Africa Security Investigation News

The Right Honourable Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representative has admonished the Nigeria Federal government to leverage on the benefit that accrue in the yearly event of the Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).

He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the event which took place in Rome recently. The event which aims and objective is to give opportunity for Nigerian and their European counterparts to showcase their investment potentials, rich cultural heritage in arts & craft, music, fashion, foods and tourism attracted dignitaries from Nigeria and the Italian communities

The Deputy Speaker who was the special guest of honour at the event was represented by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, MHR representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State. And speaking further on the benefit of the event he said,

“This event is basically an enthronement of culture, trade, partnership yearning between Nigeria and Italy. It’s an event that we have the opportunity to hear the wonderful things that can be attained in our dear country, in our dear nation, Nigeria and as well as to see avenue whereby we can bolster partnership, bolster relationship, not just growing on the business area, but also growing on cultural heritage. Growing on area that both countries can benefit towards the greater future.

“I commend the organizers of this event. From what I have heard it’s been a long journey to make sure that the event takes place. And you can see that the turnout was moderate. But I know that in the second edition the attendance will be a lot more. Because from here we are going to go back to Nigeria and inform the people of such wonderful, boisterous whereby we can be able to both nations and have our people and the Italian people both in business environment, both in the cultural environment, both in different industries as well, and also in the legislative because as we saw here, we saw members of parliament of Italy that came to witness the event and also gave their relevant speeches.

“So, we are going to go back to Nigeria with this information and prepare a detail report whereby we can submit to the floor and then urge Nigerians and also urge the government of Nigeria to take note of making sure that this event is expressed in a larger audience and this even can be able to be highlighted more because it holds a great significance for the growth of both Nations.

Speaking also at the event, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu who is the Chairman Central Organizing Committee harped on the need for the Nigerian and Italian governments to do everything possible to restore direct flights between Nigeria and Italy. He also threw more light on the purpose for putting together the event.

“The consortium was formed with the primary role of creating a new platform for investment drive and cultural exchange as well as for inter-personal relationship, propagation off socio-economic and political development of our nations (Nigeria and Italy).

“This edition accommodated and featured critical sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Trading, and Exhibition. In the coming years, we hope to introduce new strategies that will improve on the international standards and pattern of this present edition,” he concluded.

The 2024 edition was put together by the National Union of Nigerians in Italy, (NUNAI), Nigeria- Italy chambers of commerce, Giant Gee Nigeria limited, with the Support of Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu and Senator Tony Iwobi.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This write-up has become necessary as it now seems every day belongs to the thief. You are aware of the popular saying that “Every day is for the thief but one day is for the owner of the house.” When will the owner of the house step in to save our democracy from the hands of insatiable looters?

It is ironic how some judges make witnesses swear in court with either a Bible or a Qur’an to tell the truth, while they themselves go behind closed doors to take bribes and sell their judgments to the highest bidder. The popular saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man should be rephrased to: Some High Courts and the Supreme Court are the last hopes of the common man.

Ever since Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem became the President of the Court of Appeal, it has become a commercial court where the bigger bribe gets the favorable judgment. It is so bad that most lawyers are advocating for the law to be amended to allow appeals to go straight to the Supreme Court from the High Courts.

It is on record that the Supreme Court has overturned more judgments from the Court of Appeal under Monica’s administration than it had ever overturned in previous administrations combined. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem is so compromised that she took money to sell out her own state (Plateau) to the highest bidder. The legitimate governor was lucky that the Supreme Court had the final say in his case. Others whose final stop is the Court of Appeal are still nursing their wounds to this day. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem sold out the people of Kano too before a divine intervention saved the state. How do you explain judges sitting in open court to read a judgment that is the complete opposite of the Certified True Copy (CTC) they gave to the parties? Kano State and Plateau State owe their legitimate victories to God and the Supreme Court.

Information I gathered from one of the close aides of Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, who wishes to remain anonymous for job security reasons, is that for every high-profile case that comes before the Court of Appeal, the President directs the panel handling the case to write two judgments: one in favor of the appellants and another in favor of the respondents. The party who brings the biggest bribe will have their judgment read out.

Another very disturbing report is the allegation that Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has taken over 20 billion Naira from the Governorship candidate of the APC in Kogi State to sell the people of Kogi out. There are credible reports alleging that she is currently working towards receiving another 20 billion Naira+ from the Kogi State purse to try and penetrate the Supreme Court justices so that the flawed judgment from the Court of Appeal will be affirmed by the Supreme Court. A plan which has already failed because the Supreme Court has shown lately that they will not compromise, just as they did in Kano, Plateau, and the recent judgment on Local Government Autonomy.

At this point, I am calling on Mr. President and all relevant agencies and stakeholders to investigate these serious allegations. If she is allowed to have her way at the Supreme Court, her greed might lead to violent demonstrations all over the country (because whatever precedent that is set by the Supreme Court in Kogi State’s Governorship tussle will be applied to all states in the country) which is a big threat to our fragile democracy.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem cannot be allowed to set the country on fire. I am calling on the relevant security agencies to investigate her, monitor her every move, and keep tabs on her financial transactions.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, enough is enough! I am also calling on you to do the honorable thing and resign your position immediately pending the outcome of the investigations against you.

Every day is for the thief, but one glorious day is all the owner needs to forget the pains of the past. Peace.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has approved the appointment of 8 Assistant Corps Marshals (ACM), to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM).

In the same vein, three of the DCMs are to proceed on immediate retirement, the remaining 5 are to fill up existing vacancies in the South South, South East, South West, North Central, and North West geopolitical zones.

The Officers to fill up existing vacancies are; Deputy Corps Marshal Clement Oladele fdc, to represent North Central geopolitical zone, DCM Chidiebere Nkwonta, fwc, represents the South East geopolitical zone while DCM Sunday Iyamah, fwc is appointed to fill up the vacancy in the South South geopolitical zone.

Others are DCM MR Yerima, fdc to represent the North West geopolitical zone and DCM Abiodun Akinlade to now represent the South West geopolitical zone when Dcm Bisi kazeem bows out in August.

The promoted senior officers to proceed on immediate retirement are; Deputy Corps Marshal Kingsley Agomoh, mni, Deputy Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu mni, as well as Deputy Corps Marshal Zubairu Mato.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation expressed delight over the level of transparency and objectivity that heralded the whole process.

He urged the appointed officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the corporate vision of the Corps which is to eradicate road traffic crashes and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

The SGF stated that the appointment is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work which is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed equally congratulated the newly elevated Officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.

He noted that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities. He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank calls for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.

He admonished those who were not fortunate this appointment year to keep faith alive and be loyal to the system.

Speaking further, the Corps Marshal promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Corps.

“As such, he beckoned on all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps, a statement signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Commander
Ag. Corps Public Education Officer, said.

Pastor Abel Damina of Power Chapel International has recently been at the center of a storm of controversy. Within the Christian community, his teachings have sparked significant perplexity, with many labeling his doctrines as outright heresies. These concerns have raised serious questions about his doctrinal stance and the spiritual root of his ministry.

One of the most contentious aspects of Damina’s teachings is his assertion that sin does not condemn anyone to hell. Additionally, he has claimed that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was never a virgin. These and other provocative teachings have led many to question the origin of his inspiration.

To gain deeper insight into the roots of Damina’s ministry and the controversy surrounding it, we spoke with Bro Soviet, a long-time acquaintance who knew Damina before his ministry began.

In a revealing interview, Bro Soviet shared his thoughts on the current controversies and offered a candid perspective on Damina’s spiritual journey.

“When it comes to Abel Damina, I believe he has run out of ideas,” Bro Soviet stated.

“The spirit behind his teachings is definitely not of God because there is meant to be harmony in the body of Christ. When someone finds fault with everyone else and claims to be the only one who is right, it means he is the one who is actually wrong. Abel is someone I have known even before he started his ministry.”

Bro Soviet’s familiarity with Damina dates back to the early days of his ministry. Reflecting on Damina’s early years, Bro Soviet expressed his skepticism about Damina’s calling and discipline.

“Before he started his ministry, I observed an obvious lack of clarity of call and discipline in his lifestyle. His messages don’t bear the fruit of the Spirit of God. I have not seen that clear call. He probably went into ministry because his father was a pastor in the Assemblies of God, and he grew up on church premises and got few bits of information and began to mix them up.

“To fully understand the trajectory of Abel Damina’s ministry, it’s essential to trace his roots back to his arrival in Uyo in 1990.

“When Damina first came to Uyo, I was a member of a church called Life Tabernacle. A branch of Idem Ikon’s Church in Calabar. In Calabar it is called Revival Valley.

“But when they created Akwa Ibom State, the members of the church that came to Akwa Ibom as Akwa Ibomites opened a church in Uyo called Life Tabernacle located along Oron Road in one secondary school.

“Now while the church was growing up, that was when Abel Damina came in. He introduced himself to the man of God called Atauyo Ibanga. When he introduced himself, the pastor only gave him the pulpit to greet the church and introduce himself for 5 or 15 minutes thereabouts. As soon as he dropped the microphone, he left with the two people that he came with.

“After the service, the pastor said, ‘This young man is up to something.” He said that he would never give him the pulpit again. He called Damina, “This Hausa boy,” because in Akwa Ibom then, they call everybody from the north, Hausa.

“So when I learnt that he is from the north and I am also from the north, I went after him, and tried to encourage him. In that process, we went to Dr Uma Ukpai, and he introduced himself and told Uma Ukpai what he came from the north to do and all that. Dr Uma Ukpai used a few words, he said, “Young man, Go back to the north, your assingment is not welcomed here.” That was all.

It was then. I said, “Ah! A father of faith that is supposed to receive a young, vibrant minister…”
That was when I started developing cold feet because it was rejection everywhere. Then, I was thinking that it was persecution but I found out that utterances from his mouth and what he was doing were at variance. That was when I began to develop cold feet.

“Honestly, let me tell you. From the beginning, I saw insincerity, I saw moral bankruptcy, I saw all these things from the beginning. And like I said, that was why I refused to be part of his work.

“Now he came in and introduced himself that he never came to establish any church, rather, he came for a ministers association called ICMA, meaning International Charismatic Ministers Association. Not too long after that, he started a fellowship, calling it FFF. Friday Fire Fellowship. Not too long Power Chapel International started. That was when it was confirmed that he was up to something else other than what he told people when he came.

“As I’m talking today, everything metamorphosed from ICMA to FFF, then to Power Chapel International, and now it is Power City.

“Honestly, there had never been any honesty from the beginning. There had never been a clean, clear vision, from the beginning.

“The foundation was faulty and it’s the same thing that is happening up to date.”

Bro Soviet’s concerns about Damina’s doctrinal stance are not unfounded. “If I met him today, I would tell him to apologize to the body of Christ. His heretical ideas and teachings are leading some gullible young generation of Christians astray. But all I know is, just like music, it will all fizzle away,” Bro Soviet said.

Bro Soviet believes that those who are genuinely seeking Christ will eventually find their way back, despite the confusion caused by Damina’s teachings.

Reflecting on the financial aspect of Damina’s ministry, Bro Soviet shared his experiences from the past. “As a preacher, if your message centers on how to collect money from people every time, then something is wrong. Way back, I used to give him money. Though I was never comfortable because of his character, I knew he was not the one to reward me but God. He had no capacity to manage the money. This was someone who was preaching that all tithes belonged to him and he could do whatever he wanted with it.”

Despite Damina’s current stance against giving, Bro Soviet remains hypocritical. “Like I told you, when you run out of lies, you need to cook up more lies to cover up the previous lies you have told. At the beginning, his foundation was faulty. When the first phase expired, he needed more lies to sustain his life. I don’t know of any academic certificate that he has. He is not a graduate because he didn’t go to any university to my knowledge.”

Bro Soviet’s critique extends beyond Damina’s teachings to his personal life and foundation. “There are men of God in Nigeria who have integrity, but right from the beginning, he exhibited an abysmal level of moral and character bankruptcy in all ramifications. That is why he has the audacity to say once born again, always born again.”

Bro Soviet concluded with a call for accountability and repentance. “As a servant of the kingdom, he should humble himself and apologize to the world for misleading people. Some of us have invested so much into his life and ministry. He has benefited a lot. I housed him and his pastors for one year and six months in Uyo, so I know what I am saying.
“Joshua Talena, if he is sincere, knows what I’m talking about. His own younger brother, Gideon was in the picture. At the beginning as I have been saying, there were a number of people who rushed in thinking they had found a ministry with which they could grow, but not too long after, they were all discouraged and fizzled away. Persons like Joe Odobre, Joe Udomio, Bro Tony that he turned into his driver, Rev. Benny Momoh and Macdonald Edward with his wife and a daughter then; all of them lived in my house at No. 53 Enwe street by Oron Road. Bro Uduak Ekong, Sister Aniebo Ndada Inyang, Bro Charles Uko. There were many more brethren whose names I cannot remember anymore because this was some 34 years ago.

Bro Soviet hasn’t been able to reach Damina to discuss these issues directly. “I will tell him to his face that he should apologize to those men of God he has insulted. He should apologize for misleading people. From the Bible, you can pick one or two scriptures and build any negative message. But the foundation is what is important. A message built on falsehood will eventually crumble. We must remember it is not just about those he has insulted; it’s about the body of Christ. If a man of God twists scripture for personal gain, it’s a problem.”

In Bro Soviet’s view, Damina’s recent messages are fueled by jealousy. “His new messages are products of jealousy. He feels left behind and there is nothing he can do to measure up to the standard of those he is attacking. The men of God he’s talking about, one branch of their church is more than everything he has worked for in his entire life. I urge those fathers of faith he has defamed to forgive him and pray for his repentance.”

…Tinubu’s initiative will foster a new generation of well-educated, skilled Nigerians-Group

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has said that the newly launched Student Loan Scheme will contribute in no small measure to national development by building a generation of well-educated citizens with high level manpower tranning

The scheme, the TSF said, in a statement signed by its chairman, Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Afolabi Josiah, will enable individuals to be self-reliant, attain their maximum educational ambition, and be useful members of the society.

“This scheme is bound to ensure that financial constraints do not deny indigent students of quality education while knowledge acquired will be useful to the country.

The group futher said: “This initiative, overseen by the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), marks a significant milestone in our nation’s educational history, with 103,000 successful applications out of 164,000 registered between May 25 and July 17, 2024.

“For us, the scheme underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to education as a powerful tool to combat poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian government has, historically, catered to students through bursaries and scholarships. While those methods have been beneficial, the current initiative promises a more structured and expansive approach, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder any Nigerian from accessing quality education.

“Comparatively, the student loan systems in the UK and USA have long supported students in achieving their educational goals, leading to well-established and effective frameworks. So, the implementation of a similar programme in Nigeria signals a commitment to adopting best practices that have proven successful globally.

“This program is designed to not only support current students but to be a sustainable model that will serve future generations.

“President Tinubu’s initiative ensures that tuition fees are paid directly to institutions, while students receive stipends for their upkeep, thus covering all critical aspects of their educational pursuit. This initiative is poised to create a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Nigeria, fostering a generation of well-educated and skilled individuals equipped to contribute significantly to national development.”

The group also urged beneficiaries to ensure they honour their commitment in order to ensure that the programme is sustained.

“As we celebrate this landmark achievement, we urge the beneficiaries to approach this opportunity with utmost seriousness and integrity. The successful implementation and sustainability of this program rest on the responsible utilization and timely repayment of these loans.

“By honouring their commitments, beneficiaries will not only secure their own futures but also pave the way for countless other students to benefit from this scheme in the years to come.

“We at the TSF believe that this programme will be entrenched and will grow to support many generations of Nigerian students. We commend President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to making education accessible to all,” added.

end

A highly respected Niger Delta family on Saturday talked animatedly about ebullient business entrepreneur, Mr Wilson Ebireri.

The family praised Wilson Ebireri for his moral convictions and handling of issues.

Death seized Wilson Ebireri so firmly in the early hours of Friday, July 12, 2024 in Sapele, five months before his 71st birthday.

Fondly called “Santa” by friends and associates, Wilson Ebireri, according to the family, was very energetic, positive and happy.

“With Wilson Ebireri, it is either black or white. No task was too insignificant to him to perform in aid of the family. No journey too perilous for him to undertake” the family said.

A statement on Sunday said members of the family met to pray for the repose of the soul of Wilson Ebireri, a caring father, energetic and colourful businessman.

“The family met and picked Friday, September 19 and 20 for the funeral rites of the father of seven children and grandchildren”

The statement signed by an elder in the family, Henry Ovie Ebireri, said a service of songs would hold on Thursday, September 19 at Ikomi Road by 5pm.

“The body of Wilson Ebireri will depart Obule Hospital on September 20 for his Ikomi Road residence”

The statement also said internment for the head of the Ebireri family would take place on September 20 by 12 noon at Marford Close.

“Reception will be at Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele” the statement added.