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Christmas: Allegiance To God?

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Globally, celebration of Christmas on every 25th December has been an annual festivity in Christendom, purported to be an act done in honour of Christ’s birth. Of course, acknowledgment of the birth of Jesus Christ cannot be over-emphasized. Meanwhile, what is paramount is the methodology applied and having deep understanding of why the Saviour was born and for which purpose becomes the determining factor.

Putting things in the right perspective, the notion that Jesus was born on 25th December is untrue. Unlike the notion for the observance of the first day of the week (Sunday) as the Lord’s Day of worship in place of the seventh-day (Sabbath). God who exists from everlasting to everlasting remains unchangeable and does things orderly without confusion. Truly speaking, there is no trace in the Holy Scriptures of any kind of Xmas celebration neither observance of the first day of the week as sacred.

Christianity is in religious dilemma because of various indulgences, which have crept into its domain. For instance, the believe of reincarnation, communication with the dead simply known as spiritualism; forgiveness by penance to the Roman Pontiff; infant baptism, payer through the Virgin Mary (Mother of the Messiah); adoration of images and incantations, Easter celebrations, pilgrimage to purported holy lands, et’cetra are deceptions from a religious source.

Obviously, the great controversies that has ravaged the human environment for centuries was as a result of disobedience and rebellious to constituted rules and regulations which was championed in the heavenly places by an angelic rebel  Lucifer (Satan). Lucifer occupied a vital and influential position in heaven and was able to draw one-third of the angelic hosts to his side and became very rebellious to the principles of Eternal Deity.

It is true that when heaven could not contain him and his cohorts because of their disloyalty to the Supreme Creator after concerted effort were made to win him back, they were hurled to planet earth, which brought about the great disputes and rivalries in the cosmic society as evident in our present dispensation. In fact, Lucifer (Satan) caused the first holy war in heaven  rev. 12 Vs 7-10.

Since the earth has become Satan’s territory as archenemy of both God and humanity, there is doubt that he would exercise all possible terminologies to distract mankind to disobey God’s rules and obligations, luring them away to his kingdom of darkness and utter destruction. It is equally true that Satan cannot manifest himself openly but operate through his agencies or machineries to execute his negative plans.

It is unfortunate that human beings had decided to embrace darkness in place of “LIGHT’ which is Jesus, Son of the living God who came into the world but the world received him not  John 1 vs 9-11. No wonder the process of hearing and studying the episode of the great controversies between right and wrong for centuries now has persisted to enable every soul dwelling on the surface of the earth to fully comprehend the drama in order to enhance appropriate decision for eternity either for God’s everlasting Kingdom or for Satan’s eternal damnation and destruction.

Historically, there were four notable world empires viz: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome respectively described on the prophetic image shown to King Nebuchadnezzar of the ancient Babylonian Kingdom in dream as recorded in Daniel chapter 2. Among the empires or kingdoms, the Roman Empire depicted with the leg of iron of the image, waxed stronger than the others, which metamorphosed from Pagan to Papal Rome.

According to the prophecy, the Roman Empire was more pronounced which performed wonderful things in Christendom, as we are all aware of scholars of the sacred compilation closely scrutinized the prophetic writings and the gospel messages. For instance, it was asserted that the little Horn i.e. Authority, Power or Kingdom would speak great things against the Most High and would cause confusion amongst God’s people and would equally attempt to change times and laws of God  Daniel 7 vs 24,25 refers. The Kingdom or Authority that properly fits into the characteristics depicted herein is no doubt the Papal Authority of the Roman administration of both Church and State.

In the light of this, Emperor Constantine came onboard as the Roman Pontiff at the peak of religious ordinances and of course made some changes, which brought about the observance of Sunday as holy day and celebration of Christmas among others. Definitely, Sunday means worship of the sun god of the Romans as Prophet Ezekiel’s attention was drawn to women weeping for Tamuz as well as 25 men who faced the eastward of the temple, worshipping the sun (Ezekiel 8 vs 13-16). One would begin to imagine the genesis of confusion in Christendom.

Emperor Constantine in 321AD passed a religious decree for the observance of Sunday as a day of worship for God as every business transactions shall be shut down with exception to agriculture. To buttress these points, kindly peruse any Doctrinal Catechism booklet of the Roman Catholic for more enlightenment. Similarly, the issue of Christ and Mass was also focused. Mass is a great assembly by the Roman Catholic institution or known as Eucharist. With time, the Mass became a process to celebrating a great hunter called Nimrod on every 25th December. However, as Constantine embraced the Christian religion he also ordered that henceforth, the celebration would be conducted in honour of Christ known as ChristMass. These were some of the inducements by the Roman Authorities, which Christendom is still compromising till date.

Furthermore, there is one vital and indispensable ordinance or celebration authorized to be observed by Christians to serve as a reminder to all that Christ has done for mankind till He returns the Second time which he instituted at the Upper Room with his disciples while on earth two thousand years ago. This all­important ordinance is known as HOLY COMMUNION or LORD’S SUPER.

Soon after the solemn ceremony, the Messiah was arrested and taken away to Golgotha by the Roman soldiers where the Saviour was crucified – Matthew 26 vs 26-29; 1st Corinthians 11 vs 24-26. Based on this directive, what Christians ought to celebrate is the Lord’s Super and not Christmas, which is man made and unscriptural.

It is notable that the Holy Communion should be celebrated or observed often for sober reflection of our relationships with the Creator and sustainers of life till he comes in his glory and not an annual festival tagged Christmas whereby the focus is on merriment and gratification of soul and body. Christendom has been at the crossroad over these issues for centuries ago and has kept deaf ears not to hear the truth and desist from the deception of the archenemy of God and mankind.

However, Christendom ought to purse and ponder over the one million questions asked by Prophet Elijah “… How long shall people be between indecision? If the LORD be God why not follow him: but if Baal, then follow him”- 1King 18 v21. Believers in the Lord should be bold enough to stand out for that which is right, otherwise why should people make the instructions of God of none effect to the detriment of man made rules. Christmas celebrations is it allegiance to God Almighty or to gods of the earth? Therfore, professed Christians ought to obey God rather than men-Matthew 15: 9; Acts 5: 29.

Ominyanwa is the editor’s guest.

 

G. N. Ominyanwa

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Rivers NIPR Gets New Executive

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The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, has inaugurated a new Executive Council to pilot the affairs of the institute for the next two years.

The new Executive Council was elected during the maiden edition of the Rivers Public Relations Week and Annual General meeting held last Friday, in Port Harcourt.

The re-election marked a historic moment as members of the chapter converged to chart a new course for professional excellence, ethical standards, and the advancement of public relations practice in the State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the institute, Ayodeji Emmanuel Afelumo, at the weekend.

The Registrar and Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, who swore in the officers charged them to redouble their efforts in upholding professional integrity and excellence in public relations practices.

The officers re-elected for the second term include Rev. Francis Asuk as chairman, Dr. Parry Saroh Benson (Vice Chairman), Mr. Felix Tamuno (Secretary), Alhaja Ayo Odungweru (Treasurer), and Edna Alete as Financial Secretary.

Those with fresh tenure are Dr. Helen Chimezie who was elected as the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ayodeji Emmanuel Afelumo (Public Relations Officer), and Mrs. Ngowari Oba as Welfare Officer, following the tenure expiration of the former officers.

In his acceptance remarks, Rev. Asuk expressed gratitude to members for their confidence and pledged to uphold the ideals of the institute, promote professional development, and foster partnerships that would further enhance the visibility of public relations in Rivers State and beyond.

The Rivers Public Relations Week is the first of its kind organised by a State chapter of the institute and it provided a platform for practitioners, scholars, and stakeholders to engage in knowledge-sharing, networking, and discussions on the evolving role of public relations in governance, business, and society.

The statement added that the Rivers State Chapter of the NIPR looks forward to a new era of purposeful leadership, innovation, and impact under the stewardship of its newly inaugurated executive council.

 

 

 

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Falana Gives Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others Clean Bill Of Health …As Activist Decries Marginalisation Of Ogoni People  p6 lead

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana(SAN) has apparently exonerated the slain writer and environmental rights activist, Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight Ogoni kinsmen of  the murder charge which led to their execution by hanging by the Gen  Sani Abacha military junta on November 10, 1995.

This is even as a human rights activist, Evangelist Caroline Nagbo, has decried the spate of marginalisation against Ogoni people in Nigeria and Rivers State, saying, in spite of the struggles, sacrifices and contributions of the Ogoni people, they have continued to be marginalised, particularly in politics.

Falana, who bared his mind  in a keynote address   during the 30th Anniversary of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Lecture at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt on Friday, said   the Ogoni nine never committed the crime for which they were hanged  by the Federal Government.

 

On her part, Nagbo noted in a goodwill message at the event that  despite the Ogoni people’s contributions, struggles and sacrifices, they continue to face exclusion and intimidation.

She decried a situation where people who hated Ken Saro-Wiwa during his lifetime, equally hate Ogoni people, because they consider them as very intelligent, stressing that instead of giving them political power, stooges are rather favoured.

According to her, Ogoni people must continue to speak out and agitate for their rights.

Nagbo further noted that the name of Ken Saro-Wiwa always evokes environment, minority and politics, emphasising that the legacies of the late environmental rights activist have continued to inspire and motivate the Ogoni people, and highlighted the significance of his birthday, which coincides with the Ogoni struggle for self-determination, environmental justice, and human rights.

She said the Federal Government’s treatment of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s memory and the Ogoni people is a reflection of the country’s flawed political system, and criticised politicians for their absence at events commemorating Ken Saro-Wiwa’s birthday and even illegal execution, attributing it to the marginalisation and intimidation faced by the Ogoni people.

“If you identify with Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni struggle, you are the enemy of the state, and that is marginalisation and intimidation,” she said.

Nagbo further lamented that despite the Ogoni people’s contributions to the country’s struggle for democracy, they are yet to be adequately rewarded.

“Politically, up till now, an Ogoni individual has never been a Governor, and they are not ready to give it to us, even in the next 30 years.The same thing they did to Ken Saro-Wiwa is the same thing they are doing to the Ogoni sons and daughters. They are manipulating it,” she said.

Nagbo praised the consistency of fiery human rights lawyer, Femi Falana(SAN), in championing the cause of the Ogoni people, saying, even Ken Saro-Wiwa was known for his consistency.

 

The keynote speaker, Mr Femi Falana actually chronicled the circumstances surrounding the hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his kinsmen on November 10, 1995, saying, they never committed the offence for which they were executed, and,therefore, deserve not only the recent pardon granted to them by the Federal Government but also exoneration and apology from the government.

 

Falana accused the state and Shell of masterminding the murder of four Ogoni sons, with the intent of roping in Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other Ogoni activists, saying, the execution of the Ogoni activists was premeditated.

 

According to him, when it was clear that the then Abacha military junta had already made up its mind to kill Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, the legal team defending them had no option than to withdraw from the trial in order not to give it legitimacy.

 

The human rights lawyer said the Ogoni people must be united today more than ever before to fight for their rights, stressing that the move for resumption of oil production in Ogoniland can only be justified when the ongoing cleanup of Ogoniland has attained an appreciable level.

 

He also applauded the siting of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, but insisted that the university must employ Ogoni people to justify its establishment.

 

Falana said the time has come for the people of the Niger Delta region to demand accountability from the political class at all levels of governance in the region, saying, they are constitutionally empowered to find out how the 13 percent derivation funds and other funds are utilised.

 

According to him, the three percent fund stipulated and specified in the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA)  is supposed to go directly to oil and gas bearing communities in the Niger Delta.

 

He also sympathised with Umuechem people for what befell them during the military regime, and decried a situation where oil companies failed in providing social amenities to the people, in spite of benefiting from the oil and gas deposits in their land.

He promised to set up a think tank of lawyers to advocate and ensure that oil and gas host communities in the country, particularly in the Niger Delta are provided social amenities.

 

Also, human rights and  environment campaigner and one of the organisers of the event, Mr Celestine Akpobari thanked Femi Falana, Dr Nimo Bassey and other dignitaries and participants for gracing the event, which he described as the celebration of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s legacies.

 

He said the rush for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland does not make any economic sense, and likened it  to mopping the floor while the taps are open.

 

At the event, the panel of discussants consisted of Prof KialeeNyiayana of the University of Port Harcourt; Prof Lucky Akaruese of the University of Port Harcourt; Eze(Prof) Christian Akani of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education;  and Leader of Ogoni People’s Assembly, Rev Probel Williams, while the moderator was Dr EmemOkon.

The discussants gave a good account of themselves, as they did not only dissect the keynote address presented by Femi Falana, giving more insights into it, but also did justice to the questions posed to them by the moderator, bordering on Ken Saro-Wiwa and his legacies, among other issues.

 

By: Donatus

 

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Unveiling of $400million Otakaikpo crude oil Export Terminal; Monarch Hails Tinubu  …lists Economic Benefits Of The Project 

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The Okan Ama of Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area HRM king Aaron Miller Ikuru has hailed President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the unveiling of the $400million crude oil terminal at the Otakaikpo oil field in Ikuru Town
King Ikuru who said this in his address during the unveiling ceremony also assured multinational corporations operating in the area of a conducive business environment.
He said the project will not only improve the economy of Ikuru Town but that of the entire Andoni and Rivers state.
The traditional ruler said the ceremony Marks a new chapter in Ikuru Town and Andoni in general as the area has become the proud host of a monumental national asset the $400million crude oil terminal
He also commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the feat, adding that “the project stands as a testament to the administration’s commitment to economic diversification, energy infrastructure development and local content advancement.
“Your Excellency Sir, this singular investment not only represents a milestone in Nigeria’s oil and gas production capacity but it also symbolizes hope for job opportunities, hope for improve livelihoods and hope for sustainable community development.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the vision policy direction and support that have made this project a reality ” King Aaron Ikuru said the community has utilized very judiciously the 3 percent opex for its development
“Currently there is an ongoing legacy water project for the provision of potable water and a one year skills acquisition programm for youths in the community”
The monarch however decried inconsistent payment of the statutory 3 percent opex by the JV and expressed the hope that priority will be placed on the payment of the outstanding 3 percent for 2024 to the community HCDT.
King Ikuru also urged the company to instruct the JV to provide electricity to the host community and stressed the need for Ikuru to be connected to the energy source as Otakaikpo marginal oil field.
Also speaking to journalists the chairman Community Development Committee( CDC) Ikuru Town, Ebenezer Bright, described the event as memorable one ,stressing that it would open up the area for development.
He said he was happy that the event  is happening at his own time and assured the company of a better relationship with the community.
Also an indigene of Ikuru Town, Professor Lysias Gilbert  said the economic effects of the terminal will be felt across the country as more barrels of oil will be exported from the terminal
He urged the community to unite and embrace the opportunity by remaining peaceful.
It would be recalled that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu last Wednesday commissioned the crude oil terminal at the Otakaikpo oil field. The president was represented by the Minister of state for Petroleum Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
By: John Bibor
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