Security Forces Track Down, Kill Don Wanny’s Younger Brother

Oluchi Igwedibia, a suspected gang member who allegedly participated in the brutal murder of 23 persons in Omoku, Rivers State, on January 1, has been shot dead by security forces.

A security source told NAN that the suspected killer was tracked and shot dead at Sabo Iykpe community, Etsako West in Edo.

Igwedibia, younger brother of Don Wanny, was among the 32 suspected cultists declared wanted by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Jan. 9.

“Oluchi Igwedibia, alias Obatosu and brother of Don Wani, was the Field Commander of the murderous gang that killed 23 worshipers in cold blood on January 1.

“Igwedibia, after fleeing Omoku town (Rivers) went to Ughelli (Delta) to reside. He rented an apartment in Edo four days ago (Jan. 24) as part of his plan to avoid arrest.”

The source said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.

“The DSS later tracked him down to his new hide out in Sabo Iykpe community (Edo) and thereafter called the Army for support.

“When we arrived at his house, Igwedibia hid in his ceiling and later tried to shoot his way out but was shot by operatives,” the source said.

The informant said the area had been cordoned off as search for arms and ammunition was ongoing, adding that the operatives also arrested and detained Igwedibia’s accomplice who allegedly helped him withdrew money from the bank.

The Rivers Director of DSS, Mr Tosin Ajayi, did not answer his calls or reply to text message sent to his phone.

The late Wanny, Igwedibia and his gang members received amnesty from the Rivers Government in 2016 but later went back to crime.

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Dear Women, Jesus Is Not Your Cheerleader

Social media has corrupted a lot of people and it’s negative influence is leading many astray and to Hell Fire but they are not even aware of the consequences ahead of them. This message is for everyone, but the woman who wrote it directed it to ladies…

There’s a common trend among many women’s events, popular books, and blogs today. It seems we’ve whittled down the words of Jesus to only those of encouragement, support, and affirmation. We’re comfortable hearing him (and one another) say: You’re wonderful! You’ve got this, girl! Be yourself! You can do it!

And, to be clear, Jesus does encourage. He offers words of strength to the weary and comfort to the hurting.

But by focusing on only part of his message, however, we’ve reduced Jesus to a spiritual cheerleader. And, in turn, that’s what we’ve become to one another. We offer words of affirmation, but not rebuke; words of forgiveness, but not repentance.

We rightly celebrate his grace, but often forget to mourn our sin. I’m concerned that we’ve reduced Jesus to a spiritual cheerleader. And, in turn, that’s what we’ve become to one another.

In doing so, we miss out on life-giving realities in our relationship with Jesus and one another. It’s the friends willing to call me out in my sin and say hard things whom I trust the most. They’re the ones I return to time and again for advice and wisdom — precisely because they recognize that who I am isn’t all I need to be.

Jesus speaks to us in a variety of ways — he teaches, commands, rebukes, calls, and exhorts. When we reduce Jesus to our personal rah-rah section in the bleachers, we miss out on the faithful friend we so desperately need. If you’re mainly hearing “you’re great!” (cue Tony the Tiger) from your devotional or women’s ministry, I invite you back to God’s Word, where we hear the voice of Jesus in a diversity of ways.

Jesus Teaches: ‘I Am’ 
In the Gospels, it’s clear Jesus thinks one person is supremely important for us to know about: himself. He teaches in every way at every turn about who he is: I am the bread of life. I am the light of the world. I am the door. I am the good shepherd. I am the resurrection and the life. I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am the true vine. I am that I am.

For some, this list might evoke images of a self-centered guy who manages to bring every conversation back to himself. But with Jesus, he teaches us about himself because he knows our understanding of himself is the thing we most need.

If your devotional, Bible study group, or conference is more focused on who you are than who Jesus is, it’s time to pick up a new book or find another group. We desperately need to know more about Jesus, for in him we find everything we need.

If your devotional, Bible study group, or conference is more focused on who you are than who Jesus is, it’s time to pick up a new book or find another group.

Jesus Commands: ‘Obey My Word’ 
Jesus wants us to obey God in everything we do and say. While the Pharisees tried to lower the standard of obedience so they could meet it, Jesus calls us to true obedience — not just in word and deed, but in our desires and affections too. He wants our whole lives, so he bids us to keep his commands: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Jesus wants us to obey, but not out of duty or drudgery (though at times obedience may feel like both). Jesus wants us to obey because he knows God’s Word reveals God’s best. Walking in his commands may not always feel joyful, but it leads to a joy-filled life.

Jesus Rebukes: ‘Flee from Sin’ 
Jesus doesn’t look at our sin and say, “No big deal, just do whatever makes you happy.” Instead he says, “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell” (Matt. 5:29).

Jesus makes it crystal clear how he feels about our sin: He hates it. He knows it’s corrosive to our souls. He knows it never fulfills, and always destroys. Because he loves us, he wants us to flee from sin and call others do the same (Matt. 18:15–17). When teachers or books promote sinful behavior as a means of self-fulfillment, Jesus sternly rebukes and warns against them (Luke 17:1–3).

Jesus Calls: ‘Take Up Your Cross’ 
A servant isn’t greater than his master. Jesus walked the road of the cross, and he expects that we’ll do likewise: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). If there’s no cross in our Christianity, no denial in our own lives, we have to wonder if we’re following the real Jesus. As Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “To be a follower of the Crucified means, sooner or later, a personal encounter with the cross. And the cross always entails loss.”

When our devotionals or teachers speak more about finding our lives than losing them, we miss out on the wonder of the Christian life. If we’re frightened to call others to the narrow path — the life of a living sacrifice — it might be because we’re still hanging our hopes on this present world. Yet when we fix our hope on heaven, we’re liberated to pour out our lives on earth. And, to our surprise, we find our lives precisely by giving them away.

When our devotionals or teachers speak more about finding our lives than losing them, we miss out on the wonder of the Christian life.

Sisters, I encourage you: Plant yourself in Jesus, not your feelings. Abide in his Word, not someone else’s. He is more than our personal cheerleader. He is our beginning and end.

[written by Melissa Kruger]

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Obasanjo’s Letter: Big Men, Senators, State Governors Set To Join Him

It has been revealed that the Coalition for Nigeria (CN), a third-force political group being championed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, appears to be a major platform that has continued to attract prominent and other members of the National Assembly.

Aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both the Senate and House of Reps are said to be considering Obasanjo’s platform to achieve their political goals in the 2019 general elections.

One of the aggrieved lawmakers, who spoke to The Punch on condition of anonymity for fear of persecution, said it was becoming clear that many of them would be denied electoral tickets by their parties and the option was to consider Obasanjo’s offer.

The APC members, according to the source, include serving and former governors and members of the National Assembly.

The APC senator from the North confirmed that the ex-President had reached out to some of the lawmakers, who are now lobbying their colleagues to embrace the CN.

“It is true that he has reached out to us and I can tell you that 80 per cent of National Assembly members are with him. It is very huge,” the legislator added.

When asked if the lawmakers, who are interested in the CN, would remain in their parties but shift their loyalty to the new pro-political group, or they dump their parties outright, the source said a new party was under consideration.

“Registration of a political party cannot take more than two weeks. I can tell you that out of the parties that were registered, there is one at hand – somewhere – which will likely be the focus,” the lawmaker said.

While refusing to name the party, the source confirmed that the unnamed party would the used to execute the agenda of the coalition.

The senator said mass defection from the APC and the PDP loomed, especially at the National Assembly.

He added, “I can confirm to you that there is most likely to be defections from the APC in the next one month.

“I can tell you that there are people in the APC who are not comfortable with the party; and there are those in the PDP who are not comfortable with the party also. So, most likely, these would be the forces that would form the third force.”

Obasanjo had, in his ‘special press statement’ on Tuesday titled, ‘The Way Out: A clarion call for Coalition for Nigeria Movement’, dismissed the chances of the two main political parties in the country from salvaging Nigeria.

He also called and pledge his support for the formation of a ‘third force’ to be known as Coalition for Nigeria.

Obasanjo had said, “We need a Coalition for Nigeria. Such a movement at this juncture needs not be a political party but one to which all well-meaning Nigerians can belong.

“That movement must be a coalition for democracy, good governance, social and economic well-being and progress.

“A coalition to salvage and redeem our country; you can count me with such a movement.”

The Senator also disclosed that the forthcoming national convention of the APC would determine the survival of the ruling party.

He alleged that many members of the APC caucus, especially those who crossed from the PDP ahead of the 2015 elections, had been marginalised after the party gained power.

“There is a possibility that the APC would become a minority party at the National Assembly before the elections. And that will put the President in a very difficult situation.

“This will happen because many APC members would not be given ticket to contest and they would likely join the third force or the PDP. The PDP is now wooing those in the APC,” the federal lawmaker added.

Efforts to get a former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsooye Oyinlola, who is reported to be one of the arrowheads and the spokesman for the coalition, did not succeed.

Oyinlola, a close ally of Obasanjo, did not return repeated calls to his telephone. He had yet to reply a text message sent to his mobile to confirm his involvement in the coalition as of the time of filing this report.

But Senator Adesoji Akanbi (APC, Oyo South) said he would remain in the ruling party until it was clear that the CN was a better alternative.

According to him, the coalition has yet to produce a well-defined agenda.

He stated, “The coalition is immature. Baba has raised it, thinking that both the APC and the PDP have no ideological base again. But I am a party person and APC runs in my blood.

“We know that there are problems here and there but we really want to see the picture of the alternative that will provide better governance for Nigeria. If we have a better option, why not? A lot of Nigerians will embrace it; we will embrace it; I will embrace it.”

Another member of the APC caucus, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, however, said he agreed that Buhari’s performance had failed to meet Nigerians’ expectation but argued that no party or group had so far offered a better alternative.

The lawmaker added, “Sincerely, Nigeria is a difficult country to govern and my fear, as of today, is that apart from the personality of Buhari and what he stands for, does Buhari have the strength to govern Nigeria for five years more?

“I believe in Buhari because I know that the man is honest but he is old. And Nigeria is a country that has very weak institutions.

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan, if he had done well, people like Buhari would have retired for long. It is the failure of Jonathan’s generation, to which I also belong. Do we have a better alternative now? If there is one, they should let us know.”

It was also gathered that politicians across political divides in the country had launched an intensive search for a capable replacement for Buhari, findings indicated on Saturday.

Strategists were now ‘targeting’ persons they believed were “neutral” and free from any affinity to the ruling APC and the PDP to assume the leadership of the country.

“Neutrality is important because both the APC and the PDP have been tried, but the much anticipated change has also failed to come,” a ranking parliamentary official told Punch in Abuja.

“The APC and Buhari, from all indications, have failed to offer anything better than the PDP.

“As a matter of fact, the wave of defections from the PDP to the APC only suggests that the ruling party is simply PDP by a different name.”

The source said to achieve the plan, Nigerians, with enough financial clout, were being contacted to raise funds to prop up an eventual candidate for the 2019 presidential race.

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S*x For Movie Role: Actress Toyin Idowu Dumps Acting

Budding Yoruba actress, Toyin Idowu, has featured in a score or more films and it seems that may just be the end of her foray into the make-believe world as she’s totally disenchanted with the pros and cons of the industry.

The beautiful actress, who hasn’t done much acting lately, told Potpourri in a chat that she’s totally fed up with directors asking for s*x in exchange for roles.

She hinted that she may never return to acting unless she gets a fair proposition.

“You cannot get a role in a movie without conditions,” she said. “I don’t want to drag anyone into this but there are many directors out there who wouldn’t give you a role without attaching a condition and most times the condition is s*x. I would have gone far if I’m the type that sleeps around but I can never sell my body in exchange for anything. Acting is not a do or die affair. If I don’t make it as an actress that doesn’t mean I can’t make it else where,” she added.

“People had told me it is an inevitable thing in the industry and when I started going to locations I found out it was really true. I’m not saying I am a saint or perfect, but I can’t trade my body for a script. Some people may not have experienced this or gone through what I have experienced but I am talking about myself and what I went through. That is why I gave up acting,” she quipped.

When asked if she would go back if the opportunity presents itself, the graduate of Crown University, Ado Ekiti, said she has not made up her mind. “Seriously, I can’t say for now because it has been long I went to any location and I have no plans of going back. And more importantly to me, I don’t want to lose my relationship because I am in a very serious relationship now. Most of our actresses don’t have long-lasting relationships because of their career. What is a career without a man in your life? Since I stopped acting I have not had any regret,” she said.

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After Praying For A Child, Woman Who Has Been Childless For 24 Years Delivers Triplets

A Nigerian woman childless for about 24 years has been overjoyed after she finally gave birth to triplets. Mrs. Hope Lumsambani Dilli was recently delivered of bundles of joy. She tells The Punch’s Hindi Livinus her story..

How long have you been married?

I have been married for 24 years.

How did you cope during the period of waiting to have children?

I suffered abuse and mockery. But with God, all things are possible. In my case, it’s not that God denied me the fruit of the womb. I got married on March 27, 1993. By April of that same year, I took in. In 1994, when it got to the time of delivery, I lost the pregnancy to a miscarriage. I suffered many miscarriages ever since.

How many miscarriages did you experience?

I had three miscarriages after the delivery of the first baby who did not survive at birth. I had two other miscarriages that occurred at five months of pregnancy and another which occurred at three months while I was pregnant.

What have you been doing?

Since the last 10 years, I did not take in. During this period, my husband and I continued in prayers, trusting that God would intervene. Our hope during the trying period has always been God.  At last, nothing is impossible with God.

What were the challenges you faced?

We had issues with my husband’s friends, friends, family and others. I cried at nights, calling on God to help me and wipe away my shame. I believed in His word and understood that delay is not denial. My husband also thought the same way as we both put our confidence in God. I have not wished them death but I have prayed for them to instead be alive to see what God can do.

Did you know you were pregnant with triplets?

No. It’s a great compensation for our long years of delay, for 24 years. I believe God has given us double for all our troubles.

How did you react when you got the result of the scan?

When I did the scan, they called my husband and told him I was pregnant with triplets. This is because my eyes could not believe what I saw. I began to feel somehow. It was with disbelief. For these marital blessings, what do I give God? Thanking God can never quantify the depth of my gratitude.  I don’t know how to appreciate Him for this gift.

What other challenges did you face while pregnant?

It was not easy. The devil wanted to create unhappiness in me by bringing up thoughts of my past failed pregnancies. I kept thinking, during the delivery, that something would go wrong. But I quickly rebuked the evil thoughts. I kept saying, “No, God, this time is my time. God you are going to do something this time round. I must carry my own children.”  I was delivered of the triplets at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

Did you lose hope at any time during the period?

Yes, there were times I was overwhelmed with worries. As a human being, sometimes, you can lose hope. There were many challenges which made me lose hope. The miscarriages and worries compounded my dilemma.

As I grow older, I became forlorn at some point. Like I said, sometimes, I found comfort in the scriptures and at other times, I was traumatised. I often entertained the thoughts that if the children from my previous pregnancies had survived, perhaps I won’t be in this condition. It was a mixture of depression and hope.

When I attended church conferences, and the preacher admonished believers not to lose hope but to have faith in God, I remembered my name which is Hope. I usually prayed, telling God to answer me based on my name though sometimes I thought of giving up.

You said you feared you were getting older. At what age did you give birth?

I am 44.

What memorable incident can you recall while waiting to give birth?

Weeping is the most memorable of them, especially when I heard somebody said, ‘Look at this barren woman’. If I didn’t weep after the mockery, I did so when I got home. I would sit down most times and cry to God that if there’s any sin that I had committed, that is responsible for my condition, He should please forgive me and bless me with children.

I said to him (God), “If it is only one child you can give me, I will appreciate it. I know that if I have just one child, no one would call me a barren woman again. It is far better.”  I knew that my husband heard unprintable statements against me by outsiders. Sometimes, we discussed the issue. I usually asked him to tell me some of the incidents. He asked me not to trouble myself, that God would do it for us. What has sustained my faith throughout this adversity was my husband’s support.

Were there times you contemplated visiting traditionalists?

Of course, that was until recently, because we didn’t know Christ then. We had to move from place to place seeking solutions. We did all that.

Did you get medical help or was it natural?

It is just God and nothing else. It is the doing of the Lord.

Were there times your husband came under any pressure from his family to take another wife to have a child?

No, even though he’s a man. Three months ago, someone called me to inform me that she heard that my husband wanted to take another wife. I told her, “It is well. If that is his wish, I don’t know anything about that one.’’

But I knew within me that her tale was not true. I wasn’t bothered. I told the woman I was not aware of such plans. This is because my husband never expressed such a desire.  In fact, he used to console me, saying, “Either you have a child or not, God is the giver of children. We should not disturb ourselves too much. It is God who is going to give you that gift and not man. So, forget about worrying.”

Couples are usually tempted to blame their partners as responsible for situations such as the one you had.  Did you experience same?

We had that experience. We felt each of us should go for medical examination. But that was a long time ago. We were told there was nothing wrong with both of us. Once we heard that, we just forgot about that aspect.

What is your advice to women waiting for some time to have children after marriage?

I encourage women who are passing through what I experienced to wait on God and not be troubled.  They should hold on to the word of God, because delay is not denial. One day, God would do it for them as He did it for me. I know that God is faithful and he will do what He’s promised to do to anybody. That’s my piece of advice to all women who are waiting on God for the fruit of the womb.

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PHOTO: Buhari Meets Obasanjo After His Bombshell Letter

A master of African and International politics, Olusegun Obasanjo PhD, met President Muhammadu Buhari shortly before the opening ceremony of the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

Obasanjo was seen advising Buhari on some of the things to say and he (Buhari) was seeing nodding in approval before both men exchanged banters.

Also with them at the venue, as seen in the photo, is Nigeria’s former head of state, Abdulsalam Abubakar.

It is believed that Buhari is taking the Obasanjo letter in good faith.

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Soldiers Engage Boko Haram In Serious Battle Inside Sambisa Forest… terrorists on the run

Official Statement: Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE involved in Operation DEEP PUNCH II have continued to deal decisively with remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in Sambisa forest and other parts of Northern Borno State with tremendous successes.

On Friday 26th January 2018 afternoon, the troops with effective support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), had contact with the terrorists while advancing into Sambisa forest. During the encounter and further exploitation, the troops destroyed Boko Haram terrorists equipment, make-shift accommodation around Camp Zairo, Improvised Explosives Device (IEDs), Booby traps, other delaying obstacles and devices.

The troops also neutralized 7 Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others. In addition, the gallant troops recovered 1 Gun truck, 1 Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Machine Gun, a Pistol, large quantity of Anti-Aircraft Gun ammunition, a 120mm Mortar Base Plate and a Dane Gun.

Similarly, the troops destroyed 11 Boko Haram terrorists Gun trucks, 12 Hilux vehicles, 3 Canter trucks 2 Double Barrel Rifles, 30 Bicycles, Power generating sets, cylinders, printers, military kits and IED making workshop.

Unfortunately, 2 soldiers were wounded during the encounter. The wounded soldiers have since been evacuated by Nigerian Air Force and are responding to treatment.

Impressed with the unprecedented performance, the Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General IM Yusuf, has visited the troops harbour location. He conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s and Theatre Commander’s commendations to the troops for the wonderful job of annihilating the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists inside Sambisa forest and encouraged them to sustain the tempo of the offensive until they have eliminated all the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hibernating.

The GOC who was flown by Nigerian Air Force, was accompanied by the Commander 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General IM Obot, and had meeting with the various field commanders.

The success recorded has buoyed up troops morale who expressed enthusiasm in sustaining onslaught against the terrorists.

The people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states are requested to report any fleeing Boko Haram terrorist seen around their communities. They should also look out for the wounded terrorists and report to the nearest military or Nigeria Police Force location.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Director Army Public Relations

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