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How Soyinka Got It Wrong On TB Joshua Trial – Rights Group

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2021

NewTimes

Soyinka, Pyrates Confraternity And The God Factor

Nigeria’s leading human rights movement has said that Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka got it wrong on his calls that famous Pastor Temitope Joshua should be tried by the law court over the collapse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) said the respected professor should have been armed with the correct information before making the statement calling for the trial of Pastor Temitope Joshua.

“The trial has been ongoing. The prosecutors and the defence lawyers have been arguing their cases in the law court. As we speak, Pastor Joshua and his church have not been found guilty by the law court. We do not understand what other trial the learned professor is talking about” the NHRC said in a statement signed by its officials, Taye Adeleye and Mark Eke Alozie.

Prof. Soyinka had said at a book launch that Joshua should be tried by the law court over the collapse of the building. “We find the position of the Professor Soyinka strange. We wish to remind him that the court in Lagos has been prosecuting this case including using the evidence provided by witnesses”, the NHRC said.

The NHRC established in 2005 is a coalition of 135 civil society groups spread across the country.

NHRC is also a member of the Human Rights Network (HURINET) coordinated by the British Council and the African Civil Rights Network.

According to the group, there are witnesses who said they sighted a flying object few minutes before the collapse of the building.

These objects could be a drone, or light helicopter adding that it was left for the court, not an individual to investigate and come up with solutions.

The officials said given the current state of banditry and violence, those who claimed they sighted a flying object may be correct. Prof Soyinka should be aware that terrorists in Nigeria use drone and this did not start today.

The NHRC said: “Pastor Joshua is not above the law. That was why he has been taken to court. What we oppose is what looks like a sectarian plot to draw conclusions even when the legal processes are yet to be concluded. This raises the public fear that Pastor Joshua is a target of some influential individuals based on personal interests. They want to destroy him and all the good work he has been doing especially meeting the needs of the people when relevant authorities have failed.”

The group said Pastor Joshua had made tremendous contributions to promoting the right to life and living by millions of Nigerians and black people all over the world.

The NHRC urged Prof. Soyinka to visit the church and the aspect of the church’s humanitarian services which is the best in Nigeria.

The group said all victims of the unfortunate collapsed building were touched by the church in ways the grieving families would never forget in a country where victims of accidents are left to nurse their wounds.

“He has brought hope to millions of despairing population all over the world. He has brought respect to Nigeria. He has shown that something good can come out of Africa. His worship centre inspires millions of people against violence, gives inspirational speeches in the face of despondency, provides psychological treatment to millions of Nigerians in trauma occasioned by the harsh realities of life in Nigeria. He is one of the greatest phenomena that have ever come out of Africa. This is apart from the fact that he has provided jobs for millions of people in need.”

According to the group, millions of people come to Nigeria from Europe, Asia and America for the simple reason of coming to the church .Many foreigners would never think of coming to Nigeria if not for the church.

According to the NHRC, all these achievements do not make him to be above the law but that they should also be taken into consideration by those bent on destroying his name.

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In Shakeup Of FCT Administration, Wike Sacks Agencies, Parastatals Heads

Published

7 hours ago

September 28, 2023

NewTimes

BREAKING: Wike Dares Ayu To Stop Elections Of Ortom, Others

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nysom Wike

In a decisive shakeup of the administration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), its Minister Nyesom Wike, has sacked the heads of 21 parastatals, agencies, and government companies.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ogunleye identified the affected heads of the agencies as follows:

1. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abuja Investment Company Ltd

2. CEO/Managing Director, Abuja Markets Management Ltd

3. MD/CEO, Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company

4. CEO/MD, Abuja Property Development Company

5. CEO/MD, Abuja Technology Village Free Trade Zone Company

6. CEO/MD, Abuja Film Village International

7. CEO/MD, Powernoth AICL Equipment Leasing Company Ltd

8. MD, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation

9. MD, Abuja Enterprise Agency

10. General Manager, FCT Water Board

11. Director-General, FCT Emergency Management Agency

12. Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Board

13. DG, Hospital Management Board

14. Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board

15. Director, FCT Scholarship Board

16. Director, FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board

17. Director, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board

18. Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center

19. Director, FCT Health Insurance Scheme

20. Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department

21. Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council

The director of the press said that the affected appointees should hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank.

He added that appointments in the offices would be made in due course.

Latest News

Abiodun Urges Prayer For Nigeria At Eid-El Maulud

Published

20 hours ago

September 27, 2023

NewTimes

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has urged Muslims across the country to offer prayers for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria on the occasion of Eid-El Maulud.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, the Governor emphasized the need for Nigerians to come together and pray for the country’s progress, unity and development.

Governor Abiodun also called on Muslims to emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which include love, tolerance, peace, and humility.

He urged Muslims to use the occasion of Eid-El Maulud to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet and strive to live a life of righteousness and selflessness.

The Governor expressed his commitment to providing good and effective governance to the people of Ogun State as he called on Muslims to continue to support his administration and pray for its success.

Eid-ElMaulud is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is celebrated with prayers, fasting, feasting, and acts of charity and generosity.

Latest News

You Are A Shining Light In Christendom, Abiodun Tells Oyedepo At 69

Published

20 hours ago

September 27, 2023

NewTimes

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, as a shining light in Christendom.

He described the bishop as a great man of God and an educationist worth emulating.

Abiodun stated this in his goodwill message to mark Bishop Oyedepo’s 69th birthday.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Lekan Adeniran, praised Bishop Oyedepo’s commitment to God, saying he daily motivates his congregation and the larger society to live a purposeful life in accordance with God’s plan.

“Your teachings have transformed the lives of many and have shaped the destiny of our nation.

“As a preacher, you exemplify excellence and have been a source of inspiration to many. Your commitment to the spread of the gospel has not only brought salvation to countless souls, but it has also helped shape the moral fabric of our society,” Abiodun said.

He said that through his involvement in the education sector, the man of God has succeeded in producing many scientists, bankers, lawyers, administrators, among others, adding that one of his universities has consistently been ranked among the best in Africa.

The governor also commended Bishop Oyedepo’s humanitarian efforts, particularly through the David Oyedepo Foundation, which provides scholarships, medical and entrepreneurial support to thousands of people.

“I am grateful for your contributions to the development of Ogun State, particularly in the area of education. Your investment in Covenant University and other educational institutions in the state have greatly impacted the lives of our youth and have helped to raise the standard of education in the state,” Abiodun said.

He prayed that God will continue to bless Bishop Oyedepo with good health, wisdom, and divine guidance as he continues to impact lives and fulfil his divine mandate.

Abiodun prayed for God’s continued blessings and guidance upon the bishop, as well as for more years of impactful service to humanity.

“Once again, I wish you a happy 69th birthday, and I pray that God will grant you many more years in good health,” Abiodun concluded.

Bishop David Oyedepo, who is also the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, was born on September 27, 1954, in Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria.

He founded the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, which has grown to become one of the largest Christian denominations in Nigeria and the world at large.