Mbaka could be barred from preaching – Lagos Archbishop

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos , Adewale Martins, says the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry , Enugu , Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka , could be banned from preaching if he continues to deviate from the doctrine and tenets of the Catholic Church .
Martins who was appointed Archbishop of Lagos by the Pope in 2012 , said this during an interview with BBC Igbo while reacting to Mbaka ’ s prophecy that Hope Uzodinma would emerge as governor of Imo State .
Mbaka had on New Year ’ s Eve prophesied that Uzodinma would emerge as governor in 2020 , a prophecy which came to pass on Tuesday when the Supreme Court sacked Emeka Ihedioha and named Uzodinma as the duly elected governor .
Reacting to the prophecy which has stirred a heated debate, the archbishop said Mbaka is under the Diocese of Enugu and therefore does not report to him .
He, however, said if Mbaka continues in the manner with which he is doing things, the Catholic Church may bar him from ministering .
Responding to a question , Martins said , “ Fr Mbaka falls under the authority of the Bishop of Enugu Diocese and therefore he has the responsibility of cautioning him . I can imagine that this must be giving the bishop some challenges .
“ It must be giving him a bit of a headache and I feel sorry for him and I hope he will find some way of dealing with this matter that has been recurring . Of course , what could be done in the end is either to say ok you receive the sanction of being stopped from public ministry . That is a possibility . If it is not done, there must be a reason. ”
Martins who was ordained a priest in 1983 , said the Catholic Church does not engage in partisan politics .
He said even if Mbaka received a prophecy from God , he ought to ensure that his conduct corresponds with the scriptures and the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
The archbishop added , “It is utterly surprising that Fr Mbaka would go as far as naming one person as governor against another . It is embarrassing when you hear of priests or people in position of authority making statements that are clearly partisan as far as politics is concerned .
“The position of the Catholic Church on matters that have to do with politics is not to be partisan in statements that are made . Of course , we as a church cannot be oblivious to political events and happenings in the country or the world at large and therefore we must speak from the point of view of principles.
“ The priest who believes he has a gift of prophecy has to test whatever has been told to him in the light of the scriptures , in the light of the teachings of the church and in terms of the authority that has been given to leaders in the church. ”
Martins said Mbaka ’ s behaviour was at variance with the teachings of the Catholic Church and he had fallen below the standard expected of priests.
“ Therefore, this kind of prophecy or vision that Fr Mbaka is talking about is certainly not the kind that we expect of priests in the Catholic Church , ” he said .

Amotekun: Real Reason Buhari Is Against Southwest Security Outfit – Afenifere Chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo

Chief Ayo Adebanjo

A chieftain of Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is opposed to the Southwest security outfit, Amotekun.

Adebanjo claimed that Buhari wanted to rule Nigeria by force, hence, his alleged opposition to Amotekun.

Featuring on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Adebanjo said the solution to the security challenge in the country was state police.

He said: “That is why Buhari is opposed to it because he wants to rule the country by force.

“So, those of you who are honest you need to bring Buhari to restructure this country and send us back to federalism; let everybody develop at his own pace.

“That is the constitution Sarduana, Awolowo and Azikiwe agreed to at Independence.”

This is coming at a time when the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami on Tuesday declared the Southwest security outfit code named Amotekun illegal.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr Umar Gwandu, Malami had said the establishment of Amotekun was not backed by any known law in the land.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law,” Malami had said

One dead, four injured in multiple accident on Lagos/ Abeokuta Expressway accident

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Command, on Tuesday, said that one person died,while four others sustained various degrees of injuries in a multiple accident near toll gate, on the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.

The FRSC, Ogun Sector Commander, Mr Clement Oladele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota that four others, comprised  four men and a female were involved in the accident that occurred at 3.45am.

“The corpse of the male victim has been deposited at the mortuary of State Hospital, Ota,Ogun, while the survivors are also receiving treatment at the same hospital.” he said.

Oladele said a Mack truck with registration no. AGL 676 CV, heading towards Lagos from Sango-Ota, three buses and three motorcycles, were involved in the accident.

Oladele explained that the articulated truck lost control due to break failure and rammed into three Volkswagen LT buses and three motorcycles.

The FRSC boss said the registration numbers of the three LT buses were, BDG 976 XF, YA226AAA, GGE 272, while the motorcycles were marked LAR 355 WM, TTD 067UJ and KJA 555 XP.

The sector commander commiserated with the family of the dead and those who sustained injuries and urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles were in good mechanical condition before putting them on the road.

Also, Area 4 Commander of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Adekunle Ariyo Ajibade's urged motorists to be patient and desist from acts that could lead to the loss of live and property.

Ajibade said the vehicles involved in the accident had been cleared off the road by FRSC,TRACE and others sister agencies to ease the free flow of traffic in the area.

FG Declares Amotekun Iĺlegal Security Outfit

Malami

The Federal Government has declared ‘Operation Amotekun’ as an illegal outfit.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media and Public Relations (Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice), Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law,” the statement read.

The security body was recently launched by the governors of the South-West states to tackle

But the Federal Government maintained that “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria”.

According to the government, consequently, no other authority at the state level, whether the executive or legislature has the legal authority over defence.

Tthe full statement below:

Press Release on the Paramilitary Organisation named “Amotekun”

Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sovereign entity and is governed by laws meant to sustain its corporate existence as a constitutional democracy. It is a Federation of states, but with the Federal Government superintending over matters of national interests.

The division of executive and legislative authority between the Federal and State Governments has been clearly defined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

It is against the same background that matters relating to the peace, order and good government of the Federation and in particular, the defence of the country, are enshrined in the Exclusive Legislative List.

The Second Schedule in Item 17 deals with defence. This is a matter that is within the exclusive operational competence of the Federal of Government of Nigeria. No other authority at the state level, whether the executive or legislature has the legal authority over defence.

The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.

As a consequence of this, no State Government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organization or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts.

This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorizing the Police and other Federal government security services established by law to maintain law and order.

The law will take its natural course in relation to excesses associated with organization, administration and participation in “Amotekun” or continuous association with it as an association.

Finally, it is important to put on record that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice was not consulted on the matter. If it had, proper information and guidance would have been offered to ensure that Nigeria’s defence and corporate entity are preserved at all times.

Signed

Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu
SA Media and Public Relations
(Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice)
kidnapping and other criminal activities in the zone.

Breaking- Father Mbaka Prophecy comes to fulfillment as Supreme Court ask Gov Ihedioha to Vacate IMO State Govt. House

Never laugh against the “man of God” who claims to pass on divine revelations. That was the lesson the Supreme Court handed over Tuesday night to Emeka Ihedioha, the ousted governor of Imo state.

He had ridiculed Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry for predicting that the APC candidate, Hope Uzodinma will take over from him.

In his New Year prediction, Mbaka had said the APC governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma, will become the governor of the state this year.

“I don’t know the manner the revelation will manifest but no prophecy has ever been declared on this prayer ground without coming to pass.

“In spite of all that would happen this 2020, there is hope. In Imo State, there is hope. Hope, hope, hope. Hope in Imo State. Imo people have suffered but God is raising a new hope that would be an agent of salvation for them.

“He is coming with a new flag to restore the dignity of that noble land. New leadership will break barriers and there would be joy in the land of Imo. Lift your candles as I bless Hope Uzodinma and I empower him spiritually to take over. How, I do not know.”

How will this manifest? How this prediction could ever come to pass, was a riddle people not familiar closely with the case could not fathom.

According to INEC, there was just no hope for Hope Uzodinma in the election as he came fourth overall behind Ihedioha, Uche Nwosu of Action Alliance, whose candidacy was invalidated by the Supreme Court, Ifeanyi Araraume of All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA). Ihedioha polled 273,404, Nwosu 190,364, Araraume, 114,676 votes and Uzodinma 96, 458 votes. A former governor of the state Ikedi Ohakim, came distant fifth on the log with 6,846votes. INEC also declared that 25,130 votes were cancelled out of total votes of 739,485.

But Uzodinma said he beat them all as his votes were cancelled in 318 units. The claim was his smoking gun that he had deployed vainly at the Governorship election Tribunal and the Appeal Court.

The Supreme Court accepted his prayer and validated the prophecy of Father Mbaka, in a stunning verdict on Tuesday, declaring Uzodinma the validly elected Governor of Imo state.

The court was of the view that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not have excluded his votes and returned Emeka Ihedioha as the Governor of the State.

Today, the apex court has given back to Uzodinma the trophy INEC robbed him of and ordered that the votes be added and Uzodinma sworn-in as the governor of Imo state.

My Spiritual Father Is Late Akindayomi, Not Uma Ukpai- Adeboye

General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye says Dr Uma Ukpai, President of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association Incorporated, is never his Spiritual Father as being claimed in reports on social media.

He said his spiritual father remained Late Reverend (Pa) Josiah Akindayomi, the Founder and General Superintendent of RCCG.

Adeboye was quoted in an online report suggesting that Uma Ukpai is his spiritual father.

Reacting to this, Adeboye, in a tweet said the report was simply fake news.

“This is to bring to the attention of the general public that the news circulating around the internet and social media space concerning me saying Reverend Dr Uma Ukpai is my spiritual father is very WRONG.

“Reverend Dr Uma Ukpai is one of the highly respected Generals in faith in Nigeria and he is someone I hold in high esteem.

“That being said, my Spiritual Father remains Late Reverend (Pa) Josiah Akindayomi, the Founder and General Superintendent of RCCG.

“I wish everybody a wonderful fasting season and may God keep us all in our dealings in Jesus name,” he said.

Abiodun to His Cabinets- You are under Intense Public Scrutiny

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The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has told his cabinet members to brace up to the responsibilities and challenges of their new offices as they are under public scrutiny.
Abiodun said this on Monday, January 13, 2020, saying that a lot of burden would be on them to live above board and be morally upright.

According to a press release e-signed and made availabile to The Voice magazine by  Somorin Kunle the Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun Governor, Abiodun charged members of the newly constituted cabinet of the State to be role models, manage expectations and join him in advancing the goals of even development across the State, as they are now public servants and not mere representatives of their towns or local governments.

The Governor said they should not be found wanting in character, as they would come under intense public scrutiny and people would want to probe every of their actions and inactions.

Prince Dapo Abiodun made these remarks in his office, at the orientation programme organised for Commissioners and Special Advisers.

He reminded his appointees that their conduct and utterances would now be thoroughly looked at differently from when they were not commissioners and special advisers, urging the cabinet members to join him as partners in progress like the civil servants who are the engine room of governance.

Abiodun stressed that as worthy partners and anchors of the bureaucratic structures upon which the programmes and policies of his administration would be built, cabinet members should forge a seamless cordial and work relationship with the civil servants which he described as dedicated, efficient and committed professionals.

His words, “You are now public servants and have joined the league of politically exposed people. Your conduct, utterances and public personality will now come under intense public scrutiny, so be guided accordingly.

“To achieve optimally, you will need to work with and regard the Ogun State public servants as partners and anchors of the bureaucratic structures required to deliver on our programmes and policies. You will find in Ogun State public servants the most dedicated, efficient and committed professionals.

“They are the inheritors of the proud legacies of the Ogun State Public Service. So, with the combination of political appointees, who are best breed and the public servants that rank top in the Country, the stage is now set for a new Ogun State of our collective dreams.”

The Governor, while describing the newly assembled Executive Council members as the most star-studded Council in the country, said that he would provide the right leadership as the captain of the team.

“This administration has arguably the most star-studded cabinet in the Country: various expertise, different backgrounds, and even various, but complementary flavours have been brought together. As the captain of this team, I want to assure you that I will provide the right leadership for you to blossom as individual stars and for our team to record achievements that are greater than the sum of individual accomplishments,” he said.

The helmsman in Ogun state added that each of the cabinet members was chosen based on their track records and on the basis that they would contribute immensely to building the future of the State.

He added that the new cabinet members must all come on board with a mindset of team work that would “generate a new and higher momentum.”

The orientation programme for the new cabinet members had retired Head of Service, Chief Dipo Odulate, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle and the Director, Code of Conduct Bureau in the State, Mr. Segun Rabiu as resource persons.