It is enheartening, indeed uplifting, seeing readers demonstrating alertness on what they read which is not on politics, afterall man shall not live by bread alone…It is refreshing that people are finding time to reflect quietly in their closets what is beyond fleeting pleasure. Since this column’s outing nearly a month ago on Revelation of John, I have been receiving calls drawing my attention to what was perceived a factual error in the piece. But last week, the observation was, in fact, put in writing by an ardent reader of the column. On 27 December the following statement was published in my contemplation on Christmas:

“The Star of Bethlehem did not come from our Universe, Ephesus, which is one of the seven universes in the world. In Creation ‘geography,’ the world is not our earth. It comprises those regions and spheres of existence which lie between the lowest realm of Paradise and our earth. It is a training ground for human spirit seed germs sent out of Paradise to gather experiences which will make them mature enough during their wanderings for re-admission to Paradise as useful Human Spirit Beings. The world comprises seven universes of which our own is one. It is to them that John the Baptist’s address in the Book of Revelation is directed when he says: ‘To the seven churches of Asia.’ He did not mean a Christian organization and a continent on earth. Here churches refer to the seven universes of the world. The Star of Bethlehem came from the highest of the 14 spiritual realms known as Paradise. If we perfect ourselves on earth to become Human Spirit Beings, we would e admitted to the lowest of these 14 spiritual realms. The Spiritual Beings in the seven highest realms never had to come to the world or to the earth to mature. They are the Primordial Beings created by God in His Image. We human beings are to develop after their likeness. We are not the direct Creation of God Who, being Perfection can never create imperfection.”

The perceived error to which my attention has been drawn is in stating that it is to the seven universes that the world comprises that John the Baptist’s address in the Book of Revelation is directed when he says: “To the seven churches of Asia.” The note to me states: “Sir, the book of revelation was not written by John the Baptist, but by John the beloved. This John the beloved, also known as John the Apostle, is the brother of James. The two of them were sons of Zebedee, who came with their mother to Jesus, to seek special positions, one on the left and the other on the right!”

The note is undoubtedly from someone who has more than passing familiarity with the Scriptures. And on the face of it, to connect John the Baptist with the Book of Revelation must be cause to raise eye-brows; to wrinkle faces in askance and regard such a connection a grave error. The widespread and firm belief in Christendom is as stated by the writer of the note. And on the face of it, the belief would seem correct. However, if we read the Book of Revelation carefully, we will see that there are other active participants in between the Lord Jesus Christ and John the beloved Apostle while the messages and assignments were being spelt out and given to him. It is suggested John the Apostle received the messages directly from the Lord Jesus while he was in a trance. “I John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Al’pha and O-me’ga, the first and the last: and, what thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in A’sia; unto Eph’esus and unto Smyr’na, and unto Par’gamos, and unto Thy’-a-ti’ra, and unto Sar’dis, and unto Phil-a-del’phi-a, and unto La-od-i-ce’a. (Rev.1: 9-10-11). 

But could John the Apostle living on earth at the time reach the Isle of Patmos in his vision? John the Baptist was more likely to be the one at the Isle of Patmos. He was already back home in Paradise; his plane being where his field of activities reaches and is connected with the Isle of Patmos. I will return to this point more elaborately presently.

It is stated: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto Him to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” (Rev. 1: 1-2). (Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible).

Who these other participants are not much is mentioned about them and not much attention has been paid to them or if there is any involvement by them. It is through the unraveling contained in higher knowledge spreading on earth in these times that the scale dropped from many an eye and are permitted to divine their identities and sense an account of their roles in the unique mediation to John the Baptist and through him to Guardians and to mankind in the different universes referred to as Churches.

As man now learns in the structure of Creation, the uppermost Realm is called Primordial Spiritual Realm. It is inhabited by Human Spirit Beings who were created in the image of God. Being image is meant attributes and virtues in the likeness of the Creator as far as a creature is capable of, with perfection, inconceivable beauty, love, purity and unconditional loyalty and selfless service as some of these attributes. Besides, they swing absolutely in the Will of God. 

In the Primordial Spiritual Realm itself there are Seven Planes. On the fifth step as the uppermost lives a personality the whole world knows as John the Baptist who was on earth and who proclaimed the Lord Jesus at River Jordan where he baptized Him. The baptism signaled the beginning of His ministration, His Work of Love for the redemption and salvation of all mankind. John the Baptist is surrounded by numerous helpers, leading and strong human spirit beings who serve as trainers of all the support for the human race. It is the land for the training and preparation for all the help and support all the planes below the Primordial Spiritual Plane might need. Much greater is the preparation for incisive Light-happenings for the Creations. Any wonder, therefore, that John the Baptist it was who received Light tidings of the End-Time and transmitted them to John, the Apostle, on earth what have been dubbed the Revelation of John. It should stand to reason that it was from that height, and not on the earth plane on which Apostle John was living, that messages could be sent to the seven universes. 

I have written before about the vastness of Creation, using Ephesus in which we live as a case study, even then only to the extent science can reach. Our earth is a planet in the solar system which is built around the sun and the sun is only one out of billions of stars in Milky Way, our galaxy. The galaxy is itself one of billions of galaxies in our universe which is Ephesus. If all these are in one universe, can we conceive of what are contained in all the universes with their sizes put together? Yet, each is physical universe only. They are in the material world part of which other than the earth science and technology cannot reach or survey. It can be seen that the earth is no more than the tip of a fountain pen with all its 7.8billion inhabitants and physical features of land, mountains, rivers and oceans. Messages from the spiritual Realm could not, therefore, have been left to John the Apostle, the beloved of the Lord, to disseminate from the earth which is less than a speck of dust –to all the seven universes the vastness of which is inconceivable and incomprehensible to the capability and limitation of man by his nature. The World of Gross matter is not even part of the main Creation which is spiritual; it is a consequence of it, hence it is called Subsequent Creation.

John the Baptist lives in the original Spiritual Realm. But his field of activities reaches down to Isle of Patmos which is at the boundary of the Primordial Spiritual Realm.The Isle of Patmos, we learn, is the Mountain of Holy Proclamations inhabited by the Chosen Ones. This Land of Promises, of the Blessed Ones, has a replica of Patmos at the highest height of the lower ranking Spiritual but who have no need of coming to the earth to develop conscious existence. The Spiritual that live there are called Created Ones. Among them lives John the Baptist’s name sake with the latter swinging in the rays of the former and working collaboratively with him in disseminating holy tidings and proclamations as there are connections between their otherwise two delineated realms.

What I am getting at is that John the Apostle may have written the Revelation as it concerns the earth, it was John the Baptist who directed the address in the Book of Revelation to the churches in Asia, churches meaning the universes, and Asia the spiritual name for the world. The Apostle drew for his writing from the address sent spiritually to all the universes. John the Baptist had the high tasks of preparing all the seven parts of the world for the coming of the Son of Man, the Spirit of Truth.

The Grail Message of Abd-ru-shin says of John the Baptist, (the real name he bears back at his point of origin, I keep away): “He is uppermost on this step, numerous helpers surround him, and it was he who received the tidings from the Light for his great, comprehensive working, which he always faithfully fulfilled. It was also he who gave men the great revelation of the present-day happenings, which have become generally known as the Revelation of John.

“With this great work of preparing all the incisive Light-happenings for the Creations, this fifth step is filled and full of flaming life!”

In Revelation we are admonished: “Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Afe Babalola at a Crossroads!

A galaxy of traditional rulers moved in large numbers to the domain of Chief Afe Babalola at Ado Ekiti to lend the majesty of their thrones to resolving the imbroglio he has with activist Dele Farotimi. There has been pressure from several quarters on Chief Babalola, among leading lights of the land, to withdraw the criminal defamation case he has filed against Farotimi. Among the eminent men with intimidating presence to get the chief to close the case file were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bishop Matthew Kukah and Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party flagbearer in the last Presidential election. Because of his chummy relationship with these, Babalola could look them in the face and say No, and he did say ‘No,’ he was going to pursue the case to the end. But hardly could he have looked at the gathering of the traditional rulers and refused to shift ground. The traditional rulers were led by the head of traditional rulers in the South West, the Arole Oodua, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi. 

Such array collection of traditional rulers intervening in a dispute in court is unprecedented.  In my contemplation, I hinge the motivation for the intervention on the wise sayings of elders that they are that Eegun Alapinni jade, o m’ore dani, igbati ko m’ore lowo, ta lo to duro de e! Roughly translated, it says: The masquerade of head priest Alapinni comes out bearing  a cane in its hands; when it is without a cudgel, who can dare wait for it! This is an allusion to the professional standing of Afe Babalola as a legal luminary and an intimidating embodiment of law. How dare anyone go to court to challenge such a towering person! I also asked myself: Could Chief Babalola have changed his mind sensing himself coming to a certain harm pursuing the case to what may be considered a logical conclusion! Agbalagba t’o nle oromodie yio f’ekun bo! An elderly man who runs after chicks on the compound will eventually bruise his knees! In other words, given the class of Farotimi and his combustible circle and their fastidiousness, unremorseful posture, is the court battle worth it? 

We may not immediately know what went behind closed doors in the meeting the traditional rulers had with Chief Babalola. Has Farotimi repented, for example? Is he remorseful? Did the traditional rulers extract an apology from him or there was a pledged one from him? Even if he does apologise, how does that cure the purported damage complained was done to his illustrious name? How is the stain thrown at his immaculate white raiment washed clean for the sake of his chain of great grandchildren in the future? How is his effulgent dignity restored as the ‘damage’ to it he complains about is permanently in printed book and several copies have been circulated round the world through Amazon? 

All the while, pleadings to Chief had been focused on him throwing his complaints out of the window, but not on the reputational harm the publication may have done to his standing. The elders are wiser and they see far, it is to be hoped.  

Chief Afe Babalola has demonstrated large-heartedness of a community leader, an international figure who is being courted for speaking engagements in foreign lands, and an elder statesman. We keep our fingers crossed.

Exactly thirty-four days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Nigeria’s 2025 Appropriation Bill (on December 18, 2024) to the joint session of the National Assembly, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America. On that occasion on January 20, 2025, President Trump made far-reaching declarations and signed a number of Executive Orders whose implementation could extensively impact the entire world.

Specifically, with immediate effect, President Trump’s pronouncements and Orders had begun to impact prices of crude oil in the international market. The early part of January 2025 had seen the price of crude on a steady rise, crossing the 80 dollars per barrel (dpb) mark; the level last attained in 2022. This trend was attributed to geopolitical tensions, particularly sanctions imposed on Russian oil export in the face of its lingering war with Ukraine.

Nigeria’s 2025 Appropriation Bill was couched on the assumption of an oil price of 75 dpb. But as the price of the commodity was shooting around 80 dpb, its immediate impact was the response by the refining giant—Dangote Refinery—by adjusting its fuel (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS) price upwards. Dangote had been compelled by the complicated and difficult circumstances around local crude oil supply from Nigeria to largely depend on imported crude for its operations.

The Dangote Refinery’s response to the purely external headwind (of rising oil prices) promptly caused ripples, as importers and distributors of PMS in Nigeria also commenced marking up their fuel pump prices. This obviously went to worsen the augury that the high PMS prices have persistently presented in the past two years or so. More will be unfolding in this vein in the coming months, this year. 

However, President Trump’s Executive Order to ‘unleash American energy’ by easing the barriers to oil and gas extraction and production is indeed a ‘bombshell’. Trump’s sweeping new energy policy aims to “encourage energy exploration and production on Federal lands and waters, including on Outer Continental Shelf, in order to meet the needs of our citizens and solidify the United States as a global leader long into the future.”

The U.S. President has followed up his Order with a message at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, urging the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to bring down oil prices, citing the impact of high fuel costs on the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump said he intended to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce oil prices, which he believed would help the conflict. And apparently in response to Trump’s views, oil prices began edging lower; already dropping to as low as 77 dpb in a matter of days.

This trend is certainly an external headwind that has the potential to distort the crude oil pricing and production projections in Nigeria’s 2025 Appropriation Bill. Nigeria projects to produce 2.06 million barrels of crude per day; and selling at 75 dpb. But, given President Trump’s determination to crash oil prices, it is certain that both the ambitious production level and price would turn unrealistic.

In the words of Trump: “We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again right to the top, and export American energy all over the world.” This, obviously, would translate to loss of market for Nigeria. According to recent data, in September 2024, Nigeria’s total exports to the U.S were valued at US$124.86 million, with a significant portion of that being crude oil.

In fact, the U.S. is known to be one of Nigeria’s key export destinations, and crude oil is a major component of Nigeria’s exports to the country. But now, President Trump wants his country not only to be self-sufficient in their energy production/supply but also to flood the global market with the products. This therefore puts Nigeria’s entire 2025 budget in danger; and portends a dreary prospect for the entire economy. 

On another plank, Nigeria is also facing the likelihood of receiving thousands of deportees from the U.S. any moment this year. This is because one of President Trump’s Executive Orders is directed at flushing illegal immigrants out of the U.S. in his efforts at ‘sanitizing’ the American society. It is estimated that about 4000 Nigerians in the U.S. are at the risk of being deported due to Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says already an inter-agency panel has been set up to manage the impending mass deportation. According to a document from U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division is already processing individuals for deportation. The ICE report for 2024 shows that about 5000 Nigerians could be affected in the ongoing deportation exercise.

Another external headwind is also imminent from a seemingly unavoidable tariff war, also being triggered by President Trump’s move to impose very high tariffs on goods and services from certain parts of the world. Specifically, Trump is proposing a 60 per cent tariff on imports from China; 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico; and ten to 20 per cent tariffs on imports from the rest of the rest of the world.

Obviously these targeted countries and the rest of the world are bound to react to Trump’s proposal, which he says would come into effect on February 1, 2025. With the onset of the tariff war, as the proverbial Elephants would be fighting, the grass would be suffering. Nigeria, as a largely import-dependent country, would be caught in the vortex of the war—especially reflecting in very high prices of imports from even its usual trading partners.

Already, Trump’s tariff proposals have sparked concerns among economists and trade experts, who warn that they could lead to higher prices, reduced economic growth, and job losses. In this regard, the chief executive of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has warned that any tit-for-tat trade wars prompted by President Trump’s tariff threats would have catastrophic consequences for global growth, urging states to refrain from retaliation.

Okonjo-Iweala who spoke at the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, said: “If we have tit-for-tat retaliation, whether it is 25 or 60 per cent tariff, and we go to where we were in the 1930s, we are going to see double-digit GDP losses. That’s catastrophic. Everyone will pay.” 

“We are very much saying to our members at the WTO, you have other avenues, even if a tariff is levied, please keep calm,” she said, asking states to study their options and use the WTO’s system for resolving disputes. Given Nigeria’s vulnerabilities, however, it is difficult for the country to escape from the unwholesome consequences of the emerging adversarial global trade relations.

Yet from another external front, the exit of three members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 28, 2025, from the regional bloc portends some challenges to Nigeria. Given the ‘key man’ position of Nigeria in ECOWAS, the withdrawal of Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Mali from the fold is bound to create cracks.

Already, apparently incensed by Nigeria’s renewed cozy relationship with France, the former colonial masters of the three exiting ECOWAS members, the three countries are already contriving diplomatic tiff with Nigeria. The trio seem unease with Nigeria currying favor with France whose linkage and footprints they (three countries) want wiped out permanently from their lands.

As it is, some or all of these potential external headwinds would be impacting Nigeria in various ways—mostly, adversely. This is because neither the initiation, the implementation nor the management of the inducing policies (of the headwinds) is within the purview of Nigeria.

Trump’s pursuit of rabid nationalism, for instance, is a hurricane that no nation can douse. Nor can Nigeria still play ‘Big Brother’ to Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, and expect to fully win their usual cooperation. Surely, Nigeria faces massive external headwinds, the dimensions and intensity of which are yet unfathomable and indeterminate. 

·      The author, Okeke, a practicing Economist, Business Strategist, Sustainability expert and ex-Chief Economist of Zenith Bank Plc, lives in Lekki, Lagos. He can be reached via: obioraokeke2000@yahoo.com (08033075697) SMS only      

Amaechi made this statement during a two-day event in Abuja, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity.”

The event, organized by several governance and democracy-focused institutions, brought together key stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

While speaking on the “Impact of Democracy on the National Economy”, Amaechi highlighted the deepening economic inequality in Nigeria.

He lamented that the country now operates a “two-class system”, where individuals are either extremely wealthy or struggling in poverty, with no middle class to balance the divide.

“The last time we had the middle class was under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He created an economy that generated jobs. Even though some argued it was a shaky middle class that disappeared at the end of every month when salaries were paid, at least we had a middle class.

“Now, it’s either you are rich or you are poor. If social housing and investments in agriculture had been implemented alongside subsidy removal, people would not feel the impact as harshly as they do now,” Amaechi stated.

He further criticized economic policies that failed to cushion the impact of subsidy removal, stressing that social housing and agricultural investments could have softened the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.

[NaijaNews]

Microsoft (MSFT.O) has expanded its artificial intelligence offerings by making Chinese startup DeepSeek’s R1 AI model available on its Azure cloud computing platform and GitHub

This move marks a significant addition to Microsoft’s existing catalog of over 1,800 AI models available to developers.

“The AI model will be available in the model catalog on the platforms and will join more than 1,800 models that Microsoft is offering,” Microsoft stated.

DeepSeek’s R1 model, launched just last week, promises a more cost-effective and data-efficient alternative to existing AI assistants. Developers can now access the model on both Azure and GitHub, making it an attractive option for those seeking more affordable and resource-efficient solutions.

DeepSeek gains traction 

DeepSeek’s AI assistant, by Monday, had surpassed the U.S.-based ChatGPT in downloads on Apple’s App Store, triggering a wave of concern among tech stock investors.

• This development also comes at a time when Microsoft is working to reduce its dependence on OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. Last month, reports indicated that Microsoft had been focusing on adding internal and third-party AI models to power its flagship Microsoft 365 Copilot product.

“Microsoft has been looking to reduce its dependence on ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has been working to add internal and third-party AI models to power its flagship AI product Microsoft 365 Copilot,” according to Reuters.

• To further address concerns around privacy and data-sharing, Microsoft has announced that customers will soon be able to run the R1 model locally on their Copilot+ PCs.

This feature is expected to alleviate concerns regarding data sharing and privacy risks associated with cloud-based models.

Data concerns  

While DeepSeek’s R1 model has garnered attention, its ties to China have raised questions about its potential adoption in the U.S.

• The company has confirmed that it stores user information on servers located in China, which could present a challenge for U.S. users concerned about data security.

“DeepSeek has said it stores user information in servers in China, which could be a sticking point in its U.S. adoption,” the company stated.

• Meanwhile, both Microsoft and OpenAI are investigating whether data from OpenAI’s technology was accessed improperly by a group associated with DeepSeek.

Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor and technology partner, flagged the suspicious activity to OpenAI.

“If confirmed, such actions could constitute a violation of OpenAI’s terms of service or an attempt to bypass restrictions on data usage,” Bloomberg quoted the sources.

• Following this, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Gov, a tailored version of ChatGPT for U.S. government agencies to boost efficiency and productivity. It is designed to address complex public sector challenges in areas like health, infrastructure, and national security. Agencies can host ChatGPT Gov on Microsoft Azure, ensuring compliance with security and privacy standards.

Key features include GPT-4o, custom GPTs, and an admin console for managing users. Since 2024, over 90,000 users across government agencies have utilized ChatGPT for tasks like research, translation, and administrative support. OpenAI aims to enhance government services and foster public trust in AI technology.

[Nairametrics]

Elder Statesman, Pa Bisi Akande, has opened up on the conversation he had with President Bola Tinubu in the buildup to the 2023 election.

During an interview with media personality, Edmund Obilo, Akande has revealed different details of Tinubu’s emergence as the leader of the country.

He further said though Tinubu has grown as a political strategist, he was very ignorant about the politics of Nigeria before his emergence as president.

“He may have known a lot about the politics of Lagos and America, but he was very ignorant about the politics of Nigeria. Now that he is president, I don’t know how much he has learned”, he stated.

Contrary to widespread opinion that Tinubu’s lifelong ambition was to rule the country, Akande said he played a major role in getting him to contest.

The elder statesman said the president was initially not excited about the project and often quarrelled with those who suggested the idea.

According to him, “When I met him, he cited financial constraints and personal doubts. He said, Baba, do you have money? If I had the kind of money that people have to be president, I would rank with Dangote”.

He said Tinubu’s attitude troubled the sponsors who pleaded for his intervention before he convinced him about the bigger picture.

“They said there was trouble that he (Tinubu) was fighting anybody who tried to convince him about the presidency and so I went to Lagos and met him.

“I told him, ‘We don’t want you to be president because of you. You are unimportant in this matter.

“But in Yoruba tradition, when you want to worship the deity, you take the fattest animal or the biggest yam. Yoruba wants to be president, and you are the one we have now. It is to sacrifice you so that we can have a president, not for you to be anything”, he stated.

Akande said his comment jolted Tinubu who looked at him like a sick fellow.

He said Tinubu however complained about his leg (arthritis).

“He later asked me that Baba, you now say I should run. What about this, my leg and I assured him to go and treat it that it will heal in six months.”

[DailyTrust]

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority in the eastern part of the country, which has been overrun by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

Tshisekedi made the vow in a televised address on Wednesday night.

The group has seized control of the key city of Goma and is advancing southward, threatening to capture more territory.

Tshisekedi announced a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, whom he labeled “terrorists,” and criticized the international community for its lack of action in addressing the escalating security crisis.

He called on all Congolese citizens to support the army’s efforts to regain control of the region, promising that the country would not succumb to “humiliation” and would triumph in the face of the rebel onslaught.

The ongoing conflict, which has displaced over 500,000 people, has significantly worsened the humanitarian situation.

Goma has been left without electricity and water, and food shortages are rampant, according to the United Nations.

While President Tshisekedi snubbed a virtual summit convened by East African leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, the summit called for a peaceful resolution and urged the Congolese government to engage directly with all armed groups, including the M23.

Tshisekedi has consistently refused direct dialogue with the rebels, preferring to speak with Rwanda.

Tshisekedi also expressed gratitude for the South African Development Community (SADC) peacekeepers and UN forces who have died in the conflict.

Thirteen South African peacekeepers were killed in Goma, escalating tensions between South Africa and Rwanda.

In response to a statement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accusing Rwanda of involvement in the deaths, Kagame warned of potential confrontation, rejecting claims of a distorted narrative.

As M23 continues to make gains, reports indicate that the group is heading towards Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city.

The Congolese army has set up a defense line, though the rebels have faced little resistance so far. Meanwhile, Angola has called for urgent talks between the Congolese and Rwandan leaders, with efforts to resume peace discussions under the East African Community framework.

International calls for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DR Congo have intensified, with countries such as the United States, the European Union, and China urging the withdrawal.

Both the UN and DR Congo have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, while Rwanda has denied the claims, suggesting that Congolese militias are attempting to overthrow the Rwandan government.

The ongoing conflict has prompted significant international pressure, with countries like the UK and Germany threatening to cut aid to Rwanda in response to the violence.

The UK has put £32 million of bilateral aid under review, and Germany has canceled planned aid talks with Rwanda.

[DailyPost]

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has accused former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of pursuing a “vengeance mission” rather than acting out of patriotism in his recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

Bwala made the assertion in a response to El-Rufai’s earlier post on his verified X handle, @BwalaDaniel, on Thursday.  

Bwala, while expressing admiration for El-Rufai, questioned the motive behind the former Governor’s statements and actions.

He said:  “My worry however is the motive behind your statements and actions; they are not borne out of patriotism, but need for vengeance. The opposition sees that singular element of vengeance as a veritable tool for your recruitment.”  

The presidential aide also reminded El-Rufai of their shared history within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting they played significant roles in Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 elections. 

Bwala emphasized that his support for Tinubu predates the recent political developments, stating, “with respect, I am not a latter-day Asiwaju supporter. We both played our roles in his emergence as the candidate of the party ahead of the 2023 elections.”  

He further highlighted the ideological differences within the party during its formative years, recalling that while El-Rufai was from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction of the APC, he (Bwala) was from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) faction. 

“Before then, whilst you were from the CPC extraction of APC, I was from the ACN, which explains why I worked with Comrade Oshiomhole when he chaired the party amongst other things to protect the interest of Asiwaju, whom at the time you people vowed to retire from politics,” Bwala stated.  

Bwala urged El-Rufai to abandon what he described as “melodramatic activities” and return to the APC to resolve any grievances he may have. 

“I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities or a vengeance mission. Come back and resolve whatever you think is your grievances like a dignified man that you are,” he advised.  

The presidential aide also reaffirmed the APC’s position as the dominant political party in Nigeria, describing it as “the only organized party with identifiable structures across the country.” 

He added: “So if you are looking for any symbol of democracy, it is still in your party.”  

In a heartfelt appeal, Bwala called on El-Rufai to return to the fold, saying, “please senior, come home; you have toiled all nights.”  

The exchange between the two prominent APC figures has sparked reactions from political observers with many speculating on the implications of El-Rufai’s criticisms for the ruling party’s unity. 

The Chief Executive Officer of EeZee Conceptz, Ezekiel Onyedikachi popularly known as EeZeeTee has dispelled what he described as a deliberate attempt by gospel music artist Mercy Chinwo to destroy his record label with lies and emotional blackmail saying that no real child of God destroys another with lies.

In a video shared on multiple media platforms on Tuesday, Mercy Chinwo accused EeZeeTee of threatening to destroy her career and subject her to servitude during her period with his label.

Reacting to some of the allegations made by Chinwo, EeZeeTee stated that it was sad that someone who claims to be a child of God and also a gospel artist would descend so low as to want to destroy another person with lies.

He said: “It’s heartbreaking that you can go to this extent to tarnish the credibility or tarnish the image of someone. You had promised that you would destroy my reputation and the organization. Well done.
When you’re done achieving it, I hope you get a crown in heaven.

“I mean, all of those extreme words, extreme usage of words just to make it look like, I mean, it is stupidity for us not to allow you go for an event because every time you go for a meeting and you’re blessed, we share in that blessing.

“How would we sabotage our investment? We need to be a little more intelligent with the narratives we’re presenting. We do not, in the desperation to damage the reputation of someone, begin to now put ourselves in a critical light, especially to those who are very logical in reasoning and can pull one or two.

“The question is this, are we going to carry strife in our hearts, bitterness in our hearts, resentment in our hearts and go everywhere, you know, acting like we’re doing ministry and kingdom?

” How does it feel to think that because I’m portraying and pushing out, you know, reconciliation and peace, it means that I am weak? What would you say to someone whom you say is more like a boss, more like a father to you, that you have now got contact, you deal with me?

“God has helped us with this office and we’re privileged to come in here neither by association nor by marriage. This is God’s calling and anybody who says, I will deal with you and I will kill you, is not contending with me but with God who has called me. Same with her. I can never boast to say, ‘I made you, I’ll kill you,’ I didn’t make you.

“I was privileged to have housed the platform where you found expression and this cannot be discredited. Let me ask you a question. What is the profit or crown given to a child of God who sees another one go down? It is not what anyone should be proud of.

“I think that we are at the point where we should be truthful and sincere. There is a consistency of lies and pretence. What do you expect of someone who can perfectly imitate the voice of a child and it sounds so real like she’s a child? She’s a fantastic actress.

‘Keep acting, keep crying. They pray with these songs a lot. So they can’t believe that somebody who is singing worship to God can lie.

“We understand all of that. But the truth is constant. No matter how far lies run, it takes just one truth to catch up with it.

“This is an attack on the body of Christ. Only a stupid person would by their hand destroy what God has helped them to be.”

The Real Issue
EeZeeTee further stated the real issue between him and Mercy Chinwo was about reconciling their accounts which he had made several attempts to resolve even through some respectable men of God but that his peaceful gestures were misconstrued as weakness and sign of guilt.

He said: “For more than two years, there’s been quite a lot of challenges and disputes behind the scenes. I had not felt or seen the need to come out to discredit any of my artists. I feel it’s stupid to put down your products. It doesn’t make any sense.

“Why would you want to sabotage your investment? Only stupid people will destroy what God has used them to build. But when it got to a point where it became a gross dimension of intimidation, my life being at risk, still for the love of the body of Christ, I made efforts to see how this would be resolved.

” I met a pastor of mine who is Apostle Eugene Ogwu. I was a baby drummer from his church, Abundant Life Evangelical Mission in Port Harcourt, regarding this matter. We had a meeting with Mommy Ezekiel, the wife of our father, Christian Pentecostal Mission, regarding this matter.

“I was privileged to meet Bishop Humphrey Erumaka regarding this matter. I also went to meet Bishop Mike Okonkwo, our big daddy, regarding this.

“But what did I hear? He’s running everywhere to meet these people. Now he’s very scared. What is he scared of? Why is he running around? And I’m like, well, the Bible says we should follow peace with all men.

“This is a prescription of the scripture. Let us deal with these issues internally. It makes no sense that we would choose to wash our dirty linen outside.

“But every time I put forward my approach towards a peaceful resolution, it was communicated like weakness. It looked like this guy was a weak person. Until I heard a statement that made me sad.

When one of the pastors said to me, stop bothering about the body of Christ. We will deal with you and the body of Christ will be okay. Then I knew that it was a scripted, orchestrated conspiracy and witch-hunting.

“I don’t have issues with people wanting to open their labels. I mean, we have thousands of talents all over within the Christian space. But you need not put one down for yours to go up.”

On the allegation that he was the person who first took the matter to court, EeZeeTee said: ” Around March, all my accounts were frozen.
I couldn’t trace where it was coming from. Until somehow, I got confidential information that it was a few sets of persons who were doing this. They didn’t want the public to know. Because it had been planned to look like the law enforcement agencies were investigating on their own.

“That was kept private. They tried to cover it, but it was revealed. This is a document that shows the petition that was written.

“I mean, she has come out to say that I went to court first. It beats my imagination how one would deny a document, deny her signature on every page of the document, and also deny the living witnesses to the execution of that document. This person we’re talking about is someone who is a fantastic actress. She has a lot of strength with, you know, portraying a victim personality to the world.

“Talent is beautiful, but talent is not enough. How do you say I took you to court? When did the court come in? The dates are there. So look at the dates when the petition was written.

“I was kept in Ilorin, not in Lagos. Why Ilorin? That’s a completely different state out of the place of competent jurisdiction. And then I was detained for nine days.

“Why did I stay that long? Because I needed to write on the statement what they wanted me to write. And I have to negotiate. The same catalogue that they are saying is not the battle.

“It’s not about the catalogue. The same thing was the reason I was detained for nine days. When I came out of detention, I didn’t go public.

“I didn’t bother to talk about it. I didn’t want to come outside to give an impression, to say these ladies who sing about Jesus everywhere.”

On allegation of refusing audit
Reacting to the allegation that he refused to allow an audit of his business dealing with Mercy Chinwo, EeZeeTee said: “I have never been opposed to a financial audit. Never. All I have just said is, let’s have a neutral, unbiased entity. Professional who understands all of the navigations within the ecosystem of the music industry.

“At least the modus operandi within that ecosystem. I want this audit to happen. Because that’s the only way I would also be vindicated.

“But we also need to check your books. You can’t go to equity when your hands are not clean. Check our books. And then we check your books. And whoever is owing would balance of themselves. Whether you like it or not, obligation is an obligation.

I can’t bully a bully
On Mercy Chinwo’s allegation of being bullied, EeZee Tee said: “Regarding the allegation of a bully and all of that, anyone who knows this person we’re talking about will know that you cannot bully a bully. You can find out from her roots, you can find out who she’s been, and those who work with her closely.

“This is just an attempt to assassinate the character of someone. Let’s not go away from the real thing. If you say you’re a true child of God, and I am the one that is the problem, and I have financial fraud as you have called it, can you tell the public that you’re willing to subject your accounts to an audit, by an independent audit? Let’s make these things easy.

“We are willing to bring out our books. All the other artists, she said, refuse to comply with audits. The audit they carried out was based on the documents we made available.

“If there was anything that was done by the label that you didn’t like, you go to courts, the courts will order us to come. We will bring our books.

“There are no courts that will order us to bring the books that we will not bring. We’ll bring our books and whoever is owing who would pay up.”

On paternity allegation
On the allegation by Mercy Chinwo that he was behind the partnership rumours of her child, EeZeeTee said: “It beats my imagination that in all of this, as sensitive as a case of a paternity saga, that’s what you want to use to put false allegations on my head.

“I hope you have enough evidence to prove that allegation that you have made because it is totally disappointing.”

There was a time when childhood was filled with innocence, creativity, and make-believe games. One of the most cherished of these was the playful act of pretending to be husband and wife. Children in school playgrounds, village squares, and backyards would assign roles with giddy excitement. The “husband” would return from an imaginary day at work, welcomed by a “wife” who had been busy cooking sand and leaves, serving up make-believe meals on bottle caps. Other friends played the roles of “neighbors” and “children,” adding fun and flair to the pretend family setting.

These childhood games, innocent as they were, reflected the values ingrained in children by their families and communities. They subtly taught responsibility, caregiving, and cooperation. But perhaps, for some Nigerian celebrities, this childhood game of playing husband and wife never truly ended. Given the rate at which marriages in the entertainment industry crash, one cannot help but wonder: Are some of them still experiencing the hangover of various child’s play marriage they engaged in when they were children? Do they see marriage as a game rather than a lifelong commitment?

Marriage, a sacred institution rooted in love, patience, and commitment, seems to have been reduced to a mere spectacle in the Nigerian entertainment industry. For some celebrities, tying the knot is treated with as much seriousness as signing an endorsement deal or starring in a blockbuster movie. The glitz and glamour of their wedding ceremonies are often headline-worthy, filled with opulence, designer outfits, and guest lists featuring the crème de la crème of society. But barely before the wedding flowers wither, the unions start to crumble, and divorce announcements flood social media like a poorly scripted reality TV show.

Take, for instance, actress Tonto Dikeh and her infamous split from Olakunle Churchill. Their relationship, once celebrated with extravagant public displays of affection, soon turned into a messy social media battle filled with accusations and counter-accusations. Similarly, Nollywood star Chika Ike’s short-lived marriage and the controversial break-up of actress Mercy Aigbe from her husband Lanre Gentry further paint a picture of celebrity unions that often seem built on shaky foundations.

Music stars are not exempt either. Tiwa Savage’s marriage to Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun crashed amidst public drama and allegations, despite the glamorous wedding they had in Dubai. More recently, Paul Okoye of P-Square and his wife Anita ended their long-time union, leaving many fans disappointed.

Currently making headlines on both the landscapes of conventional media and social media is that of Twoface Idibia’s public announcement of his intention to divorce his wife, Annie Idibia. Without a doubt, his announcement has set social media abuzz, making it one of the top trending topics. Fans and entertainment enthusiasts are reacting with shock and speculation, as the celebrity couple has had a history of publicized ups and downs in their marriage. While some express sympathy for Annie, others debate the possible reasons behind the decision, reigniting discussions on celebrity relationships and their challenges.

At this juncture, it is germane to ask, “Why are celebrity marriages crumbling?” The answer to the foregoing cannot be farfetched as several factors contribute to the seemingly endless cycle of celebrity marriages ending in divorce. Such factors, no doubt, cut across the fairy tale syndrome, the pressure to put on a show, the social media factor, the “Easy Exit” mindset, and infidelity and trust issues.

Explanatorily put, not a few celebrities; over the years, perhaps conditioned by the fantasy world of movies, music videos, and social media, enter marriage with unrealistic expectations. They believe in fairy tale endings where love alone is enough to sustain a marriage, forgetting that successful unions require compromise, effort, and commitment.

In a similar vein, in the entertainment industry, image is everything. Many celebrity weddings are more about branding than genuine commitment. The elaborate ceremonies and expensive rings often serve as marketing tools to enhance a star’s brand, rather than a reflection of true partnership.

Also in a similar vein, marriage in the digital age comes with its unique set of challenges. Celebrity couples often feel pressured to project an image of perfection online. However, the same platform that offers them adoration quickly turns into a battleground when things go south. Dirty linens are washed in public, and fans become judges and jurors, sometimes exacerbating marital conflicts.

Analyzed from another perspective, it is germane to opine that unlike in the past, where marriage was considered a lifelong journey with inevitable ups and downs, many celebrities today treat it as something disposable. The concept of “till death do us part” has been replaced with “till social media controversy do us part.” With the prevalence of divorce, leaving a marriage seems to have become as easy as leaving a movie set after filming.

Also, with fame comes attention, and with attention comes temptation. Many celebrity marriages are rocked by allegations of infidelity, leading to breakdowns in trust. The flashy lifestyle, constant travel, and interactions with fans and colleagues often create opportunities for cheating, making it difficult for many celebrity unions to withstand the pressure.

Be that as it may, there are lessons to learn from failed celebrity marriages. In fact, it is high time celebrities, and society at large, relearned the true essence of marriage. Beyond the spectacle of lavish weddings, marriage requires maturity, patience, and commitment. There are key lessons to be drawn from the failed marriages of Nigerian entertainers, and one of the lessons is that marriage should be built on substance, not spectacle.

In fact, the focus should shift from extravagant weddings to solid foundations. A wedding lasts a day, but marriage is meant to last a lifetime. Love, mutual respect, and compatibility should be prioritized over superficial displays of wealth and status.

In a similar vein, it is high time celebrities learnt how to keep personal matters private. This is as social media has been the downfall of many celebrity marriages. In fact, personal disputes should be handled privately, not turned into online drama for public consumption. The fewer the eyes prying into a couple’s affairs, the better the chances of resolving conflicts amicably.

Again, celebrities should seek counseling and guidance from counselors whenever their marriages are experiencing hiccups.  This is because marriage is not an easy journey, and seeking professional counseling should not be seen as a sign of weakness. Celebrities, like anyone else, should invest in pre-marital and post-marital counseling to navigate the inevitable challenges of marriage.

In a similar vein, celebrities whose marriages are passing through hiccups should understand that love alone is not enough. While love is a beautiful foundation, it is not enough to sustain a marriage. Trust, commitment, compromise, and shared values play a critical role in ensuring longevity in any relationship.

In fact, it is time for some Nigerian celebrities to grow up.  Without resort to denigrating anyone in this context, the childhood game of playing husband and wife was fun while it lasted, but adulthood demands a different level of responsibility. Nigerian celebrities need to realize that marriage is not a performance or a role to be played for the cameras—it is a lifelong commitment that requires dedication, sacrifice, and maturity.

Until many of them let go of the lingering hangover from their childhood role-playing, the cycle of extravagant weddings followed by messy divorces will continue. Perhaps it is time for some serious introspection, because, at the end of the day, marriage is not child’s play.