Myles Munroe's Last Message Before His Death

 

In what is being described as a message he delivered shortly before he and eight others were killed in a fiery jet crash Sunday, prominent evangelical preacher and motivational speaker Myles Munroe spoke ominously of dying by accident and being "unnecessary" to his ministry

In a video clip posted on YouTube described as "Myles Munroe's Message Shortly Before His Death," Munroe told leaders: "The greatest act of leadership is what happens in your absence. If everything you've done died with you, you are a failure. True leadership is measured by what happens after you die."

In the eerie clip that in hindsight seems like a prescient farewell, Munroe, who was speaking from a television studio at the time of the video's recording, challenged his audience to think about what would happen to their legacy if they suddenly died in an accident after leaving the studio.
"… If you die today as a leader, leaving the studio in an accident, what happens to your organization? What happens to your church? What happens to your business? If it dies when you die, you are a failure," said Munroe.
Munroe, 60, who led the Bahama Faith Ministries up until his untimely death Sunday, released a book this year, titled, The Power of Character in Leadership, which addresses the crisis of leadership today. He was on his way to join an influential group of religious leaders, executives, politicians and business leaders at the Global Leadership Forum in Freeport, Grand Bahama, when he died.

In the video he urged Christian leaders to spend more time investing in people than in buildings.
"True leaders don't invest in buildings. Jesus never built a building. They invest in people. Why? Because success without a successor is failure. So your legacy should not be in buildings, programs, or projects, your legacy must be in people," said Munroe.
"Who are you mentoring to take your place? True leaders make themselves unnecessary. ... A true leader works themselves out of a job. So great leaders measure their greatness by their absence. Study Jesus. The greatest leader of all. Listen to His words. It is better for you that I go away. If I do not go away, He says, you won't be great. My absence is your greatness. He proved his greatness by leaving. He left and his organization grew in his absence," continue Munroe's speech.
He then went on to explain that his children had already been prepared to take over his ministry and business because he mentored them.
"This is why, in our organization, I am unnecessary. I can travel the world and our ministry grows. My companies grow. My son, who at 29-years-old, is running my businesses. My daughter, who is 30, is running our global organization," he said.
"Why? I mentored them. Jesus Christ said to Peter 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Yes, Lord.' He said, 'Well, the company is yours. Feed the people' and He left. What happens in your absence, that's your legacy," Munroe ended in the clip.
Government officials in the Bahamas are still investigating what caused the crash that killed Munroe and his entourage

Get voter cards, Kumuyi urges Deeper Life members

The General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, has directed all members of the church to obtain their voter cards and vote for a credible government in the 2015 elections.

He reiterated the need for people to shun religious and ethnic sentiments in choosing leaders in the elections.

Kumuyi spoke on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti while declaring open a three-day revival in Ekiti State.

He said, “I declare that all members of Deeper Life should go and get their voter cards so that we will vote for a credible government. Whoever is voted, if he is not doing the right thing, then we will have the right to complain.

“If we must vote for the right kind of people, we must exercise our right to vote.”

He advised Nigerians to look at the records of politicians and their manifesto before voting in 2015.

“We should not vote for people because we are from the same area or of the same church. People should vote based on the credentials of the leaders. We have to look at the records of those that are contesting for us to elect credible leaders that will bring development.

“It won’t be wise for people to start voting for somebody because he is from your area or he is a member of your church. This is the more reason why people should speak through the ballot by participating actively in the electoral system,” the cleric said.

He also appealed to politicians to learn to accept defeat in elections while urging winners to be magnanimous.

“For politicians, when the votes have been cast, there should be no violence, rioting or burning of places just because somebody did not win. The good of the people should be at the centre of our heart,” he added.

Kumuyi also clarified the statement he made about the authenticity of December 25 as the date of birth of Jesus.

He said, “The point is that our emphasis should not be on one day of Christmas. Why is it that we elevate one day for our celebration?

“I didn’t say that Christ was not born, he was born. I didn’t say there was no date of birth, there is a date of birth. What I’m saying is that I wasn’t there, you were not there; so we don’t know the exact date, but we have picked one day for the celebration, let us move ahead.”

He urged churches to continue to involve in social welfare by empowering the poor in the society.

He said this would help in teaching citizens how to be their brothers’ keepers in a developing nation like Nigeria, where poverty is high.

CUlled from Punch News

Anglican Church dares PDP over deputy gov ticket

In this write-up, IHUOMA CHIEDOZIE examines the demand by the Anglican Church to have its member pick the deputy governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State It was understandable that the prospect of a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian presidential ticket would be a cause for grave concern in Nigeria, given the country’s multi-religious nature. Before the All Progressives Congress eventually settled for Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, a senior pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church, as the running mate of its presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), not a few Nigerians were worried that the opposition party would field a Muslim-Muslim team. A former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, had to take it upon himself to voice the feelings of most Nigerians when he warned the APC against a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Obasanjo, who is not known to be a card-carrying member of the APC, waded into the matter after Buhari suggested that he (Buhari) would not mind having a fellow Muslim as a running mate. In an apparent response to the suggestion, Obasanjo warned against a Muslim-Muslim ticket, or even Christian-Christian ticket saying, “Sensitivity is a necessary ingredient for the enhancement of peace, security and stability at this point in the political discourse and arrangement for Nigeria and for encouraging confidence and trust. “It will be insensitive to the point of absurdity for any leader or any political party to be toying with Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket at this juncture. Nigeria cannot at this stage raise the spectre and fear of Islamisation or Christianisation.” There is little doubt that, had it not been for the concerns over a Muslim-Muslim ticket, Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, or even his predecessor, APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, could have emerged as Buhari’s running mate. Any of the Muslims who lost out in the race to become Buhari’s running mate on account of faith would probably understand that the complex nature of the country would not have favoured a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the elections, anyway. Indeed, it was expected that Nigerians would cringe at a same faith presidential ticket – Christian-Christian or Muslim-Muslim – in 2015. However, unlike the case of a Muslim-Muslim ticket at the federal level, concerns raised by the Anglican Church over a Catholic-Catholic gubernatorial ticket in Enugu State came as a surprise. Before the Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party picked Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, a Catholic, as the running mate of its governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, also a Catholic, the Anglican Church in Enugu State demanded that the party must offer the deputy governor slot to an Anglican. At a news conference in Enugu on December 17, Anglican bishops in the Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, led by the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, had warned that the PDP may lose the support of Anglicans during the 2015 governorship election if a member of the Anglican Communion was not picked as the running mate. The other bishops, who were at the news conference alongside Chukwuma, are Archbishop Amos Madu, Bishop of Oji River Diocese; Rt. Rev. Emma Ugwu, Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese; Rt. Rev. Chijioke Aneke, Bishop of Udi Diocese; Rt. Rev. Prof. Evan Ibeagha, Bishop of Nike Diocese and Rt. Rev. Dan Olinye, Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese. There are fears that the unexpected demand, which was not eventually met, could lead to another crisis for the PDP in Enugu State, where the party is just recovering from an internal rift caused by a power struggle between Governor Sullivan Chime and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. The fears are not unfounded as the Anglican bishops specifically warned against a Catholic-Catholic governorship ticket, and also alleged that members of the Anglican Communion have been marginalised in Enugu State. The bishops noted that since Ugwuanyi is a Catholic, it would be wrong to field another Catholic as his running mate. They alleged that despite the huge population and contribution of Anglicans in the development of the state, they have been marginalised in political appointments. Insisting on an Anglican running mate, Chukwuma noted that Anglicans are not against Ugwuanyi as a candidate, but would support him if one of their own was selected as his running mate. Chukwuma said, “Right now, as it is, we are crying out to the world to say there is trouble looming in Enugu State if Anglicans are not considered in the governance of Enugu State in the coming dispensation. We wholeheartedly support his (Ugwuanyi’s) candidature because we believe that as it is now, there is no other candidate that is more credible than Ugwuanyi, but Ugwuanyi should not succumb to the pressure of selfish people who want to perpetrate their sister or their brother as deputy, he should be very careful and he should be aware that it is not going to augur well. “We as Anglican bishops are crying and appealing that Anglicans in Enugu State are saying that the Anglican Church must be given the position of deputy governor next year. For the position of governor and deputy governor to be Catholic/Catholic will not be acceptable to us. In the federal level, people are not happy with Christian/Christian ticket, hence the president has taken a very good stand to return as president and pick a Muslim as his running mate. “Why should Enugu State, therefore, nominate a Roman Catholic governorship candidate who we are not against and wanting again to nominate a Roman Catholic as the deputy governor? We, Anglicans, say no to that kind of arrangement.” Shedding further light on the alleged marginalisation of Anglicans in the state, Chukwuma said, “We are not in minority in Enugu State and we totally reject that intention and we are warning that if they want peace to reign in this state and for them to enjoy our cooperation, it should not be Roman Catholic/Roman Catholic ticket. “You can say Anglicans like Jim Nwobodo, C.C Onoh were governors, but after that time, they cannot prove to us that Anglicans have been governor or deputy governor. “When Chimaroke Nnamani, a Methodist took over from Navy Capt Agbaje, he made Okechukwu Itanyi, a Roman Catholic, his deputy. After that he handed over to Sullivan Chime who is a Catholic and Sullivan chose Onyebuchi, who is a Methodist as his deputy. “Now, he is going away again; Ugwuanyi Ifeanyi, we don’t have anything against his candidature, but we are saying give us an Anglican deputy, otherwise you are looking for our trouble. If you look at in Enugu State right now, the governor is not Anglican, the deputy is not Anglican, the Speaker is not Anglican, the Secretary to the State Government is not Anglican, the Chief of Staff is not Anglican. Where are we? For the posts of commissioners, we are marginalized because we don’t have good number. They (Anglican commissioners) are not more than three or four.” While it was possible that Anglicans in Enugu State have been feeling aggrieved over the perceived marginalisation, the comments made by their bishops served to bring the matter to the fore, making the alleged maltreatment of Anglicans to become a factor in Enugu politics. The PDP leadership in the state has tried to allay the fears by explaining that there was no anti-Anglican, pro-Catholic agenda in the state. Moreover, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the Enugu State PDP chairman, noted that the party did not actually refuse the demand made by the Anglican Church but that the request came very late. Asogwa, who explained that the decision to choose a female as Ugwuanyi’s running mate was a deliberate attempt to show fairness in the distribution of political positions in the state, said the request came after the party had chosen and submitted the name of the running mate. Asogwa, who spoke at an event organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists said, “Let me say it again that Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is the Enugu PDP governorship candidate, and I want to say that even before the bishops made their demand, the party had forwarded the name of Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, to the appropriate quarters as the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate.” But the PDP state chairman added that besides the fact that the party had already picked the running mate of its governorship candidate before the Anglican Church made its request, the position was not supposed to be based on religious denomination. Be that as it may, the prevailing sentiment among members of the Anglican Church in Enugu is that the authorities should take deliberate actions to address the concerns raised by the bishops, particular concerning the issue of marginalisation. An Anglican, Michael Ejirike, who spoke to our correspondent, expressed reservations that “nothing was done” about the demand made by the bishops. Ejirike, who admitted that he was not aware of the “marginalisation of Anglicans” until the bishops spoke on the matter, said Catholics are not the only people in Enugu State. The Executive Director, Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Leadership, Bismarck Oji, described it as an attempt to introduce ‘church politics’ in Enugu State. He disputed the claim that Anglicans have been marginalised in the state. Oji said, “For Anglicans to be asking for the deputy governorship slot is uncalled for and an attempt to introduce church politics into Enugu State. In the Second Republic, both Jim Nwobodo and C.C. Onoh (former governors) were Anglicans. Okwesilieze Nwodo, a catholic, was governor for barely one year during the Third Republic. At the resumption of democracy in 1999, Chimaroke Nnamani, another Anglican/Methodist was governor. “As such, the incumbent, Sullivan Chime, is the first Catholic to have served a full tenure as the state governor, right from the era of the old Anambra State till date. The people of Enugu State are not interested in playing inter-church politics. Going by what happened in Anambra last year, where crisis between Catholics and Anglicans led to loss of lives and destruction of property, it is a dangerous to introduce such sentiments into Enugu State politics.” “Such sentiments are indeed retrogressive and counterproductive. The people of Enugu State have never seen one another as Catholics or Protestants. Enugu politics has been based on sectional sentiments, like what part of the state one came from, I mean the Awgu, Nkanu, Nsukka or Udi political blocs. “That (sectionalism) too, being wrong and uncivilised, is what we expect religious leaders to preach against and not to introduce a religious dimension into the issue. Ethnic and religious sentiments have been the bane of Nigerian politics and should be discouraged in the buildup to the 2015 election. Nigerians should choose their leaders based on the candidates’ manifestos and track records,” Oji added. For Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, the President of Njiko Igbo Forum, a socio-political organisation, the demand shows how the high level of corruption in the country has impacted negatively on governance. According to Obioha, such demands are made because political office holders are expected to serve their people first, before addressing the needs of the general society. “Corruption is not only when you give or receive bribe – it is also corruption when you do something out of selfish sentiments without considering merit. If not that corruption had eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society, we would not be talking about where one comes from or worships when we talk of political offices. This is happening because people go in there to serve their own people first – that is why somebody will tell you that the governor or deputy governor must come from a particular group,” Obioha said. CUlled from Punch News

Which God is the Father of Jesus?

By: Femi Aribisala The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ does not send people to steal, kill and destroy. Is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ behind the wars, massacres and genocide of the Jews in the Old Testament? Certainly not! God says “love your enemies;” he does not say annihilate them. Jesus’ Father is merciful; and “he does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17). As a matter of fact, “his mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1). Solomon says: “the path of the just is like the shining sun that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). Even so, the bible provides progressive revelations of the character of God. However, in the person of Jesus, we finally have the true full expression. Jesus says: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father… The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” (John 14:9-11). Prince of peace The psalmist says: “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1). But this is contrary to the Lord revealed in Jesus. Jesus insists citizens of the kingdom of God do not fight. He says: “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews.” (John 18:36). Children of God do not even resist evil people. (Matthew 5:39). God did not intend the Israelites to have an army or to stockpile weapons. Israel’s king was forbidden from amassing horses; required in those days for going into battle. (Deuteronomy 17:16). Moses told the Israelites initially: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14). But soon, they were the ones fighting for the Lord. Nevertheless, the position of God remained constant: “I will destroy your horses from among you and demolish your chariots.”(Micah 5:10). This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6). Accordingly, God’s plan was to give the Promised Land to Israel without a fight. He said: “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way.” (Exodus 23:27-28). But the Israelites preferred to be war-mongers like other nations. Therefore, they pursued their own military agenda. This meant fighting wars. Judges says: “When they chose new gods, war came to the city gates.” (Judges 5:8). Jewish fables Paul said to Titus: “Pay no attention to Jewish myths.” (Titus 1:14). Indeed, many biblical stories of Jewish conquests are fictitious. Victims of Jewish genocide did not stay in the grave. Moses allegedly exterminated the Midianites: “They fought against Midian, as the LORD commanded Moses, and killed every man.”(Numbers 31:7). But the Midianites later resurrected as rulers of the Israelites: “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites.” (Judges 6:1). The Amalekites were “terminators;” destroyed again and again. When Joshua overcame them, the Lord allegedly said to Moses: “I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:13-14). However, every time they were “annihilated,” they would mysteriously later come back to life: “David and his men arrived back at Ziklag. The Amalekites had raided southern Judah and attacked Ziklag.” (1 Samuel 30:1). Furthermore, the ruthless ethnic-cleansing of Canaan turned out to be no more than Jewish fables. Wars said to have been successfully concluded under Joshua only started after his death. (Judges 1:1-2). In most cases, the Israelites could not dislodge the original inhabitants of the land. (Judges 1:19-36). Thieves and robbers The prophets were against Jewish glorification of blood-letting. Habakkuk declares woe on those “who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime!” (Habakkuk 2:12). Isaiah maintains: “The indignation of the LORD is against all nations, and his fury against all their armies.” (Isaiah 34:2). It is the blind who lead the blind to war. When the earth is finally full of the knowledge of God; Isaiah predicts: “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4). Mr Ernest Okorie and others of St Dominic Church Young Christian Workers performed the Passion of Jesus as Christians all over the world mark Good Friday the day Jesus Christ was crucified yesterday. Photo by Biodun Ogunleye Mr Ernest Okorie and others of St Dominic Church Young Christian Workers performed the Passion of Jesus as Christians all over the world mark Good Friday the day Jesus Christ was crucified . Photo by Biodun Ogunleye. Moses’ wife was a Midianite. Nevertheless, he said the Lord told him to tell the Israelites: “Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them.” (Numbers 25:16). However, Jesus contradicts Moses by saying: “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45). This shows Moses did not really know the Father in heaven and his directives did not come from God. Jesus repudiates Moses’ doctrine of retributive justice. He says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39). He says furthermore: “Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:32-33). Jesus confounds the whole biblical folklore of Jewish massacres and land-expropriation. He says: “All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.” (John 10:7-8). According to Jesus, God does not send people to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10). On the contrary: he is the resurrection and the giver of life. (John 11:25). When James and John wanted to command fire from heaven like Elijah to consume a Samaritan village that denied them free passage, Jesus rebuked them. He said to them: “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:55-56). True bread Some Israelites thought they were sons of Abraham, but Jesus told them the devil was actually their father. (John 8:44). Before Jesus came, men essentially second-guessed God and created him in their own image. Therefore, only after Jesus’ faithful witness could we come to the true knowledge of God. Accordingly, Jesus maintains: “No one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (Luke 10:22). The Father of Jesus is not a Jewish tribal God: “’The LORD, the God of the Hebrews. (Exodus 3:18). He is: “The LORD, the God of all mankind.” (Jeremiah 32:27). Indeed, Jesus says: “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:11-12). - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/11/god-father-jesus/#sthash.ExcROv1U.dpuf

Muslim youths protect Christians during Xmas service in Kaduna

More than 200 Muslim youth volunteers are part of those protecting Christians during church services to celebrate this year’s Christmas in Kaduna, says Pastor Yohanna Buru. Buru, a cleric of Christ Evangelical Church, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna South, disclosed this in an interview with pressmen in Kaduna. He confirmed that over 200 Muslims were at his church to help protect the faithful from any attack during the church service. According to him, the feat is the first of its kind after the series of crises that rocked the state in recent past. “I really appreciate their love and care,’’ said the cleric. Buru said the essence of that was to protect the Christian worshippers as part of effort to strengthen peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians in the state. The pastor expressed happiness over the protection given to them by the Muslim brothers. He noted the initiative was an indication that peace has come to stay in the state, saying the measure will strengthen a lasting peace between the two religions. He also prayed God to continue to bring about peace in the country the country, praying that other citizens would emulate the gesture. He urged Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another irrespective of ethnic or religious differences. The cleric said that peace was a major panacea to the positive development of any nation. (NAN) You might also like CUlled from Vanguard News

TB Joshua hosts relatives of building collapse victims

Prophet TB Joshua, Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), will host a New Year’s memorial service for the South African relatives of those killed in a building collapse at his Lagos megachurch. TB Joshua-Synagogue Church A spokesman at Joshua’s SCOAN said 44 South Africans have flown to Lagos to attend the ceremony following the September disaster which killed 116 people, including 81 South Africans. Joshua, a self-proclaimed prophet, “is going to lead the service to commiserate and offer spiritual support,” said SCOAN spokesman Patrick Iwelumor. “As the chief mourner, there is a need for (Joshua) to connect with these people,” he added. Joshua is one Nigeria’s most influential and wealthiest pastors whose followers include prominent politicians and business leaders from across Africa and around the world. The Lagos state coroner is carrying out an inquest into the causes of the collapse at a guesthouse within the church’s compound. Expert witnesses have said the structure was unsound and lacked proper permits, but Joshua’s vocal followers have insisted the building came down as a result of foul play and was a bid to destroy the powerful religious leader. Among the theories advanced by Joshua loyalists is that a plane flying in the area at the time of the collapse dropped an explosive device on the building. One weapons expert called by SCOAN lawyers, Beidomu Iguniwei, has testified that the collapse could have been caused by an “infrasonic weapon,” although there appears to be no credible evidence to support that claim. Testimony at the inquest has dismissed sabotage as a cause, including evidence from aviation officials who said that the air force plane in question was on a routine training mission and had in fact landed before the building collapsed. Joshua has refused to honour a series of summons demanding his appearance at the inquest. Some of his supporters have suggested it would be inappropriate for a so-called “Man of God” to be subjected to questioning. Wednesday’s candle light ceremony will begin at sundown and last through midnight, Iwelumor said. The victim’s relatives arrived in Nigeria on Christmas Day and Joshua is said to have paid for their travel. When the trip was announced earlier this month, some South Africans took to social media to condemn Joshua’s move as a bribe aimed at discouraging relatives from filing a lawsuit over the deaths. But SCOAN’s South Africa based spokesman, Kirsten Nematandani, has said the trip and New Year’s memorial service are about “the spirit of caring”. Culled from Vanguard News

Anglican Bishop condemns Obasanjo’s attack on Jonathan

Anglican Bishop of Okigwe, Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward Osuegbu, has described the continuous attack on President Goodluck Jonathan by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as “shocking, most unfair and uncharitable, especially as it is coming from a former occupier of the office of the President of Nigeria.” Bishop Osuegbu, in a chat with Vanguard, accused Obasanjo of having done “similar or worse things while in office”. “Some of us who have been watching for many years now, know that it is the kettle calling the pot black. Obasanjo did similar things he is accusing the incumbent of and even worse”, Osuebu said. According to the fiery Anglican cleric, Obasanjo is now taking pleasure in criticizing and calling President Jonathan all sorts of names because he wants to drag the President down. Possibly, Chief Obasanjo wants to drag the President down or wants him to go on his knees and coming to the retired army general to beg for support. That is most unfair”, Bishop Osuegbu said. While saying that such criticisms had never come from any past President of United States of America, USA, the cleric however said real statesmen only advised the incumbents and nobody got to hear about it. “They do not make noise if their advice is not taken by the incumbent. It is also noteworthy that no former President of the USA has ever castigated President Barrack Obama. This does not mean that Obama is infallible”, Osuegbu reasoned. The Anglican cleric insisted that past presidents of America respected the office of the President of USA as if their lives depended on it, stressing that that was one way of respecting their nation. “In our own case, a former president is at the fore front of criticizing, castigating and attacking an incumbent President with a view to destroying the system”, Osuegbu fumed. Culled from Vanguard News

Christendom Newspaper Editor Marries in Style

The representative of the bride's father handing over the bride to the groom

 All roads led to Living Faith Church,Magboro, on the 6th December,2014,when the editor of the Nigeria's most-vibrant Christian newspaper,Christendom Newspaper,Frank Eboye, walked the aisle with his long-courted heartthrob,Miss Mercy Onwanyi Obeka,to tie the nuptial knot.

The Couple cutting the wedding cake

The event started at 11am with the arrival church pastoral team, led by Pastor Osagie.Shortly afterwards,the bride was led into the Churcg by his father,who was represented by one of her brothers,Mr.Dan Obeka.

The couple signing the Marriage certificate

After the exchange of marital vows,it was time to sign the dotted lines.This saw the groom leading his newly-wedded wife to sign the marriage certificate to the admiration of many.

Couple listening with rapt attention to the sermon

Shortly ,the reception,which was held at the popular Supreme Basic Schools,Ibafo,was anchored by MC Ken.
While expressing appreciation to many who had helped him becoming what he is today,the groom,in his special presentation entitled ''To Those who Stood By Me'', appreciated all of them and prayed for them,after inviting them to the altar.Most of these people are his sisters,in-laws and friends-who stood by him during the most trying moment of his life.

The newly-wedded couple

He also specially thanked his wife ,whom he said decided to stand by him  despite the raging storm in his life when they both met.He added that if he were the wife,he would have left her due to the enormosity of the raging storms then.

The groom praying for those who had helped him to achieve greatness

Here is wishing the newly-wedded couple Happy Married Life!

Redeemed Church Pastor, Osibanjo Emerges APC Vice-Presidential Candidate,Says ''I’m joining Buhari to rebuild Nigeria''

Prof.Osibanjo

The All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday announced   Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as his running mate, thus putting to an end, days of speculations on the issue.

Osinbajo was the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice when the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was governor.

The Ogun State-born serving pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, is married to a granddaughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Decked in a dark suit, a white shirt and a red tie, he promised, in his acceptance speech, to rebuild Nigeria with Buhari.

Before Buhari formally unveiled him at the APC national headquarters in Abuja, Tinubu had issued a statement in which he said that the APC presidential candidate   offered him(Tinubu) the position of running mate.

The former Lagos State governor, who was reported to have had interest in the post, explained that he rejected the offer because of his decision to remain a bridge builder across all divides.

While presenting Osinbajo, Buhari said, “To assist me in this great task of securing Nigeria’s future, I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional, a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow countrymen and women.

“He is a professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics. He is a prodigious author who has to his credit several books on civil procedure in Nigerian superior courts.

“The vice-presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service.

“A man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot. He is Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who by the grace of God and the vote of Nigerians, will be the next vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Buhari expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their growing support since his election as the APC presidential candidate   for the February 14, 2015 poll.

According to him, the huge acceptance of the APC and his candidacy by Nigerians had boosted his resolve to lead the process of rebuilding   Nigeria and securing “our future.”

He recalled that in his acceptance speech, he pledged to run an efficient government, fight corruption and indiscipline in “our national life” if elected president.

The APC candidate also promised to end the current regime of fear and uncertainty in   the country and place priority on national security.

He pledged to rebuild our battered economy and reduce poverty by deliberate policies   that would lead to the   creation of   jobs for Nigerian youths.

Buhari said, “The challenging process of rescuing our country and changing Nigeria for good has commenced. One of the first decisions that I have to make is the choice of my running mate.”

Explaining the delay in the announcement of his running mate, the former Head of State, said the method employed in choosing Osinbajo was “quite meticulous but yet rigorous.”

He said that it involved the establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party as well as interactions with a number of nominees.

Accepting the offer, Osinbajo said he was privileged to be offered the opportunity to serve as Buhari’s running mate. He explained that he had consulted widely before taking on the task.

The former commissioner said, “The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully committed. There can be no other President, Leader and commander that can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than Gen. Buhari.

“I will proudly serve this country with him. Gen. Buhari’s uprightness and fierce commitment to good governance are well known. It will be a privilege to work with him.

“I come to this assignment with a lot of hope and a resolve to be a part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. With the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make Nigeria work again.

“I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in millions of our youths and provide comfort and security for millions of our countrymen and women.”

The selection of the APC vice-presidential candidate   had generated intense debate and interest since the emergence of Buhari as the presidential candidate last Friday.

Governors   Rotimi Amaechi(Rivers); and   Babatunde Fashola(Lagos); as well as   a former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Senator Chris Ngige and former National Chairman of the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, had previously been tipped   for the vice presidential slot.

It was   learnt after the unveiling of Osinbajo that Amaechi would be named the Director-General of the APC presidential campaign.

   Buhari offered me running mate position –Tinubu

Earlier on Wednesday, Tinubu had explained that he decided not to jostle for the vice-presidential slot because he believed that his position as the APC National Leader,   allowed him to serve as “a bridge builder across all divides.”

Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed in Abuja on Wednesday, said, “There came a time during the course of the events when our Presidential candidate, offered the Vice-Presidential slot to me.

“Being a normal human being, I was deeply moved and honoured that he would consider me for the position. Being a patriot, I had to weigh my potential candidacy in all of its dimensions.

“I have concluded that in the interest of the party, our campaign and the nation are better served if I retain my position as the National leader of the APC.

Tinubu said despite the opposition that arose over his possible selection,   Buhari stood firm and steadfast.

He said with this, Buhari showed the traits of a leader in holding to a decision he believed was right despite the plots against it.

The former governor said he was not bothered by lies being said about his person when his name was mentioned.

He said, “When my name was raised, the political hatchet men tried to chop it down with rumour and lies. Over the years, I have developed a thick skin.

“The personal attacks did not bother me. I am used to them. While I have a thick skin, I don’t have a thick mind.   There has been one form of attack that has troubled me.”

The attack, he said, was that of Muslim-Muslim ticket, which according to him, was orchestrated     by the Peoples Democratic Party.

“That is the attack based on religion. The PDP and others have stoked fear of a Muslim- Muslim ticket.’’

Tinubu pleaded with Nigerians “not to allow the power lust of cynical politicians to set brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour.

“If you look at those politicians who raise this issue the most, they are the least devout and faithful to any religion other than their self-interests.

“Nigeria has too many secular problems – insecurity, economic collapse, poverty, corruption and misgovernance – to allow inept people to use religion to keep us from solving these challenges for the benefit of all.”

He said that those who exploit religion should be wary, because “ there really is a God and he does not like it when you play with His people or use His name to do the opposite of what He intends.

“I ask the people to remove religion from the electoral equation now that the tickets of both parties are mixed. I ask you to select the ticket best able to end the downward slide that Nigeria has endured since this government took over. I ask you to remember that too many Christians and Muslims are poor.

“Most of all, I ask you to remember that the true religion of the PDP is poverty; the APC is here to bring prosperity to the people.”

He promised to work and dedicate himself “so that our ticket succeeds and wins the 2015 election – not for his good, not for my good, not even for the party’s good but for the good of the nation we inhabit.”

Choice of Buhari’s   running mate belated –PDP

The PDP   has described the announcement of   Osinbajo   as Buhari’s running mate   as belated.

It also described the choice of Osinbajo as a confirmation of its stand that the APC was the personal project of a cabal commanded by   Tinubu.

The PDP, through its   National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, said, “should power get to this cabal, who is desperate to control the political and economic power centre of the nation, then Nigeria is finished.

“By the choice of Osinbajo, a well-known acolyte of Tinubu, who served under him as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the APC, Buhari and Tinubu have boldly recreated their well-known sectional and personal interests.

“It is particularly worrisome that Buhari has surrendered his first official responsibility of choosing a running mate. He has invariably surrendered his powers to Tinubu even before he goes to the field to ask for votes.

“This is not surprising of Buhari, who has consistently exhibited a track record of incompetence. This is the same man who as military head of state surrendered all his powers to his second in command.”

Culled from Punch Newspaper

We don’t dabble in politics –RCCG

Pastor Adeboye

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has dissociated itself from rumours making the rounds that its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, gave his blessings to the vice-presidential ambition of a former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The All Progressives Congress had on Wednesday named Osinbajo, who is said to be Adeboye’s close ally, as the running mate of its presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). The RCCG denied celebrating the emergence of the law professor who pastors its Olive Parish located on Banana Island, Lagos. Writing on its official Twitter page on Wednesday, the church said it does not dabble into politics in any shade or colouration. “We are a mission and we do not meddle in politics,” the RCCG stated while urging Nigerians to be wary of fictitious and misleading social media accounts dragging its name into the murky waters of politics. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, reactions have begun to trail the emergence of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate for the 2015 presidential election. While many applauded the opposition party for coming up with Osinbajo, a cross section of Nigerians disagreed with his emergence. Leading the pack of Nigerians who kicked against the emergence of the former Lagos State justice commissioner on Wednesday was R &B Singer and founder of Empire Mates Entertainment, Banky W. According to the award-winning musician, there were better experienced hands than Osinbajo in public administration that the APC could have picked from. He lamented that the “crap” called religion had robbed the opposition party of fielding Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who he described as more eminently qualified than Osinbajo. “It (Buhari’s running mate) should be Fashola. They use religion as a tool to control us. I don’t care about my leader’s tribe, religion, or whatever jargon they keep feeding us. Zoning ‘religioning’ are all crap. Who cares if Fashola is a Muslim? Didn’t we vote him into power in Lagos? Did the fact that he’s a muslim affect the way he lead the state? “They brainwash us into thinking these things (religion, tribe) really matter and then we wonder why we’re still here facing the same problems as a nation. We wonder why people still kill each other in places like Jos. “Some of my mentors, clients, business partners and colleagues are from different tribes and religions than mine. What difference does it make? I don’t choose who to do business with based on if they’re from my village. I don’t choose who to associate with based on their religion,” Banky W said on Twitter. But supporters of Osinbajo have disagreed with those questioning his emergence. Online commentator, Dipo Awojide, expressed confidence that the APC presidential candidate being an academic, would bring dynamism to governance, at the national level. Awojide described the law professor as an upright Nigerian and a role model who has mentored scores of young men and women on ways of “building careers without stealing.” Describing him as a man of deep intellectual persuasion, Awojide tweeted, “As a Nigerian and as a member of the RCCG, I’m proud of Prof. Osinbajo. No apologies. “Call him Prof. Osinbajo, call him Pastor Osinbajo, call him all you like, but you know you can’t call him a thief and a looter. “Being neutral in an era of misgovernance and misrule is unwise. You don’t have to join a political party, just vote for the best man.” Online activist, Gbenga Sesan, also hailed Osinbajo’s emergence, stating that the Buhari-Osinbajo ticket would form a government that would “demonstrate the capacity for competitive action over mediocrity.” According to Sesan, unknown to many, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria is much more than a pastor. “He (Osinbajo) is a Professor of Law, reformer with a track record in Lagos and Abuja, and a fine administrator. I’ll say APC made a smart move and got a great man,” he tweeted. Arguing that Osinbajo was a good choice, Abuja-based public affairs analyst, Waziri Adio, explained that the university teacher would add value to the Buhari presidential ticket. He said that Osinbajo co-founded Integrity, a premier pro-accountability non-governmental organisation before he became Lagos Attorney-General. He has since been active in civil society after office. “I think he’s a good choice. He’s calm, articulate, cerebral, and reform-minded. He complements GMB both on his strengths and weaknesses. “True, Osinbajo is a pastor at Redeemed Church, but I do not think he was chosen only to appeal to that church. But his value on d ticket is because the South West will be the battleground in 2015,” he wrote on Twitter. But the Presidency has insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan will coast home to victory in 2015. Special Assistant to the President on New Media, Reno Omokri, insisted that despite the opposition party’s alleged grandstanding it had yet to unveil its programmes. CULLED FROM PUNCH NEWSPAPER.

Kidnapped pastor’s wife released after four days

Wife of Pastor Chris Aniamaka of Dominion City, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki, Mrs. Ifeanyi Aniamaka was wednesday released by her abductors after staying four days in their hideout. It was gathered that Dominion City Church did not pay any ransom to the kidnappers before the release of the victim as such process was strictly against the policy of the church. Speaking with Vanguard, the husband of the victim, Pastor Aniamaka who is overjoyed over the release of his wife stated that it was a thing of joy to be reunited again with his heartthrob after days of painful separation. “I am grateful to God first of all for the release of my wife; it wasn’t easy. I thank God for the prayers of the brethren and a host of members at Dominion City worldwide who prayed day and night for my wife’s release. “The security agents especially the State Commissioner of Police, Maigari Dikko and the SSS for their contributions towards the release of my wife”. Vanguard investigation revealed that the victim was rescued around Oriuzor in Ezza North local government of the State and that the kidnappers did not molest their victim (Mrs. Aniamaka) throughout the period of the ugly incident Culled from Vanguard Newspaper

Nigerian Muslims Condemn Removal of Arabic Sign on New 100 Note,Accuse Jonathan of Selling Nigeria to Israel

The centenary commemorative 100 Naira note

A Muslim body, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has expressed concern over what it termed a Jewish symbol on the country’s new N100 note.
The new N100 note was unveiled to Nigerians recently by President Goodluck Jonathan in commemoration of Nigeria’s 100 years’ anniversary.
However, MURIC, in a statement by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, alleged the insertion of a Jewish symbol into the new currency, demanding explanation from the Federal Government.
It said its office had been inundated with calls by those who had observed the symbol.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Akintola said it was paramount for the government to urgently address the issue.
“The Federal Government, on November 12, 2014 unveiled the new design for the N100 commemorative centenary banknote which will be officially issued on December 19.
“However, the office of the Muslim Rights Concern has been inundated with calls for action on the Jewish symbol on the new note. Nigerian Muslims are complaining that the Arabic writing in Hausa language (the Ajami script) that read ‘Naira Dari’ (i.e. one hundred naira) on the N100 note has been removed and replaced with the Jewish symbol, the Star of David.
“As a faith-based human rights organisation which believes in the dialogue option, MURIC is duty bound to articulate the demands of Nigerian Muslims, particularly on matters which have to do with imbalance in treatment of the adherents of the different religions governments (federal or state).
“MURIC recalls that Arabic inscriptions which have always been on Nigerian currency since independence were unceremoniously removed in 2005 from N5, N10, N20 and N50 denominations. They remained on N100, N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations.
“Nigerian Muslims regard the latest action, namely, the supplanting of Arabic with Jewish symbol from the new N100 as a continuation of the campaign of elimination by substitution against Arabic language and, by implication, against Nigerian Muslims.
“It is well known that a large section of the Nigerian population use the Arabic Ajami and removing it from the new note will deprive millions of users of the Arabic Ajami of the ability to recognise, identify and use the new currency.
“Furthermore, putting the Jewish symbol on the new N100 falls short of international standard, as currencies worldwide are designed to suit each nation’s culture and history.
“Where does the Jewish symbol fit in? Which Nigerian community speaks the Jewish language? The insertion of the Jewish symbol is, therefore, clannish and parochial. It is tainted with undisguised religious fanaticism.
“There is nothing wrong for our president to like Israel as a nation, but it is another thing entirely to openly and brazenly promote Zionism at the highest office in this country when we are still struggling with the last vestiges of colonialism. Nigerian Muslims are becoming increasingly suspicious and very uncomfortable with the actions and inactions of President Jonathan.
“Firstly, in spite of the preponderance of Muslims in the South West, he appointed no single Muslim as minister in the whole region for almost four years. Secondly, he marginalised Muslims in the deliberations which took place in the national conference by appointing a meagre 189 Muslims as against 303 Christians.
“Thirdly, Mr President saturated the security system in Aso Rock with Israeli security operatives, a nation well known for its animosity towards Muslims. The supplanting of Arabic language with Jewish symbol is the fourth among Jonathan’s anti-Muslim policies.
“If once is happenstance, if twice is a coincidence and if the third time is enemy action, what do we call the fourth time? We are sick and tired of our president’s hatred for us. He openly confronts Muslims and goads us to challenge him.
“But we will not be provoked. Neither shall we be intimidated by executive maladministration. As apostles of dialogue and advocates of peaceful coexistence, as tax-payers, voters and citizens of this country, we hereby ask President Jonathan to explain the Jewish symbol on Nigeria’s money.
“We also demand to know why the presidency could not employ security experts from neutral countries like Britain or France instead of Israel, which is a sworn enemy of Muslims. Mr President may also deem it fit to tell us if there is no correlation between the Israeli security experts in Aso Rock, the Israeli caught with Nigeria’s N9.3 million arms money in South Africa and the Jewish symbol on the new N100 note.
“Mr President sir, are you not gradually selling Nigeria to Israel? Are you sure this will not attract the wrath of Israel’s enemies to our dear country? Can this also be partly responsible for the viciousness of the Boko Haram phenomenon?
“MURIC appeals to Muslims nationwide to await President Jonathan’s response to the above questions and to remain calm and law abiding. Islam teaches tolerance (Qur’an 3:134) and obedience to constituted authority (Qur’an 4:59),” the statement read.

MFM wins inaugural Church World Cup In India

The all-conquering MFM players who won the inaugural edition of the Church world Cup in Indai

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Football Club of Lagos made history Sunday when they defeated the United Church of Colombia 7-0 to win the inaugural Church World Cup in Goa, India.
  MFM FC, which plays in the Nigeria National Division One League, dominated the encounter from the outset in what would turned out to be a mismatch.
  Top striker, Adekunle Adegboyega, opened the flood gate of goals, midfielder, Sheriff Alashe, made it 2-0, while two more goals came off the boots of Nelson Kenedinum and Adegboyega to give his team a 4-0 lead after 45 minutes.
  Adegboyega continued from where he stopped in the first half to complete his hat trick, elastic winger, Sikiru Olatunbosun found the back of the net twice, while midfielder Nelson Kenedinum completed the rout.
  MFM FC ended the competition without conceding a goal and scored a whopping 20 goals in five games.
  Meanwhile, It was a clean sweep for MFM FC as striker, Adegboyega won the top scorer award with eight goals and diminutive midfielder, Onuwa Emmanuel was voted the Most Valuable Player of the competition.
  MFM FC’s road to history at the Church World Cup in India started with a 3-0 win over Colombia, next to fall was Egypt, who lost 2-0, while Uzbekistan were hammered 7-0 and the host, India conceded a goal in the semi final, which catapulted the Olukoya Boys to the final of the competition.
  The participating teams were host, India, Colombia, Egypt, Brazil, Nigeria, Ghana, Uzbekistan and Portugal.
  An elated MFM General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya was full of praise for the boys and has promised a befitting welcome for them on return to Nigeria tomorrow.
  “Wow! This is wonderful,” exclaimed the sports loving clergy. “The boys have made Nigeria and Africa very proud. I am really happy that this feat was achieved by footballers, who are ambassadors from MFM, they have made us proud in far away India.
  “As a church, we will appreciate them,” he added.

Christian Association mandates churches to raise offering for displaced Christians

Pastor Oritsajafor

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has mandated all Nigerian churches to raise a special offering for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Northern Nigeria.

The charge was contained in a statement signed by the CAN National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and made available to media organizations across the country.

The statement said that following the resolution to hearken to the plea by Northern church to ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’, CAN has, therefore, mandated all churches in the country to raise special offering on Sunday, December 7, 2014 for the rehabilitation of over 3 million internally displaced persons rooted from their ancestral homes by Islamic insurgents in several parts of Northern Nigeria.

CAN ,therefore, appeals to all churches in the country to adhere to the clarion call to be our Brothers’ keeper because the situation is already creating a serious humanitarian crisis across the several IDPs scattered across  several states of the federation.

The statement enjoined church leaders to remit such monies to CAN Help And Relief Fund Account Numbers 0147690435 in GTBANK.

The special offering becomes necessary after several months of mindless killings, maiming, destruction of property and businesses, sufferings of traumatized Christians in Nigeria’s Northern Region.

The Central Working Committee of the  Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) recently, at its meeting, agreed to source for funds to alleviate the suffering of the brethren- in the volatile Northern Nigeria that has been ravaged by the deadly Boko Haram activities.