August 2015-Flatimes

Monday 31 August 2015

Amaechi never spoke to any media organisation – Media Office

The attention of former governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Chibuike RotimiAmaechi has been drawn to a story with the caption SGF: Buhari Disappointed Me – Amaechi”, published by a certain “Savinggracereporters.com”. The story which is ridiculous as it is meaningless is a figment of the writer's imagination and sadly flouts all the basic rules of journalism biz: fairness, accuracy and balance. This story like so many others like it is a tissue of lies and fit only for the trash-can.

Since after leaving office and with the successful delivery of the change agenda to Nigerians,

……Says it is a kangaroo court which cannot investigate Amaechi or his administration

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared the Rivers Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the administration of former Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi illegal, saying that it lacks constitutional powers to do the work for which it was set up by the State Care-Taker Governor, Chief Nyesom E. Wike.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the identities of 21 alleged commanders and front-line members of the Boko Haram terrorist group arrested in different parts of the country.

In a statement signed by Mr Tony Opuiyo, the DSS explained that the successful arrest is a result of the services’ “re-strategised measures to combat the insurgency menace”.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced a full investigation into the activities of the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

It was learnt on Sunday that the commission constituted a four-member committee of crack detectives to probe all the NNPC accounts which were supervised by the former minister. The committee was led by a Superintendent of Police, who was seconded to the commission.

To contribute and enhance the technological advancement of the SME community in Nigeria, online shopping community Kaymu has partnered with Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI to host the maiden edition of the Entrepreneurs’ Club.

The Entrepreneurs’ Club is an innovative business and technology conference which holds on September 4th 2015 at the LCCI Event and Exhibition Centre from 10am-3pm with the theme “Empowering The Next Generation SME”.

Kogi state government says it is looking into the cases of those employed in 2010 but dropped from the employment of Local Government Councils in the state.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi made the disclosure on government plans, programs and policies, while on a consultative visit to Iya Gbede, Ijumu LGA to meet with PDP critical stakeholders.

The former governor of Lagos State and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Chief Timipre Sylva to contest the December 5, 2015 Governorship election in Bayelsa State.

Tinubu also charged Bayelsans to ensure that Sylva becomes the next governor of the state in view of placing the state on the right path.

Topic: Ministering in songs [Monday August 31, 2015]

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” -Ephesians 5:19

Pondering on this, I realised that virtually everyone enjoys music. The genre of each one’s preference is what differs. So, when you hear music that appeals to you, you naturally react to it. It could uplift your spirit when broken or even make you rethink your ways; all from some lyrics.

Topic: Divine Help And Favour [Monday August 31, 2015]

Text: 1 Chronicles 12:16-22

Key Verse: “And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host” (1 Chronicles 12:21).

Most men are tempted to run away in despair when clouds of trials and temptations come their way. If believers would look closely at every situation through the eyes of faith, they would also see God’s angels of mercy coming to their aid to help in times of dire need.

Topic: Prayer Neutralises Fear [Monday August 31, 2015]

Memorise: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16

Read: Luke 1:5-13 (KJV)

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Sunday August 30, 2015 Daily Devotional – Moulding Words

Topic: Moulding Words [Sunday August 30, 2015]

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”-Proverbs 18:21

Words either build up or tear down. Words either encourage or discourage. Words can be like poison and they can also be a fountain of life. Words are powerful and they are seeds. That is why it is important as a parent to learn to speak positive, life-building and encouraging words to your children. One way you can achieve this is by learning from the Potter.

Topic: Stop Swearing! [Sunday August 30, 2015]

Text: Matthew 5:33-37

Key Verse: “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

Traveling on a plane next to a salesman, Billy Graham asked him, “Are you paid anything for all the swearing you do?” “No,” was the startled reply, “I do it for nothing.” “Nothing?” cried the famous preacher. “You work cheap! You throw aside your character as a gentleman, inflict pain on your friends, break the Lord’s commandments, and endanger your own soul - and all for nothing! You certainly work cheap - TOO CHEAP!” Yes, swearing is not only a “cheap” practice in many ways, but also a terrible sin which grieves the heart of God!

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
President Muhammadu Buhari,
GCFR Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

Your Excellency Sir,

ALLEGATION OF POLITICIZATION OF SECURITY AGENCIES (NIGERIAN ARMY AND STATE SECURITY SERVICE) AGAINST THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) RIVERS STATE CANDIDATES IN THE MARCH 28, 2015 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS: OUR RESPONSE

I respectfully write this letter as a response to the malicious and baseless petition written to you by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State in the National Assembly, alleging and pointedly accusing myself and some members of our party, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State of politicizing the Nigerian Army and the Directorate of State Security by making them to testify in our favour before the Election Tribunal that is currently hearing the various petitions filed by myself and my colleagues against the National Assembly elections in Rivers State held on 28th of March, 2015.

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has kept the world guessing about her relationship status in the past few months but she definitely cleared things up this past weekend when she had her introduction ceremony to Oladunni Obasanjo Churchill in her hometown in Port-Harcourt.

Her hubby, Oladunni is said to be one of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s children.

Topic: Understanding the Abrahamic Blessing [Sunday August 30, 2015]

Memorise: Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. - Numbers 23:20

Read: Genesis 27:27-29 (KJV)

27. And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

28. Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Saturday August 29, 2015 Daily Devotional – Forgiven and Loved

Topic: Forgiven and Loved [Saturday August 29, 2015]

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”-1 Peter 4:8

We have all in one way or another received gifts from others. Some may be wrapped in fine boxes; however, when you remove the content from the box, the box becomes useless to you. Similarly, true love is wrapped in marriage. When you remove that love from your marriage, it is of no worth; it cannot stand. Love is therefore the foundation of marriage.

Topic: God’s Immense Love [Saturday August 29, 2015]

Text: Psalm 75:1-10

KEY VERSE: “All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted” (Psalm 75:10).

A teenager, Arthur Hinkley, was said to have lifted a 3,000- pound tractor with his bare hands, when a friend of his, Lloyd Bachelder, 18, was pinned under it on a farm near Rome, Maine. Hinkley was not a weight lifter, but because of the love he had for his friend, he could, somehow, lift the tractor well enough for Bachelder to wriggle out.

Topic: When He Beckons To You [Saturday August 29, 2015]

Memorise: In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. - John 7:37

Read: Exodus 3:3-4 (KJV)

3. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

4. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Friday August 28, 2015 Daily Devotional – The Proposal

Topic: The Proposal [Friday August 28, 2015]

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”-Amos 3:3

Quite a number of “marriage- age” people may be familiar with this line: “God said you are my…”
Well, while God may reveal a future partner if He wills, He does not force wives or husbands on people. One of the greatest gifts He gave to man is the gift of choice. This means that He has given you the right to choose your spouse out of your findings (Proverbs 18:22). So, don’t be deceived or deceive others with this phrase.

There was an outrage in the ruling All Progressives Congress on Thursday over the announcement of new appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Leaders of the APC, who spoke to The PUNCH, complained that the appointments tilted in favour of the North and said the party must move fast to cope with the backlash of expected rumblings in the polity.

Topic: Brass For Gold [Friday August 28, 2015]

Text: 1 Kings 14:21-31

Key Verse: “And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king’s house” (1 Kings 14:27).

Few things give more sense of fulfillment and pride than to watch your children improve on your attainment in life. Indeed, it is the prayer of every well-meaning parent that their children should conquer more grounds than they did. On the other hand, when children fail to measure up or even squander their parents’ fortunes, it brings disappointment and shame to parents and other concerned people. Such wasted heritage often attracts negative public comment.

Topic: He Still Sends Birds [Friday August 28, 2015]

Memorise: And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook: and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. - 1 Kings 17:4.

Read: 1 Kings 17:2-6 (KJV)

2. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,

3. Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Thursday August 27, 2015 Daily Devotional – Refuse to be distracted

Topic: Refuse to be distracted [Thursday August 27, 2015]

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 3:13-14

Winston Churchill said, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” How true this statement is! On your path to destiny, there will be many things calling for your attention. Some may be necessary, while others are just distractions to get you off track. As youths, it is normal to be filled with activities because you have the strength to do them; however, you need to be focussed if you must be successful at any of those activities.

The British Foreign Office has pledged support for President Muhammadu Buhari's war against corruption.

In a letter addressed to the Press Secretary of the All Progressives Congress UK (APC UK), the Foreign Office's Magdalena Williams noted that "it is an important time in Nigeria," adding that the Prime Minister, David Cameron stands "ready to support President Buhari and his new Government on his clearly stated priorities" - one of which is to tackle corruption.

As the women Equality Day is being commemorated today in the United States, well- meaning citizens of Nigeria have also continued to urge the various stakeholders in the Nigeria polity to formulate policies that will make life better for women in Nigeria. Although Women's Equality Day is a day proclaimed each year to commemorate the granting of the vote to women in United States, women equality has become a matter of global concern with the incoming of the United Nation’s millennium Development Goals which makes it the third goal.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation on Thursday announced the cancellation of the terms of contract for the delivery of crude oil to the refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.

The corporation also announced the termination of the Offshore Processing Agreements with three companies – Duke Oil Company Inc, Aiteo Energy Resources Limited and Sahara Energy Resources Limited. The agreements were sealed in January, 2015.

Topic: Weapons for God's Servants [Thursday August 27, 2015]

Memorise: And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. - 1 Samuel 3:19

Read: 1 Samuel 3:19-21 (KJV)

19. And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

20. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

Topic: Judgment Against Babylon [Thursday August 27, 2015]

Text: Revelation 17:1-8

Key Verse: “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is” (Revelation 17:8).

Wada is the candidate of choice

Peoples Democratic Party Members in Lokoja Local Government have been asked to see Capt. Idris Wada as the candidate of choice in the forth-coming governorship primaries of the party. Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, made the call in continuation of his meet the party executives and critical stakeholders tour in the West Senatorial District ahead of the forth-coming PDP primaries.

Okay, Naija, let’s start with a little round of “Did you know?” Did you know that on the average, there are 25 percent fewer women than men that have access to the internet in the developing world? And that this statistics goes up as high as 45 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa?

Intel knows. As a matter of fact, the ICT giant commissioned a study that yielded these findings. But there’s good news, people: Intel is doing something to correct the situation through its Intel She will Connect initiative that aims to get 5 million young women across Africa tech-savvy and online in the next five years.

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson is reportedly pregnant with her third baby.

This will be the third time Mercy Johnson is conceiving in four years.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Tuesday night stormed the headquarters of Arik Air in Ikeja Lagos following the arrest in London of a crew member of the airline for allegedly being in possession of cocaine.

The Arik crew member, identified by the anti-narcotics agency as Chika Egwu Udensi, was arrested on Monday night by operatives of the United Kingdom Border Force with 20 kilogrammes of cocaine in London.

Topic: Heart-felt Prayer [Wednesday August 26, 2015]

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”-Acts 6:4

Over the years, I have come to realise that nothing is either too small or too big to pray about. Also, prayer is never enough; so you shouldn’t say you have prayed too much or more than enough on any certain issue. The only way you will know that you have prayed your heart out is when your answers are received. Although answers to prayers might not immediately always be visible, you must have the peace, joy and satisfaction that you have received your answers.

“Married couples are boring!” she said. She had just asked me about my weekend, but as soon as I started explaining what our family had done she chimed in with that delightful statement.
“The single life is where it’s at….” she added.

It’s interesting to see how different people respond to the concept of marriage. But with all the different reactions out there, one theme I’ve noticed from many on the outside looking in is that married life gets boring and bland after a while.

Topic: Watch What You Eat [Wednesday August 26, 2015]

Text: 1 Samuel 17:1-11

Key Verse: “And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Samuel 17:10).

There is wisdom in William Scott Downey’s observation: “The dog who barks the loudest is not always the best watcher; neither are braggadocios the most valiant.” This truth notwithstanding, it is customary for people to brag about their strength before any contest. Sports men and women do it in their pre-game speeches. Nations preparing for war spend a lot of money on propaganda. The chief aim of all these is to intimidate and weaken their opponents while boosting their self-image. However, many times, it backfires or ends up as empty rants.

Topic: Cruelty, Exploitation & Stealing [Wednesday August 26, 2015]

Memorise: Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. - Ephesians 4:28

Read: Ephesians 4:25-29 (KJV)

25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Awoniyi task Kogi PDP Members to remain resolute in their support for the party

Peoples Democratic Party Members in Kogi LGA, have been asked to remain resolute in their support for the party.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, gave the charge to the members when he met with critical stakeholders of the party from Kogi LGA, in Kotonkarfe.

MOSOP Condemns Police Extortion on Eleme-Bori Road

The Kingdom Coordinators and Chapters Leaders Forum of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) have condemned in strong terms the increasing rate of Police extortion on the Eleme-Bori axis of the East-West road.

MOSOP chapter leaders in press statement Signed by Frank Jonah Chairman, MOSOP Kingdom Coordinators Forum and made available to NF-Reports noted that the situation has become embarrassing and shameful for the reputation of the Nigerian Police.

Topic: The worth of your youth [Tuesday August 25, 2015]

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;”-Ecclesiastics 12:1

As a single, you are created to be useful. Your single years are created to be the prime time of your life, when all you see ahead and all that bubbles within you is full of life and hope. It is a precious gift you hold in your hands that many older persons wish they still had. God gave everyone this time to fully prepare, invest in and save for the “rainy days”.

Topic: Time to Fast [Tuesday August 25, 2015]

Memorise: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: -Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Read: Matthew 9:14-15 (KJV)

14. Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

15. And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Topic: Watch What You Eat [Tuesday August 25, 2015]

Text: Leviticus 11:21-28

Key Verse: “But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you” (Leviticus 11:23).

Many health challenges can be traced to eating habits. Those who failed to show discretion in the way they eat have had to pay seriously for it with their health. Also, those that have not been able to exercise control over their appetite have been known to have fallen victim of food poisoning and other spiritual attacks, in which the enemy uses food as bait. While as Christians, we have the liberty to eat whatever we like, there is the need for us to be disciplined and show discretion with regards to what we eat, when we eat and how we eat.

Niger Delta leaders slam APC factional chairman, canvass support for Oyegun, Sylva

Niger Delta leaders has warned former factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Richard Kpodo against provocative statements, reminding the people to be careful of those working for the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The leaders also accused Kpodo and his associates of hatching evil motives aimed at dividing APC, destroying the solidarity and possibly provoking crises in the party.

Topic: Tested and Trusted [Monday August 24, 2015]

“So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;”-Proverbs 2:2

Success in marriage involves putting your hands to work; as every profitable venture involves hard work. A successful marriage is as pure gold and to get such, you must dig deep with determination and diligence. However, I would be sharing with you a family recipe that my husband tagged seven Rs to a glorious marriage. This recipe, when followed, will guarantee you the best of time in your marriage adventure. These are:

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Abuja urged Nigerian lawyers not to sacrifice the integrity of the country’s legal system in a bid to cover the misdeeds of their clients, no matter how lucrative the brief may be.

Speaking at the opening of the 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), President Buhari called on Nigerian lawyers to support his administration’s war against corruption and help the country return to the path of rectitude by making Nigerian courts functional and effective again.

Topic: No Preferential Treatment [Monday August 24, 2015]

Text: James 2:1-9

Key Verse: “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” (James 2:9).

There is a point to which the common saying that “success has many friends but failure is an orphan” will be wrongly applied. While it is good and desirable to be rich, it will be wrong to use it as the basis of judgment and treatment of people in the church or anywhere else. Discriminating against people on the basis of their affluence and success is a worldly practice which should not be a part of the church.

Click HERE to DOWNLOAD Daily Open Heavens Devotional from January to December 2015.

Topic: Insanity Terminated Instantly [Monday August 24, 2015]

Memorise: God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.-Psalm 46:5

Read: Mark 5:1-15 (KJV)

1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the corruption allegations against immediate past Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, with a wave of the hand.

The party in a statement issued Sunday morning in Port Harcourt by its State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said that the latest allegation by the wailing Care-taker Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike camp that Amaechi has foreign bank accounts lacks substance.

India High Commissioner Reveals $14b Shady Oil Deal Under Diezani

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ajjampur R. Ghanashyam, has revealed how the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation used intermediaries in the annual $14 billion deal instead of just signing a long-term agreement with New Delhi, Nigeria’s Number One oil buyer.

Daily Trust reports that the Indian High Commissioner said that aside the lack of long-term agreement between the two countries on crude oil purchases, in 2006, an Indian company, Oil & Natural Gas Commission Videsh Limited (OVL) and Mittal Energy International, which is a joint venture between OVL, an Indian government company, and Mittal Energy a private firm, applied for oil concession. The Signature bonus sum of $25 million was paid, however, neither was the oil concession granted nor the money paid returned to the Indian companies.

It is known worldwide as, arguably, the best search engine in cybersphere, but Google, can actually swing the results of the US presidential elections, says Robert Epstein, senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioural Research and Technology and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today.

“America’s next president could be eased into office not just by TV ads or speeches, but by Google’s secret decisions, and no one—except for me and perhaps a few other obscure researchers—would know how this was accomplished,” Epstein says in an op-ed published on politico.com on August 19, 2015.

The wives of the late‎ Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II, by tradition cannot re-marry after the demise of their husband, according to a palace chief.

The chief, who preferred not to be named, said the order was prescribed by the Ife tradition since the Ooni is not considered dead but to have transited to a higher realm.

By Isidore Emeka Uzoatu

The Nigeria story tells like a fairytale. Right from how the territory was acquired and recovered to how its name was coined and by whom, one cannot but be astounded by the many twists and twirls it has meandered en route to who-knows-where. Mention must be made of the amalgamation of its North and South, the centenary of which was marked last year under leadership of GEJ. Independence was to come some forty-six years later, followed hot on the heels by a thirty-month civil war.

How would you rate former President Goodluck Jonathan’s performance in office?

This should be the subject of many books. I think too many of us have gotten carried away by the political propaganda and wars by both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, in which both Jonathan and (President Muhammadu) Buhari were subjected to different characterisations. But we must get past all that. Jonathan’s presidency was not perfect and there will never be one. We all believe that he could have done a lot of things differently, but I believe he did his best. It was, in our eyes, far from what we expected. But we must move away from the narratives of propaganda to the realities now. History will judge Jonathan and I worry that we are allowing talks about probes and so on to becloud our judgment of what he did right. If we cannot identity the good things, how can we identify the bad things?

Monday 31 August 2015

Sunday 30 August 2015

Saturday 29 August 2015

Friday 28 August 2015

Thursday 27 August 2015

Wednesday 26 August 2015

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Monday 24 August 2015

Sunday 23 August 2015