Bishop Emiaso says the church is sick, needs divine healing

By Owho Warri

The presiding bishop and head of mission, Gospel Church of Christ (GCC) worldwide, Bishop Eric Emiaso has charged Christians to be Christlike and resist every form of evil in the face of many challenges that has characterizes the nation, especially as the country is going through many turbulent times, rather, Christians should continue to pray and have absolute faith in God and in His word.
Bishop Emiaso stated this during the annual convention of the 51 years old church and one year anniversary of his inauguration as the presiding bishop, held at the headquarters in Lagos.

He urged Christians to be practical and responsible with obedience to the word of God through the Holy Spirit, as the only key to experience desired flourishing in Christ. He emphasized that flourishing in Christ is a divine provisional need to live a successful life and it is encompassing, covering every area of life.
While lamenting on the lives and destinies that are stagnant that are not flourishing as they should, due to many factors, especially disobedient and rebellion to the word of God, he challenged Christians to anchor their lives and services on the word of God and not social activities that has no impact on their spiritual growth and development.

Bishop Emiaso, whose goal is to win more souls, for Christ, had encouraged women development in the church and decry recent developments, where some pastors are reportedly involved in rapping, adultery, fraud and other vices that diminish the office and calling of a pastor. He attributed them to satanic agents who masquerade into the ministry through the window and back doors without proper spiritual upbringing, but with the motive and intention of misleading people in the ministry.
“Ministry or ministerial works are not career, they are callings with divine induction, but many see it the other way round and abuse it, the church is sick, fills with unrighteous characters that have no purpose of being in the ministry than for personal satisfaction and it will require divine intervention of Jesus Christ, the owner of the church to heal the church” he noted.
Speaking on Nigeria, he said, “In a few month, Nigesria will be celebrating 59 years of independence and the reason we are still in self afflicted bondage as a nation is because of manmade hindrances that has plague our national growth and development. No doubt, the flourishing of Nigeria is spiritual and you cannot treat spiritual matters with physical, until Nigeria as a nation go back to God, we will continue in all manners of situation”.
He noted that children of God should not be deceived by noise making self acclaimed prophets, who prophecise falsehood to deceive gullible Nigerians and enriched themselves for self edification and political gratification.

While shedding more light on the church convention, Bishop Emiaso said, the essence of the convention has Bishop Andy Ogbu, Apostle Leslie Nsame from Cameroon and Bishop Sam Oniekoro with others as guest speakers, is largely to congregate members of the church across the country with other participants to empower, encourage and expose them to the knowledge of further exercising their divine right to flourishing in Christ spiritually, physically and otherwise in every endeavours of life and ministry.
Other activities during the 4 day convention include ordination of ministers and retirement of Bishop Anthony Emeghara and Rev. Dr. Duke Atima, who have served the church meritoriously in many capacities.

Pretty teenager sets herself ablaze because boyfriend could not afford expensive dowry

It appears some young people see marriage as the only mission God created them to accomplish, for which reason they resort to killing themselves if one relationship fails to work.

Yes, heartbreak destabilises sufferers both emotionally and psychologically but it is equally heartbreaking to see or hear of young and promising people truncating their precious lives to ease the pain of not marrying who they hoped to.

A 17-year-old beautiful girl is the latest to have disfigured her body beyond recognition because her lover could not afford to pay her dowry.

Reports say the lady identified as Aisha from Albarkawa area in Gusau metropolis in the Zamfara state of Nigeria set herself alight on Sunday, August 8, after her lover said the N17,000 dowry her parents were demanding was too much for him to bear.

Aisha and Umar have been dating for some time until her parents’ ‘expensive’ dowry scared the young man away.

“She brought a gallon of petrol and a matchbox. She got her self drenched in the petrol and struck a match stick and within a second she got engulfed in flames,” Aisha’s neighbour is quoted as saying in an interview with our source.

 “Even before setting her self ablaze, her younger sister had tried hard to stop her from taking the dangerous decision by flinging the matchbox from her hand as any time she attempted to strike the matches the younger sister would stop her until when she became tired of stopping and went away.

“The girl then ran outside the house screaming for help until some good Samaritans arrived and put out the raging flames tormenting her.

 The girl’s father said he had no money to take her to the hospital as he could only boast of N750 at the time the incident happened.”

 Since her parents are not financially sound to take her to the hospital for professional treatment, Aisha was reportedly kept at home where Orthodox and other traditional medicines were being administered to her.

 This latest incident comes at the time the World Health Organization has said that every 40 seconds one person dies from suicide globally.

 The report was released on Monday as part of activities to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

Man kills own brother, steals his bike, says he was stingy

The police has arrested a 24-year-old man, Ebenezer Olorunleke, who allegedly killed his brother with three other gang members and stole his Motorbike alongside other items.

Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday during a parade, the Police Commissioner, Mr Asuquo Amba, said the suspect, who hailed from Jege in Kogi State killed his brother with the aid of a knife and long screwdriver on August 29, 2019, and fled.

The commissioner said the suspect and three others invaded his brother’s home at Abe Cocoa area of Okeila and stabbed him to death and stole his red coloured Bajaj motorbike with registration number ADK 100 UJ.

Recovered from the suspect, whose accomplices are still at large are a long screwdriver, knife and Bajaj motorcycle.

“They hit him in the stomach and pierced his intestine when his wife and children were not at home. He had confessed to have committed the offence, he said.

Another police source revealed that the attackers allegedly drove a long nail into deceased’s skull while struggling to rob him.

Recounting how his brother was killed, Olorunleke said what his friends who allegedly killed his brother wanted to do was to help him collect money from him, describing his brother as a stingy individual.

“I did not follow them inside the room, but upon realising that my brother had been stabbed and was shouting, I rushed in and wanted to rescue him but he bit me and chopped off my finger.

“The guys later came to my house to attack me. They wanted to sell the machine, I resisted it. I was thinking of coming to the police to report when I was arrested with the machine”, he said.

Cleric’s wife docked for allegedly burying live pig

A 33-year-old cleric’s wife, Blessing Okechukwu, who allegedly buried a live pig in her husband’s church compound, on Tuesday appeared in an Ajegunle Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The police charged Okechukwu, who resides in Satelite town area of Lagos with three counts of conspiracy, breach of peace and animal cruelty.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp. S.I. Bassey told the court that the defendant committed the offence at 1.40 a.m. on Sept. 3, at the National bank estate, Satelite town, Lagos.

He alleged that the defendant, and her husband, who was the senior pastor of License of Healing Deliverance Mission, were caught burying a live pig in the church compound.

Bassey told the court that he had witnesses who saw the defendant in the act and picture evidence of the pig when the police dug it up.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 411, 168 (d) and 394 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.(Revised)

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sections 168 and 394 both stipulates a three-month jail term each for the offence of breach of peace and animal cruelty respectively, while 411 carries two-years for conspiracy.

The Magistrate, Mrs Ramot Ayilara, admitted the the defendant to bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

She ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed, with address verified by the court.

Ayilara adjourned the case until Sept. 19 for mention.

Swiss-based Nigerian man, Christopher Ehifoh arrested for marrying 14 women out of deceit

A Nigerian man based in Switzerland, Christopher Ehifoh, has been arrested after being accused of deceiving women in the name of marriage. The accused who is from Edo state, precisely Obedu in Uromi reportedly lives in Pratteln, Switzerland. where he is married to a white lady simply identified as Tanja.

According to Barrister Kingsley Ughe who shared this, the man conducted marriage ceremonies with three ladies in Delta, Lagos and Benin within one year and has married more than 10 - 12 women here in Nigeria in elaborate wedding ceremonies in the past 10 years.

After his wife Tanja got wind of his activities, she contacted the authorities who arrested him over criminal deceit, advanced fee fraud and bigamy.

The lawyer (Kingsley Uche) who revealed a petition has been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police and a law suit filed against Christopher -claimed about 14 women have surfaced to identify Christopher as their "husband" with evidence to back it up.

IGP receives strong message over alleged killing of musician in station

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has been urged to probe the alleged extra-judicial killing of an upcoming artiste, Chinedu Obi, at Sango Police Station in Ogun State.

A statement on behalf of Obi’s family by rights group, Conference for the Actualisation of Human Rights (CAHR), gave the police a seven-day ultimatum to start investigating the matter.

The statement signed by the group’s national coordinator and secretary, Omemiroro Ogedegbe Esq. and Comrade Ozobo Austin, respectively, said: “the deceased had travelled to Otta on July 19 in a bid to advance his music career.

“Obi died following a confrontation with policemen at the station.

“Until his death, Chinedu Obi, from Utagba Ogbe, Ndokwa West council area of Delta State, was a final year student of the Department of Physics, University of Port Harcourt, Choba in Rivers State.”

Police arrest Ebonyi APC Financial Secretary, 19 others for cultism

The Enugu State Police acommand has arrested the Financial Secretary of the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okenwa Uka and 19 others for belonging to a cult.

The suspects were paraded on Monday by the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Abdulrahman, after arrest for allegedly belonging to a suspected cult group, Norsemen Vikings Confraternity.

Also paraded were nine other suspects, who were arrested in various parts of Enugu State for various crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and cultism.

Abdulrahman said the 20 suspected cultists were arrested at a hotel in GRA, Enugu, where they were holding a meeting on September 7, 2019, following intelligence information.

Abdulrahman stated further that members of the Vikings Confraternity went in disguise to the Corporate Affairs Commission and registered the De Norsemen Kclub Inc. as a “simple organisation.”

According to him, a banner with the symbol/logo of the Norsemen, which is the same as that of Vikings Confraternity ‘Arrow Mate’ and envelopes containing documents and paper presented by one Henry Oputa, were recovered from the group.

Similarly, Abdulrahman paraded one Tochukwu Ugwu and Prince Samuel Nnamani, leaders of the Vikings and Aiye Confraternity in Nsukka.

Tochukwu, who hails from Orba, the state governor’s home town in the Udenu Local Government Area, confessed to belonging to a cult.

According to the suspect, who was wearing army lifejacket, he was working with a soldier based in Kano, who is now at large, adding that he supplied him the lifejacket and arms to protect himself.

He said the soldier was a member of the Vikings Confraternity and he gave him a bulletproof vest and gun to keep for him.

On his part Nnamani, who hails from Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state, confessed to being a leader of the Aye confraternity.

FG confirms release of N738bn to NDDC

...as Reps flag-off probe of abandoned projects

The House of Representatives on Tuesday flagged off the investigation into multi-billion naira worth of abandoned projects worth implemented between 2000 and 2019 by the Niger Delta Dev FG confirms release of N738bn to NDDC development Commission, NDDC.

According to the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (oAGF), a total sum of N738.026 billion had so far been released to the Commission over the past 19 years for implementation of projects in the nine oil-producing states.
FG confirms release of N738bn to NDDC
They are Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Ondo, Imo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Abia and Edo states respectively.

Worried by the failure of various stakeholders invited to the investigative hearing on the abandoned projects being executed by the Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, summoned Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; the acting NDDC Managing Director and other Directors to appear before the Committee on Monday, 16th September 2019.

The Committee also invited the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and immediate past NDDC Managing Director and other Directors to appear on the 17th September 2019.

While giving an update on the audit of the projects implemented by the Commission, Director of Federation Account in the office of Auditor General of the Federation (oAGF), Mr. Sabo Mohammed, disclosed that total sum of N61.468 billion paid to contractors who abandoned the projects was wasted.

On his part, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Works, Mr. Ephraim Akparawa Inyang-Eyem disclosed that 384 projects including roads, solar power and classrooms implemented by NDDC across the state were abandoned.

In its submission, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), disclosed that NDDC did not get its approval for Emergency Projects worth over N80bn billion, adding that the Bureau does not have records of abandoned projects under the NDDC.

Also speaking, representative of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Hon. Gbenga Edema, closed 115 projects initiated by NDDC were abandoned, adding that no project has so far been commissioned across the state.

According to other stakeholders from the state, one of the projects awarded at the sum of N2.4 billion to Gallet Nigeria Ltd in 2004 and paid the sum of N650 million as mobilized fees was abandoned due to non-performance.

The same project was rewarded in 2009 by the second Board at the sum of N6.6 billion to Dredging Atlantic Nigeria Limited.

While declaring the investigative hearing open, the Speaker of the

House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who expressed displeasure over the spate of abandoned projects across the country assured Nigerians that the House will expose any infractions discovered will not be swept under the carpet.

Hon. Gbajabiamila who was represented by Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Peter Akpatason reiterated the resolve of the 9things Assembly towards deploying legislative instrument to find a solution to our age-long problems confronting the country.

He observed that “abandonment of projects is the biggest challenge get in the country in health and infrastructure adding that NDDC is the most hit.

“This House is determined to from frontally challenged anything that is found to be wrong and if infractions are discovered it will not be swept under the carpet,” the Speaker vowed.

Police lied about our brother’s death, says family of man killed by officers

Fresh facts have emerged in the death of Francis Idum, who was allegedly shot dead by operatives of the Special Armed Robbery Squad, SARS, on July 15, 2019, in Ilupeju area of Lagos, during a raid on some street hoodlums.

Investigations by the family revealed that the late Francis, a cleaner, died from a gunshot fired by a SARS operative (name withheld) from the Ladipo SARS Division, Mushin.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command, DSP Bala Elkanah insisted that a stray bullet fired by hoodlums, and not then police, killed the deceased.

He said: “On July 15, 2019, around 7:30 a.m., SARS operatives led by Inspector Mohammed Akeem, while being led by a notorious gang leader, Ikechukwu Monye, to where their arms were kept, were ambushed by members of the gang along Ajisegiri Street, Ilupeju. The assailants shot indiscriminately and in the process killed a middle-aged man who was passing by.”

The family refuted the claim when it held a press conference in collaboration with a human rights group and their lawyer, declaring as untrue the information released by police. Younger brother of the deceased, Mr. Sunday Idum said the police lied in their statement about the circumstances that lead to the killing. According to Sunday, the PPRO’s statement was a calculated attempt by the police to pervert justice and cover up their tracks in the killing of his brother.

In a chat with Sunday Sun, he said: “My elder brother Francis was the breadwinner of the family, and since after his death, our aged parents have not been the same again. We are still in shock because he was murdered when he was making preparation for his wedding. Our father is down suffered stroke and went into coma when we told him of Francis’s death.

“We are disturbed by the fact that the police have not deemed it necessary to show empathy or console us over the killing of Francis. And all our efforts to get justice over this matter are being frustrated by the Police Command.

After the corpse of Francis was taken to the mortuary, a police officer who claimed to be in charge of the case contacted us for money to finance his investigation. After so much pressure from him, the family eventually gave him N5,500. After that, we didn’t hear from him again.

“At a time I went to check on my brother’s corpse where the Police dumped it in a mortuary at Yaba. But to my shock, the morticians told us that the corpse had been listed for mass burial. I was shocked because we were not contacted before the listing our brother’s corpse for mass burial. So we began to beg to stop the move. And after several appeals, the morticians insisted that the sum of N15,000 must be paid in order to remove the corpse from a container where it was dropped among others for mass burial.

“Upon this, we contacted the police officer investigating the case to alert him of the development, but he asked another policewoman to follow us to the morgue. We went there together but nothing was achieved. We realized that our brother’s corpse may be lost in the process, so we began begging the morticians and deposited N10,000.00 in order to remove it from the bodies enlisted for mass burial. After that, we were again asked to pay N40, 000 for postmortem. We are deeply saddened at the injustice meted out to us by the police. So we are appealing to them to release our brother’s corpse to us so that we can at least give him a befitting burial.”

Commenting on the case, the National President of the Paths of Peace Initiatives (PPI), Mr. Dandy Eze, decried the level of impunity displayed by the police to bury the truth surrounding the killing of Francis Idum. “Francis, who had a hunchback was a well-known janitor and he lived at Sobayo Street, Ilupeju. He was killed on Monday 15th July 2019 at exactly 8.15am at Ajisegiri Street Off Shyllon Street, Ilupeju, by the SARS operatives during the raid of some hoodlums in the street. And upon noticing that the deceased was dead, the SARS operatives fled the area but the residents identified the officer that fired sporadically and whose bullet killed Francis. A few minutes after Francis was killed, SARS men returned to the scene and took the body of Francis away.

“Meanwhile, eyewitnesses were able to pick up the bullet shell that killed Francis as it was found beside him. The bullet was marked B & S 9mm Luger. And since after the incident, some policemen have been coming to Francis’ family to intimidate and harass them, requesting for evidence of his death (bullet shell) despite that the whole family is in mourning mood.”

Mr. Eze vowed that they would remain undeterred in their quest to get justice, even though their petitions to Police authorities (Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone F Command, Ikeja and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State) have yielded no response yet from them.

“We are beginning to raise questions whether Police constitutional function is now to keep silent over a poor citizen that was unlawfully killed by a police officer. And that is why we are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representative, Hon Femi Gbajamiamila, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Lagos State Police Commissioner, Muazu Zubairu, and the general public to intervene in this matter and get justice for Francis Idum’s family.”

Also speaking, Olukayode Omotosho, a lawyer and a close friend of Francis accused the police of being remorseless and insensitive to the grief of the bereaved family. I have known Francis for over 10 years, and I can vouch that he is not a criminal or a cultist and would never engage in any street brawl. There was no cult clash on the day he was killed as the police claimed. Anybody that said Francis was killed during a gang conflict could only have been economical with the truth. It was a case of accidental discharge by the police. But instead of apologising to the family, they chose to cover their tracks. It is very unfortunate.

We demand the release of Francis’ corpse which has been dumped with other bodies for mass burial. They should allow us to have his body for befitting burial. We are tired of the high demands for money and tossing us here and there by officials of the mortuary and the police. The police demanded that we do autopsy and we paid part of the N40,000 requested for the test. We are being stretched beyond the limit on an incident caused by police operatives. We want justice for the death of our dear son, killed by SARS men,” he declared

Guard ‘kills’ Lebanese boss, dumps body in septic tank

A Lebanese national identified as Basan Khodari was on Tuesday found dead inside a septic tank in his Lagos residence.

There are suspicions he might have been killed by a private guard he employed to secure his home who has since fled the deceased’s Bombay Crescent, Apapa residence.

It was gathered that Khodari returned from Abuja on Monday evening unannounced and found the unnamed guard and his accomplices stealing his valuables.

He was said to have confronted the guard for bringing in strangers into his home and stealing his Plasma television, other items in his absence which the suspects did not like.

Sources said there was a heated argument from the foreigner’s home on Monday, adding that they were shocked to discover his dead body inside the tank on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the guard had planned with his friends to steal valuable items from the home and escape before the Lebanese returned from his trip but they were caught in the act.

Confirming the incident, police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) said investigation was ongoing, adding that some suspects were already in custody.

“We are trailing the key suspect. Some persons have been arrested and investigation is ongoing. I cannot give you further details so that we do not jeopardise investigation,” he said.

40-year-old Nigerian arrested trying to dupe Indian businessman

A 40-year-old Nigerian has been arrested by Indian police for trying to dupe a businessman.

The police arrested the 40-year-old Nigerian and are on the lookout for his female accomplice for allegedly trying to dupe a city-based businessman of ₹5 lakh.

According to Aarey police, the accomplice contacted the complainant, Karan Solanki, 25, through a dating app.

She said she was from London and wanted to start a gym with Solanki in Mumbai.

She said she would be investing ₹25 lakh and wanted him to invest ₹5 lakh.

“She had called me and even sent a forged agreement via email. Why would anyone start a business without knowing me?” said Solanki.

The woman told Solanki to meet her acquaintance in Aarey colony on Thursday night and hand over ₹5 lakh.

Solanki alerted Mumbai police and a team from Aarey police laid a trap and caught the accused, Stephen Noubhujen, reports Hindustan Times.

#Xenophobia: Obasanjo is one of the giants of Africa… what are we doing to his people?- Zulu leader chides angry South Africans

Mangosuthu Buthelezi, leader of the Zulu ethnic group in South Africa, has asked angry South Africans to remember the sacrifice Nigeria and Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, made for their country to come out of apartheid.

Buthelezi said this on Sunday September 8th while addressing a mob chanting ''Foreigners must go'' in Johannesburg. According to Buthelezi, many African nations played key roles in the struggles of South Africa. The Zulu leader recalled how Obasanjo invited him over to Nigeria when the white minority was in power, adding that he also delivered a lecture at the 82nd birthday ceremony of Obasanjo.

“In fact, on the very day that Transkei took so-called independence, President Obasanjo arranged for me and my wife to be in Nigeria so that I could avoid attending Transkei’s independence ceremony. General Obasanjo invited me to Nigeria again this year, where I delivered a lecture in celebration of his 82nd birthday,” he said



Read his full speech below:

I come here today not as a politician, but as an elder. There is a terrible quarrel in our nation with foreign nationals who are living amongst us. Lives have been lost and property damaged. There has been looting and burning and violence. While all this is happening, the world is watching, and we are being judged.

I must speak very bluntly to my fellow South Africans, not to take sides, but to quell the tensions with the voice of truth.

What we have seen in the past few days is unacceptable. The attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses are purely xenophobic. It is a violation of human rights and a violation of our Constitution. Our Constitution enshrines the right to freedom from all forms of violence. That right applies to everyone in South Africa, whether citizens or not.
We cannot allow this to move in cycles. It is not the first spate of attacks; but it must be the last

I understand the tensions, the complaints and the anger. I understand that there is validity to the complaints, on both sides. I also understand that wrongs have been committed by both sides. This has not come out of nowhere.

But there is a saying in Zulu that you cannot slaughter all the sheep because one sheep has transgressed. In a situation of conflict, it is dangerous to tar everyone with the same brush. Even where there are valid complaints against an individual, we cannot take the law into our own hands. Looting and destruction of property is a crime, full stop. Assault is always wrong.

Don’t think these things have no consequences. This violence has diplomatic and economic ramifications. We have hundreds of thousands of South Africans living in countries throughout Africa. We have businesses and companies operating across this continent. We have vital trade relations within the African Union and within SADC, the Southern African Development Community. South Africa is not an island.
There will be sanctions against us for what we are doing. It started with the Zambian Football Association cancelling a soccer match against Bafana Bafana. Then Nigeria announced a boycott of the World Economic Forum on Africa being held in Cape Town. But as I feared they would, sanctions quickly turned to retaliation.

Already South African-owned companies in Nigeria have been targeted for looting and vandalism. MTN has had to close all its stores to protect staff, while the police stand guard at Shoprite stores. On Thursday our diplomatic missions in Abuja and Lagos were forced to close after threats were received. President Buhari has announced a visit to South Africa to speak to President Ramaphosa

We need to stop this thing in its tracks before serious action is taken against us. Do we really want to escalate into international conflict?

I feel ashamed. As Africans we are making ourselves a laughing stock in the rest of the world. Because the world knows what we seem so quick to forget: Africans are brothers and sisters.


In every family there are quarrels and squabbles. But the way we are behaving is shooting ourselves in the foot. We are making the name of South Africa a swear word on the continent.


This is not the first time we have had a spike of xenophobic attacks is our country. In 2008 and in 2015 lives were lost and livelihoods destroyed as communities went on the rampage against foreign nationals. I went then, too, to the communities and townships, and I spoke as I am speaking now.
But now my words are somehow different. The sentiments have not changed, but there is a sense of urgency because I fear what will happen if we fail to extinguish this fire.


The IFP has formally asked the Speaker of the National Assembly to call an urgent debate in parliament, not just to condemn xenophobia, but to hear what the state intends to do to swiftly end the violence.
We cannot allow this to move in cycles. It is not the first spate of attacks; but it must be the last.


We have been facing the rising problem of undocumented migration ever since 1994. I served as the first Minister of Home Affairs in a democratic era. For ten years my department grappled with this, trying to find a way to balance human rights with the good of the country.
I was struck even then by the number of undocumented Africans within our borders, especially from Zimbabwe, and the implications this had for our ability to create social and economic justice for South Africans. But when I pointed out our porous borders and said they need to be guarded, some people actually accused me of xenophobia, saying it was because I didn’t go into exile.


If anyone knows what our African brothers sacrificed for the sake of our struggle, it is I.


Many of the countries whose citizens were coming to South Africa had given sanctuary to our political exiles during the struggle for freedom. Being an Anglican myself, I received a letter from the Anglican Bishop of Mozambique, Bishop Dinis Sengulane, lamenting that I was not helping his people who were flocking to South Africa.


These accusations were painful, and quite misplaced. Because if anyone knows what our African brothers sacrificed for the sake of our struggle, it is I. I went myself to Zambia and Tanzania in 1974, to thank President Kaunda and President Nyerere for giving sanctuary to all our exiles. Earlier this year, I again visited His Excellency Dr Kenneth Kaunda in Zambia, and he spoke touchingly about the risks they took on our behalf. Let me quote him directly.

He said:
“Prince Buthelezi, we first met in 1974 here in Lusaka when I was a leader of a young independent nation of Zambia and was honoured to be leader of the frontline states which were all newly independent states. We hosted South African political exiles and freedom fighters. (It) was a huge risk to our own freedom as a nation. Financially we could not afford this task, since Ian Smith had closed the borders for us to transport goods through Rhodesia. The security risk was enormous on our people as the apartheid regime in South Africa was becoming more and more vicious. But we had to do that historic duty for the freedom of black people. I am a very proud man that we did this and all God’s children in South Africa… are free today.”


Friends, this is our own history. African countries like Lesotho, Swaziland, Nigeria, Zambia and Tanzania took huge risks on our behalf. Is this how we repay them?


I am not saying that anyone should be able to live in South Africa if they come here illegally, or if they are illegally running a business. If they are committing crime, they are criminals like any South African would be a criminal for doing the same thing. But we cannot adopt the attitude that Africans have no right to come here, and no right to be here, if they come through legitimate channels.


I know that even this is controversial. I remember visiting Geneva for a meeting called by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, I discovered that many people who claim to be refugees are not refugees in the legal sense of the word. Yet due to various and very real problems in their countries, they are forced to try their luck in South Africa.


Through immigration legislation, I sought to protect South Africa, closing the door to undocumented migration while opening it to the skills our country so desperately needs. There is, for instance a shortage of doctors in South Africa, and with our failing health care system we need to welcome professional doctors from Nigeria and other countries.


I still regret the irrational hostility towards my Immigration Act when I brought it to the Cabinet of President Mbeki. We moved in the wrong direction as a country and we never resolved the rising tensions. It’s time to do that now, before it is too late.


We dare not forget or disregard all that was done for us by African leaders like His Excellency President Olusegun Obasanjo. As a member of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group, General Obasanjo revealed to the world the real conditions of our people under apartheid. He supported us in our stand against the regime’s plan to deprive us of our citizenship.
In fact, on the very day that Transkei took so-called independence, President Obasanjo arranged for me and my wife to be in Nigeria so that I could avoid attending Transkei’s independence ceremony. General Obasanjo invited me to Nigeria again this year, where I delivered a lecture in celebration of his 82nd birthday.


This is one of the giants of Africa. What are we doing to his people?
I have been a guest of President Hastings Banda in Malawi. I was received by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie in Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa I was received by the Under-Secretary of the OAU, Dr Peter Onu. In Liberia, President Tolbert bestowed upon me a National Order, The Knight Commander of the Star of Africa. And when the OAU bestowed a posthumous award on my mentor Inkosi Albert Luthuli, I accompanied MaNokhukanya Luthuli to Maseru to receive the award from His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II.


If we turn our despair, our anger and frustration against our brothers, we will start a feud that can only end in tragedy

Our struggle is tied to the struggle of these countries throughout Africa. They fought colonialism just as we did. And they sacrificed to see us liberated. So when I say that we are one family, I am speaking the truth. Just recently, when my wife passed away, His Majesty the King of Lesotho paid a visit to my home to comfort me.


We are brothers in Africa.


Yes, South Africa is struggling economic hardship. Our country is in crisis. The cry of our people has not fallen on deaf ears. But if we turn our despair, our anger and frustration against our brothers, we will start a feud that can only end in tragedy. We are fighting our own family.
Friends, I am a Christian. I believe what the Bible says. It says, quite clearly:


“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt…” (Leviticus 19 v 33 and 34)
“Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them.” (Deuteronomy 23 v 16)
“Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow (citizen) or a foreigner residing in one of your towns… Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice.” (Deuteronomy 24 v 14 – 17)
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner.” (Deuteronomy 27 v 19)
“Do not oppress… the foreigner… Do not plot evil against each other.” (Zechariah 7 v 10)


I cannot put it more clearly. This is not my instruction, but God’s. Let us be led by our moral conscience.

Man allegedly defiles daughter for three years, mother keeps mum

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos command has arrested a 46 years old man, Mr. Chinedu Ifeleka, for sexually abusing his 14-year-old daughter, Chinwendu Ifeleka at Mapowu street, Ojo.

Kehinde Mary Bada, Public Relations Officer of the command, on Monday, said Chinedu started abusing the victim in 2016.

“This incidence according to the daughter happened twice when she was 11 years old. The victim said she reported to her mother but no action was taken”, the spokesman said.

In her statement, Chiwendu said her father sexually abused her again on the 9th of August, 2019 while her mother was away at her paternal grandmother’s place.

She disclosed that her father woke her up at about 2.25am and started touching her inappropriately after which he had carnal knowledge of her.

The girl said she reported again to her mother.

The suspect, in his statement, admitted to committing the crime but insisted he had carnal knowledge of his daughter once.

The victim’s mother, Mrs. Florence Ifeleka, in a separate statement, said she was scared to report the first two incidences because the suspect, her husband threatened to deal with her ruthlessly if she did.

The Commandant, Mr. Cyprian E Otoibhi, told newsmen that, “the suspect will face the full wrath of the law and will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution.”

He further stated that this is a heinous crime and all perpetrators of such, when caught will be made to pay dearly.

Reiterating the corps’ mandate of protection of critical infrastructure as well as protection of lives and property, the Commandant said the Corps will not rest on its oars in ensuring a crime-free Lagos.

Ponzi scam: EFCC arrests MD of Millionaire African Leaders’ Club

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Office, is currently interrogating Princess Benny Chidinma, Managing Director of a suspected Ponzi Scheme, “Millionaire African Leaders Club, on allegations of providing financial services without statutory licence.

Chidinma’s arrest comes two days after her Enugu branch Coordinator, Nwonu Priscilla Chika, was apprehended by operatives of the commission following a raid on the premises of the club at No. 79 Nike Road, Abakpa Nike, Enugu, Enugu State. Three promoters and newly recruited staff of the organisation were arrested in the operation.

EFCC Head, Media and Publicity Wilson Uwujaren said Wednesday in a statement: “Under interrogation, Chidinma admitted that the Ponzi scheme was initially registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and that she was running it in connivance with her accomplice, one Ken Onyekwere Okwuikpo, who resides in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“She further revealed that the scheme pays 70% interest and not 50% as earlier stated by the Coordinator as annual return on investment, to contributors.

“She also disclosed that their offices are spread across Nsukka, Port Harcourt, Aba, Abakaliki and Enugu.

“Investigation is still ongoing, while efforts are being made to arrest other accomplices.”

DESOPADEC begins Town hall meetings ahead of its budget preparation.

By Hezekiah Senator

The Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has kick-started its town hall meetings with the five ethnic groups under the commission, ahead of its next budget year.

The town hall meetings which started, Monday with Isoko ethnic nationality at the Isoko Unity House, Oleh, witnessed an interactive session with monarchs, President General of Isoko Development Union, President Generals of the various Isoko communities and the management of DESOPADEC, led by its Managing Director, Bashorun Dr. Askia Ogieh

Speaking on the essence of the meeting, Bashorun Dr. Askia Ogieh explained that the commission is embarking on a bottom-to-top approach in line with the rebranding of DESOPADEC by the state government, to meet with its vision of developing the oil producing communities.

On continuity of projects being carried out by the commission, the MD stated that there is one united DESOPADEC, irrespective of board leadership, adding that the commission will be spending 60 percent of its fund on ongoing projects while 40 percent will be spent on new projects.

 According to Bashorun Ogieh: “I am awaiting your project compendium for our budget preparation in line with the bottom-to-top approach as we will be starting our proper budget process by next week. The funds for the commission are shared according to the quantum of ethnic groups and projects are shared accordingly on this with Isoko nation getting 14 percent.

"The DESOPADEC budget system is actually in two forms namely centralised project and ethnic project, but the centralised project is the legacy project of this administration and the government is very interested in these projects as it will show that we have changed from the DESOPADEC of old to a rebranded DESOPADEC.”

Speaking earlier in his address while reeling out the demands of Isoko nation, the President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU) High Chief Iduh Amadhe, commended the commission for its bottom-to-top approach, adding that the approach will be a turn around in the future mandate of the commission.

He said: “I must place on record that we acknowledge and appreciate the new bottom to top approach system being adopted by the board as a wonderful initiative that is bound to bring a sharp turn around in the fortunes of area of mandate.

“It is my fervent believe that if well executed, the new approach will not only bring about the desired results, but will remain a potent factor in achieving the set goals. I also wish to commend the new approach to attending to payments payable contractors. I urge you to keep this up as it is confidence building and a possible spur for greater performance as well as quality service delivery."

On Isoko  electricity problem, Chief Iduh Amadhe advised the Commission to partner with BEDC, NDDC to fast track the completion of the 132KVA line for Isoko People as well as set up a micro credit scheme, scholarship, employment to indigenes of oil producing communities according to the production quota of the Oil producing ethnic nationalities.

 He further advised the Management of DESOPADEC, to; "Review some of the old projects initiated by the commission that did not meet up engineering standard and requirements and subsequently of negative impact on the benefiting communities, adequate budgeting for ongoing or inherited projects against previous system of concentrating on new projects while   ongoing projects are not accommodated in financial outlay for continuity"

Regency Elongation Allegation: Ibrede community to hold emergency meeting

...process for new king almost concluded - PG

Elo Edremoda


People of Ibrede community in Ndokwa-West council area of Delta state, are set to hold an emergency meeting on the allegation that the Odio-Ologbo of the clan, HRM Patrick Iliroma, is unwilling to vacate the traditional stool, after the lawful three year regency.

This is coming on the heels of a petition to the Delta state commissioner of police, by one Victor Akokomebe, an indigene of Ibrede, accusing the regent of trying to elongate his tenure.

Speaking to Imirror via mobile phone, president general of the community, Dr. Esi Oweh, revealed that the process to crown a new Odio is near concluded.

Pointing out that the issue is no threat to security, he wondered why the petitioner chose to toe that line, noting that some people have no regard for constituted authorities.

Akokomebe had in the purported petition dated September 5, claimed the regent is holding on to the monarchy, and as well in late August, conferred chieftaincy titles on some individuals even though his tenure expired since May. He had also warned investors to desist from doing business with HRM Iliromah, stating that anyone who does, is only taking a risk.

However, Dr. Oweh revealed that a meeting has been summoned for the weekend, so that the right steps can be taken to address the matter.

He stated, "it is not a security threat. Besides, I'm convening a meeting this weekend. Those who think they are above the law, that they don't have respect for any constituted authority, I cannot give ears to them. He is just trying to instigate crisis where there is none. I don't like it.

"The whole central working committee of the community consisting of the organs of government and branches are meeting this weekend. Then, we will take appropriate decision and communicate same. All of us have equal stakes. He may have people using him and just pushing his name forward."

Asked what may be delaying the emergence of another traditional ruler, he added, "the process is on and almost concluded, as I speak to you".

Responding to the matter, the Regent had reportedly lamented the inconvenience of his continual stay on the throne.

"It is not convenient for me to be here. I am waiting for Ward B to come up with a candidate. Am I supposed to vacate office to create vacuum? Since I have not handed over, I can confer chieftaincy titles," HRM Iliromah said.

EFCC operative dies of suspected suicide, police await autopsy

The Edo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Benin, the Edo State capital.

Although investigations have not been concluded, it is suspected that the deceased, Williams Oyibogare, died of suicide because two bottles of a pesticide, Sniper, were found in his home located at the Giwa Amu area along the Airport Road.

It was further alleged that a suicide note was found on his phone which the police have already recovered.

The Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed Oyibogare’s death but said the commission was waiting for the police to conclude its investigation before making any further comment.

“It is true that one of our operatives died. The police have begun an investigation into the matter and we hope to hear from them soon. That is all we can say for now,” Uwujaren said.

A colleague of the deceased told The PUNCH that Oyibogare recently returned from his annual leave looking emaciated.

She, however, said it was too soon to make any conclusion.

“He returned from leave recently. He looked pale and seemed to have lost weight. He may have died from an illness or it could also have been suicide but we cannot say for sure since we don’t live with him. Let us wait for the police to conclude its probe. An autopsy would be able to reveal the real cause of death,” she said.

Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said the police would wait for the autopsy before making further comment on the matter.

Nwabuzor said, “Investigations are ongoing and it would be too soon to make any conclusions at this stage; it is too early to make any pronouncements. Of course, there will be an autopsy to know the cause of death and inquire about what happened.”

Man jailed for using expired ATM card to buy drinks, fried meat in Edo

A 51-year old man, Ikidi Innocent, is to spend three months in jail for using expired Union Bank ATM card to buy drinks and fried meat.

Ikidi was sentenced by Oredo Magistrate Court after he was arraigned on three-count charge of cheating and obtaining by false pretence.

‎The accused who pleaded guilty to the charges, was said to have committed the offence on June 27, 2019.

He was said to have tricked one Blessing John and Dorothy Amaka to buy meat and beer for his consumption.

Police Prosecutor, ASP Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the convict bought fried meat worth N1,500, stout beer worth N9,000, bitters worth N300, and other alcoholic drinks worth N3,430.

He said the offences were punishable under Sections 516, 421 and 419 of the Criminal Code cap 48 Vol ii laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria now applicable in Edo State.

Presiding magistrate, Ivie Akhere, therefore, sentenced the accused to three months imprisonment without an option of fine.

Police arrest prophet for killing Imo graduate

The operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a prophet, Michael Mbonu, for allegedly killing one Princewill Ezeji.

The state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo, said that apart from the prophet, four other suspects were arrested by the SARS operatives for allegedly murdering the graduate of philosophy.

He disclosed that the arrest of the suspect was as a result of digital analysis led by the SARS commander, Godfrey Victor.

He said that the deceased had gone missing after buying a Lexus vehicle.

He said, “SARS operatives led by the commander, Godfrey Victor, swung into action on receipt of a complaint of a missing person.

“Five persons were subsequently arrested. They are, Mbonu Michael, a 27-Year-old prophet, Kingsley Udemba, 24, Nwogu Anslem  59, Blessing Michael, 25, and Chidinma Godwin, 27.

“It is important to note that on August 3, the deceased, Princewill Eleji, a graduate of Philosophy bought a Lexus vehicle and went to see his Prophet, Michael Mbuno.

“From that date the victim was nowhere to be seen. While that was going on, one Kingsley Udemba, a close friend showed up and claimed that because the victim defrauded him was the reason he was missing.

“The parents of the missing person had to raise N960,000 and paid Kinsley Udemba, yet the boy was not released. Upon investigation, and thorough digital analysis, though Kingsley collected the ransom as agreed but had no knowledge about the victim’s whereabouts.

“The prophet, a family friend who was following the parents to look for Princewill was indicted. On interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He took operatives to see the decomposing corpse of the victim. The victim’s car, telephone and sim card were recovered. Charms, a Bible were also recovered.”

Nigerian Grandmother convicted in London for circumcising grandchild without parents’ consent

A 70-year-old Nigerian pharmacist and a devout Christian who posed as the mother of her 11-month-old grandson so he could be circumcised without his parents’ consent has been sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

Martina Obi-Uzom was entrusted to look after the child while his parents were away over the weekend of September 2 to 3, 2017.

She used the opportunity to travel to London and employ the skills of a Jewish mohel – a Jew trained in the practice of circumcision – to get the child circumcised, determined he conform to her Nigerian Christian beliefs.

Obi-Uzom was accompanied by a male friend and filled in a consent form, duping the mohel into believing they were the boy’s parents.

The boy’s mother was furious when she found out and reported Obi-Uzom to the police, Inner London crown court heard.

Obi-Uzom, who runs a pharmacy in Clacton-on-Sea, was acquitted at trial of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but was convicted by a jury of unlawful wounding.

She was sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months at Inner London Crown Court. She was also ordered to pay £1500 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

The court heard she recruited a male to pose as the child’s father and travelled to Golders Green, north-west London, while the child’s parents were away.

When she arrived she signed the parental consent form, which was accepted on face value by the mohel.

Judge Freya Newbery told her: ‘You have a Christian belief in circumcision that has great cultural and religious significance to you.

‘You wanted the boy circumcised and the mother of the boy did not agree with you.

‘She and the boy’s father went away for the weekend and they left you both of their children to look after and you booked the Jewish mohel to perform the circumcision.

‘You went with a male friend and pretended to be the parents of this boy and the mohel took on face value the parental consent form.

‘The circumcision was a significant physical step with irreversible consequences.’

The judge added that ‘there was no parental consent’ however, and ‘that is what is missing here.

He said: ‘You imposed your will, ignoring the mother’s objections to the circumcision and as the boy’s father describes it was a massive violation.

‘Circumcision can only be lawful with the consent of parents.

There is high culpability here, plus the vulnerability of the boy and this was planned and carefully organised.

‘You acted quickly to bring into effect your will, using the deceit that I have found you have.

‘It was an arrogant, imperious decision for what you wanted in place of the mother. It was a serious breach of trust.

‘The probation officer you spoke to found the offence was controlling and manipulative on your part.’

Judge Newbery said the offence merited a prison sentence, but there were circumstances that allowed her to suspend it.

‘I accept your intention in your mind wasn’t to harm the boy and you are a woman of impeccable character,‘ he said.

‘You have worked in the community promoting the needs of less fortunate children. You are a professional person, a pharmacist, highly qualified and devoted to your family.

‘Both of the parents gave evidence and there has been a deep impact on you because of these criminal proceedings, but you brought it on yourself.

‘As a pharmacist I recognise your profession is under jeopardy as is potentially your ability to travel to family in America with this conviction.’