Monday, September 29, 2014
NASU lauds Jonathan on education sector development
$9.3m arms deal:Shut up, you are ignorant Reps tell Lai Mohammed
ABUJA-CHAIRMAN House Committee on Rules and Business, Albert Sam-Tsokwa has said that the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Party, APC, Lai Mohammed must have acted out of ignorance when he said the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha was biased in his ruling over the controversial $9.3million arms deal motion.Briefing House of Representatives correspondents at the weekend, Sam-Tsokwa said”it is glaring that the APC publicity secretary was not conversant with our House rules when he said the Deputy Speaker manipulated the proceedings on the motion bordering on the $9.3m arms deal in South Africa”.“The DS acted as a patriotic Nigerian as he considered the interest of Nigerians above any political lineage following our House standing Orders to the latter”.“The motion in question was an investigative one seeking investigation into the alleged arms deal in South Africa which does not need any debate as this might jeopardise the proposed investigation”.Vanguard recalls that in the wake of the arms deal, the matter came up in the form of a motion on the floor of the House last Tuesday, but Ihedioha, who presided over plenary that day, did not allow debate on the motion, citing ‘national security.’ He later called for a voice vote and majority of the lawmakers voted against it.This development did not go down well with some lawmakers, most of whom are of the opposition All Progressives Congress ,APC, who staged a walk out from the floor immediately Ihedioha ruled.The motion, sponsored by Deputy Minority Leader Abdulrahman Kawu Sulaiman,APC, Kano sought for a thorough investigation into the matter.But Tsokwa argued at the briefing that what Ihedioha did was in line with the relevant rules of the House, which do not allow debate on infrastructure related, security and investigative matters.He explained that “the House is precluded from discussing any issue that is pending in court. Our rules also say motions on infrastructure, security and investigation are not to be debated. The motion on $9.3 million seeks an investigation, so it shouldn’t, couldn’t and mustn’t have been debated. That was exactly what happened,” Tsokwa said.Tsokwa further stressed that “the mover wasn’t supposed to take it that day, because it wasn’t on the Order Paper. He insisted on taking it because he said he was away on Speaker’s errand. But any matter that is not on the Notice Paper can’t be included on the Order Paper. Some members were against taking the motion, but the Deputy Speaker allowed him.”The Taraba state lawmaker explained that going by parliamentary rules, if any member is not satisfied with a particular decision taken, such a member would call for the House to be divided based on the ‘ayes’ and the ‘nays,’ saying walking out was not appropriate.“The decision wasn’t taken on the basis of party. It wasn’t all APC members that voted against it and vice-versa. Let me use this medium to call on our leaders to stop making provocative statements that will tear this country apart. If you’re ignorant of how the House operates, I’ll advise that you keep your mouth shut,” he said. VANGUARD
EBOLA: More revelations on Patrick Sawyer
His lamentation on dead sister
By Sola Ogundipe
When he arrived Lagos aboard a Togolese Asky Airlines aircraft on Sunday July 20, 2014, Patrick Sawyer, the late American-Liberian was on the threshold of history.
The chronicle of events following his disembarkation at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and subsequent admission at First Consultants Hospital, Obalende underscore why his name has become synonymous with the spectre of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. Sawyer will never be forgotten as the importer of the dreaded infectious Ebola virus into the country. He was the first ever confirmed case and No.1 fatality of the incurable Ebola virus disease in Nigeria.
Two days before Sawyer embarked on his odyssey to Lagos from Monrovia, his sister, Princess Christina Nyennetue, had died of the dreaded disorder. Not too many people knew it, but following his sister’s demise, Sawyer who had been with her during her illness until her eventual death sent out a disheartening email to a number of close friends and associates as well as a senior official at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.
Saturday Vanguard intercepted the online communication obtained by FrontPageAfrica. The email, entitled “Ebola Struck Close to Home” offers a glimpse into the mind of the late Sawyer and what he was thinking prior to his now controversial death in Lagos.
In the email dated July 10, 2014, Sawyer described the death of his sister as “Promising Young Life Cheated”.
The email reads…..
From: Patrick O. Sawyer, Date: Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 6:09 AM;
Subject: Ebola Struck Close to Home
To: Benetta Tarr
“H. Urias Harrington”
Dear All, My junior sister, Miss Princess Christina Nyennetue (Age 27) died on Tuesday July 8th at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. At my request, the Ministry of Health agreed to extract blood specimens from her body in search for cause of death and the result just came in this morning…she died of Ebola Disease. Princess was the only girl child of my mother’s five children…this make (sic) it particularly difficult for us especially for my mother who lives alone in Southwest Philadelphia . If you Facebook searched my late sister Princess, you will soon realize that death has cheated a promising young life. Thanks to you all once more for your many messages of condolence and best wishes. Good day.
*Patrick Oliver Sawyer / Head *ECOWAS NATIONAL OFFICE*
*MINISTRY OF FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING *
Following Sawyer’s death on Lagos on July 25, his widow, Decontee, implied on a social media site that her husband came to Nigeria to seek treatment because he had a distrust of the healthcare system in Liberia .
According to Decontee : “Patrick went to Nigeria for help so that he can get properly diagnosed, and not misdiagnosed in Liberia. And if it came back that he did have Ebola, he trusted the Nigerian healthcare system a lot more than he trusted the Liberian’s. His action, as off as it was, was a desperate plea for help. Patrick didn’t want to die, and he thought his life would be saved in Nigeria.”
According to findings, the day after Sawyer sent out the email about his sister’s death from Ebola, a notice of the development appeared in The Satellite, newsletter of ArcellorMittal, the mining company where he (Sawyer) was a consultant.
The notice is republished here:
Important Ebola Notice to All Employees and Contractors
“A family member of an ArcelorMittal Liberia employee died on Tuesday, July 8th, in Monrovia due to a confirmed case of the Ebola virus. The employee had minimal contact with the victim, at the state where the virus was infectious. Doctors say the risk of potential transfer to any member of the ArcelorMittal staff or contractors is very low. The employee has submitted to the Ministry of Health for a medical examination for possible Ebola infection, and has also requested the Ministry of Health to make the result available to ArcelorMittal Liberia and its close affiliates. There is no evidence to suggest that the employee has been infected. Under the Ministry of Health guidelines, the employee is being monitored on a daily basis and will continue to do so for a period of 21 days. During this time the employee will be absent from work. ArcelorMittal Liberia is providing all support necessary to the employee and his family during this very difficult time, and our thoughts are with them.”
The company newsletter issued another letter on July 25, 2014 announcing Sawyer’s death.
The announcement was signed by one Antonio Carlos reads:
Ebola Statement
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to inform you that today ArcelorMittal received information that the employee whose family member died on Tuesday July 8th in Monrovia due to a confirmed case of the Ebola virus has died today, from a suspected case of Ebola.
Results of the Ebola test are awaited. The first thing I want to reassure everyone is that the employee, Patrick Sawyer, had very limited contact with his ArcelorMittal colleagues since his contact with the victim and therefore we do not believe anyone working at ArcelorMittal will be at risk. Patrick was last at the Buchanan site on 9th July when he informed us about the death of his sister. We are speaking directly with those who met Patrick on this day to reassure them of this fact.
Having informed us of this news, Patrick was submitted to the Ministry of Health for a medical observation and isolation and requested not to return to work until he had passed through the incubation period.
He has not been at the Buchanan site or in any ArcelorMittal office since that time. Our thoughts and support are with his family at this very difficult time. In the meantime, we continue to urge every employee and contractor to take the greatest level of care with regards to their health. As you are all aware, ArcelorMittal is using
Thermoflash scanners to measure the temperature of each employee as this is a useful initial screening sign for Ebola. Any employee or contractor with a high temperature will be referred to medical personnel who will examine and, if necessary, direct the individual to a secure area. We recognize this is difficult news, particularly for those who knew Patrick, who was a very committed and valued employee. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your head of department.”
Antonio Carlos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/ebola-revelations-patrick-sawyer/#sthash.wm2CFura.dpuf
By Sola Ogundipe
When he arrived Lagos aboard a Togolese Asky Airlines aircraft on Sunday July 20, 2014, Patrick Sawyer, the late American-Liberian was on the threshold of history.
The chronicle of events following his disembarkation at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and subsequent admission at First Consultants Hospital, Obalende underscore why his name has become synonymous with the spectre of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. Sawyer will never be forgotten as the importer of the dreaded infectious Ebola virus into the country. He was the first ever confirmed case and No.1 fatality of the incurable Ebola virus disease in Nigeria.
Two days before Sawyer embarked on his odyssey to Lagos from Monrovia, his sister, Princess Christina Nyennetue, had died of the dreaded disorder. Not too many people knew it, but following his sister’s demise, Sawyer who had been with her during her illness until her eventual death sent out a disheartening email to a number of close friends and associates as well as a senior official at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.
Saturday Vanguard intercepted the online communication obtained by FrontPageAfrica. The email, entitled “Ebola Struck Close to Home” offers a glimpse into the mind of the late Sawyer and what he was thinking prior to his now controversial death in Lagos.
In the email dated July 10, 2014, Sawyer described the death of his sister as “Promising Young Life Cheated”.
The email reads…..
From: Patrick O. Sawyer, Date: Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 6:09 AM;
Subject: Ebola Struck Close to Home
To: Benetta Tarr
“H. Urias Harrington”
Dear All, My junior sister, Miss Princess Christina Nyennetue (Age 27) died on Tuesday July 8th at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. At my request, the Ministry of Health agreed to extract blood specimens from her body in search for cause of death and the result just came in this morning…she died of Ebola Disease. Princess was the only girl child of my mother’s five children…this make (sic) it particularly difficult for us especially for my mother who lives alone in Southwest Philadelphia . If you Facebook searched my late sister Princess, you will soon realize that death has cheated a promising young life. Thanks to you all once more for your many messages of condolence and best wishes. Good day.
*Patrick Oliver Sawyer / Head *ECOWAS NATIONAL OFFICE*
*MINISTRY OF FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING *
Following Sawyer’s death on Lagos on July 25, his widow, Decontee, implied on a social media site that her husband came to Nigeria to seek treatment because he had a distrust of the healthcare system in Liberia .
According to Decontee : “Patrick went to Nigeria for help so that he can get properly diagnosed, and not misdiagnosed in Liberia. And if it came back that he did have Ebola, he trusted the Nigerian healthcare system a lot more than he trusted the Liberian’s. His action, as off as it was, was a desperate plea for help. Patrick didn’t want to die, and he thought his life would be saved in Nigeria.”
According to findings, the day after Sawyer sent out the email about his sister’s death from Ebola, a notice of the development appeared in The Satellite, newsletter of ArcellorMittal, the mining company where he (Sawyer) was a consultant.
The notice is republished here:
Important Ebola Notice to All Employees and Contractors
“A family member of an ArcelorMittal Liberia employee died on Tuesday, July 8th, in Monrovia due to a confirmed case of the Ebola virus. The employee had minimal contact with the victim, at the state where the virus was infectious. Doctors say the risk of potential transfer to any member of the ArcelorMittal staff or contractors is very low. The employee has submitted to the Ministry of Health for a medical examination for possible Ebola infection, and has also requested the Ministry of Health to make the result available to ArcelorMittal Liberia and its close affiliates. There is no evidence to suggest that the employee has been infected. Under the Ministry of Health guidelines, the employee is being monitored on a daily basis and will continue to do so for a period of 21 days. During this time the employee will be absent from work. ArcelorMittal Liberia is providing all support necessary to the employee and his family during this very difficult time, and our thoughts are with them.”
The company newsletter issued another letter on July 25, 2014 announcing Sawyer’s death.
The announcement was signed by one Antonio Carlos reads:
Ebola Statement
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to inform you that today ArcelorMittal received information that the employee whose family member died on Tuesday July 8th in Monrovia due to a confirmed case of the Ebola virus has died today, from a suspected case of Ebola.
Results of the Ebola test are awaited. The first thing I want to reassure everyone is that the employee, Patrick Sawyer, had very limited contact with his ArcelorMittal colleagues since his contact with the victim and therefore we do not believe anyone working at ArcelorMittal will be at risk. Patrick was last at the Buchanan site on 9th July when he informed us about the death of his sister. We are speaking directly with those who met Patrick on this day to reassure them of this fact.
Having informed us of this news, Patrick was submitted to the Ministry of Health for a medical observation and isolation and requested not to return to work until he had passed through the incubation period.
He has not been at the Buchanan site or in any ArcelorMittal office since that time. Our thoughts and support are with his family at this very difficult time. In the meantime, we continue to urge every employee and contractor to take the greatest level of care with regards to their health. As you are all aware, ArcelorMittal is using
Thermoflash scanners to measure the temperature of each employee as this is a useful initial screening sign for Ebola. Any employee or contractor with a high temperature will be referred to medical personnel who will examine and, if necessary, direct the individual to a secure area. We recognize this is difficult news, particularly for those who knew Patrick, who was a very committed and valued employee. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your head of department.”
Antonio Carlos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/ebola-revelations-patrick-sawyer/#sthash.wm2CFura.dpuf
2015: Buhari, Atiku clash over procedure for presidential primaries
VANGUARD- The All Progressives Congress, APC was at the weekend headed for a serious crisis following strong reservations among its major presidential candidates over the procedure for adopting the 2015 presidential candidate for the party.
At the end of a National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party last weekend, the party was unable to forge a consensus on the issue with associates of the major aspirants reportedly holding on to their positions.
Two of the major presidential aspirants, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, Vanguard learnt were at the head of the major divisions over the adoption of a consensus or the conduct of primaries for the adoption of the presidential candidate. The other major aspirants, notably, Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano State and Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah are reportedly indifferent.
Yesterday, aides of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who is also set to enter the fray were largely mute on the issue, as one said it was too premature to express a position given the fact the governor is yet to formally declare his intention.
Buhari wants consensus candidacy
Party sources disclosed that Buhari’s associates in the party were pushing for consensus on the fact that majority of the party positions across board were filled with consensus. On the other hand, the Buhari supporters are praying that if the consensus arrangement is jettisoned for any reason that a direct primary involving all 18 million registered members of the party be held.
Their point is being strongly opposed by Atiku’s growing supporters within the party hierarchy who say that a direct primary would be unwieldy, costly. Rather, the Atiku camp has proposed what it called a Modified Direct Primary that would involve about 20,000 delegates choosing the party candidate. That prospect is feared by the Buhari camp who claimed that it would offer opportunity to easily woo or take over delegates hitherto pledged to other aspirants.
According to the Buhari supporters, the introduction of full direct primary would limit the prospect of Atiku wooing the delegates unlike a modified primary that could see Atiku and his agents now in the field winning the number of delegates.
“Having carefully examined our great party” the APC constitution, especially Article 20 and the Electoral Act 2010, one comes to the inevitable conclusion that it is better to adopt consensus in electing our candidates for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governor and presidential candidates and where it fails to adopt direct primary,” a major Buhari supporter in the NEC told selected newsmen last weekend.
“It is on record that more than 80% of the ward, local government area and state congresses which produced the current executives of our great party were conducted through consensual arrangement. And more than 95% of the current National Executive Committee were elected via consensus,” he said
“When one considers the bitterness, rancour and bad blood indirect primary will most likely generate, it becomes safer to work towards a consensual agreement. We must at all times bear in mind that we are being hunted and that those who boasted to rule Nigeria for 60 years uninterrupted, are still hell bent to scuttle the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians for genuine ideological regime change.
“We must take note that our challenger, the ruling party has just announced the nomination of the incumbent President as its candidate by consensus means and they had commenced presidential campaign with vigour and dexterity”.
Atiku at the weekend, however, pledged his determination to abide by any democratic procedure adopted by the party even as he canvassed the advantages of the Modified Direct Primaries.
In an email statement issued to correspondents on the issue by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Atiku camp said:
“Our candidate is a democrat. What he is opposed to is any undemocratic process going by the name of consensus, imposition or anointment. Back in the PDP, if you remember, he dragged the party to court and won on these issues with a resounding victory.
Atiku’s camp proposes Modified Direct Primary
“The decision of our campaign to support the Modified Direct Primary is not because of anything but for its practical applicability.
“If you say you want direct primary, how can you get all 18 million registered APC voters to take part?
“That would mean you will be setting up a vote in every polling booth, doing the same thing as INEC is doing. It will be the same thing as a general election.Where do you have the resources, the manpower, the time and the security support for this?”
“Secondly, don’t forget that the figure of the registered members is not a settled issue in many states. There are many places in which it is being disputed. Besides, it keeps changing everyday. New members are coming in and some are also leaving us. How do you deal with this?”
“Those who argue for direct primaries also need to factor in the fact that there is no way you take the process from the hands of governors if you allow it to take place in the states. Genuine fears on the part of some people is that in nearly each state, they may just end up writing the results or where this is not possible, breathe down on the necks of local officials to do as they wish.”
“The Modified Direct Primary cannot on the other hand be faulted as being undemocratic because the delegates coming forward, as proposed, are all elected officials. There is no dispute concerning their status as elected officials. For this reason alone, they are credible because they are representative of their wards. We support it because we believe it is broad enough to make for popular representation.”
“Even at this, 20,000 delegates is still a large number to bring under one roof, considering that even the PDP brings together between four to five thousands delegates only for the their presidential primaries.”
At the end of a National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party last weekend, the party was unable to forge a consensus on the issue with associates of the major aspirants reportedly holding on to their positions.
Two of the major presidential aspirants, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, Vanguard learnt were at the head of the major divisions over the adoption of a consensus or the conduct of primaries for the adoption of the presidential candidate. The other major aspirants, notably, Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano State and Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah are reportedly indifferent.
Yesterday, aides of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who is also set to enter the fray were largely mute on the issue, as one said it was too premature to express a position given the fact the governor is yet to formally declare his intention.
Buhari wants consensus candidacy
Party sources disclosed that Buhari’s associates in the party were pushing for consensus on the fact that majority of the party positions across board were filled with consensus. On the other hand, the Buhari supporters are praying that if the consensus arrangement is jettisoned for any reason that a direct primary involving all 18 million registered members of the party be held.
Their point is being strongly opposed by Atiku’s growing supporters within the party hierarchy who say that a direct primary would be unwieldy, costly. Rather, the Atiku camp has proposed what it called a Modified Direct Primary that would involve about 20,000 delegates choosing the party candidate. That prospect is feared by the Buhari camp who claimed that it would offer opportunity to easily woo or take over delegates hitherto pledged to other aspirants.
According to the Buhari supporters, the introduction of full direct primary would limit the prospect of Atiku wooing the delegates unlike a modified primary that could see Atiku and his agents now in the field winning the number of delegates.
“Having carefully examined our great party” the APC constitution, especially Article 20 and the Electoral Act 2010, one comes to the inevitable conclusion that it is better to adopt consensus in electing our candidates for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governor and presidential candidates and where it fails to adopt direct primary,” a major Buhari supporter in the NEC told selected newsmen last weekend.
“It is on record that more than 80% of the ward, local government area and state congresses which produced the current executives of our great party were conducted through consensual arrangement. And more than 95% of the current National Executive Committee were elected via consensus,” he said
“When one considers the bitterness, rancour and bad blood indirect primary will most likely generate, it becomes safer to work towards a consensual agreement. We must at all times bear in mind that we are being hunted and that those who boasted to rule Nigeria for 60 years uninterrupted, are still hell bent to scuttle the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians for genuine ideological regime change.
“We must take note that our challenger, the ruling party has just announced the nomination of the incumbent President as its candidate by consensus means and they had commenced presidential campaign with vigour and dexterity”.
Atiku at the weekend, however, pledged his determination to abide by any democratic procedure adopted by the party even as he canvassed the advantages of the Modified Direct Primaries.
In an email statement issued to correspondents on the issue by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Atiku camp said:
“Our candidate is a democrat. What he is opposed to is any undemocratic process going by the name of consensus, imposition or anointment. Back in the PDP, if you remember, he dragged the party to court and won on these issues with a resounding victory.
Atiku’s camp proposes Modified Direct Primary
“The decision of our campaign to support the Modified Direct Primary is not because of anything but for its practical applicability.
“If you say you want direct primary, how can you get all 18 million registered APC voters to take part?
“That would mean you will be setting up a vote in every polling booth, doing the same thing as INEC is doing. It will be the same thing as a general election.Where do you have the resources, the manpower, the time and the security support for this?”
“Secondly, don’t forget that the figure of the registered members is not a settled issue in many states. There are many places in which it is being disputed. Besides, it keeps changing everyday. New members are coming in and some are also leaving us. How do you deal with this?”
“Those who argue for direct primaries also need to factor in the fact that there is no way you take the process from the hands of governors if you allow it to take place in the states. Genuine fears on the part of some people is that in nearly each state, they may just end up writing the results or where this is not possible, breathe down on the necks of local officials to do as they wish.”
“The Modified Direct Primary cannot on the other hand be faulted as being undemocratic because the delegates coming forward, as proposed, are all elected officials. There is no dispute concerning their status as elected officials. For this reason alone, they are credible because they are representative of their wards. We support it because we believe it is broad enough to make for popular representation.”
“Even at this, 20,000 delegates is still a large number to bring under one roof, considering that even the PDP brings together between four to five thousands delegates only for the their presidential primaries.”
Police: 15 hurt in Miami nightclub shooting
When Miami police and rescue crews arrived at a club called The Spot around 1 a.m., they said they found chaos among the large throng of adults and teenagers gathered there. Rescuers found wounded people inside and outside the club, some too hurt to flee, Miami Fire Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll said.
He told The Associated Press that the first emergency crews arriving on the scene were warned to use caution "because there was still active shooting taking place in the area."
One person was reported in critical but stable condition and the other victims remaining in the hospital were in good condition, police spokeswoman Frederica Burden said. Some victims had also been released, but Burden said she did not know how many.
Some people were running, "people were screaming, people were saying they were shot," Carroll said, adding others were yelling for help for friends who had been shot.
One male was found unresponsive and not breathing when emergency responders arrived. Five girls between 11 and 17 years old also suffered gunshot wounds, Carroll said.
Details were sparse in the hours after the shooting. Investigators sought to piece together what happened in what was described as a scene of confusion.
"The investigators are still interviewing witnesses. They're going from hospital to hospital," Burden said, noting that the victims had been cooperative.
She said it was not immediately clear how many shooters were involved or what prompted the violence. Police had not made any arrests as of Sunday afternoon, and had not publicly identified any suspects.
"We're reaching out to the community now to find out if anyone knows anything or saw anything," Burden said.
Many young people were at the site; at least three of the wounded were transferred to a pediatric unit, Carroll said.
"What was very surprising to the responders was that these were kids that were out at 1 o'clock in the morning in a club and this type of violence took place where a bunch of kids were gathering," he said. "It's very disturbing to see that."
Investigators are interviewing the club owner to determine what type of club The Spot is and why so many underage children were there, said Burden, who noted that she had never heard of the venue despite having worked in the neighborhood for years.
"Was it a private party? Was it open to the public? That's what we're trying to figure out," she said.
Fire Rescue officials also will check on what kind of gatherings the club is licensed for, if any, Carroll said.
A phone number for the club was out of service Sunday.
Shortly after the shootings, police and other emergency officials cordoned off the outside of the club with yellow crime scene tape and emergency vehicles blocked the street in front of the site.
What could be the cause of the shooting? Could it be hunger or poverty as experienced in Africa?
Sunday, September 28, 2014
OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - MONDAY- 29/09/2014 - THE NEXT LEVEL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
THE NEXT LEVEL
Memorise
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Matthew 23:12
Read
Psalm 40:1-3
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Message
The world operates at various levels, so do the people living in it. When we talk about health, there are those who are healthy, there are those who are sick, there are those who are seriously sick and there are those who are dying. When we talk about wealth, there is the destitute, the poor, the comfortable, the rich, the very rich, the wealthy, and the flourishing. The flourishing are those who according to the Bible, can afford to lend to nations. There are also those who have such abundance that it is difficult to imagine. In 2 Chronicles 1:15, we read that in the days of Solomon, silver and gold were like stones. When we talk about joy, there are also various levels of joy: there are those who are sad, there are sympathisers, there are those who have joy and those with great joy, there is the fullness of joy available in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11), and then there is “joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:8). Similarly, there are various levels of victory. There is victory obtained from a fight, there is victory obtained without a fight, there is a victory where the enemy miraculously disappears. Then, Psalm 23:5 reveals another dimension of victory:
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
There is nothing as glorious as rejoicing before incapacitated enemies while they watch.
We have seen that there are different levels with respect to different things in this world, and that everyone is at one level or the other. It doesn’t matter what your current level is, there is a higher level you can go to. The question you should therefore ask yourself is: “How do I move to the next level?” There are three possible scenarios you may encounter when trying to move from one level to another. First, you may try to move to the next level unassisted. Secondly, you may move to the next level assisted. In the third scenario, you may be resisted while trying to move to the next level. Those trying to move to the next level unassisted will face problems because you need a hand to help you up. You need Jesus to get to the next level, and He is ready to help you if you will surrender your life to Him. If God decides to assist you, He can take you from the prison to the throne in one night as He did for Joseph in the Bible. If you get assistance from the devil, you will pay dearly for it. But when God is the one assisting you, the sky is not your limit; you will go beyond the sky. Thus, surrender your life to Christ now so that He can take you to the next level.
Action Point
Think of the next level you will attain to make stagnation become history in your life; then call on the Name of Jesus for divine assistance.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
1 Samuel 6:1-8:18
Proverbs 3:28-4:9
Memorise
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Matthew 23:12
Read
Psalm 40:1-3
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Message
The world operates at various levels, so do the people living in it. When we talk about health, there are those who are healthy, there are those who are sick, there are those who are seriously sick and there are those who are dying. When we talk about wealth, there is the destitute, the poor, the comfortable, the rich, the very rich, the wealthy, and the flourishing. The flourishing are those who according to the Bible, can afford to lend to nations. There are also those who have such abundance that it is difficult to imagine. In 2 Chronicles 1:15, we read that in the days of Solomon, silver and gold were like stones. When we talk about joy, there are also various levels of joy: there are those who are sad, there are sympathisers, there are those who have joy and those with great joy, there is the fullness of joy available in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11), and then there is “joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:8). Similarly, there are various levels of victory. There is victory obtained from a fight, there is victory obtained without a fight, there is a victory where the enemy miraculously disappears. Then, Psalm 23:5 reveals another dimension of victory:
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
There is nothing as glorious as rejoicing before incapacitated enemies while they watch.
We have seen that there are different levels with respect to different things in this world, and that everyone is at one level or the other. It doesn’t matter what your current level is, there is a higher level you can go to. The question you should therefore ask yourself is: “How do I move to the next level?” There are three possible scenarios you may encounter when trying to move from one level to another. First, you may try to move to the next level unassisted. Secondly, you may move to the next level assisted. In the third scenario, you may be resisted while trying to move to the next level. Those trying to move to the next level unassisted will face problems because you need a hand to help you up. You need Jesus to get to the next level, and He is ready to help you if you will surrender your life to Him. If God decides to assist you, He can take you from the prison to the throne in one night as He did for Joseph in the Bible. If you get assistance from the devil, you will pay dearly for it. But when God is the one assisting you, the sky is not your limit; you will go beyond the sky. Thus, surrender your life to Christ now so that He can take you to the next level.
Action Point
Think of the next level you will attain to make stagnation become history in your life; then call on the Name of Jesus for divine assistance.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
1 Samuel 6:1-8:18
Proverbs 3:28-4:9
Thursday, September 25, 2014
THE CURE OF EBOLA: NIGERIA STILL HAS UPPER HAND
Below is the picture of Dr Richard Sacra, an American who was recently discharged from the hospital after surviving Ebola deadly disease.He is the American third survivor of the disease.
Below is the picture of Nigerian survivors of same disease with Babatunde Fashola. Note Nigeria has healed eight. According to the Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu:"the total number of cases successfully managed and discharged is now eight."
Nigerian drug is still more effective. Who knows whether we use agbo or mgborogwu Igbo...
Below is the picture of Nigerian survivors of same disease with Babatunde Fashola. Note Nigeria has healed eight. According to the Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu:"the total number of cases successfully managed and discharged is now eight."
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - WEDNESDAY- 10/09/2014 -WHEN GOD IS NEUTRAL BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
WHEN GOD IS NEUTRAL
Memorise
For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrew 12:29
Read
Romans 12:19-21
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Message
When you hand over someone to God and you ask Him to judge the matter, you have handed the person over to the One the Bible refers to as the Righteous Judge. From 2 Timothy 4:8, we understand that when God judges, He does so righteously. He does not only judge actions, He judges motives also. When God judges, He takes into consideration all the facts that you do not know about. Proverbs 20:22 advises that when someone offends you, do not seek to revenge. Rather, wait on the Lord and let Him handle the situation. When God decides to fight against somebody, the battle is over quickly and disaster is assured against them. In Numbers 23:17-25, we read the episode of Balak against the children of Israel. When God decided to fight against Israel, twenty-four thousand of them died in one day (Numbers 25:1-9). If you go into sin, you may suddenly find God fighting against you.
God can also be neutral. He can watch you as you fight your enemy on your own. If God takes this position, you can be sure that the fight will not last long, and the outcome will be defeat. In Joshua 6:20-27, when God was fighting for Israel, Jericho was taken with just a shout. However, when they later fought against a small city called Ai, they were defeated because God was not with them then as a result of their disobedience (Joshua 7:3-5). Another set of people that God can take a neutral outlook on are the proud. God is interested in seeing how far their pride can take them. James 4:6 says:
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
The proud usually lose in the battles of life. Pride leads to the demotion of the individual involved.
I do not want God to fight against me, neither do I want Him to be neutral concerning my case. Rather, I desire Him to always be on my side. Exodus 15:9-10 says:
”The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.”
Just make sure you trust God. Hand over all your challenges to Him. You will be amazed at how He will bring to pass all you have asked of Him. Turn to the side of God, for there is no other place to turn to where victory is assured. Hold onto God, and eventually, you will be triumphant.
Prayer point
Father, do not be neutral in any aspect of my life.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Joshua 10:29-13:7;
Memorise
For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrew 12:29
Read
Romans 12:19-21
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Message
When you hand over someone to God and you ask Him to judge the matter, you have handed the person over to the One the Bible refers to as the Righteous Judge. From 2 Timothy 4:8, we understand that when God judges, He does so righteously. He does not only judge actions, He judges motives also. When God judges, He takes into consideration all the facts that you do not know about. Proverbs 20:22 advises that when someone offends you, do not seek to revenge. Rather, wait on the Lord and let Him handle the situation. When God decides to fight against somebody, the battle is over quickly and disaster is assured against them. In Numbers 23:17-25, we read the episode of Balak against the children of Israel. When God decided to fight against Israel, twenty-four thousand of them died in one day (Numbers 25:1-9). If you go into sin, you may suddenly find God fighting against you.
God can also be neutral. He can watch you as you fight your enemy on your own. If God takes this position, you can be sure that the fight will not last long, and the outcome will be defeat. In Joshua 6:20-27, when God was fighting for Israel, Jericho was taken with just a shout. However, when they later fought against a small city called Ai, they were defeated because God was not with them then as a result of their disobedience (Joshua 7:3-5). Another set of people that God can take a neutral outlook on are the proud. God is interested in seeing how far their pride can take them. James 4:6 says:
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
The proud usually lose in the battles of life. Pride leads to the demotion of the individual involved.
I do not want God to fight against me, neither do I want Him to be neutral concerning my case. Rather, I desire Him to always be on my side. Exodus 15:9-10 says:
”The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.”
Just make sure you trust God. Hand over all your challenges to Him. You will be amazed at how He will bring to pass all you have asked of Him. Turn to the side of God, for there is no other place to turn to where victory is assured. Hold onto God, and eventually, you will be triumphant.
Prayer point
Father, do not be neutral in any aspect of my life.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Joshua 10:29-13:7;
Saturday, September 6, 2014
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE FIRST ONLINE HOUR OF LIFTING
DATE: SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
VENUE: WHEREVER YOU ARE WITH YOUR DESKTOP, LAPTOP AND PHONE....
TIME: BETWEEN 7.00 AND 7.30 PM
TICKET: FREE BY JUST CLICKING ON THIS LINK TO INDICATE YOUR INTEREST https://www.facebook.com/events/766649116738546/?source=1
Friday, September 5, 2014
OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL - SATURDAY - 06/09/2014 - THE WRONG KINGDOM BY PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE
rise
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
John 6:15
Read
John 6:11-15
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Message
Jesus drew large crowds in the days of His ministry here on earth because of the signs and wonders He performed. This led those following Him to decide that He should be made king over Israel. Considering the fame and popularity Jesus had, in addition to the prophecies recorded in the Bible about the coming King, it seemed normal and suitable that He should be revered and honoured among the people. However, Jesus was not interested in the kingdom of this world; neither did He have interest in gaining glory, honour or fame. He was only concerned with seeking His Father’s glory and doing His will (John 4:34).
There seems to be a misconception about the term “kingdom of God”. The kingdom of God as defined by the Lord Jesus was quite different from the understanding of the people of His days. It was this lack of understanding that made them attempt to crown Him king by force, thinking that according to various biblical prophecies, He was called to sit upon the physical throne of David. This misconception continues among some Christians today.
Out of the multitude of references to the kingdom of God in the Bible, let us consider these three in order to gain some understanding. John 3:3c says:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Salvation is the first step a person must take before they can have access to all the goodies of the kingdom of God. I welcome you to the family of God as you take the step of salvation today in Jesus’ Name. Then Matthew 6:33a says:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; ......”
It is important to note that seeking the kingdom of God as a first priority is important to God. Your personal needs and challenges must not be placed above the kingdom. And finally, Romans 14:17 says:
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Many Christians live their lives as if the kingdom of God is all about fun and entertainment. The kingdom of God is a process that starts with righteousness, followed by peace, and then comes joy in the Holy Ghost. It’s a wonderful experience.
Prayer Point
Father, please let me experience the fullness of your kingdom in my life from now on.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Joshua 1-3;
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
John 6:15
Read
John 6:11-15
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Message
Jesus drew large crowds in the days of His ministry here on earth because of the signs and wonders He performed. This led those following Him to decide that He should be made king over Israel. Considering the fame and popularity Jesus had, in addition to the prophecies recorded in the Bible about the coming King, it seemed normal and suitable that He should be revered and honoured among the people. However, Jesus was not interested in the kingdom of this world; neither did He have interest in gaining glory, honour or fame. He was only concerned with seeking His Father’s glory and doing His will (John 4:34).
There seems to be a misconception about the term “kingdom of God”. The kingdom of God as defined by the Lord Jesus was quite different from the understanding of the people of His days. It was this lack of understanding that made them attempt to crown Him king by force, thinking that according to various biblical prophecies, He was called to sit upon the physical throne of David. This misconception continues among some Christians today.
Out of the multitude of references to the kingdom of God in the Bible, let us consider these three in order to gain some understanding. John 3:3c says:
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Salvation is the first step a person must take before they can have access to all the goodies of the kingdom of God. I welcome you to the family of God as you take the step of salvation today in Jesus’ Name. Then Matthew 6:33a says:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; ......”
It is important to note that seeking the kingdom of God as a first priority is important to God. Your personal needs and challenges must not be placed above the kingdom. And finally, Romans 14:17 says:
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Many Christians live their lives as if the kingdom of God is all about fun and entertainment. The kingdom of God is a process that starts with righteousness, followed by peace, and then comes joy in the Holy Ghost. It’s a wonderful experience.
Prayer Point
Father, please let me experience the fullness of your kingdom in my life from now on.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Joshua 1-3;
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