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Pastor Suspended For Hosting YPP’s Thanksgiving Service In A’Ibom

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The Apostolic Church in Akwa Ibom State, has suspended one of its pastors for hosting the thanksgiving and dedication service of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Onna Local Government Area of the state . Onna is the home town of the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
The suspended cleric, Pastor E.E. Henshaw, broke the news of his suspension just as the service was going on at Ndon Eyo Township assembly in Onna.
The suspension shocked the congregation when the pastor announced that he just received a message of suspension for opening the doors of the church for YPP.
He also said the Field Superintendent, Dr U.S Ukpong, had ordered him to appear before the Disciplinary Council of the church the next day to explain why he should not be sacked for allowing YPP to dedicate its campaign and thank God in his assembly.
Pastor Henshaw said the previous night, the police had invaded his church, harassing him and threatening to detain him should he allow YPP to attend the church.
Two days earlier, while the YPP officials were trying to secure a church for the dedication of its national assembly campaigns due to start on October 3, 2022, the Apostolic Mount Olive Church in Awa Iman, the governor’s village, which was the initial venue, was sealed off by policemen from Ikot Akpan Abia, allegedly on the orders of the government.
Thugs were reported to have been deployed to block off the entrance of the church on Sunday morning,in anticipation that YPP will force its way there, after the preacher-in charge, Prophet David, had earlier been warned not to host the party.
Not bothered by the development, the governorship candidate of the YPP and frontline runner for the Hilltop mansion in the State, Obong Albert Bassey Akpan stressed that only God enthrones and unseats governments.
“God unseats governments and enthrones governments and that same God who made Obong Attah governor; who made Godswill Akpabio governor; and who made Udom Emmanuel governor will also make me governor,” the senator said.
”We are a people others rejected but God saw our sincerity of mind and is using us to achieve His purpose,” he added.
He predicted that YPP will shock other parties, through the mass support of the people so that “when we come in, we will not behave like them:”
He said like God told Samuel, God is going to do something in Akwa Ibom that ears will hear and marvel.
He lamented a situation where YPP has been blocked from all the public venues in the state, including Ibom Hall, Ikot Ekpene Stadium and even some churches in Onna.
YPP is the party with the strongest candidates, he said, adding: “You must not belong to occultic circles before they give you opportunity”.
Senator Akpan also questioned why the member of Mbo defected but his seat was not declared vacant in the state House of Assembly but when Usoro Akpanusoh and Asuquo Nanna were suspected to belong to YPP, their seats were declared vacant.
“Whether they like it or not, Akwa Ibom will be free”, he said, adding that “YPP is for service to the people and now is the time”.
Akparawa Ephraim Inyang , speaking on behalf of other candidates, made a covenant with God and pledged that when they become victorious, he will sponsor the refurbishment of the entire church.
As a secret for constant replenishing, Inyangeyen encouraged people to always sow into God’s hand and expect multiplication, later.
In his homily, Apostle Evans Adam said God was prepared to take Akwa Ibom out of misery. “For every generation, God prepares a man that will take the people to a destination.
“ He may not be our choice but God prepares him for the next champion. May you never miss the opportunity God has given to us by chosing and voting wrongly”, he said.
Drawing from Ezekiel 21: 27, Adam said: “God will overturn because he has heard the cries of his people, not to please a man.”
The pastor also said God will pick a man after his heart; a man with a track record and legacy to change the story of the people for the better.
“When God sends a Moses, he sends a man who has felt the pain before. He sends a man that has left a legacy…He sends a man that has the power and influence to help the people to do the right thing”, he added.
“If you follow a man that knows the way, you will not miss the way”, Adam said.
He then urged the people to vote for transformational leadership identified by its selfless contributions, when the time comes, to “push God’s agenda”.
While dedicating the National Assembly campaigns, Prophet David Udo Udo, reading from Lev 26:36, prayed God to use “the sound of a shaken leaf” to change the heart of many Akwa Ibom voters in favour of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
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C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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