General News
Group decries political exclusion of women in proposed Electoral Bill
The “100 Women Lobby Group”, an NGO, on Tuesday, said the increased limit for campaign expenses for political aspirants in the proposed Electoral Bill
would exclude women from participating in the political space.
The group made this known in Abuja at the “National Strategic Advocacy on Women’s Participation in Politics and Governance Press Conference 2023.”
Its President, Felicia Onibon, said that the final version of the proposed Electoral bill, “which increases the limit for campaign expenses, will further promote gender inequality and poor representation of women in governance and politics.
“In the final version of the proposed Electoral Bill, the limit for campaign expenses was increased as follows: President N1 billion to N15 billion, Governor N2 million to N5 billion, Senate N40 million to N1.5 billion.
“House of Representatives N30 million to N500 million and State Assembly N10 million to N50 million.
“This has potential to exclude women from the political space, and is is highly unacceptable.
“How many women can fund their political ambition if this is finally passed into law?”
Onibon appealed to stakeholders in relevant positions to amend policies, acts and provisions that support affirmation for women participation for the development of the nation.
She called on the government and security operatives to urgently address the insecurity bedevilling the nation as its effects would be more on food security, women and children.
On the current constitution review, Onibon stressed the need to ensure that the rights of women and girls were recognised and guaranteed through the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill.
She said “the Constitution of Nigeria must ensure equitable women representation in government through a minimum of 35 per cent slots in elective and appointive offices at the federal, state and local levels.
“Change must begin with the highest law of the land, which is the Constitution. We can serve as an example for gender equity in West Africa and the world by guaranteeing 50 per cent of our Constitution.”
Ebere Ifendu, a group member and President, Women in Politics Forum, appealed to the National Assembly to reconsider the proposed increase in the cost of campaign funds to enable more women to participate in politics.
Ifendu also stressed the need for gender parity in political representation both in parliament and at every level of governance.
She said women wanted the Electoral Act passed into law because it would enable a level playing ground for political aspirants.
According to her, the voting process should be electronic and results openly displayed to enable women to see those who support the passage at the National Assembly.
Similarly, Mrs Adetayo Erinle, who is also the Executive Director, Tabitha Cumi Foundation, stressed the need for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Sexual Offences Bill into law to reduce the prevalence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
On his part, Mr Tom Odemwingie, the Executive Director, Agricultural Agenda Nigeria Initiative (AANI), called on the groups to sensitise electorate on the need to resist monetary or material gains in exchange for votes.
Odemwingie advised the electorate “not to sell their votes for gains that will jeopardise the future of their children and the nation.”
(NAN)
General News
Clergy Urged To Put Members’ Welfare Above All Else
At a solemn ordination service in Abuja, senior church leaders have called on pastors to make the well-being of their congregations a top priority, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Speaking during the priesthood ordination and installation of a Sub Dean at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, the retired Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okene, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ajulo, described pastors as shepherds charged with the care of their flock. He urged them to shun worldly distractions and focus on meeting the spiritual and material needs of their members.
Bishop Ajulo also encouraged the newly ordained priests to remain faithful to their calling by teaching God’s word without compromise.
In his charge, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, urged the new clergy to preach the undiluted gospel and foster religious harmony wherever they serve. He expressed confidence that their new roles would help promote peace and unity in society.
The service also featured prayers for national leaders and divine intervention in addressing the current global economic challenges.
General News
1,000 Prayer Warriors Storm Ilorin for Tinubu, Nation’s Deliverance
In a dramatic show of faith and patriotism, over 1,000 fiery prayer warriors from across Nigeria will descend on Ilorin, Kwara State, this Saturday, lifting their voices in intense intercession for President Bola Tinubu’s success and Nigeria’s survival in the face of biting economic woes and mounting insecurity.
The spiritual siege, themed “Walking in Domini”, is the maiden convention of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), with its Kwara State Chairman, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, vowing that “heaven will hear and respond to Nigeria’s cry.”
Aside from marathon prayers, the gathering will roll out free medical outreach to locals across Kwara’s LGAs, a gesture aimed at touching both body and soul.
Adeboye, lamenting Nigeria’s “troubling economic and security realities”, called for a nationwide prayer uprising, insisting that Tinubu has shown the will to revive the nation but needs massive divine backing to succeed.
“Banditry, a collapsing economy, and political tension demand we seek God’s face like never before,” he declared. “We will storm heaven for wisdom for the President and governors to steer Nigeria to safety.”
The convention will also feature awards to distinguished personalities, soul-lifting worship, fiery sermons, and unity-driven lectures—all capped with thunderous prayers for Nigeria’s redemption.
Adeboye urged the President to ensure every policy has “a human face,” stressing that Nigerians must not only endure but also enjoy the fruits of governance.
With the OAIC promising to reaffirm believers’ authority in Christ and rally spiritual boldness in the face of national challenges, Ilorin is set to become the epicentre of a powerful spiritual warfare for Nigeria’s destiny.
General News
Nigerian Anglicans Condemn Lesbian Archbishop of Wales, Deepening Global Anglican Rift
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
