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Don’t meddle in Church activities, Bishop Oke urges FG.
THE presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministiries, Bishop Wale-Oke while congratulating President Mohammudu Buhari and leadership of the Nigerian Army for defeating Boko-Haram, also urged the Federal Government not to meddle in religion affairs, adding that whatever decision lies in the internal leadership.
Bishop Oke made the appeal on Tuesday at a press conference held at Christ Life Church International head quater, Olaogun in Ibadan.
He said, “we want to commend Mr President for moving into action as regards the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) issue. There is difference between religion bodies. Government has no business with the head of any spiritual head. It is not in their jurisdiction. Present crops of leaders should not venture into it”.
Speaking further, Bishop Wale Oke made it known that even in the western world like the UK where government donate what is called “Aid Grant” to the church don’t intervene in the tenure of the spiritual, “it should be left to the constitution of the church ” he reiterated.
He also advised the Federal government not to venture into where governance doesn’t belong saying if they are fair enough such should be done to the Muslims as Sultan of Sokoto should also be affected.
“If you do it with the church then the Muslims too should be affected, we see this as an error. A lot of things are wrong in the economy, infrastructures are in bad shape, hospitals are living mortuary yet politicians fly abroad for medical attention, youths are jobless, corruption is everywhere these should be what the government focus not religious matter, government should face their own job”, he lamented.
Bishop Oke, however posited that such attempt is Anti-Christ move which is an attempt to weaken the church saying it should be abolished, any government that tries such would witness the wrath of God. He then implored all believers to register and get their cards at ward level assuring them to be fully mobilised to show any un serious government the way out.
Similarly, Oke who said Pastor Enoch Adeboye categorically confided in him, disclosed that he never announced his resignation at all.
“Baba was busy with administrative meeting, only the Nigeria G.O was appointed to monitor the affairs of churches in the country, Baba Adeboye has not resigned, step aside and have not appointed his successor”, he said.
In attendance with Bishop Francis Wale Oke were; his wife, Reverend Dr Mrs Victoria Oke, Presiding Pastor World Ablaze Missions International (WAMI), Triumphant Assembly Churches International, Reverend Dr Albert Oduwole, Presiding Prophet, Gospel Promotion Outreach, Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Baba Abiye Ede, Osun State, Prophet Funso Akande, Aggressive Faith Ministry, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Prophet Micheal Amamiede, Maranatha Lord Cometh Ministry International, Bishop Samuel Olu Makinde, the Overseer, Calvary Bible Church worldwide, Pastor Olumide Emmanuel and coordinator, Church of God Mission, Pastor GOC Nkem among others.
News
Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
News
Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
News
Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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