Rivers
2023: Olumba Urges Religious Leaders To Pray, Fast
The Personal Assistant to His Holiness, Olumba Olumba Obu, of Brotherhood Of the Cross And Star (B.C.S), Brother Namnso Etukudoh, has urged religious leaders and churches in Nigeria to fast and pray as election period approaches in the country.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, Brother Etukudo said regular prayer and fasting has become necessary, particularly now that the nation is about to withness a transition to another civilian government.
Noting that he has continued to pray and fast for the nation, he urged other religious bodies to do so.
While making reference to Brotherhood’s Thursday Weekly fasting and prayers, he said “years back The Holy Father, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, had used a certain group of priest known as ‘The 144s’ to ensure that weekly fasting and prayers in the church is not neglected”.
Etukudoh said fasting and prayer is also being held for those in Leadership positions at the local governments,, states, nations and the world at Large, adding that such prayers was not only for the kingdom, but a day in which members pray and fast for leaders and the whole world.
He explained that Brotherhood has always been ahead, “because in brotherhood, we believe so much in prayer and fasting”.
The cleric stated that it is imperative that outside the usual church events, “those with spiritual insights must always go on their knees to pray and fast for God to direct our leaders, because, most of our leaders hardly have the time to pray.
“You see, believers must seek God’s face if we want the right leaders, because failure to seek divine direction from the Holy Father and think we can do it ourselves means we would still be in what is happening across the nations and the world”, he said.
On why B.C.S has not spoken for all this while, Brother Etukudo said, “if you are abreast with the doctrine of our Holy Father, you will find out that The Holy Father Leader, Olumba Olumba Obu, believes in talking less and doing more, because when people try to talk, one could talk out of God’s divine direction, and you know the consequences”.
He further explained that it is a serious issue for word to come out of religious circle without manifestation, “especially in the likes of Leader Olumba Olumba, whose words are always authentic”, noting that “such spirit of talking any how is not of Brotherhood.”
Etukudo continued that there is need for every Nigerian to remain consistent in prayer and fasting, noting that this is the only weapon to forestall some of the challenges facing the nation.
“Outside prayer and fasting, we would then be going for load bigger than us. Nigerians must not fail to exercise their franchise peacefully during election to elect the kind of leaders that they want”, he emphasized.
On the Muslim/Muslim ticket,the B.C.S priest siad he wouldn’t speak much on that because he doesn’t know the will of God for the nation, adding that in fairness, he thinks that in the presence of God, he believes that there is nothing like Muslim, Pagan or otherwise.
“I wouldn’t like to talk more on this issue, because in the sight of God, there is no Muslim or Christian or pagan, but it is those that does His will”, Brother Etukudo explained.
He insisted that in the presence of God righteousness prevails and not the other way round, but disclosed that in a rational way of thinking as human, he believes that things should be done harmoniously for peace to prevail.
“By rational thinking, the right thing should be done to avert provoking the thought and wishes of other humans”, he stated.
The priest, however, counseled Nigerias never to lose faith for a second in God because of His love for the nation, adding that “in the face of all challenges in our country, one can still look back that truly God really loves our nation”.
By: John Bibor & Oribim Ibama
The management of the Rivers State University, (RSU), Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt has admitted eleven thousand and eighty-three students to study in various disciplines and courses for 2024/2025 academic sessions in the university.
The vice chancellor of the university,prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi disclosed this during his address at the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the convocation arena in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
Zeb-obipi expressed delight that it was a privilege to welcome everyone to the momentous occasion, marking the beginning of an exciting academic journey for the new students and described matriculation as an important ceremony organised by institutions, especially universities.
“Though this is the 43rd matriculation ceremony of the university,it is the first under my watch as vice chancellor, and I am highly excited that I am having my tail cut in the conduct of this significant ritual of matriculation.”
“Once again, I give God all the glory and thank the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the 14th Governing council under the leadership of Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mary Odili and the host of others who played one role or the other in my emergence as the vice chancellor. May I also use this opportunity to acknowledge my co-contenstants that made the selection a worthy competition, especially Prof Adolphus J. Toby and prof Nkalo H.Ukoima. There is no doubt that they all mean well for the university and as such i am studying the various vision statements they had submitted for possible inclusion in the efforts to implement what we have, “he stated.
He explained that his vision is to transform the university into a world class, innovative, inclusive institution, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and social responsibility through the re-engineering of the university’s academic, administrative, and community engagement frameworks to ensure that they are student centric, faculty driven, community oriented responsive to the need of the 21st century.
According to him the university aim to achieve the visions by enhancing academic programmes to meet global standards, strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation and improving infrastructure and facilities to support teaching, learning research, and fostering partnerships with industries, government, and other stakeholders to promote community engagement and entrepreneurship among others.
The VC while giving the statistics of the administration said a total of 29,107 candidates took the university as first choice in the 2024 JAMB Examination, 16,172 qualified the institution 190 cutoff mark, 15,348 registered for the post UTME, while 15,014 participated in university test and out of the number,11,083 was admitted.
The VC while congratulating the matriculants, urged them to shun any forms of social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, sorting and indicent dressing, adding that the the school has zero tolerance on indiscipline and other anti social behaviours that are detrimental to societal growth.
Akujobi Amadi
The Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Chiefs, Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown has joined the chorus of voices calling for an immediate end to the suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State.
The Opobo chiefs Council’s vice chair who was speaking on the sidelines at an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the INC held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa last Wednesday, emphasized the gravity of the suspension of a state governor, deputy and legislators, characterizing it as an unprecedented assault on the democratic process.
He argued that suspending an elected governor and the state legislature not only undermine the mandate given by the electorate but also poses a significant threat to the political stability of the state. Brown further declared the suspension as “an aberration and travesty of the constitution.”
His words, “Even though the Nigerian Constitution grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, it does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials, such as governors or members of the legislature. The proper procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution, which requires legislative processes rather than executive fiat”.
Brown went on, “The unconstitutional suspension of democratically elected government officials is a Slowly but surely dismantling of democratic structures. This will not help our fledgling democracy, but will destroy all the gains so far made in this democratic dispensation”.
“This is not just about Governor Fubara; it is about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in a democratic election,” he stated. He added, “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution.”
He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the electoral system and democratic institutions across Nigeria.
He further articulated the historical context of the Ijaw struggle for
representation, highlighting the community’s long-standing grievances
regarding political marginalization.
“For over 24 years, we have fought to regain our rightful place in governance,” Brown remarked. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the federal government is not just
frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people.”
Brown called for a united front among Ijaw leaders and communities,
urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices.
He underscored the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as vital
pathways to resolving the ongoing crisis, rather than resorting to forceful measures that could exacerbate tensions. “We must engage with
the federal government, but we will do so on our terms,” he insisted.
In closing, Brown reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of
justice and equity, emphasizing that the Ijaw people would not back down in their quest for recognition and respect.
“We are prepared to stand firm and advocate for our rights. Our
history is rich with leaders who have fought for us, and we will not
allow their sacrifices to be in vain,” he concluded, rallying support
for a peaceful resolution that honors the democratic process and the will of the Rivers people.
The high-profile one-day stakeholders’ meeting brought together
influential Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor, Douye
Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; former Rivers State
Governor and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Rivers Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George; and former Bayelsa Deputy
Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta
Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; prominent traditional rulers from
various parts of Ijawland; the President of the Ijaw Youth Council
(IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri and many other notable Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta.
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