medical Outreach* @The Status Online https://thestatusonline.com/buratai-coas-gov-zamfara-emir-attend-5th-anniversary-of-emir-of-kaura-namoda-organize-free-medical-outreach

BURATAI, COAS, GOVERNOR, ZAMFARA EMIR ATTEND 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF EMIR OF KAURA NAMODA, ORGANIZE FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH

 

Prominent figures, including former Chief of Army Staff, His Excellency Ambassador Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), gathered on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of HRH Major (Dr) Sanusi Muhammad Ahmad Asha (Rtd), Sarkin Kiyawa and Emir of Kaura Namoda. The event took place at the Emir’s Palace and attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal Dare, who was represented by the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, was represented by Brigadier General A Babatunde Chief of Staff Operation Fansan Yamma Theatre Command in Zamfara State, while the Emir of Anka and Chairman of the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, led a delegation of emirs from the state.

A distinguished delegation representing General Buratai was led by Colonel Haruna Idris Zaria (Rtd), Chairman of the Tukur and Tukur Foundation, alongside Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, Chairman of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation. The two foundations collaborated to organize a free medical outreach in honor of the Emir’s anniversary.

The medical outreach provided essential health services to over 500 individuals from the local community, addressing a variety of medical conditions. Services included diagnosis and treatment for malaria and typhoid fever, general body pain and weakness, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and various minor eye problems such as conjunctivitis and eye pain. The outreach also tackled skin rashes, cough and catarrh, fungal infections, treatment of worms, diarrhea, cholera, and ulcers.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation and the Tukur and Tukur Foundation to enhance healthcare access and promote wellness in underserved communities. The event not only celebrated the Emir’s leadership but also emphasized the critical role of community health initiatives in improving the quality of life for residents of Kaura Namoda.

As the Grand Patron of both foundations, His Excellency Ambassador Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd) continues to play a pivotal role in philanthropic efforts aimed at uplifting the lives of Nigerians through healthcare and social support. The successful organization of this outreach serves as a testament to his enduring dedication to the welfare of the community.

*Buratai, COAS, Gov, Zamfara Emir Attend 5th Anniversary of Emir Of Kaura Namoda, Organize Free Medical Outreach*

@The Status Online
https://thestatusonline.com/buratai-coas-gov-zamfara-emir-attend-5th-anniversary-of-emir-of-kaura-namoda-organize-free-medical-outreach

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PERSUASION, Not Manipulation: The Noble Art of Moving People with Integrity

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PERSUASION, Not Manipulation: The Noble Art of Moving People with Integrity

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

In an age defined by information overload, attention scarcity and growing skepticism, the ability to “PERSUADE not MANIPULATE” has never been more vital. Whether in leadership, business, politics, education or personal relationships, persuasion is the ethical superpower that separates the great from the mediocre. Unlike manipulation, which is rooted in deceit and coercion, persuasion is built on empathy, respect, trust and a deep understanding of human nature. It is the art of connection, not control.

Understanding the Foundation of Persuasion

Mastering persuasion begins with understanding people, their fears, desires, values and unspoken needs. The legendary psychologist Abraham Maslow, in his hierarchy of needs, emphasized that human behavior is largely motivated by the pursuit of safety, belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Any message or idea that aligns with these core human motivations gains immediate traction.

In Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Dr. Robert Cialdini outlines six universal principles of ethical persuasion: RECIPROCITY, COMMITMENT and CONSISTENCY, SOCIAL PROOF, AUTHORITY, LIKING and SCARCITY. These principles are not manipulative when applied with honesty and respect. They simply reflect how people naturally make decisions.

Persuasion Begins With Listening, Not Speaking

Contrary to popular belief, persuasion isn’t about who speaks the loudest or uses the fanciest words. It begins with active listening. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, famously wrote: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” But persuasive leaders do the opposite. They seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Empathy is the cornerstone of ethical influence. When you genuinely understand your audience’s fears and hopes, your message becomes a mirror of their inner world, not a foreign concept to be resisted. According to a study by Harvard Business Review (2016), leaders who demonstrate empathy drive greater employee engagement, loyalty and performance. The same applies to clients, voters and partners.

Stories Over Statistics, Questions Over Commands

One of the gravest mistakes in communication is relying too heavily on data. While facts are essential, they rarely change minds or hearts on their own. People are not calculators, they are storytellers. Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor and storyteller herself, explains that “stories are just data with a soul.” In other words, stories give life to facts.

Research from Stanford University found that people are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it’s presented in a story than when it’s shared alone. This is why persuasive communicators use narrative to evoke emotion, visualize transformation and connect with the audience on a human level. Whether it’s Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream,” or Steve Jobs unveiling the iPhone, the most influential figures in history have understood the power of storytelling.

Similarly, great persuaders ask questions more than they give commands. Socrates built an entire philosophy of influence through inquiry. By asking questions, you invite collaboration instead of confrontation. Questions show humility and curiosity, both of which invite trust.

Confidence Over Pressure, Trust Over Fear

Manipulators pressure people. Persuaders project confidence. These are not the same. Confidence comes from clarity, competence and conviction. It is grounded in truth, not theatrics.

Fear may yield short-term compliance, but it breeds long-term resistance. In contrast, trust opens the door to lasting influence. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer (2024), 71% of people say they are more likely to follow a leader they trust, even when they disagree with them. That’s the power of credibility.

Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Persuasion, done right, leaves people feeling respected not exploited.

In Business and Leadership: Persuasion is Currency

In the corporate world, persuasion is more valuable than any resume or technical skill. Harvard Business School professors John P. Kotter and Dan S. Cohen found in their seminal study that 70% of organizational change efforts fail because leaders rely on logic rather than emotional persuasion. The most successful leaders are those who paint a compelling vision and rally people behind it, not those who issue mandates from a corner office.

Consider the case of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who revitalized a stagnant tech giant not by issuing top-down directives, but by building trust, communicating empathy and persuading employees to embrace a new culture of collaboration and innovation. The results speak for themselves, microsoft’s market value has more than tripled under his leadership.

In marketing, companies like Apple and Nike have mastered the art of persuasive branding by aligning with their customers’ identities and aspirations. They don’t just sell products; they sell belonging, empowerment and transformation.

Persuasion in Everyday Life

You don’t have to be a CEO or politician to harness the power of persuasion. Every parent trying to guide a child, every teacher inspiring students, every activist seeking justice and every partner seeking understanding relies on this skill.

A study by Dr. Robert Feldman at the University of Massachusetts found that most people lie in one out of every five interactions to avoid conflict or gain approval. This shows a dangerous tendency toward manipulation, which corrodes relationships over time. In contrast, persuasive individuals build bridges by being authentic, transparent and emotionally intelligent.

How to Cultivate Persuasive Power With Integrity

Know Your Audience: Do your homework. What are their values, fears, goals? What language do they use?

Earn Trust First: Show up consistently. Be credible. Follow through on promises.

Use Clear and Emotionally Resonant Language: Avoid jargon. Speak like a human, not a robot.

Tell Stories That Reflect Shared Values: Make your message feel personal, not transactional.

Ask, Don’t Tell: Use questions to involve, not exclude.

Project Calm Confidence: Panic repels. Poise attracts.

Be Ethical: Always aim for mutual benefit. Leave people better off, not deceived.

Final Thoughts: Lead, Don’t Push

Persuasion is not a dirty word; it is the heartbeat of progress. Great leaders throughout history have used it to rally nations, inspire movements and forge peace. From Nelson Mandela to Barack Obama, from Oprah Winfrey to Malala Yousafzai, the power of persuasion lies not in overpowering others but in uplifting them.

“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions,” said John Hancock. But influence that lasts is influence that is earned and not demanded.

So in a world hungry for authenticity and meaning, choose to persuade with truth, empathy and conviction. Don’t manipulate, connect. Don’t command, lead. Don’t shout, listen.

When used with integrity, persuasion is not just a skill. It is a force for good. It is how we change minds, touch hearts and move people toward a better future.

PERSUASION, Not Manipulation: The Noble Art of Moving People with Integrity By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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