Garland For The GLIM Papa,as members,associates celebrate the Iconic Minister

The Boko Haram Righteousness of the Bible

Christ is the end of using the bible as our yardstick for righteousness. The righteousness presented in many parts of the bible is not the righteousness of God. Jeremiah declares that a righteous branch from David’s line shall be called: “The LORD Our Righteousness.” (Jeremiah 33:16). It is Jesus, and not the bible, that is the righteousness of God. If we persist in using the bible as a yardstick for righteousness, we will not inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus was at pains to explain this to Paul. Paul obtained his righteousness from the bible of his time: the law. As a result, he regarded the killing of Christians as a righteous requirement of God, according to the tradition of Moses. But Jesus showed Paul that the righteousness of Moses is flawed. He showed him the righteousness of God is not the righteousness of the “bible.” Parabolic presentation Let me present the incident here as a parable, the better to highlight its significance to the undiscerning dogmatic reader of the bible. Jesus meets Paul on the road to Damascus and asks him: “Paul, why are you persecuting me?” Paul answers in protest and agitation: “I am not persecuting you Lord. I am serving you. I am getting Christians killed out of great devotion to you.” Jesus replies: “Getting Christians killed? How can you kill my brothers and then claim you are serving me?” Saul becomes even more confused. Like most Christians of today, he had been told the bible is the word of God. Therefore he tells Jesus: “The bible says I should kill them. Let me show it to you in Exodus:” “Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, ‘Whoever is on the LORD’S side, come to me.’ And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. And he said to them, ‘Thus says the LORD God of Israel: Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.’ So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day. Then Moses said, ‘Consecrate yourselves today to the LORD that he may bestow on you a blessing this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother.’” (Exodus 32:26-29). Like Jesus, like God “Can’t you see, Lord Jesus?” pleads Paul. “The Levites showed they were on God’s side by killing their brothers and their neighbours. In fact, because of what they did, God showered blessings on them. I am also getting Christians killed so that God can bestow blessings on me.” Paul thought he was serving God by killing Christians, but God in Christ met him on Damascus Road and told him he had been misled. You can never serve God by killing men. Jesus is the exact image of God. Whoever has seen Jesus, the son of God, has seen God, the Father. (John 14:9). The Son of God does not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them. (Luke 9:56). God does not bless murderers. But even more than that, Jesus says: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matthew 5:21-22). You cannot kill someone and then conclude that God is on your side. You cannot kill the children of God and then expect to receive God’s commendation. Righteousness of God God is not a murderer but the devil is. When we kill somebody, it shows we are the sons of the devil. (John 8:44). When we sin, it shows we are the sons of the devil. Jesus says the man who commits sin is a slave of sin. (John 8:34). But a son of God is not and cannot be a slave; therefore he refuses to be a slave of sin. So what did Paul learn from meeting Jesus on Damascus Road? He thought he was serving God, only to discover he had been misled. Christians need to appreciate this: Paul was misled even by the Old Testament bible. Moses led Paul to believe he could serve God by killing men. This is a fallacy. On the contrary, Jesus says: “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life- life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10). So what did Paul learn from this experience? He learnt something even the Apostles did not learn with such dramatic effect. He learnt that we should not use the commandments of Moses in the bible as our yardstick for the righteousness of God. Our righteousness must be based on the life and words of Jesus Christ. Jesus says: “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). End of bible righteousness Therefore, Paul says to those who continue to insist that the righteousness of God can be learnt from Moses: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:1-4). Substitute the law for the bible and you have a better understanding of this. Christ is the end of using the bible as our yardstick for righteousness. Substitute the law for the Old Testament and you get a clearer understanding yet again. Christ is the end of using the Old Testament as the yardstick for righteousness. Jesus is: “The Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:13). Thanks to Jesus, we have received the liberty not to be enslaved to the Boko Haram righteousness of the Old Testament bible. This prophecy of God is fulfilled in believers: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD. ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’” (Jeremiah 31:33-34). Today, the Holy Spirit writes the righteousness of God in the hearts and minds of those who know the Lord, where it is accessible to us through our conscience. Accordingly, Jesus asks: “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?” (Luke 12:57). By: Femi Aribisala

Pastors Are Planning a Major Robbery in the Churches in January

The armed robber takes your money from you with a gun in his hand: the pastor takes your money by brandishing a bible. Jesus berated the mercenary religious leaders of biblical days. He told them: “‘It is written, my house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matthew 21:13). This word remains pertinent to pastors in the churches of today. They come up with all kinds of schemes designed to squeeze money out of their church-members. They search the scriptures, looking for quotable quotes that can be used to make merchandise of men. Some of their favourites are those scriptures dealing with giving first-fruits to priests. Fleecing the flock Those months with names ending with “ember” in English are sometimes referred to as the “ember” months. These include September, October, November and December. Strictly-speaking, October does not fit this bill; otherwise it would have been called “Octoember.” Nevertheless, it is conventional also to include it as one of the “ember” months. In these months, there is a definite change of emphasis in the messages preached by pastors in many of today’s new generation churches. If you have been paying attention, you would have noticed this already. In the “ember” months, pastors start to talk repeatedly about the need to give “first-fruits;” laying down the foundation for a major robbery routinely planned for January. In the Old Testament, first-fruits were required to be given to priests. Ezekiel says: “The best of all the first-fruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests.” (Ezekiel 44:30). This scripture is seized on by today’s money-grubbing pastors who now insist that the “first-fruits” of all the members of their congregation must be handed over to them. This is disingenuous because, in the New Testament, there is actually no longer an exclusive priesthood. Instead, Jesus has made all believers: “kings and priests to our God.” (Revelation 5:10). But this fact is conveniently ignored by today’s first-fruits collectors. First-fruits were given to priests because they were not allowed to own landed-property in Israel. God said: “I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession.” (Ezekiel 44:28-29). However, the pastors of today are men of means and property owners. In no way whatsoever do they fit the bill of a people without inheritance who only have God as their possession. Indeed, some of today’s mega-pastors are multi-millionaires who drive around with bodyguards in a cortege of Jeeps and even fly around in private jets. Fruits of money As the word indicates, first-fruits were strictly-speaking agricultural produce. Moses says: “The first of the first-fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.” (Exodus 23:19). This shows first-fruits were crops. Indeed, money was never regarded as first-fruit in the bible; neither was it ever paid as such. However, today’s pastors would not find it funny if you were to bring your first-fruits to them in bananas or pineapples. First-fruits are now only acceptable in cash or cheque. If you ask why, don’t be surprised if you are told that: “Money is the answer to everything.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19). Scripturally, first-fruits were only required from Jews living in Israel because God gave them their land. First-fruits were inapplicable to Israelites living in foreign lands. This also means first-fruits are inapplicable to today’s Christians who are mostly non-Israelis and do not live in Israel. Nevertheless, pastors hoodwink Christians by claiming there are special blessings attendant upon giving first-fruits to pastors anywhere. In biblical days, first-fruits were not required from those in non-agrarian trades, such as carpenters or fishermen because these professions were not tied to the land. However, today’s opportunist pastors collect first-fruits from anybody and everybody. It should be clear from the foregoing therefore that pastors who insist on collecting first-fruits in the churches of today are nothing but thieves and robbers. The armed robber takes your money from you with a gun in his hand: the pastor takes your money by brandishing a bible. Bonanza It used to be the case that first-fruits were defined as a Christian’s first salary after leaving school and securing gainful employment. But some pastors quickly realised that this only gives them the right to a Christian’s salary once in a lifetime. Therefore, this soon became inadequate, leading to more ingenious and more financially lucrative biblical “revelations” about first-fruits. Many pastors now insist that since the January salary is the first in the year, it legally falls under the definition of first-fruits. Therefore, they now require that all church-goers hand over to them their entire January salaries in the name of first-fruits. This makes the first-fruits boon far more profitable than the tithe; which is just a tenth of the Christian’s salary. Moreover, the tithe is nominally given to “the church.” The “first-fruits” is a far more rewarding scam because the money is specifically addressed to the pastor. If this “godliness” is taught effectively, a pastor can make a bundle of money at the beginning of every year. Just do the maths. Imagine a situation where the pastor gets the January salary of every single member of his congregation. Depending on the size of his church, he can get in one bonanza enough money to last him a lifetime. Is it any wonder, therefore, that pastors are very zealous in preaching about first-fruits in the “ember” months? Many even refuse to be limited to their churches. Turn onto Christian television such as the Trinity Broadcasting Network in the “ember” months, and you are likely to find Paula White or Steve Munsey extolling the blessings of giving first-fruits. Of course, the first-fruits must be sent to them and to no one else. Comeuppance In one of Nigeria’s big churches with a large branch-network, the pastors were making a killing collecting first-fruits. But one of them used the money to put up a church building. This went a long way to endear him to his congregants. Other pastors who had nothing to show for the first-fruits they collected became concerned that the pastor would soon bring them into disrepute. So they decided to take “appropriate” action. They reported him to the General Overseer of the church. His transgression was that he put up an entire church building single-handedly. So doing, they claimed, he prevented others from getting blessed by not taking contributions from them. The General Overseer wondered where he got the money to erect the entire building by himself. So they told him the money came from the first-fruits he collected from his church-members. The General Overseer became even more curious. Just how much first-fruit were these pastors collecting? He was astonished to discover the sums involved. It was unacceptable that such lucrative business was taking place in his churches without due recognition for his position. Therefore, he fired a memo to all his parishes: henceforth, all first-fruits must be forwarded intact to headquarters. However, his memo backfired. Thereafter, his subordinate pastors noticeably lost all interest in collecting first-fruits. “Let everybody shout hallelujah.” “They are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are pastors who cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his own gain, from his own territory.” (Isaiah 56:11). By: Femi Aribisala

2015: Adeboye urges Redeemed members to collect voter cards

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Friday night, reiterated his call on members to ensure that they get their permanent voter cards, PVCs, to enable them exercise their civic responsibility during next month’s general elections. Speaking on the theme, ‘The Burden Bearer’, during the church monthly Holy Ghost Service held at the Redemption Camp, Adeboye said the voter card is the only power the people have during election. Clad in white French suit, the man of God, popularly called Daddy G.O. reminded the congregation that everyone was expected to collect and bring his/her card to the church on the first Sunday of January, saying that parish pastors will request for it. He, therefore, advised members who have not collected their PVC to go to the nearest INEC collection centre for it. Stressing the importance of the PVC, the cleric admonished those who were unable to find their own to re-register for it, noting that it is very crucial. “You must get it even if it means spending the whole day at the local government because without the card, you cannot vote,” Adeboye said. “On the first Sunday of the year, come to church with your voter card as your pastors will ask for it. “Take thanksgiving service seriously this year. Do not take it as what the little ones should do. How old are you in the presence of Almighty God?”, the G.O. said. Enumerating three types of burden to include physical burden, material burden and marital burden, Adeboye described burden as a heavy load that attaches itself to one and such load goes with the person wherever he or she goes, saying God, the Burden Bearer, is one that comes along and help one to carry a burden. On the conditions to meet the Burden Bearer and what is expected when such burden is lifted, he said, one must admit he has a burden, willing to be helped and cry to the Bearer for help. Culled From Vanguard Newspaper

Olukoya says Nigeria won’t disintegrate

GENERAL Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, has assured that Nigeria will not disintegrate this year, arguing that God has an agenda for the country. Despite such assurances, the Archbishop of Ondo Province of Anglican Diocese, Bishop Latunji Lasebikan, has called for fervent prayers for the country, just as the God’s Kingdom Society warned that the end of wicked people on earth and the evil reputation they now have should serve as warnings to those living today about the certainty of the judgment of God. The Anglican clergyman expressed fears about the continued existence of the country after the 2015 general elections, but Olukoya, in his 2015 predictions at the church’s Prayer City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, said: “Nobody can destroy Nigeria, because it is a country of destiny. No matter what happens, one way or the other, the prophetic agenda and prayers will bail it (Nigeria) out of whatever quagmire it gets into.” “The Lord will not mind to kill or maim anyone who may want to destroy Nigeria,” he said, noting that Nigeria is strategically located in the continent and its shape in the continent is like the trigger of a gun, meaning the country is the most dangerous or most volatile part of Africa, which must not be toyed with. Describing the year as one of ‘Multiple Restoration and Unparalleled Favour’ as well as a year of ‘Vigorous Evangelism’ for MFM members, the church’s general overseer also gave 15 Ds to stand against in the year, as follows: deceit, delay, defilement, despair, disobedience, disbelief and distraction. Other Ds are dishonesty, disappointment, discouragement, discord, doubt, double mindedness, deadness and dullness, as he also gave 41 prayer points he described as “machine gun prayers” to help believers across the world survive in the new year. Addressing newsmen in Ilara-Mokin after the conferment of Church of Nigeria benevolent award on Chief Michael Ade-Ojo by the Primate of the church, Nicholas Okoh, Bishop Lasebikan said: “Nigeria needs God in order to escape the impending doom.” Asked to expatiate on the uncertainty in the polity, the clergyman said: “It is not about painting gloomy pictures, but it is looking around and seeing gloomy pictures. Politics is not played in Nigeria alone, it is played in different parts of the world. But when it takes along indiscipline, anarchy, discourteous attitude, then we know there is problem. “In some states they are not following the constitution and government is going on, that is anarchy. On the way forward the clergyman said “Our leaders must learn righteousness, doing correct things, that is why the constitution is there and people flout the constitution to do what they like.” Addressing worshippers at the Last and Great Day convocation of the Christian Feast of Tabernacles of the GKS, Brother Godwin Ifeacho outlined the atrocities of wicked men in history and asserted that the wicked would be punished not only in this present world but in the world to come. Culled from Vanguard Newspaper

Synagogue tragedy: T.B Joshua takes victims’ families shopping

The pastor of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, TB (Temitope Balogun) Joshua, took some of the relatives of the 85 South Africans killed in the church’s guesthouse that collapsed on September 12 on a shopping spree on Christmas day. Joshua was also reported to have showered the relatives with cash and gifts, a South African newspaper, Daily News reported. One of the bereaved, 47-year-old Wonder Ndlovu, whose husband was killed in the building collapse, was among the first group to spend time with the pastor after the tragedy. She was quoted by the newspaper as saying that she and others who visited Nigeria had a “nice time, went shopping and stayed in beautiful hotels.” Ndlovu stated that before they went out shopping, they were taken to the building collapse site where the televangelist was said to have laid his hands on and prayed for the relatives. “We met with the man of God (Joshua) and he briefed us about the site visit. Wiseman Harry and other evangelists took us there; it was very emotional for me, but others were strong and comforting. I brought flowers from South Africa and laid them with my son. It is ugly. Looking at the building foundations we are convinced it was an attack,” the widow said. She added, “The prophet is full of surprises. After weeping, he took us to the city to see places. To our surprise, we shopped till we dropped and the bill was on him. We were having the time of our lives, forgetting the pain of the past and looking forward to picking up the pieces and moving on. Yesterday has gone by, but tomorrow is forever. “He (Joshua) took us to a five-star posh hotel for dinner, fine food and drinks. The hotel is in Victoria Island. After chilling, we came back in his luxurious kombis. (There were) more surprises while (we were) preparing to sleep. The mamas who took us shopping knocked and presented us with N50, 000 each and they said we (must not) use all our (own) shopping money… I just sang A huna ya tshwana le yena (there’s no one like him).” According to the South African newspaper, the popular televangelist invited 44 family members of the deceased for Christmas dinner and many of them accepted. Speaking from Nigeria, Kirsten Nematandani, a spokesman for the church based in South Africa, confirmed to Daily News that a second group would visit this month. Meanwhile, some of the KZN families who have received invitations to meet Joshua this month said they would gladly go. Another South African, 29-year-old Simphiwe Ngcobo, said the trip to the Nigeria would help him connect “spiritually” with his parents, Dickie and Dennis Ngcobo. He said he was excited about the trip and would travel with a relative this month. “It is important for us to go to the site and pay our respects to our loved ones. We have accepted their death and we are moving on. We could have gone with the first group of families but we decided to be with the family over Christmas. We have no qualms against anyone, which is why we have gladly accepted this wonderful gesture from the man of God,” he said. Reverend Eric Myeni, whose 29-year-old son, Sabelo, died in the September 12 collapse, also accepted Joshua’s invitation. “We need to overcome what has happened by showing our faith in Christ. We can never reverse our adversity. But with hope in the lord we can overcome the pain suffered,” he said. When our correspondent contacted the church through one of the phone numbers provided on SCOAN website, to confirm the report of the relatives’ visit and the shopping spree paid for by Joshua, a lady who picked the phone said “yes.” Culled from Punch Newspaper

Boko Haram will be weakened in 2015- Adeboye

AS the world continues to groan under the heavy yoke of insurgency with no respite seemingly in sight, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has predicted that the phenomenon will be weakened world over in the New Year. The revered man of God, in his prophecies listed under four categories of Individuals, International, RCCG and Nigeria, has also predicted that the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, which has killed over 7,000 people so far, will finally die. Adeboye made these predictions at the crossover service held at the Redemption Camp, Kilometre 46, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, to usher in year 2015. Reeling out the New Year predictions at about 1:15 a. m. before a mammoth crowd that gathered at the Arena Ground of the camp, the septuagenarian cleric, whose predictions hardly go unfulfilled, said God said the world should pray against “massive calamities, massive earthquakes and strong hurricanes and typhoons.” For Nigeria, expectedly, the man of God was not forthcoming in reeling out the mind of God in details, as, according to him, 2015 being an election year, he has to be miser with what God has told him about Nigeria. “Unfortunately, because it is election year, I can’t tell you all that God told me about Nigeria. But I will tell you this: “By the end of the year, many will say ‘all is well that ends well.'” The holiness preacher, who was clad in blue short-sleeve suit, however, did not go further to explain what God meant by “all is well that ends well,” keeping the entire congregation in suspense as he gave no other prediction concerning the country hinging it on the sensitivity of the election year. On what members of RCCG should expect in the New Year, the cleric, fondly called Daddy G.O. by all and sundry, told the gathering that the prophecies would be relayed to them through their pastors. On prophecies about individuals, the seer said for members of the church, who obeyed the instruction to fast for 100 in 2014, they should expect great harvest of blessings from God. He said God told him that 2015 will be a year of dreams fulfillment, miraculous completion of projects, miraculous restorations and a year that will replete with testimonies such that “those who have none before will have some this year.” The crossover service began with a Holy Communion service which was the last for year 2014 and thereafter a service of songs in which the GO’s wife, Folu and her ensemble as well as the Mass Choir of the mission thrilled the congregation with theme hymns composed by Pastor Adeboye for previous annual programmes of the church.

Boko Haram: Cleric urges Nigerians to seek God’s intervention

Most Reverend Samuel Abidoye, Chairman and Spiritual Head, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide, has called Nigerians to seek God’s intervention to curb insurgency in the country. Abidoye’s call is contained in a New Year massage made on Friday in Bauchi. He emphasised that Nigerians should embrace love as well as seek God’s intervention towards surmounting the current security challenges and other socio-economic problems confronting the country. Abidoye observed that Nigeria was suffering from lack of love and harmony among her people. He opined that the dearth of love among Nigerians had given birth to distrust, intolerance, hatred and unwarranted violence among the citizens of this country. “The only solution to the problem is for each citizen to begin to see the next person as his or her brother or sister. “This will make the essence of humanity to be experienced by all in the country, because the value of life would be appreciated by all as a result,” Abidoye added. He pointed out that the activities of Boko Haram in the North East region was due to lost of humanity by Nigerians where they have sacrificed their humanity for avarice and self-centredness. The cleric noted that “our existence as a nation would be meaningless if we cannot apply the significance of the teachings of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad to our peculiar environment and circumstances. “It is expected that the noble characteristics of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad who lived peaceful lives. “It beats imagination the way Nigerians behaves, especially the level of intolerance, corruption and hatred being displayed in the country,” he said. “According to him, the people in government continue to act as if the matter is just a minor one and they continue to spend our money like water while their fellow citizens are being slaughtered in sickening manner. “The younger generation are too money conscious, they are ready to do anything to make money. No more restraint in their conducts, they lack patience, and just want to get rich as quickly as possible, making them very, very desperate. “We should be careful that we did not provoke God to be angry with this country because the level of bloodshed is just too much, I am sure our situation is not too bad for redemption,” the statement read in part. He urged politicians to remember the suffering populace, saying disappointing these set of people will cause God to be angry with the country. “That is why many of them may not be returned to office, no matter how much they tried to come back because there is a God that fights for the poor and helpless.” From Vanguard News

Scores injured in suicide bombing outside Gombe church

 

Several people were injured on Thursday outside an evangelical church in Gombe, the Gombe State capital, when a suicide bomber set off his explosive vest amid the country’s ongoing battle against an Islamist insurgency.

“There was an explosion outside the ECWA church this morning. A suicide bomber who was restrained from getting into the church blew himself up,” Abubakar Yakubu, who heads the Nigeria Red Cross in Gombe, told the AFP.

“Luckily no one was killed but some people were mildly injured.”

A witness told AFP that the man arrived during the service at the Evangelist Church of West Africa in Gombe and refused to park his motorcycle outside a security barrier set up by volunteers.

“He insisted on riding through the barrier,” said Dahiru Badamasi, who lives in the neighbourhood.

“It was while he was arguing with the volunteers that his suicide belt exploded.”

Another witness heard an explosion and rushed outside.

“I saw a man leading three children with their new dresses stained with blood,” said Jummai Maifada.

The North-East has seen a relentless string of attacks blamed on Boko Haram militants.

Gombe, capital of the eponymous state, has until recently been spared the violence that has shaken the neighbouring states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, where Boko Haram has taken around 20 towns.

But attacks have increased in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, there was panic on New Year eve in Gombe as a large explosion was heard at the Army barrack in the town.

It was learnt that two suicide bombers tried to smuggle their ways into the Mammy Market at the Army barracks but were asked to be frisked by soldiers.

They refused and they were turned back by the soldiers on guard.

However, the explosive devices they strapped on their bodies went off killing the two suicide bombers and injuring those within the vicinity including the soldiers who just turned them back.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent on the telephone from Gombe that, “Two suspected suicide bombers arrived the scene at about 8pm local time on a motorcycle but vehemently refused to be searched by the security men at the gate.

“Just moments after they were refused passage by the soldiers, they detonated the bomb strapped on them right there at the gate.”

He said the two corpses of the suicide bombers laid on the floor on Wednesday night and the soldiers sustained varying degrees of injuries but there was no death on the part of the security men.

He said the entire place had since been cordoned off by the military.

Seven people had died in a bus explosion Wednesday in a village close to Potiskum, in Yobe State.

From Punch Newspaper

Nigeria2015: Catholic priest, Ejike Mbaka, attacks Jonathan; wants President out, Buhari in

 

 Outspoken Catholic priest, Ejike Mbaka, has told Nigerians to use the forthcoming general election to vote out President Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking to thousands of parishioners as his Adoration Prayer Ground in Enugu, Thursday, Mr. Mbaka said President Jonathan had failed to stem the tide of insecurity and corruption in the country.
In the video, uploaded to You Tube, the priest said that although Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate is a Muslim, he would bring the needed change in Nigeria.
The PUNCH further quoted the priest as saying, “I love President Goodluck Jonathan and I used to be his ardent fan, but I want good for my people and that’s why I want Nigerians to vote out Goodluck Jonathan and vote General Muhammad Buhari. I don’t care if Buhari is a Muslim and from the North; all I care about is that Buhari can save Nigeria.”
Mr. Mbaka, renowned for his blunt sermons, has a huge followership in the South East of Nigeria, where thousands of Catholics throng to his prayer ground for healing and miracles.
The Catholic priest had a running battle with Chimaroke Nnamani, the former Governor of Enugu State, over his scathing criticisms of the government leading to the governor allegedly sending assassins after him.
He also strongly campaigned against Ikedi Ohakim, who was Governor of Imo State, between 2007 and 2011, after the latter allegedly whipped a Catholic priest in public.
The governor lost his reelection bid in 2011

Full Transcript of Catholic Priest Ejike Mbaka’s fierce attack on President Jonathan(1)

 

Mr. Mbaka gave this sermon to thousands of parishioners at his Adoration Prayer Ground in Enugu, Thursday, saying President Jonathan had failed to stem the tide of insecurity and corruption in the country.
In the year 2014, we had a lot of bloodshed in this country. People were dying like rats without anybody asking about them. This country suffered a lot of blood experience. Many of us witnessed that people were in tears. Just like the ancient world, the year 2014, the 4 in it had the queen in it, which had to do with death. Our leaders failedus with reckless abandon and nobody asked them question.
The so-called democracy was a hidden autocracy. It was deceptive and questionable quack miler. Nigerians suffered hunger unnecessarily. We heard about oil subsidy being removed and added, whatever be(is) their jargon, nobody understood them. We heard about minimum wage, the civil servant suffered, the minimum wage was not paid and we were all calm. In 2015, Nigerians will not be calm again (shouts of AMEN!).
We need change. Whatever it will be, let it be. This is my golden message to my beloved country. What actually is happening (Ogini nne me?). The multitude of our youths, the quality young men, quality young women, brilliants youths but nobody has plans for any of you. Our so-called leaders should come and apologize. In 2015, it shall not continue like that (shouts of AMEN).
By the grace of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing spiritually, change! 2015 should not be a year of any hooligan maneuvering to hijack power. This is our New Year message.  Listen, when you go home, tell anybody you see that from the oracle of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing change (AMEN). Can somebody help me to shout change (shouts of change by the congregation) in Jesus holy name.
Look at what it’s like, as I’m yet to bless your families, bless your industries, bless your destinies. Come 2015, your plans are blessed, your vision are blessed, your locomotive society are blessed. I cover this year with the blood of Jesus. I seal this year with the blood of Jesus.
My message is in two branches (folds). Number one branch, the theme of this first message to my fellow countrymen is from good luck to bad luck. Once upon a time, the whole countrymen were crying for a leader who will help us move forward with our economy, have an authentic democracy, give our unemployed youths jobs, enable our power to be steady, who will industrialize Nigerians, who will encourage mass education and agriculturalize Nigeria.  Having in view that oil will soon drop, give us security in a maximum level. By the grace of God, there emerged a Goodluck, all of us were happy, the Goodluck met Yar’ Adua and Yar’ Adua died. May the Holy Spirit help me as I utter this message, I know many will misunderstand it, but it will stand the test of time and you will know I’m speaking the truth.
The Goodluck met Yar’Adua and Yar’Adua died. Before you know it, the Goodluck met our oil and the oil had a bad luck and poured away, before we knew it, the Goodluck met our naira, our naira had a bad luck. Where are we going? What is the fate of this country? Shall we continue like this, we need change (shout of change from the congregation).
As I’m speaking with you, most of our civil servants did not celebrate their Christmas. The Christmas season that should be a Goodluck time became a bad luck time for our Nigerians forgetting that very soon, from 3rd January, the children will go back to school and the parent are going to pay school fees. From where? Are they going to use their urine to pay? (Shout of NO from the congregation). But where is the good water even if they are going to use their urine. Are they going to use their stool to pay the school fees of their children? (Shout of NO from the congregation). You have to eat well to defecate.
What is the fate of our children? Tears fill my eyes when I see our young graduates hoping and walking our streets. What is the meaning of kidnapping? Kidnapping is the grandson of unemployment. Boko Haram is a grand great child of the same unemployment, mass looting, and poor governance.
I’m not saying that Goodluck is a bad man. He is a good man. But he cannot lead Nigeria. As things stand right now, from the oracle of the Holy Spirit, Jonathan should honourably resign quietly and let Nigeria be. The destiny of Nigeria is greater than Goodluck Jonathan. The Goodluck in Jonathan has become a bad luck to Nigerians. Whatever brought him in should send him back and let Nigeria be.
By this time in few months to come, many are going to lose their jobs and there is no alternative. During election, Jonathan will answer Azikiwe, Ebele and become an Igbo man and after election, the Ebele, the Azikiwe and Goodluck will vanish from his identity. Who is fooling who actually?
Look at our federal roads, we are not even asking for new ones, roads built by Buhari and Babangidas —  the so called Hausa people— cannot be maintained. Follow Enugu here to Onitsha, children born some years ago do not know that there was a lane along the other side of Isiagwu and we are all saying continue. The continuity of Jonathan means disaster to Nigeria.
We need change. May the Holy Spirit help me to vocalize what he has shown to me while I was waiting on him to give me a message for my people? I’m worried about the future of you my children. Go to school, go to school, mention any government school functioning in Nigeria now? Our schools are dilapidated. Nigeria is like an egg about to break in the hands of Jonathan Goodluck and we cannot allow it to happen. It is so unfortunate that pastors are becoming vultures around the president. Pastors are becoming hawks around him, eating the porridge of Jacob and selling their prophetic rights. And anointing is being merchandised in Aso Rock, carrying our nairas, turning it to dollars and carrying it in jets moving out of the country.
Listen, this is the voice on the pulpit: all these men of God, who are telling Jonathan to continue because they are benefitting one thing or the other, you should question your apostolic, prophetic anointing. What the Bible say is that Samson did not know that the Holy Spirit had left him. Let them watch if the Holy Spirit is still in them.
Listen, they will begin to tell us this one is a Christian the other one is a Muslim. I don’t believe in that. Who is a Christian more than Judas? Did Judas not betray Jesus? Judas was not just a Christian, he was not just a mere apostle, he was a super apostle like a cardinal but at a time he messed up and Bible says his office, let another take. That is the normal thing.
The way Nigeria is going right now, the office of Goodluck Jonathan let another take. I’m not campaigning for anybody. I’m filled with tears over what is happening in Nigeria. Some of us who have nongovernmental organisations funding charity, I know what I’m suffering. The more they are looting our resources, the more they are rending you unemployed, the more some of us suffer the more. If I have been paying for the school fees of 500 people, it would now jack up to 3000, or more.
What the government should do, individuals are struggling to achieve. When there is no road, no power, all this fake promises… where is the power? That Onitsha Bridge, has it now been built? No. After 6 years, and Goodluck has what it takes to do whatever. He surrounded himself with hooligans. By the time he comes down, he won’t have anybody to work with. He played himself into the hands of hooligans.
My interest is about the wellness of this country. Nigeria must survive what we are passing through by the help of God. The same God who saved us from Ebola will save us from this bad luck season (shouts of AMEN from the congregation).
Look at it, there was a time there was an argument about pension fund – such billions. Who is talking about it now? Billions and we were hearing it… from excess crude oil money, where is the impact of the excess crude oil money? Now from oil boom, it has met a bad luck; it’s now oil doom. If my father will be my leader and my siblings will all die, let a stranger be my leader and let my family be. All I’m trying to tell you is that we have not entered into any covenant with anybody.
Last time, the First Lady came here. We are not partisan; we welcomed her. We did a spiritual drama here. Lifted four birds to fly up, the main one that should fly up refused to go. I did everything possible and that one is the healthiest of them all but refused to fly and the spirit of God said, don’t disturb him.
When God rejected Saul, David took over. Let me tell you, in the history of Nigeria, we have never experience bloodshed as we have in the time of Goodluck. If Goodluck means bloodshed for Nigerians are you waiting until your own blood is shed? (shouts of No from the congregation).
We need change, however God will do it. Look at the insecurity if you go to the northern part of Nigeria.
My fellow priest, my fellow pastors, don’t just stand up to attack this message, because you have mouth. Think well before you put your mouth, the voice is beyond your own contribution. Listen, are you waiting for your own church to be bombed before you speak out? If you go to Maiduguri, some parishes have closed down. Go to Potiskum. People no longer go to church on Sundays in many parts of this country. Now imagine a scenario where a president cannot fight a simple insurgence. This is not an external country attack o. It is not like another country invaded Nigeria. It is an intra distraction. And many of us are claiming that it was because Buhari said that he was going to make Jonathan’s government ungovernable. Listen, let’s assume Buhari said something like that, even though it’s not Buhari who said it. So if you are the president and somebody say something like that, will you not arrest such a person?
Culled from Premium Times

Pastor Chris Okotie and his super luxury ride

 

The name, Pastor Chris Okotie, is a household name in Nigeria being the Pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries. The 56-year-old pastor has had a lot going for him as a pop music artiste in the 1980s and now as a preacher.

Okotie is a lover of good things and has often been criticised for flaunting his wealth.

To celebrate his 27 years as a pastor and 30 years as a born again Christian, Okotie acquired the 2014 edition of Rolls Royce Phantom in 2013. The car reportedly cost him N80m.

Few cars on the planet command such instant recognition, prestige and respect as the 2014 Rolls-Royce Phantom. As one of the super luxury vehicles in the BMW line-up, it is incredibly lavish and powerful. In fact, it has been described as the flagship of the world’s most iconic ultra-luxury car brand.

With its throne-like seats that give occupiers an elevated, almost SUV view of the road ahead, the Phantom is full of beautiful details. Perhaps the best thing about the Phantom’s rear quarters is getting in and out through its rear-hinged doors, which have integrated umbrellas in the event that the occupiers’ arrival occurs during a downpour.

Indeed, the Rolls-Royce Phantom remains the ultimate expression of luxury motoring, so if the world’s best is what you seek, then look no farther. The ride quality is perhaps better than anything else on the road as the car’s primary mission is to provide tranquil transportation for the most privileged of VIPs.

No matter how you slice it, the Phantom is an expansive – almost 20 feet in length – substantial vehicle in all its forms with a classically styled and unmistakable exterior. Its cabin is simply the definition of automotive opulence. Everything you can see, touch, or smell speaks of quality and substance.

The standard features list on the Phantom is extensive; nearly any technological add-on you can imagine but not included can be added on request, for a fee, of course. The limits are your imagination and wealth.

Performance

The 2014 Rolls-Royce Phantom is powered by a 6.7-litre V12 that produces 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. It has an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rolls-Royce claims that the standard Phantom accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. All Phantoms are rear-wheel drive.

The Environmental Protection Agency rates the Phantom’s fuel economy at 11 miles per gallon in the city, 19mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in combined driving.

Features

The Phantom is an ultra-luxury sedan available in base and extended-wheelbase body styles, which adds 10 inches of rear legroom. There is seating for five passengers.

Standard features on the phantom include 21-inch cast-aluminium wheels, automatic and adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power and heated seats, and two umbrellas, hidden in the front doors.

Standard electronics includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, a navigation system, a multifunction electronics interface with an 8.8-inch display and pop-out controller, voice controls and Rolls-Royce Assist emergency telematics. Audio is provided by a Harman Kardon Lexicon Logic 7 surround-sound audio system with 15 speakers, including two floor-mounted subwoofers, a glovebox-mounted six-DVD changer, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB/iPod interface and satellite radio with a lifetime subscription.

The options list is vast and includes things more likely to be found in a luxury home than in a car, including a rear theatre; an entertainment system with two DVD screens built into the standard drop-down picnic tables, a rear bar, a cigar humidor, glass cabinets and a refrigerator,

Safety

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control and stability control, active front head restraints, a suite of airbags; full-length side curtain airbags and side airbags for front occupants. In addition, front and rear parking sensors are standard, as is a camera system that shows rear, side and overhead views to assist the driver in parking and pulling into traffic in this very large sedan.

Driving Impressions

The Phantom’s performance is simply astounding including its responsive accelerator and communicative steering. It is incredibly silent in operation; dispatches bumps, potholes and even speed humps as if they aren’t even there.

The good: It has a refined, luxury defined, and classic British styling, coupled with its impressive passenger accommodation, unique and unrivalled quality, excellent performance, in spite of its size and classic exterior.

The bad: Formidable size makes it a devil to manoeuvre in tight spots, some confusing and awkwardly placed controls, according to reviewers, obvious fuel consumption at its best and very expensive.

Source: www.edmunds.com

Catholic Priest tells Jonathan Tells Jonathan to Step Down for Buhari

Renowned Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon his re-election bid so that the All Progressives Congress candidate, Maj.Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) can emerge the winner of the presidential election next month.

Mbaka, who heads the popular Catholic Adoration Centre in Enugu, said this in his New Year sermon titled “From Good luck to Bad luck,” while addressing thousands of parishioners on Thursday.

He urged all well-meaning Nigerians to vote for Buhari on February 14.

According to the cleric, Jonathan has disappointed Nigerians and cannot deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Mbaka subsequently knelt down in front of the altar, cried and asked God to give Nigeria a good leader and not Jonathan. He used the opportunity to beg Nigerians to vote wisely in the forthcoming elections.

He said, “I love President Goodluck Jonathan and I used to be his ardent fan, but I want good for my people and that’s why I want Nigerians to vote out Goodluck Jonathan and vote General Muhammad Buhari. I don’t care if Buhari is a Muslim and from the North; all I care about is that Buhari can save Nigeria.”

Ironically, Mbaka had recently endorsed Jonathan’s re-election.

It was learnt that the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, had taken Jonathan’s wife, Patience, to Mbaka, where the cleric said he would pray for Jonathan’s victory.

However, after prayers, Mbaka said the sign he received from God was that Jonathan was not fit to rule the nation anymore.

Mbaka further explained that one of the reasons Jonathan is no longer fit to rule Nigeria for the next four years was the high level of insecurity which the President had failed to address as well as corruption in the country.

He said it was unfortunate that the over 200 Chibok girls who were abducted by terrorists over 200 days ago had not been rescued despite series of promises made by Jonathan.

He further urged the Federal Government to account for the missing $20bn and stop insurgency in the country.

Mbaka maintained that Buhari could not Islamise Nigeria as being rumoured in some circles.

He said he had never met the APC candidate but urged Nigerians not to forget that Buhari fought corruption to a standstill during his administration between December 1983 and August 1985.

Culled from Punch Newspaper,Nigeria