Here comes another Good Friday and Easter. Familiar stories of the torment, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Stubborn facts that have refused to lose their meaning, relevance and efficacy more than two millennia since the events occurred. Soon after Jesus defeated the powers of the grave, the heavy stone used to hedge him in and the soldiers on guard, the authorities became jittery about the outcomes of those unprecedented episodes, notably his rise. Everything was done to twist the narrative. Even today, attempts to either trivialise or deny it altogether haven’t stopped. Luckily, history remains a witness to the potency of that epic moment; a collector of an abiding illustration of the eternal triumph of good over evil.

Commemorating those distinctive happenings in Jerusalem, therefore, goes beyond the surface. People, particularly believers in Christ, do utilise this moment to revitalise their inner strength – a vital asset that can’t be taken for granted in these troubling times. For most Nigerians, life has not been the same especially since President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy at his presidential inauguration nearly two years ago and followed it up with the floating of the currency. Those punches have knocked down majority of the people and the main things they’ve received in abundance are excuses, explanations and more excuses from the president and his lieutenants.

There is hardly any aspect of the nation’s essential social and economic indices and their accompanying figures that compares favourably with what had obtained under the previous administration(s). This becomes even more painful when weighed against the equally tough adversities experienced under President Muhammadu Buhari. The prospect of looking back at that period with nostalgia the way some people do now was unthinkable. But here we are.

President Tinubu has been a better public communicator than his predecessor, though. But months of continual pledging and exhortations to Nigerians to make the “necessary sacrifices” haven’t achieved real-time healing and any genuine hope for tomorrow. “I know how you feel”, a refrain in most of his speeches, hasn’t also succeeded in producing the desired atmosphere of empathy. I recommend that the statement be dropped from his future outings as it’s beginning to appear fake. One can actually argue that Tinubu can’t seriously understand the depth into which most of his fellow citizens have sunk. Living, for most of them, is now more traumatic than members of the ruling elite can contemplate. If they do, there’s virtually nothing to show that they care about the fate of their disadvantaged compatriots.

The fortunate and “hardworking” could easily dismiss this gloomy picture as extreme but the victims of the vicissitudes which test the very souls of men and women to their limits know the true current colour of survival. Hyper-inflation, a grossly diminished naira, scarce jobs, real concerns about multifaceted insecurity, growing loss of faith in the system, a political class that’s unwilling or incapable of exhibiting exemplary leadership, and a steady diminution of hope for tomorrow have all ganged up against the usually robust Nigerian spirit. But as I often readily concede, these negative energies are neither creations of this government nor originated by Buhari’s. Why our leaders are unable to translate their much-touted good intentions to practicable policies, programmes and projects for the benefit of all, however, further deepens the exasperation of the long-suffering masses.

The cross our nation has had to bear over time is opposition parties that are high on rhetoric only to mellow into underperformance and ineptitude as soon as they assume power. It’s easy to advise the citizenry to look inwards and not expect the government to do everything for them. I’m still searching for the list of the things governments at various levels do for the people. The country is saddled with an overburdened populace. Some have become emergency philosophers, others have succumbed to sinister forces like depression, and many have resigned to an uncertain fate. But how long will it take before the few surviving or thriving ones are overwhelmed by primary and collateral responsibilities?

Naturally, people are compelled to embrace some sort of soul-searching one way or the other in times of chaos and ennui. What better means than seeking solace or solutions from loftier heights. For Christians, these most significant days present an opportunity to look upwards too. My piece on this page during the holy week in 2022 titled, “Maximising This Passion Week”, validates the aphorism that the more things change, the more they remain the same.

It reads in part: “Jesus of Nazareth. The uniqueness of his person is, without doubt, superlative and incomparable. His public service lasted for just about three years, something that started at the age of 30. His only record of writing was when an angry mob brought a woman caught in adultery to him, threatening to stone her to death in fulfilment of the Law of Moses. He wrote on sand at a point but even the content was never captured. Yet, as many scholars have argued, Jesus has inspired more writings than any other person. And, what is more elevating than having a number of the world’s religions speak, usually reverentially, about one particular man in their own sacred books?”

He is in heaven now, according to the Bible. That effectively changed his physical address and placed him on a much higher pedestal. His immediate followers? We can, at least, identify with those men whose earthly sojourns were mostly truncated abruptly and brutally. The article continues: “As soon as he (Jesus) was arrested, the men he had worked and closely interacted with took off for the love of their own lives. That act of abandonment initially encouraged the Roman authorities and religious leaders to attempt to influence them into denying the authenticity of the resurrection of their master.

“In a turn of events and with the passage of time, however, the same disciples rediscovered their courage and voices and stood firm for what they believed, against the intimidating odds that were rapidly cropping up mainly from the political and religious hierarchies. A deep reflection on the lives, activities and end of those men, long after Jesus had departed, could set us, Nigerians, on the path of true loyalty to causes that have extra-mundane, more enduring values. Life, after all, has much more to do with convictions about ideals and the common good. The lead apostle, Peter, for instance, begged his tormentors who were about to crucify him to do so upside down since, he reasoned, he was not qualified to die in the same position as his boss.” That bravery in the face of danger was replicated by the rest disciples – human beings like us who refused to bend to the wiles and coercion of their persecutors. They demonstrated till they exited the planet that bliss wasn’t always sensuous.

They were probably preserved by the words of their lord who once told them that, “Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He who loves his life shall lose it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” Meaning, there’s no circumventing the path to lasting fulfilment and rewards.

So, pain as a prerequisite for gain is one truism that Nigerians must keep in view. Not as an empty admonition by politicians but an indispensable tool for resilience which usually pays off. A reliable armour against these testy times. An assurance against the external pressures that seek to strangle the divine drive within. And the staying ability to persevere against diverse hurdles while awaiting fruition.

Ekpe, PhD, is a member of THISDAY editorial board.

Approval rating is of pivotal importance in the re-election of an incumbent. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is enjoying an unprecedented universal approval rating as per the coming Anambra State gubernatorial election, billed for November 8, 2025. Soludo’s stellar scorecard puts him out of sight ahead of any intending contender as the vote of confidence of Ndi Anambra across the globe has guaranteed.

The crème de la crème of Ndi Anambra within and outside the state have been reviewing the scorecard of Governor Soludo and have unanimously returned a resounding vote of confidence. It’s indeed remarkable that the principal figures in the opposition parties are not left out in the endorsement of the re-election of Governor Soludo. A typical example is the former Governor of Anambra State, former Senator and former Minister, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, who, in our local parlance, told Governor Soludo at the Abuja town-hall meeting: “Carry go!”

Dr. Ngige revealed that he had been begged by the remaining minuscule number of APC faithful in Anambra State not to endorse Governor Soludo. The irrepressible Dr. Ngige addressed Governor Soludo pointedly at the Abuja town-hall meeting by saying that he had gone to Anambra to see things for himself, thusly: “I came. I saw. But I did not conquer. I confirmed. Odenigbo, carry go!”

Before the Lagos and Abuja town-hall meetings where Governor Soludo went to present his scorecard to his people, pending the London town-hall meeting as well, there was an avalanche of endorsements by a wide range of organisations, from students, youths and scores of support groups.

This is beyond politics, as even students were among groups contributing money to persuade Governor Soludo to purchase the nomination form and contest the November election. The progressive governor, in tandem with the people’s will, graciously accepted to run, given the vote of confidence pouring in from all sides. It’s not in the constitution of Mr. Governor not to answer the call of the people.

The Lagos town-hall meeting came a day after the esteemed Vanguard Newspaper honoured Governor Soludo as the Vanguard Governor of the Year for Good Governance. The Lagos town-hall was a bang as the Habour Point Marquee Event Centre that got filled kept erupting intermittently with rapturous applauses as the gathered personages watched the 30-minute documentary. There was further uplifting exultation as Soludo took to the stage to talk about his stewardship in the last three years.

The following day, Sunday, the tireless Governor Soludo, who had been nicknamed “Ọlụatụegwu”, to wit, “One who is not afraid of duty”, was in Abuja, at the Bolton White Event Centre, for the Abuja version. Like in Lagos, Abuja was equally well-attended by Ndi Anambra who-is-who resident in the federal capital city. At the end of it all, the outcome matched that of Lagos, if not surpassing it, especially with the crowning glory of the endorsements of even opposition figures, including APC chieftains.

I recall a female commissioner asking us to rate the Lagos and Abuja town halls and determine which was greater. It was quite a difficult task as most of us could not agree. Both were epochal indeed, but differing in their uniqueness: Lagos town hall was massively attended by the business class and captains of industry, while Abuja town hall was mainly attended by the political class.

With Abuja and Lagos adding their voices to the endorsement galore – and that of the UK positively loading – Governor Soludo’s re-election is quite certain. It can be safely deduced that there is no coherent and viable opposition for Governor Soludo in Anambra State, as had been earlier stated by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, who, like Dr. Ngige, is a prominent APC leader.

Ndi Anambra at home and abroad are telling the opposition candidates seeking to take over the government in Anambra to tarry till 2029. With their resounding vote of confidence in the performing Solution Government of Governor Soludo, Anambra people have handed a fresh mandate in advance, to be validated on November 8.

The vote of confidence from home and abroad is a clear way of saying again and again: there is no vacancy in Awka Government House. However, there is still history to be made in this November 8 guber election if the feeble contenders and pretenders step down for Soludo to run unopposed.

Governor Soludo grandly deserves his occupation of Obi-Ndi-Anambra, the Government House and Lodge he built to break a 34-year-old jinx. So, if the guber runners decide to go the whole hog with Prof Soludo, the performing governor should also go the entire length: win in the 5700 polling units, 326 wards and in the entire 21 local governments. It is within reach.

A word, they say, is enough for the wise, for as the Americans say, if it is not broken, why mend it?

Law Mefor, PhD, is the Anambra state commissioner for information.

Osita Okechukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former director-general of the Voice of Nigeria, has refuted claims that the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) bloc within the party intends to defect ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on ‘The Morning Show ‘ on Arise TV, Okechukwu emphasised that the CPC bloc remains committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.

The CPC, originally a political party formed in 2009 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, played a key role in the merger that birthed the APC, ending the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

“We got the rumour that the CPC bloc of the APC is leaving the APC. So we said no; that our resolution,  after the meeting we held, was that we have no need to leave the house, the APC.

“We toiled from 2004, after losing the 2003 presidential election, 2007, 2011, that germinated on 2013. That we cannot destroy the house we built.

“There was a merger that brought all tendencies in the country, all religion, all tribes into one umbrella tree; that we cannot destroy that.”

Okechukwu said Tinubu played a vital role in bringing the merger to fruition and deserved their loyalty.

“We said we cannot, in all good conscience and honesty, forget the critical role President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR played in getting the merger to fruition,” he said.

“He was one of the leaders that held a meeting with Buhari and told Buhari that ‘you are going to be the president. We are going to support you. You have 12 million vote bank, mostly from the northern part of the country. We are going to bring the supplement’.

“And immediately he said so, we resumed the last talks of February 2013 in the residence of Chief Tom Ikimi.”

Okechukwu said Tinubu’s role was instrumental during the tense APC presidential primary in 2014.

“And it was Asiwaju Bola Tinubu that gathered all the southern support base that gave Buhari victory at the presidential primaries, because that was a tense atmosphere,” he added.

“There were about five or six candidates — President Buhari, His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso, His Excellency Abubakar Atiku, Rochas Okorocha, Late Sam Nda-Isaiah.

“We said, when they split the votes of the north, what will happen? Asiwaju reassured us that his own delegation, spanning from Delta to the main southwest, that they are guaranteed. And that was fulfilled.”

Okechukwu said Tinubu remained supportive of Buhari throughout his presidency and deserves the same now.

He said the CPC bloc has created a mobilisation committee to reach Tinubu directly and communicate their concerns.

[TheCable]

As Force Cautions Against Abuse of Police Services

The Nigeria Police Force has taken cognizance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national. The Force has strongly condemned the conduct exhibited by the police officers in the video, describing it as unprofessional and unethical.

The actions of the officers do not represent the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force. The Force has zero tolerance for such unprofessional behaviour and other forms of misconduct, which undermine public trust and confidence.

The officers captured in the video have been identified and subjected to disciplinary proceedings.

The Nigeria Police Force hereby cautions individuals and organizations privileged to the services of Police personnel, particularly as escorts and guards or other specialized services, to desist from any act capable of degrading the integrity of its officers and bringing the Force to disrepute.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

Anambra State, once a region plagued by dire insecurity and underdevelopment, is now on the marble of a remarkable transformation. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, with his innovative leadership, has laid the foundation for what could be the next African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.

In just three years, Governor Soludo’s administration has not only addressed long-standing issues but has also set the stage for a prosperous future.

This summative exposition is just a glimpse of the multifaceted achievements of Governor Soludo, exploring how his administration has redefined governance, infrastructure, security, and economic development in Anambra State.

As many already know, Governor Soludo’s vision for Anambra is encapsulated in the ambitious African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley (ADTS) project. This vision is supported by a youthful and dynamic ‘Solution Team’ that has been instrumental in redefining governance. The administration’s focus on integrity, equity, and inclusiveness has led to significant strides in infrastructure, security, and economic development.

Governor Soludo’s mantra, “One State, One People, One Agenda,” underpins his commitment to unity and collective progress.

In terms of infrastructure, Anambra has seen a massive road and transportation revolution. Over 754 kilometres of new roads have been contracted, with 462 kilometres asphalted and completed. The state government has also rehabilitated five major water schemes, ensuring access to piped water for its residents. Additionally, the administration has embarked on a renewable energy initiative, converting over 26,000 diesel-powered streetlights to solar power. The construction of the state-of-the-art Government House complex and the remodeling and expansion of the Three Arms Zone are further strong pointers to the administration’s commitment to modernisation.

Economically, Anambra is positioning itself as a commercial and logistics hub. The establishment of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC) and the Pharmaceutical Distribution and Manufacturing Hub are proofs of the state’s commitment to industrialisation. These projects are expected to attract significant investment and create numerous job opportunities. The administration’s focus on digitalisation, including the establishment of the Solution Innovation District (SID), is driving the growth of the tech and digital economy. The SID has trained over 30,000 people in digital skills and supported over 100 new business ideas.

Governor Soludo’s administration has prioritised security, establishing new ‘Agunechemba’ security architecture anchored in technology and the “Homeland Security Law.” This has led to a significant reduction in criminal activities, with the dismantling of over 60 criminal camps and the arrest of numerous suspects. The administration has also made significant impact in justice delivery, including the full automation of the Anambra State Judiciary System and the establishment of virtual hearing facilities in 30 High Courts and four Correctional Centres.

The Soludo administration has made significant investments in human capital, focusing on education and healthcare. The introduction of free and qualitative education has led to a remarkable increase in school enrollment. The administration has also prioritised healthcare, building new general hospitals, introducing initiatives such as free antenatal and delivery services, and the renovation and equipping of primary healthcare centres.

Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Soludo’s administration. The state government has implemented a vigorous tree planting policy, committing to planting over 1,000,000 trees annually. The administration has also embarked on a solar revolution in the power sector, installing solar streetlights and powering government offices through solar energy sources. Efforts to control erosion and improve waste management have resulted in significant environmental improvements.

Thus far, Governor Soludo’s progressive leadership has set Anambra State on a path of sustainable growth and development. The state’s progress in just three years is a tribute to the power of dynamic leadership and strategic planning. As Anambra continues to rise, the foundations laid by Governor Soludo’s administration will undoubtedly lead to a prosperous and sustainable future for its citizens. The journey towards a livable and prosperous homeland, anchored on the mantra of "One State, One People, One Agenda" envisioned to become the African Dubai-Taiwan Silicon valley of Nigeria is fully on course!

I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.

As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.

The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused. Let me assure you that my administration's resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.

We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis's recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.

I earnestly pray that Easter's spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day.

I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths.

May the risen Christ bless our homes with peace and our nation with continued unity and prosperity.

Happy Easter to all my fellow Nigerians


Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Every student of the Bible will be presumed to be familiar with the Great Sanhedrin that can be regarded as equivalent to the modern-day Supreme Court in most countries of the world that pride themselves as subscribers to the doctrine and practice of the Rule of Law. Cases move from lower courts to the highest court in such countries, a court taken to be infallible and final! Our own thoughtful Justice Chukwudi Oputa we called Socrates drummed this into our ears when he said: “We are not final because we are infallible, but we are infallible only because we are final”. So was it in Israel at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are cases that go straight to the Supreme Court if we take Nigeria as an example, matters such as States versus States or States versus the Federal Government. In Israel at the time each town was seat of Sanhedrin, a court of justice consisting of 23 members. Originally, members were a gathering of elders to settle disputes. According to records, it was established by Moses but became courts after the Jews came back from Babylonian captivity. The Great Sanhedrin based in Jerusalem had 70 members saddled with, predictably, religious affairs, then law and the state. On edge following experiences from captivity, the Great Sanhedrin members were also charged with the protection and representation of all the Jews. At its head was the High Priest who as of the time of the Lord was called Caiaphas.

Torah being the body of laws and general rules of conduct purportedly drawn principally from the Divine Revelation of the Commandments and Prohibitions to the chosen Jewish race was the “guidebook” for them. These were read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day. Of the 82 articles of the penal code, Caiaphas had 12 ready to entrap and convict at all costs the Lord Whom the priestly and political establishments had regarded as a threat to their authority, to their hold on power and influence over the people.

The Scribes and Pharisees took exception to Christ making a self-revelation of Himself and to healing on the Sabbath Day. The Lord Christ had said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14, 6). He healed a man who had been infirm for 38 years in Jerusalem. The man could not enter a Bethesda pool by a sheep market to bathe and be cleansed, (John 5: 2, 8, 9). He also healed the son of a nobleman sick and close to death at Capernaum (John 4:50). These took place on a Sabbath Day and the Torah fanatics took umbrage. The situation worsened when He said to them: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore, the Jews sought the more to kill him, because not only had He broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” (John 5: 17-18). “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you. The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.” (John 19-20). Those who witnessed the Lord heal a man who had been blind from birth made similar remarks as those who were disturbed in the earlier cases: “This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. (John 9: 16).

These were not all; they sought to put Him on a collision course with Rome by asking Him questions about payment of taxes, “And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Ceasar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And He saith unto them. Who is this image and superscription? And they said unto Him, Cesser’s. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render unto Ceasar the things that are Ceasar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at Him” (Mark 12: 13-17). Drake’s Annotated Reference Bible.

Several instances to entrap the Lord. Consider also the betrayal of Judas Iscariot who had linked with the Resistant Movement to rope Him and pass Him as leader of the armed rebellious group. Part of the plot was to give Him an unforgettable reception during which He would be haled as the King of Israel. The country had long sought to throw off the yoke of Rome and the Resistant Movement thought the time to get the Lord Jesus endorse and present Him as the leader in their quest was during the Passover in Jerusalem when pilgrims in multitudes would gather. And indeed, they staged the reception that surprised the Lord. On the occasion there were cries and there was rejoicing: “Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

The Lord rode on camel’s back quite all right, but these praise-singing and hailing meant absolutely nothing to Him. He had no use of earthly power. His Mission was far too sublime. It was not to enslave but to free; it was to release human beings from their errors, weaknesses and attendant guilt that hinders ascent to the luminous Kingdom of His Father that is Paradise. He could see through the plot. He headed for the Temple and in addressing the congregation among whom were the warriors who had come to do battle, said that submission to the Will of the Father was paramount and that all should love their fellowmen. He even commanded them to love their enemies. Members of the resistant movement could not believe their ears and they concluded that they had been conned by Judas. Caiaphas was lurking in the shadows in all these. Although disappointed, but convinced, however, that Judas hated his Master no end, and could still be useful. He quickly buried his disappointment and struck a deal with him to return to the Master so that when it was time to get Him, the disloyal Disciple would be able to reveal the Lord’s whereabouts.

How did the hatred of Judas arise? Hatred for Him Who had, at every turn, been overwhelming His helper with love! But Judas had his firm gaze elsewhere, on materialism. He was always disappointed at how some of the people healed and many grateful listeners deeply touched by the Lord’s address had attempted to demonstrate their gratitude by offering Him their wealth but which the Lord would not accept. His Master always rejected the gifts. Judas found this inexplicable. When they should be swimming in material comfort, Judas reasoned, murmuring, they were going about like vagrants living from hand to mouth!

The Penal Code Caiaphas had ready for reference and to invoke against the Son of God read as follows Article by Article:
1). He who knowingly and deliberately transgresses the Sabbath commandment or any other precept of the Torah is an impious person;
2). He must be warned;
3). If he does not heed the warning, and continues to offend against the Torah, he must be sentenced to death and stoned.
4). He who doubts the Divine origin of the Torah will suffer death by burning.
6). The Great Sanhedrin in the Temple of Jerusalem dispenses justice in the full authority of God. God Himself respects these judicial decisions.
13). He who rebels against the officiating clergy in Jerusalem is deserving of death.
16). He who openly utters the name of Jahveh is a blasphemer.
21). The convicted blasphemer will be stoned.
52). A pseudo-prophet is a renegade preacher who seeks by means of visions, illusions, false oracles, magic, exorcism, hallucination or genuine miracles to seduce Israel to apostasy.
55). A pseudo-prophet must be judged by the Great Sanhedrin, and be executed in Jerusalem.
76). The President of the Great Sanhedrin has the right in exceptional cases to pass over any obstructive regulations in order to put a swift and radical end to apostasy. Such an action is called the Horaath Schaah, an action according to the need of the moment.
82). Even the execution of an innocent person can serve in the maintenance of law and order, and the salvation of god’s people.

The trial of the Son of God became urgent after He raised Lazarus back to life in Bethany after Mary and Martha asked Him for help over their brother who had taken seriously ill. The act stirred up great sensation on the one hand and raised hope of the imminent coming of the Messiah on the other in the widespread belief they had harboured that the calling of dead people to life was to precede His emergence and that the liberation from Rome was in the offing. While it generated the enheartening feeling of the liberation it struck alarm in the hearts of the Jewish leaders who feared for their own power and influence being taken away. And they asked the Envoy of God: “Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things or who is he that gave thee this authority?” The leaders consisted of the High Priest, scribes and elders who also constituted the Great Sanhedrin. An urgent and special meeting was convened at the behest of Caiaphas to discuss the Lazarus situation: “What do we? For this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.” (John 11, 47-48). Exploiting the confusion in the minds of his colleagues, Caiaphas convinced them that the Son of God Whom he described as troublesome and dangerous must be done away with. He referred them to Article 82 of the penal code so they could invoke it: “Even the execution of an innocent person can serve in the maintenance of law and order, and the salvation of God’s people.” “It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”

An announcement was made for all the Jews to give information about the whereabouts of the Lord Jesus; town-criers read out the announcement by the priests in the streets of Jerusalem that the Lord Jesus of Nazareth had been sentenced to death for blasphemy by the supreme court of justice. The announcement was crafted in a way that the pilgrims and the people normally resident in Jerusalem who had only a few days hailed the Son of the Most high as the King of the Israel on whom they had pinned hopes for national liberation changed their attitude and felt that they had been deceived. Practically every who-was-who from members of the Sanhedrin to Temple priests, scribes, pharisees and Sadducees joined the crowd in their hostility. The wife of Pontious Pilate had been disturbed and she warned her husband: “Have thou nothing to do with the death of that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” The Jews were unrelenting. They lied against the Son of the Most High. Pilate washed off his hands. The Lord was humiliated, He carried the cross on which He was to be nailed, He was jeered…in the end He was executed like a common criminal. The Prince of Peace: the Personification of Love as the Love Arm of the Father Who had sent Him to bring the Truth to erring mankind and lay open the way back to Paradise. Until His Coming no human spirit had succeeded in getting back to Paradise. His Coming provided the keys to the Golden Gate of the Spiritual Realm more known as Paradise.

French writer Ernest Schmitt wrote: “Life-giving Word of God against dead-letter belief and intellectual sophistry. Divine Love defeated by the hatred of those whom It wished to save. The Son of God sentenced as blasphemer, because He neither could nor would deny His Origin, even at the price of His earth-life. A drama of comic dimensions, and the gravest crime that was ever committed.”

John the Apostle wrote: “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1, 4-5).

Up till today, a great many in Christendom do say the Son of God died for the sins of mankind with all the tribulations and humiliation He went through when it should have been: He died because of our sins. Mankind did not recognise the Son of God how much more think of protecting Him from persecution and harm. Indeed, punny human beings dared to lay hands on Him. It is revealed in higher knowledge on earth today that in not one case has it occurred in which an Envoy of God was recognized or made welcome. The Mission is always entangled in recrimination befuddled by man’s own ideas and expectations. Whether they are Prophets, Teachers of Mankind or Forerunners, from lack of recognition they had been faced with hostilities and incalculable suffering. Every time the expectation of mankind never accorded with God’s design and His Will.

There have been tremendously shaken events on earth manifesting in seven Light Manifestations over millennia. And 150 years ago today, mankind still in slumber were launched into the Age of Everlasting Testament with a most unique occurrence which will lead into the complete enthronement of the Will of God; when only what is in harmony with It shall stand no matter what it may be, man or systems—social, political or economic. The wars, chaos and confusion; political instability and economic collapse, are gales of purification and the trumpets of the proverbial World Judgment to install the new order according to His Will. We mankind are never on the alert; we are ever in slumber and the picture of the wakeful has never corresponded with the reality of God’s Will! What are these times saying to us?

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and darkness comprehended it not!”

This year’s unique Easter Festival on 18 April, 2025, has provided a most opportune time for deep reflection over the waves of the Rays of Light around us and our world.

A judge in the United States ruled on Thursday, that Alphabet’s Google illegally dominates two markets for online advertising technology.

This is another blow to the tech giant, paving the way for U.S. antitrust prosecutors to seek a breakup of its ad products.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, found Google liable for “willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power” in the markets for publisher ad servers and ad exchanges between buyers and sellers.

The ruling opens the door to another hearing to assess what steps Google needs to take to reestablish competition in those markets.

These steps may include divesting certain parts of its business in a future trial that has yet to be scheduled.

The second court ruling is that Google holds an illegal monopoly, following a similar judgment over an online search case.

Publisher ad servers are platforms that store and manage digital ad inventory.

Along with ad exchanges, the technology lets news publishers and other online content providers make money by selling ads. Those funds are the “lifeblood” of the internet, Brinkema wrote.

“In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” Brinkema wrote.

However, she wrote, antitrust enforcers failed to prove a separate claim that the company had a monopoly in advertising ad networks.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the ruling “a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolising the digital public square.”

“This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from tech companies’ encroachments on free speech and free markets,” she said.

Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said Google will appeal the ruling.

“We won half of this case, and we will appeal the other half,” she said, adding that the company disagrees with the decision on its publisher tools.

“Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective.”

Google’s shares dropped by 1.4% after Thursday’s ruling. Experts previously told reporters that the tech giant’s financial hit from a loss in the case would be minimal.

The company is best known for its search engine.

The DOJ has said that Google should have to sell off at least its Google Ad Manager, which includes the company’s publisher ad server and ad exchange.

[Leadership]

A former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to be unpopular until his policies start producing positive results. 

Sani stated this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today. 

He said that the president was setting a standard in Nigeria by allowing even people from the South West to criticize him.

He said, “When I stood up in the parliament to speak about the insecurity in the north, I faced serious resistance from senators from northern part of Nigeria.

“You were expected to be quite and embrace whatever it is because the president came from your region.

“Any attempt by you to raise alarm on the killings in the north or poverty in the north or the out-of-school children issue when Buhari was there, you would be reminded that you should not damage the image of the president because you come from that part of the country.

“Tinubu is embarking on a project he knows very well he will be unpopular. You either do two things: please people by doing what the people want, or to look at the future of the country where we are heading to and lose some popularity or votes for you to achieve it. Tinubu will continue to be unpopular untill the results of the reform start coming out.”

[DailyTrust]