General News
Osun Guber: Oyetola signs Peace Accord, reiterates commitment to violence-free, fair, credible election
..as Peace Committee, INEC, security chiefs, traditional rulers sue for peaceful conduct
Barely 48 hours to the Osun governorship election, Governor of the State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adegboyega Oyetola, has signed a Peace Pact to ensure peaceful and transparent electoral process.
Candidates of other political parties participating in the election also signed the peace accord which was
organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking after signing the pact on Wednesday in Osogbo, Governor Oyetola reiterated his commitment to a free, fair and peaceful election, emphasising that sustainability of the enviable status of Osun as the most peaceful State in the country remains non-negotiable.
According to the Governor, election is a process to elect leaders and not to foment trouble hence the need for all, particularly the political gladiators and parties to play the game according to the rules.
“I must acknowledge the status of Osun as the most peaceful State in the country. From three and a half years now, apart from the national protests that spilled here, we have never witnessed any civil unrest, worker’s strike or protest from students.
“I want to reassure our commitment to protect and preserve the enviable status of Osun as the most peaceful State in the country. The concern is just on the resort to violence by one of the parties including issuing of threat messages by their governorship flag bearer and their candidate for Osun West senatorial and House of Representatives candidate in Ijesa.
“I am again reiterating my commitment to a democratic, united and prosperous Osun that works for all. We have treasured peace in all our engagements. We have been doing our campaigns in a peaceful and orderly manner and we promise to maintain this feat. I am appealing to other contestants to play by the rules.
“For me, I will do everything and anything to ensure we have a violence-free, fair, credible and transparent election this Saturday by the grace of God, and we shall ensure peace reigns supreme in our dear State before, during and after the election”, he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, appealed to the political parties and their candidates to adhere to the spirit of the Peace Accord.
He reiterated the Commission’s readiness to ensure a hitch-free, fair, credible, transparent and acceptable election in the State, saying all hands must be on deck to achieve the desired results.
“We reiterate our commitment to a peaceful, free, fair, credible and transparent election. Without peace, our development plans, recent voter’s accreditation, logistics arrangements among others will be undermined. I want to appeal to the political parties to ensure peace.
“Play according to the rule of the game. Avoid violence. Violence begets violence, peace begets peace. Abide by the letter and spirit of the Peace Accord. We look forward to having a peaceful election in Osun State,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the State, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi assured of the monarchs’ commitment to ensuring peace within and outside their respective domains before, during and after the exercise.
“As traditional rulers, we will ensure that we keep our communities and localities safe. We appeal to the security agencies and other concerned authorities to support us in this collective quest to have a peaceful election as we are committed to continue to uphold the spirit of security, peace, unity and progress,” he said.
Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo called on the contestants to play the game according to the rules.
“I am here to coordinate the security architecture for Osun Governorship Election. Nigeria Police is in collaboration and synergy with sister agencies and of course all other security agencies to ensure that we create an enabling environment for a peaceful, fair, free, credible election.
“We did it in Ekiti successfully, and we are not only going to replicate that in Osun but to improve on it for posterity to judge. We will provide a level playing ground for all. I just want you to go by the rule, eschew violence, crisis and things capable of undermining the process.
“Parents should not allow their children to be used by unscrupulous politicians to foment trouble. We will do everything within our power to ensure that there is an atmosphere of peace. What is popular now is vote buying, we want you to provide information for us in that regard so as to act immediately.
“It is unfortunate that vote buying was done in topmost secrecy. But we will not rest on our oars to ensure that the buyers and sellers are taken off the streets,” he added.
…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.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
“Victory Is Not By Strength Alone”: Pastor Adeboye Reveals His Boxing Past And Shares Timeless Life Lessons
“Victory Is Not By Strength Alone”: Pastor Adeboye Reveals His Boxing Past And Shares Timeless Life Lessons In an unexpected...
2025 Annual Conference Camp of the Baptist Girls Auxiliary Begins in Abuja
The FCT Baptist Girls Auxiliary (GA), under the auspices of the Baptist Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), will kick off its...
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...
Anglican Church Urges Government To Prioritize Citizen Welfare
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize...
Hardship: A Veil Of Sorcery And Darkness Over Nigeria – Pastor Enenche”
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria....