The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Sen Jarigbe Agom Possesses The Wisdom To See People From An Equal Perspective, Valuing Them Beyond Material Wealth, And Communicating Effectively With The Current Generational Language Trend BY KOKO DAN

    Sen Jarigbe Agom Possesses The Wisdom To See People From An Equal Perspective, Valuing Them Beyond Material Wealth, And Communicating Effectively With The Current Generational Language Trend BY KOKO DAN

    In today’s world, exceptional talent and proficiency are highly sought after in all areas of human endeavor. An individual with outstanding abilities is highly competitive in all sectors, particularly in politics.

    Given that politics is a primary source of leadership, it requires someone with the expertise to understand the times, relate to the people, and build sustainable benefits for both themselves and their constituents.

    Over time, Sen Jarigbe Agom has consistently demonstrated the skills required for this role.

    It is unimaginable that a former senator and governor would lack the ability to garner organic support from the people he represented and governed, as this would be a misuse of their experience and knowledge.

    Politics, however, is not a career path suited to everyone, although some individuals seem to stumble into it, as seen in the case of Mr. Liyel Imoke. You identified Ayade.

    The state of Kogi illustrates this point well, where the entire state structure threatened to sue former Governor Yahaya Bello unless he ran for senate, simply because he was held in high esteem by the people led. “Even with accusation of theft and embezzlement ”

    Sen Jarigbe Agom possesses the wisdom to see people from an equal perspective, valuing them beyond material wealth, and communicating effectively with the current generational language trend. ” Oboy how far” You deh so? He doesn’t fake it !

    These qualities make him the ideal candidate, offering hope and leadership to the people. While every talent has value, the world currently seeks academics of high repute. If Professor Ayade wishes to benefit the global population with his knowledge, perhaps he should consider teaching at a university rather than pursuing politics, which is no longer solely about luck.

    Haba, Me koko Governor for 8 years? I swear na president go deh beg me!
    My brother go teach chemistry for crutech I beg ,The world is in need of that knowledge transfer.
    Whilst we thank God for giving us a leader in Sen.Jarigbe, May God sustain him to continue to make impact in our lives .
    Amen.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Koko Dan and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Conflicts: No Conflicts Can Be Resolved When Demands of Underrepresented Groups Are Compromised BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Conflicts: No Conflicts Can Be Resolved When Demands of Underrepresented Groups Are Compromised BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Earlier in the Acts of the Apostles, we read that “The community of believers was united in heart and soul; no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, as everything they owned was held in common” (Acts 4:32-35). But much later when the human element stepped in, that ideal became threatened by selfishness and clannish mentality. A section of the group decided to follow the “I know more than you,” “I am better than you,” “I am richer and more influential than you,” mentality. Consequently, the majority Hebrew Jews who prided themselves as those who knew better, decided to take the lion share in the daily distribution of the common goods, thereby neglecting the Hellenist Jews who were the minority.

    This is one problem with humans; we often put aside the value of care for others, especially the less privileged and project our own egos. We poison the community with our perverted ideas and damn the consequence; when we allow ourselves to be overtaken by greed. We worsen up relationships and create animosities where there should be peace and harmony. In situations like these, conflicts will most certainly arise. Please, let’s realise that no conflict can be resolved when demands of underrepresented groups are compromised. No conflict can be resolved when people selected to resolve conflicts are themselves corrupt. And come to think of it, the reason we display all these emotions is because we feel we are members of the inner caucus; we are scared we may be left out of “our inheritance” or “national cake” as we sometimes call it.

    Let us learn from the early Christians themselves how they provided a solution to these conflicts: They did not take sides. They decided in favor of the common good and weaker members. They let service be their watchword. They paid attention to higher values like prayer and worship and instead set up a committee of 2nd level managers (‘the deacons’) to take care of the conflict.
    In setting up the committee, they choose people of integrity “men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom” (Acts 6:4); not just people they wanted to reward because they belonged to the same “party.” How can we reshape our world if we don’t consider these values in our national or even local settings? Think about the words of Jesus: “in my father’s house there are many mansions” (John 14: 2) and forget this needless struggle over positions, trampling upon people simply because we want the lion share of everything.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • The Lord is My Shepherd, There Is Nothing I Shall Want Being A Sermon by Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

    The Lord is My Shepherd, There Is Nothing I Shall Want Being A Sermon by Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

     

    The Gospel today speaks about the Good Shepherd. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Today, Christ goes before us as our Shepherd. The Psalmist reminds us that God is always ahead of us, guiding our path.

    Even in the darkest moments, even in the grave, God is there. One thing is certain: no matter the situation, the Shepherd never abandons His sheep. Truly, the Lord is our Shepherd; there is nothing we shall want.

    Fear often shapes many of our decisions. We are afraid of life, of the future, even of our vocation. Messages from social media can increase our anxiety. But today’s message is clear: do not be afraid. You are not alone; the Lord is with you.

    God does not promise that we will not pass through fire or the valley of death. But He assures us that in all circumstances, He will be with us. Peter and the other disciples went through many trials. Even Jesus Himself was subjected to suffering.

    We must also learn how to respond to our enemies. Do not pray for them to die. The Scripture says, “God will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies.” Sometimes, those we call enemies are closer than we think. If you pray for all your enemies to die, you may wake up and find your own loved ones missing.

    As parents and leaders, we too are shepherds. Life comes with many challenges and difficulties, but no matter what you face, trust that God will turn things around. There are moments when nothing you do seems to please anyone, do not be discouraged. God says, “Turn to me, and I will give you peace.”

    When life becomes confusing, listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Too often, we listen more to friends and social media than to God. Not everyone has the authority or wisdom to guide you, turn to God. Listen to the voice of the good shepherd.

    We live in a world where people can spend hours on YouTube, smiling and entertained, but cannot sit in church for even twenty minutes to listen to God. Some come to church only to find faults. Do not blame them completely; many were not raised in an atmosphere of love. They criticize and complain because that is what they have learned.

    Learn to forgive yourself so that others may have peace. If you carry bitterness, you will never experience true peace. Some people are unhappy and do not want others to be happy either, but that is not the way of Christ.

    Today is Vocation Sunday, and God calls us to repentance. When Peter preached, the people asked, “What must we do to be saved?” He told them: repent. Repentance, otherwise referred to as metanoia, is essential for salvation. It means a change of heart, a turning back to God.
    Always have a “reset button.” Learn to forgive yourself and others.

    Many people struggle to forgive themselves, and because of this, they cannot forgive others. This only makes life harder for everyone around them.

    Let go of hatred. Some people hold on to offenses and seek revenge, saying, “God will punish you,” or “I will get back at you.” But revenge is not the way. You may never even have the opportunity to take revenge. Instead, choose love. Let go of offenses and embrace peace.

    As a leader, you do not have to respond to everything. Sometimes, silence is wisdom. Imitate the Good Shepherd in all you do.

    Even in family life, practice peace. For example, when your spouse is upset and shouting, instead of reacting with anger, respond with calmness and love. A gentle response can bring immediate peace and end the conflict.

    In all things, listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Turn to Him, repent, forgive, and embrace His peace.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed here is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • When It Is Time To Give Ticket, We Know Those Gov Otu Will Rely On To Give Him Undiluted Feedback To Enable Him Take Informed Decision – Richie Romanus

    When It Is Time To Give Ticket, We Know Those Gov Otu Will Rely On To Give Him Undiluted Feedback To Enable Him Take Informed Decision – Richie Romanus

    Apparently they agreed in their WhatsApp group last night to fly a narrative this morning. Almost all of them posted the same thing though in different words and at the same time. This to them is supposed to be a strategy to dissuade the APC from giving the incumbent Senator, Eteng Williams return ticket for fear that he would be defeated at the polls by the ‘Spirit’ the Wike backed PDP is preparing to field.

    Let’s assume without conceding that Senator Eteng Williams is indeed as unpopular as these people would want us to believe, who is the popular person they want APC to give their ticket? The Ugep returnee who wants to be everything? Funny how BLACKMAIL seems to be his only strategy for every office he has ever coveted since his friend introduced him to Cross River State politics in 2022.

    Shortly after he found his way to join the incumbent Governor’s team, the primaries and the general elections was eventually won, he plotted to be Chief of Staff. He didn’t see anybody worthy enough around the Governor-Elect as he then was to fit into the role of Chief of Staff. As usual he blackmailed every single person that was rumored for the top job including the incumbent. When he loss out in the Chief of Staff position, he had his eyes on Commissioner of finance. Again he loss out and was eventually assigned his current role. Meanwhile, as he was busy struggling for every juicy government role that was available in the State, he was also busy trying to stop Senator Eteng Williams who was still trying to settle in from Chairing any important committee at the Senate. We know how broken he was when he heard the Committee that was assigned to the Senator. Meaning, he had his eyes on the Senate right from day one. Why does one man think that he is better than everyone else simply because they say he has money? Which money? Where is the money?What kind of desperation is this?

    Even now, he is banking all his hopes on a Governor from the South East State to make him a Senator. Nothing has not be said and done to discredit the incumbent Senator yet this Senator has remained unfazed. This Senator as at today has 3 Colleagues who are Governors today. The Governor of Ebonyi,Delta and Edo State but he has played his politics as though he knows nobody that can talk to his Governor on his behalf depending solely on the Governor but this guy would pay a few people to blackmail this Senator while projecting him as popular. Popular where? Among his colleagues in the State Exco, who is with him? Has he not noticed that everybody around him has one aspiration or the other or should I tell him why it is so?

    When it is time to decide who gets which ticket, we know the people the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, will depend on to give him unbiased and unadulterated feedbacks to help him take informed decision. Who goes to the Senate will certainly not be as a result of the noise from Biko Biko or the loud noise on Facebook.

    RR

  • Witnesses of the Resurrection: A Sermon by Rev Fr Emmanuel Ebong

    Witnesses of the Resurrection: A Sermon by Rev Fr Emmanuel Ebong

     

    I am grateful to God for making me a witness of the Resurrection. I don’t know about you. Dear friends in Christ, Saint Peter preached about the crucified Christ. Everywhere he went, he did good, and even today, Christ continues to do good through His Church.

    Dear friends, Jesus was killed because of His goodness. Yet, He rose from the dead. When Pontius Pilate asked what crime He had committed, they answered that He called Himself the Christ. He was crucified for doing good and for being a good man. Yet He was crucified, died, and after three days, He rose again.

    From the Gospel, the first witness of the resurrection was Mary Magdalene, who went and told the apostles. The disciples ran to the tomb. But Peter went inside; he saw and believed.

    We also remember Thomas the Apostle, who doubted. When Jesus showed him His wounds, he declared, “My Lord and my God.” And Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

    Even before His Passion, when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Peter responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus blessed him, saying, “Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” That is why Peter is regarded as the first Pope, and all Popes succeed him.

    Dear friends in Christ, as we prepare to celebrate Easter, we are among the most fortunate people, we are witnesses of the resurrection. Though we did not see Him physically, we are even more blessed than Thomas because we believe. We are called to be living witnesses of the risen Christ. The empty tomb is a sign, it confirms that Christ is risen. But our lives must also confirm it.

    Our lifestyle has great influence, in our workplaces, in our homes, and in our daily encounters. Our lives must reflect the risen Christ in all that we do. People should see Christ living in us. The Holy Mother Church challenges us today: Are we ready to keep our Lenten promises? Are we ready to embrace a new life? After forty days of fasting and prayer, do we truly want to change, or remain the same?

    In a world threatened by apathy and evil, can we bear true witness to the Resurrection? The truth is, we can no longer live for ourselves. As Paul the Apostle wrote to the Colossians, we must seek the things that are above. We must live in such a way that those who do not know Christ may come to believe in Him through us, that He is truly risen.

    Let us pray for renewal, that our lives may give powerful and convincing testimony to the resurrection. May the peace, joy, and love of the risen Christ fill your hearts. May His light shine upon you wherever you go.
    Peace be with you. Amen

  • Rise And Shine, Jesus Is Alive: Being Easter Sunday Sermon by Rev Fr Felix Ekpe

    Rise And Shine, Jesus Is Alive: Being Easter Sunday Sermon by Rev Fr Felix Ekpe

     

    My dear friends, death is a great teacher, yet many of its students are either too afraid or too distracted to pay attention in its classroom.

    I once attended a funeral. Almost everyone looked frightened. People were eager for the burial to end; they could not wait for the grave to be covered. But after the burial, at the reception, everything changed people were eating, laughing, and celebrating as though nothing had happened. Then I asked myself: Is this how I will be forgotten when I die?

    That day, death taught me a powerful lesson, when we die, life goes on. People mourn, yes but often, they mourn not just the loss, but what they themselves have lost. For example, when parents die, some children cry not only because they loved them, but because they have lost their defenders and supporters.

    In today’s Gospel, even Saint Peter, a close companion of Jesus, denied Him three times. Lent is over, no more fasting, no more intense prayers. Many have already moved on. But not Mary Magdalene. She refused to move on like the others. She could not even sleep. Early in the morning, she went to the tomb in furtherance of the love she had for Jesus. What motivated her? What made her love Jesus so deeply? How Do We Love Jesus Like Mary Magdalene?

    First, we must truly believe that Jesus has risen from the dead. Anyone who does not believe in the Resurrection is simply wasting time in church. Many of us claim to believe, yet we still act as though everything is impossible. But with Jesus, what seems impossible becomes possible. No matter your situation, there is always a turning point.

    If we truly believe in the Resurrection, we should be filled with joy, not fear. Why are we still afraid? We stand before the One who conquered death and there is no need for us to be doubtful about the supremacy of Jesus in handling our situations.

    As the Psalmist says: “I shall not die, but live, and recount the goodness of the Lord.” Today is not a day for long speeches, it is a day for joy, dancing, and celebration. What began in sorrow has ended in victory.

    But what does it truly mean to rise with Christ? Some people mistakenly think that Jesus died to give us a license to sin. No! He took on our flesh so that we might understand how to live rightly. We must rise from evil and shine as the salt of the earth. Jesus taught that evil comes from within. Therefore, we must lift our thoughts from the grave of sin.

    As Scripture says in Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Anyone who refuses to change their thinking has not truly risen with Christ. Living as Witnesses of the Resurrection.

    In today’s first reading, Saint Peter reminds us that we are witnesses to the Resurrection. But if we refuse to change our ways, we are no different from Peter who denied Jesus or Judas who betrayed Him.

    To make our belief real: Prioritize Jesus Christ over wealth. Do not “sell” Jesus for worldly gain, like the thirty pieces of silver. Avoid dishonesty and manipulation. Do not build your faith only on signs and wonders
    Choose righteousness over convenience

    May the God who conquered death on this glorious day dwell in us. May we, as witnesses of the Resurrection, find true peace in Christ our Lord.
    Amen.

    Compiled By Elijah Ugani

  • From Darkness To Light Being Easter vigil Sermon delivered by Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

    From Darkness To Light Being Easter vigil Sermon delivered by Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

     

    My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today is a very unique and sacred day. The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. A day of silence, a day of waiting, a day that carries both the weight of sorrow and the promise of joy.

    We began the Lenten season in a solemn mood through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. It was a season that demanded sacrifice, discipline, and reflection. But tonight, everything changes. Tonight, we move from sorrow to joy because Christ is risen. At the beginning of this Vigil, we gathered in darkness. And then, a flame was lit. That flame is not just ordinary fire, it represents Christ, the Light of the world. A light that no darkness can overcome.

    As that light spread from one candle to another across the church, it became a powerful reminder: that even the smallest light can overcome great darkness. In our world today, there is darkness, in our leadership, in our communities, in our homes, and sometimes even within our hearts. But the message of tonight is clear: The fire of Easter must not be extinguished.
    That light must continue to burn in our lives, in our families, in our businesses, and in everything we do.

    The Easter candle itself speaks to us: The Flame (Light) Symbolizes Christ as the Light of the World. It represents hope, victory over darkness, and the Resurrection. As the light spreads through the church, it shows how Christ’s light spreads to all believers.

    The Cross on the Candle, represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. A reminder that through His death comes our salvation
    The Five Grains of Incense inserted into the candle in the form of a cross represent the five wounds of Christ (hands, feet, and side), which also symbolize His suffering and love for humanity.
    The Alpha and Omega. First and last letters of the Greek alphabet mean that Christ is the beginning and the end of all things.
    The Year Inscribed on the Candle
    Shows that Christ is present today, not just in the past.
    The Wax of the Candle represents the body of Christ as it melts, it symbolizes Christ giving Himself for us.

    Dear friends, no matter what situation you are facing, God always makes a way. We are reminded of the children of Israel at the Red Sea. They were trapped, fearful, confused, and uncertain. Before them was the sea, behind them was danger, but God showed up. Through Moses, He made a way where there was no way. The sea parted, and His people walked through on dry ground.

    If God has done it before, He will do it again. Sometimes in life, things may seem confusing. Sometimes the people around us may not understand us. Sometimes even those who laugh with us may secretly wish for our downfall. But tonight is not a night of fear. It is a night of victory.

    The Scripture tells us: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” What was rejected has now become essential. What looked like defeat has become victory. So today, we rise with confidence and declare: I shall not die, but live, and proclaim the goodness of the Lord. And you too will live to recount His goodness in your life.

    Tonight, we bless water reminding us of our baptism. We are reminded that just as Christ died, we die to sin. And just as He rose again, we rise to new life. This is not just a ritual it is our identity. The bells ring again. The Alleluia returns.

    For a long time during Lent, we kept silent. But now, the Church bursts into joy: Alleluia! Christ is risen! The women went to the tomb looking for Jesus… But they were told: “He is not here. He is risen.”

    My brothers and sisters, this is the foundation of our faith. The Resurrection is the reason we are here. Without it, there is no Christianity. But because He lives, we have hope. Because He lives, we have victory. Because He lives, we have life.

    As we celebrate this Easter Vigil, let us carry the light of Christ wherever we go. Let us be bearers of truth in a world of falsehood. Let us be light in places of darkness. Let us be hope where there is despair. We are not people of defeat. We are an Alleluia people, people of joy, people of victory, people of the new covenant.

    May the light of Christ shine in your life. May every darkness around you be overcome. May God make a way for you where there seems to be no way.

    And may you win all your battles. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
    Amen.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • COME OUT Being A Sermon By Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem

    COME OUT Being A Sermon By Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem

     

    I titled this reflection Come Out. It would have been fitting to call it Lazarus, but the time of Lazarus has passed. I leave the title open, so that you can come out yourself.

    When Jesus called Lazarus, His mission was specific: “Lazarus, come out.” But today, from this pulpit, that same call is extended to everyone. Whenever you hear the words come out, it is both an invitation and a command. It may mean: come out and effect change. It may also mean: come out from where you are not supposed to be. There are places we find ourselves that are not meant for us, places of sin, compromise, and moral confusion. When God says “come out,” He is calling us away from those places. The phrase come out involves two people, the one who calls, and the one who responds. It is a command you cannot command yourself. God is the one calling, and we are the ones invited to respond. My dear people of God, the Word of God speaks directly to our situations. It carries the power to bring life where there is decay.

    In today’s Gospel, Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. According to Jewish belief, there was still hope within the first few days of death, but after four days, all hope was gone. Yet Jesus came at that moment to show that even when human hope ends, divine possibility begins. That is why Martha said, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection.” And Mary and Martha wept bitterly. When Jesus saw them, He wept.
    Jesus did not weep because death existed, but because of the depth of human pain and struggling faith. His tears show that He shares in our suffering. Death, in itself, is not the ultimate problem, it is a necessary passage of life. But God’s power goes beyond even death.

    In the first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel, the dry bones represent a people who had lost identity and hope. God asked: “Can these bones live?” He brought the prophet to a valley, a place of depression, a low point, to show that even from the lowest place, restoration is possible. No matter your situation, you too will rise again.

    In the Gospel, we see another form of “dry bones” a family that had lost their only hope. Lazarus was everything to Mary and Martha. When he died, it felt like everything was lost. They said, “Lord, if you had been here, our brother would not have died.”

    We can say the same today, Lord, if you had been here, our nation would not be like this. Lord, if you had been here, insecurity would not be rising. Lord, if you had been here, things would be different. But even in that pain, we remember the shortest verse in Scripture: “Jesus wept.” This shows that God is not distant, He suffers with us.

    Today, however, we see confusion even in the Gospel being preached. Some preach for gain, turning the altar into a marketplace. Truth is fading, and hope seems buried. But the message remains simple, the God who raised Lazarus can restore us. However, there is a condition, we must surrender to Him. Before Lazarus came out, people had to roll away the stone. Jesus performed the miracle, but human beings removed the obstacle.

    So we must ask ourselves: what are the stones blocking us today? In our nation, injustice, bribery, and corruption. In our personal lives, hatred, jealousy, gossip, addiction. After Lazarus came out, Jesus said, “Unbind him.” Again, it required community effort.

    Transformation is both divine and human. God raises but we must cooperate. Come out of sin. Come out of hatred. Come out of addiction. Come out of hopelessness.

    Even when it feels like God is late as it seemed with Lazarus remember this. He is never late. He works beyond human timing.
    He loved Lazarus, yet He delayed so that a greater glory could be revealed. Your life is not too late. Your purpose is not lost.

    Your situation is not beyond restoration.
    When God calls, respond.

    Come out and live again.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Sylverus Ulem and does not represent Theluminenews, or its agent or the organisation the author works for/with

  • Between Jarigbe And Ayade, The Story Of Light And Darkness BY DOMINIC KIDZU

    Between Jarigbe And Ayade, The Story Of Light And Darkness BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    Put away the tough talk and bombast, the flash champagne and glitterati. Forget the tokunbo cars and the usual motorcycles for a moment.

    Just place Senator Jarigbe Agom and Senator Ben Ayade on a fair and square scale and tell yourself what you see. Can you not see a community asset and a fast guy? Can you not see a genuine leader and a dramatic gooble the gook?

    Or just imagine for a moment that the universe forces you to make a compulsory choice between Jarigbe and Ayade, and you are blind from birth like a bat. So you run your fingers through their faces and bodice. Who would you chose, because blind eyes can also verily see.

    Some choices are like day and night. Not really difficult to make. Even a thoroughly reformed and rejigged Ben Ayade, will still be Ben Ayade. Fast talk. Big grammar. Tall promises. A new dance style or two. Even a drop of tear or two as well. And the curtain is drawn on the stage.

    All these would be farce. Just melodrama, to hoodwink and to befuddle. By far the biggest apple on the political dinning table is state governorship. If you couldn’t do anything with it, you couldn’t do anything with God’s throne either. Just take a frech leave and stay in bed forever. Because, as Nyesom Wike has taught us, if it didn’t de, it didn’t de.

    In political office, what you really need is genuine desire and passion to assist, to change lives and to impact. If all you genuinely and passionately care about is the enrichment of yourself and your family, then, brother-man, you are at the wrong address. Just keep moving.

    See what difference Governor Bassey Otu has made in just under three years as governor! Not show business, but real, purposeful grinding work at the forge. Dead bodies and tragedies have come back to life. Hope is restored and all his promises are steadily being kept. This is leadership.

    Ayade left a gargantuan behemoth of dead projects behind his unfortunate reign. Broken promises still litter the floor of Cross River State as he faded away from the stage. Governmental systems and conventions were blatantly trampled upon until the locusts left the city.

    What else does Ben Ayade want? By Jove this man has a lot of courage to still be able to do the double-shuffle and show his face around! Is he not the man who shut Cross Riverians out of the stadium for Governor Otu’s inauguration because he felt unsafe? When a leader begins to hide from the people then he has himself passed the verdict on his own reign.

    So what has now changed outside his feeling of deja vu for the bright lights and awe that power brought him which he must now rue in many a lonesome night. All he ever wanted was money and he now should have it. If he wanted relevance then he should have tried to be a better governor. Be careful what you ask for, because you might just get it.

    The people of Cross River North are not daft or ignorant. They will take the cars and bikes with a wry smile and move along, because they know on what side their bread is buttered. Senator Jarigbe Agom is the bread of life that every zone is praying to get a semblance of. He is the real deal. Don’t we know the contenders, pretenders and revisionists?

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Dominic Kidzu, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for with.

  • The Man Called Jesus. A sermon Delivered By Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboja-Ogoja

    The Man Called Jesus. A sermon Delivered By Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboja-Ogoja

     

    Jesus said to the blind man, “Go and wash yourself and receive your sight.” The man obeyed, washed himself, and he received his sight.

    The identity of God is hidden in complete mystery. God cannot be fully understood by human beings. The more you try to understand Him completely, the more you realize how deep and beyond comprehension He is. God is the only one who can make the impossible possible. When human beings say something cannot be done, God can turn it around. He can transform nothing into something. He can take a rejected stone and make it the cornerstone. He can also transform a rejected family into an accepted and honored one.

    The same God who controls our lives healed the man who was born blind. When the miracle happened, many people gathered, including the Pharisees, and arguments began. The Jews did not believe the miracle. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Was this man born blind because of his sin or the sin of his parents?” Jesus answered that it was not because of sin, but so that the glory of God might be revealed through him.

    When you depend only on human beings, you will often be disappointed. But when you depend on God, you will find fulfillment.

    In the first reading, we hear about the sons of Jesse. At first, nobody paid attention to the one whom God had chosen. Yet there was a king in that house..When the prophet Samuel went to Jesse’s house, the first son appeared strong and impressive, and Samuel thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here.” But God told him, “This is not the one. Look further.”

    The Scriptures remind us. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. All seven sons passed before Samuel, yet none of them was chosen. Samuel became confused and asked, “Are these all your sons?”. Jesse had forgotten about David, who was in the bush tending sheep. While David was in the wilderness, God was preparing him. It was in that bush that he learned courage and strength, which later enabled him to defeat Goliath.

    Sometimes God allows us to remain hidden so that we can prepare ourselves. Many young people today are in a hurry to reach the top of life. If you find yourself in a difficult or humble situation, stay there and prepare yourself. Do not rush. David prepared himself in the bush. Young people should use this period of their lives to prepare for the future, instead of moving from place to place searching for quick wealth.

    When David eventually became king, he wrote in Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” He also said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” David could say this because he knew that God had prepared him and had prepared a table before him in the presence of his enemies.

    It is only those who have enemies that God prepares a table for in their presence. David became a testimony of God’s mercy. He said, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” God chose David and showed him great mercy.

    The Scriptures encourage us to come boldly into the presence of God. When you dwell in the house of the Lord, extraordinary things happen. David once said, “How can I live in a house of cedar while the Ark of the Lord remains in a tent? I will build a temple for the Lord.” But God told him that one of his sons would build the temple.

    David was forgotten in the bush. Your parents may forget you. Your brothers and sisters may forget you. Friends and society may forget you. But God will never forget you. Just as David was not forgotten by God, you too will not be forgotten.

    When it is your turn, protocols will change for you. When David finally came before Samuel, God said, “Arise and anoint him; this is the one.” David had been misjudged by his father and even by Samuel at first. Yet God chose him.

    May the Spirit that came upon David come upon you. And when the day comes for God to announce you to the world, it will not take two days.