Opinion

The Abomination Of Desolation

Published

4 years ago

September 12, 2022

In 167 BC, Antiochus IV, also known as Antiochus the mad, the Greek Seleucian King of Syria conquered Jerusalem. To cement his hold, to subdue, and Hellenize the Jews, he outlawed the daily sacrifice at the temple, and in its place, he sacrificed pigs on God’s altar to Zeus. According to most Bible scholars, the sacrilegious act of Antiochus IV in God’s temple at Jerusalem was a partial fulfillment of a prophecy in the book of Daniel, and a foreshadowing of what is to come at the end when the Anti-Christ is revealed. To a layman’s understanding, the abomination of desolation refers to the adulteration of the holy rite.

In one sense, it is a state when Satan and his demons have taken the place of God in the Church. It is a state where the alter of God is turned a bed of immorality, where rape, paedophilia, and even incest hold sway. Two weeks ago, the media trended with the story of a 12-year-old girl that was raped and impregnated by her pastor, Michael Abiodun. According to the story, the girl’s mother sent her to the pastor for prayers in the hope of casting out the demon that took the lives of her other children. But instead of casting out any demon, her pastor became the demon that touched the unclean thing and ate the forbidden fruit. This precious little girl is only the latest victim of so many others who had been violated by so-called pastors under the influence of the devil, or by the direction of the ‘holy spirit’’.

This evil is alive, and well in every denomination in the country. However, it has a higher prevalence rate in what most Nigerians refer to as a one-man church. It brings to life, the words of another prophet who once lamented that because of people like these pastors, the LORD’s name is blasphemed, brought to disrepute among the unbelievers. Cases like this abound. Last month, news had it that one pastor Enoch Sule in Kaduna State impregnated two sisters during a prayer session on the mountain. According to the story, the holy spirit had instructed that they should pray naked. In February, one pastor Michael Onoyume in Delta State was in the news for impregnating a married woman, whose wedding ceremony he conducted. In 2021, a pastor in Lagos, Cletus OIatunji defiled and impregnated a 14-year-old member of his church, and also procured abortion to terminate the pregnancy.

In August 2020, one pastor Ebenezer Ajigbotoluwa impregnated two sisters; he also duped their mother of about N2 million. His defence was that every man of God is hunted by the devil, except the one whose time has not yet come. Also in 2020, in far away UK, a Nigerian pastor, Michael Olurunbi, was convicted for sexually assaulting six girls and a boy; however, the sad part was that his wife, Juliana Olurunbi aided and abated it.
In an Ibadan court in 2019, a woman accused her husband, pastor Adeyemi Adekunle, of impregnating two church members; and she prayed the court to dissolve her 18- year old marriage.

The cases are uncountable, but what is most heart-wrenching are cases of incest committed by some of these pastors; like a case in 2020, of one pastor Oyefemi Oyebola, who was reported to the police for raping and impregnating his daughter, and procuring abortion for her on three occasions. He was even arranging for family planning before his bubble burst.
The abomination of desolation in our Churches today percolates through the whole spectrum, and it ranges from various kinds of financial exploitation, sexual crimes, and outright murder.

Unfortunately, it would not stop because evil seems to have turned our daily reality; and church men and women have outsourced their brains, making their pastors, daddy, and mummy GOs the fountain of all wisdom. It ought not to be so for any true Christian. In fact, God calls His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth; He calls them to worship Him with their entire minds. He says to his people, “you must be holy unto me, for I the LORD I am holy. It is very easy to miss the import of the term mind, as used in the scriptures unless it is clearly understood as the seat of the human intellect, reason, and will.

The implication is that Christians must know God for themselves;. Yes their pastors can preach and teach, but they must think for themselves. The onus is on them to go back and search the scriptures for themselves to ascertain if the teachings and doctrines espoused by them were in tandem with extant scriptures. They should follow the example of Berean Christians that Paul referred to as honourable because they did not take his teaching hook, line, and sinker.

They went back to search the scriptures to confirm if Paul’s teachings were in line with the scripture. Take for instance the case of Timothy Ngwu, a randy pastor who allegedly impregnated 20 women in his congregation in 2019 under the instruction of the holy spirit. How was it possible that all these women, including married ones and their husbands, believed Ngwu’s prophecy, that the holy spirit has instructed him to impregnate anyone chosen and revealed irrespective of whether she is married or not? During an interview, he was bold enough to say that he never slept with any married woman without the consent of the husband.

It is easy to ask why, or how come. Or, what passage of the Bible did Ngwu use to hoodwink his victims, and if the victims read the passages for themselves? Evidently, the women and their husbands are lazy-minded. Come to think of it, most Christians today are very educated, yet they indulge pastors, joining them to do very stupid things that our uneducated Christian grandparents would never imagine. You may recall some months ago, in a viral video where we saw young men and women bathing naked at a stream under the instruction of an acclaimed poster, Onye Eze Jesus. We were awestruck by the spectacle, but he preaches the Bible, under the instruction of the holy spirit. But if Paul were to be alive today, his words would have been, O foolish Nigerians, who have bewitched you.

In reporting most of these stories, most national dailies use the term, “acclaimed pastor” signposting the incongruity of such behaviour for men of the cloth. But are all pastors? No. Are all prophets? No. Do all have gifts of healing? No. Have all been called? No. But many have called themselves, and their God is their belly. They are the charlatans amongst us. Hunger and unemployment are the siamese twins that are diluting, and driving Christianity into extinction, while the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) sleeps.

Should anyone be allowed to start a Church? Of course not. It might not sound nice, but is there a Biblical standard for who can be a pastor, and church governance as a whole? Yes. Has CAN or the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) used this criterion as set forth in the books of Timothy and Jude? No. Why? Because the world is influencing the Church instead of the other way around, and the immorality has festered like gangrene.

The weight of immorality has made it impossible for Church organisations to act; some even go as far as covering up such cases to protect their names, and that of the pastors. It is high time the government compels CAN, PFN, through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to add an extra layer of verification, that requires pastors and intending GOs to get a ‘Good Report Form’ filled out by at least 300 verifiable persons before they are registered, including church elders. Would it eradicate the abomination in the church? No. but it would weed out as many predatory pastors as possible.

Christians know that God will hold every pastor accountable, and those who have committed crimes would suffer the wrath of the law in the here and now, but most Christians must take responsibility, they must read the Bible for themselves. Even though God’s word is comprehended through revelation, according to the Bible, He still invites His people to approach His word with reason, just like any other literature. People should not go to church leaving common sense at home.

If for instance, the mother of this 12 year old, in the current case used her common sense, being fully aware of the world we live in, this evil may never have happened. But trusted blindly, and today her daughter is in the news. Her husband is also not without sin in this saga. If his wife did not clear with him before she allowed their daughter to attend a solo prayer session, then he is an absentee father. My mother has an Igbo parable that when translated, means that, after blaming the kite or hawk for taking the chicken, you also blame the chicken for being at the wrong place at the wrong time

The abomination of desolation is the operative doctrine of most of our Churches, and as a result, millions of hitherto good Christians are suffering for it. It ought not to be so. The solution to this madness is in every Christian home, even on mobile phones. That solution happens to be the same Bible that millions have been deceived with. It must be read with reasoning and common sense, verifying whatever daddy or mummy GO says.

By: Raphael Pepple

Opinion

Bazia EXCO @ One: NUJ Rivers Reawakened

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “For the first time in years, Rivers journalists are not just hearing promises—they are seeing a union that works.”

The first year in office of the Paul Bazia-led executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has offered something many had almost given up on—renewed confidence in union leadership. For a body as critical as the NUJ, whose responsibility goes beyond professional coordination to include the welfare, protection, and continuous development of journalists, expectations are always high. Unfortunately, past experiences had conditioned many members to expect less—less action, less visibility, and less impact.This is why the past twelve months stand out. Within a relatively short period, the Bazia-led administration has demonstrated a level of drive that distinguishes it from its predecessors. There is a noticeable shift from inertia to activity, from routine administration to purposeful leadership. Initiatives captured in the one-year report point to an executive that understands both the urgency of its mandate and the frustrations of its members.

Particularly commendable is the renewed attention to journalists’ welfare. For too long, welfare issues have lingered without meaningful resolution, leaving many practitioners feeling unsupported. The current leadership’s efforts—through engagement, structured support, and timely interventions—signal a welcome change in priorities. Equally important is the push toward professional development. In an era where journalism is rapidly evolving, capacity building is no longer optional. The administration’s commitment to training and skill enhancement reflects an understanding that a stronger union must be built on more competent and competitive professionals. There is also something to be said about visibility and voice. A vibrant NUJ must not only serve its members internally but also stand as a credible voice in the public space—defending press freedom, promoting ethical standards, and constructively engaging critical issues.

Encouragingly, the current executive appears more present and responsive, giving the union a renewed sense of relevance. Perhaps what resonates most, however, is the sense of movement. For many members, the difference between the present and the immediate past is not subtle—it is clear. Where there was once stagnation, there is now direction. Where there was doubt, there is growing belief. Beyond the visible strides recorded within this first year, what perhaps deserves even greater applause is the restoration of institutional confidence within the Nigeria Union of Journalists. For a long time, many members had grown disenchanted, viewing the union more as a ceremonial body than an active force capable of defending their interests and advancing their welfare. That narrative, however, is gradually changing. The Bazia-led executive has not only initiated programs but has also rekindled a sense of belonging among members.

Meetings appear more purposeful, engagements more intentional, and decisions more reflective of collective interest. This psychological shift—subtle as it may seem—is one of the most critical achievements of the past year, because a union that its members believe in is already halfway to effectiveness. It is also important to underscore the contrast with the immediate past, not as an exercise in criticism, but as a necessary context for measuring progress. Where previous administrations struggled to translate plans into action, the current leadership has shown a greater bias for execution. Projects that once lingered in discussion stages are now seeing tangible movement, and issues that were previously deferred are receiving attention. This difference in approach—moving from prolonged deliberation to decisive action—has helped reposition the union as a more responsive and relevant institution.

While no administration is without its shortcomings, the willingness to act, even in the face of constraints, marks a significant departure from what members were accustomed to. Looking ahead, the expectations of members—and indeed the wider public—will only grow stronger. With a solid first year behind it, the Bazia-led executive now carries the burden of consistency. Members will expect deeper welfare interventions that go beyond immediate relief to more sustainable support systems. They will look for expanded training opportunities that prepare journalists for the rapidly changing media landscape. They will also expect a firmer, more courageous voice on issues affecting press freedom and professional integrity. Above all, they will demand continuity—assurance that the progress recorded so far is not a fleeting phase but the beginning of a sustained transformation.

Meeting these expectations will not be easy, but it is precisely this challenge that defines enduring leadership. That said, this moment of applause must also serve as a moment of reflection. A strong first year inevitably raises expectations. Journalists in Rivers State will now look beyond initial achievements toward consolidation. Welfare interventions must become more structured and far-reaching. Training programs must be sustained and expanded. Advocacy must become more consistent and impactful. Most importantly, the unity of the union must be strengthened, ensuring that all members feel included and carried along. Transparency will also be key. Continued open communication about finances, decisions, and challenges will deepen trust and set a standard for accountable union leadership. The task ahead is clear: to convert early momentum into lasting institutional progress.

For the Bazia-led executive, the opportunity is significant. It has, within one year, reawakened belief in what the NUJ Rivers State Council can be. The next step is to ensure that this renewed energy does not fade, but instead becomes the foundation of a stronger, more responsive, and more respected union. For the members, the message is equally clear—expect more, demand more, and support what works because in the end, a vibrant union is not built by leadership alone, but by a collective commitment to progress. And for now, under Bazia, that progress has truly begun.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

As Service Chiefs Relocate To Borno

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Relocation may signal urgency, but without structural reforms, it risks becoming a cycle of temporary relief and recurring crisis.”

Here we go again. We have seen this script play out before. Under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, service chiefs were directed to relocate to security hotspots as a demonstration of urgency and resolve. Today, under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the same approach is being repeated. Following the recent suicide bombing in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed scores of lives, the President ordered the immediate relocation of service chiefs to take charge of the situation. On paper, the directive appears logical and commendable. It suggests a hands-on approach aimed at enhancing coordination among security agencies, improving response time, and restoring public confidence. However, the critical question remains: has this strategy ever truly worked? Experience suggests otherwise. While such relocations often create a temporary sense of calm, the effect is usually short-lived.

The presence of high command tends to produce what may be described as “cosmetic stability”—a brief period of intensified operations and visibility. Yet, once the service chiefs return to Abuja, the underlying problems resurface. A clear example can be drawn from January 2018, when President Buhari ordered the then Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to relocate to Benue State in response to escalating violence. At the time, the directive was widely praised. Yet years later, killings, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods persist, raising doubts about the long-term effectiveness of such measures. This recurring pattern has led many observers to describe relocation orders as political theatre—a performative gesture designed to project action rather than deliver sustainable results. While this may seem harsh, it is difficult to ignore the structural deficiencies that continue to undermine the nation’s security framework.

First is the issue of intelligence. Effective security operations depend not just on troop deployment but on timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence. Yet the nation’s intelligence-gathering mechanisms, particularly at the grassroots level, remain weak and poorly coordinated. Relocating service chiefs does little to address this fundamental gap. There is also the challenge of resources. Many security personnel on the frontlines continue to grapple with inadequate equipment, insufficient logistics, and poor welfare conditions. In such circumstances, the physical presence of top commanders cannot substitute for the systematic investment needed to strengthen operational capacity. Equally important is the issue of sustainability. Security is not achieved through sporadic interventions but through consistent, long-term strategies.

The relocation of service chiefs is, by its nature, temporary and does not build enduring institutions capable of sustained response. Beyond these concerns lies a pressing question: what criteria determine which states receive such high-level attention? While Borno has long been an epicentre of insurgency, other states such as Plateau and Benue have also experienced alarming levels of violence, including banditry and communal clashes. Why were similar measures not applied there? The truth is that the nation’s current approach to tackling insecurity is insufficient. One alternative that has gained traction is the establishment of state police. Nigeria’s policing system remains highly centralised, with command structures controlled from Abuja—a model that has proven increasingly inadequate in addressing localised security challenges.

State police would allow for more community-based policing, enabling officers familiar with local terrain and dynamics to respond more effectively. It would also improve intelligence gathering, as local officers are more likely to build trust with residents. However, the idea is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for abuse by state governments, particularly in using the police to intimidate opponents or suppress dissent. Funding is another major challenge, as many states already struggle to meet basic financial obligations.These concerns are legitimate but not insurmountable. They can be mitigated through robust legal frameworks, effective oversight mechanisms, and a clear delineation of powers between federal and state authorities. Establishing independent State Police Service Commissions to handle recruitment, discipline, and promotions could help safeguard institutional integrity.

In addition to decentralising policing, there must be a renewed focus on intelligence reform. Investing in modern surveillance technologies, data analysis, and inter-agency coordination is essential. Security agencies must move beyond reactive strategies and adopt proactive approaches that anticipate threats. Equally important is addressing the socio-economic drivers of insecurity. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education continue to create fertile ground for criminality and extremism. Any meaningful security strategy must therefore include efforts to improve livelihoods, expand access to education, and promote inclusive development. Furthermore, there is a need for greater accountability within the security sector. Transparent evaluation of strategies, clear performance benchmarks, and consequences for failure are necessary to ensure that policies are not just announced but effectively implemented.

Ultimately, the fight against insecurity requires more than symbolic gestures. It demands bold, innovative, and sustained reforms that address both immediate threats and their root causes. The relocation of service chiefs may offer temporary visibility, but it cannot substitute for a comprehensive national security strategy. The nation stands at a critical juncture. Continuing to rely on approaches that have yielded limited results in the past is unlikely to produce different outcomes. It is time to rethink, recalibrate, and rebuild a security architecture that is responsive, resilient, and grounded in the realities of our society.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Beyond the Adichie Tragedy

Published

1 week ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:: “Justice must never depend on fame, wealth, or connections. The child of a roadside trader deserves the same standard of care as the child of a globally celebrated writer. When accountability works only for the prominent, public trust in institutions quietly erodes.”

Public reaction to the suspension of doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) following the death of the son of celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reveals something deeper than outrage over a single tragedy. Across social media and public commentary, a recurring sentiment stands out: many Nigerians believe justice was served only because of the prominence of the family involved. Comments such as “The doctors were punished because Chimamanda is well known,” or “If it was a poor man’s child, the case would have been swept under the carpet,” capture a troubling lack of faith in the system.

Whether these perceptions are always accurate is not the most important issue. What should concern the nation is that so many citizens instinctively believe that justice in Nigeria often depends on status, wealth, or influence.The tragedy that befell the Adichie family is heartbreaking. No parent should have to bury a child, particularly under circumstances that raise questions about professional responsibility. But beyond the grief lies a larger national concern: medical negligence in Nigeria is far more widespread than the few cases that attract public attention. Across the country, families quietly lose loved ones in hospitals and clinics under troubling circumstances. Patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. Emergency cases may be delayed. Surgical procedures may be mishandled, while basic standards of care can be compromised due to negligence, poor supervision, or systemic pressure on medical staff.

In many situations, grieving families simply accept their loss and move on, believing there is little they can do. The result is what can only be described as a silent epidemic of unreported medical negligence.In more developed healthcare systems, such incidents rarely go unexamined. Independent regulatory bodies investigate complaints, enforce professional standards, and sanction erring practitioners. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the Care Quality Commission inspects hospitals, clinics, and care providers to ensure strict compliance with safety and quality standards.Nigeria does have oversight institutions, notably the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. However, enforcement often appears inconsistent, and many cases of negligence never reach the stage where regulators can intervene. Sometimes victims are unaware of the complaint process. In other cases, fear, cost, or bureaucracy discourage families from seeking justice.

While government institutions must improve their oversight mechanisms, citizens must also confront a difficult truth: Nigerians often fail to pursue their rights when they are violated. Too frequently, when injustice occurs, people retreat into resignation. Instead of filing complaints or seeking legal remedies, many respond with the familiar phrase: “God will judge them.” Faith is important, but it should not replace civic responsibility. A society that leaves accountability solely to divine intervention risks allowing negligence and impunity to flourish. Some commentators have suggested that the Adichie family likely pursued the matter relentlessly through petitions and formal complaints before authorities acted. If that is the case, it demonstrates a path other citizens can follow. When malpractice occurs, persistence in seeking justice can make institutions respond.

If more families reported cases of medical negligence to the appropriate authorities, regulatory bodies would have stronger grounds to investigate. Public pressure would also push healthcare institutions to improve their standards. Negligence, as defined by Nigeria’s Supreme Court in Odinaka v. Moghalu, refers to the failure to do what a reasonable and prudent person would have done under similar circumstances. Within medical ethics, physicians are expected to provide competent care with compassion and respect for human dignity. These principles form the foundation of the duty of care that patients rely upon. Citizens must therefore be able to recognise signs of negligence and take appropriate steps to seek redress. Patients and families should learn to document incidents, keep medical records, ask questions about treatment decisions, and report suspicious circumstances surrounding medical care.

Where necessary, formal complaints should be lodged with regulatory authorities or pursued through the courts. Civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and the media also play a crucial role. By exposing cases of negligence and demanding accountability, they help ensure such incidents do not disappear into silence. A healthcare system shielded from scrutiny cannot improve. Nevertheless, responsibility cannot rest solely on citizens. Government must take decisive steps to strengthen healthcare regulation and reduce medical negligence. Hospitals and clinics—both public and private—should undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with professional standards, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines. Persistent violations must attract meaningful sanctions. Legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba has suggested the creation of an independent health regulatory authority and the restoration of Chief Medical Officers at federal and state levels.

In the past, these officials, alongside health inspectors, helped enforce professional standards and ensured accountability within healthcare facilities. Government must also invest more seriously in the training and continuous education of healthcare professionals. Medicine is an evolving field, and practitioners must constantly update their knowledge and skills. Mandatory professional development programmes, stricter licensing renewal requirements, and improved mentorship systems could help reduce errors arising from outdated practices or inadequate training. At the same time, systemic challenges within the healthcare system cannot be ignored. Many Nigerian doctors and nurses work under extremely difficult conditions—overcrowded hospitals, outdated equipment, staff shortages, and overwhelming patient loads. Such pressures increase the risk of mistakes and professional burnout.

Improving healthcare infrastructure, funding, and staffing is therefore not merely an administrative matter; it is a fundamental requirement for patients’ safety. Equally important is transparency when allegations of negligence arise. Investigations must be timely, credible, and accessible. Families deserve to know what happened to their loved ones and whether professional standards were breached. Regulatory bodies must ensure that findings are communicated clearly so that public confidence in the healthcare system is strengthened. The tragedy that drew national attention to medical negligence should not be treated as an isolated incident involving a prominent personality. Rather, it should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform.

Every Nigerian life carries equal value. Justice must not depend on prominence or privilege. When citizens demand accountability and institutions respond with fairness and transparency, trust begins to grow. Nigeria’s health sector is filled with dedicated doctors, nurses, and medical workers who save lives daily despite difficult conditions. Recognising their commitment, however, should not prevent society from confronting the reality that negligence sometimes occurs—and when it does, it must be addressed firmly. If this painful moment encourages Nigerians to speak up, demand accountability, and push for stronger regulatory systems, it may yet produce meaningful reform. Citizens must refuse to accept negligence as fate, while government strengthens oversight and improves healthcare conditions. Only through this collective effort can Nigeria build a healthcare system where every patient—regardless of social status—receives safe, responsible, and dignified care.

By: Calista Ezeaku