By David Owei,Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again emphasized the need for people of state to make thanking God a way of life to continually attract and sustain divine glory in their lives and the state in general.

Governor Diri laid the emphasis on Sunday while speaking at the Mid-Year Thanksgiving Service of the Refined People’s Assembly at Opolo in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Chief Executive urged the people to thank God for His unseen mercies as well as answered and unanswered prayers, stressing that Almighty Creator alone knows the best for everyone in all situations.

Governor Diri expressed optimism that as Bayelsans continue to imbibe and practise thanksgiving, God’s glory upon the state will not only expand but also continue to rub off on Nigeria.

Dr Akpe, who performed the dual role of representing the governor as well as speaking as the guest preacher at the service, identified incredible multiplication, divine provisions and punishment for enemies as some of the benefits of thanksgiving.

Quoting copiously from the scriptures including Genesis Chapter 32:10 and Psalm 100:4 and making reference to the biblical Jacob, David, the ten lepers and Jesus Christ, the Deputy Governor enjoined Christians to always reflect on how the grace of God has led them in their life journey.

According to him, appreciating God by faith despite one’s current circumstances can serve as a divine access to sound health and promotion as well as an enabler to do exploits in one’s chosen career.

Governor Diri used the opportunity to appreciate the Christian community in the state, particularly the leadership and members of the Refined People’s Assembly for their prayers, and urged them to sustain their works of faith.

His words: “On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor, I want to thank God, your pastor and all of you for this privilege and for what you are doing for our state in terms of prayers.

“From the scriptures we have shared, I believe that the glory of God will not depart from you and our state. As you thank God, destinies will change for good. You will not be demoted to the realm of shame.

“Rather, you will move from one realm of glory to another. And as you are affected, so Bayelsa will be affected. And as Bayelsa is affected, so Nigeria will also be affected.

“As a child of God, I encourage you to thank God for His unseen mercies so that He will not withdraw it from you. Thank God for even unanswered prayers. And when you thank God, what happens?

“There is divine restoration, incredible multiplication and divine provisions. Secondly, there will be punishment for your enemies because God will arise and take over your battles as we can find in Jeremiah Chapter 30:19-20.”

Highpoint of the service was special thanksgiving by the leadership and members of the Refined People’s Assembly led by its Founder and Senior Pastor, Dr Daddy-Ken Bitere.

The Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo, the Commissioner for Community Development, Hon. Alfred Belemote, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Godspower Asingba, among other government officials attended the mid-year thanksgiving service.

By Uthman Baba–Naseer,Minna

Coalition of Concern Christian Stakeholders in Niger State has requested for fair and equal representation of christians in the formation of 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress APC in the state.

The group Secretary, Comrade Jude Johnson stated this at a newsbriefing held in Minna, and Niger state capital, insisted on their demand for Christian deputy governor for the next general elections or opt for an alternative where their interest will be protected
The Coalition under the aegis of the Concerned Christian Stakeholders has urged Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and all major stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate the emergence of a Christian Deputy Governor for the 2027 Gubernatorial elections.
He revealed that they vehemently rejected the continuous Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket considering their contributions, dedication and population in the state.
“ We want to use this medium to notify his excellency that we have capable hands in Niger East (zoneB), Senatorial District,who have the prerequisite requirements and are dedicated members of APC.
“ Information at our disposal indicate that we have more of Christians in Zone B of the state,then why not give the body a fair treatment by picking a Deputy from amongst Christians” the Secretary asked.
According to him, Christians are over forty five percent (45%) in terms of population in Niger state, the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians; in the just concluded Primaries of the APC, qualified and popular Christian politicians who Aspired to contest and be voted into various elective positions were compelled to drop their ambitions because of their religion.
Comrade Jude Johnson emphasized that having a Christian Deputy Governor in Niger state is not just about religion but it is important because of inclusive representation; justice, equity and fairness; strengthened Democracy and unity of purpose.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Coalition, Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa insisted in an equal representation of christian in governance, adding that the group is on the same page with the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN in Niger state in the agitation of Christian deputy governor.
Vatsa stated that allowing such marginalisation and deliberate segregation during the previous administration during the 2023 elections, they will not tolerate it this second term. Saying that same faith (Muslim-Muslim) ticket is insensitive to the state’s religious diversity.
He said, as a coalition, we declare that it is not politically, economically, educationally, or socially wise for us to accept another four years of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. This is a legitimate concern for equity, and no one can query our right to demand a seat at the table.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

A faith-based civil society organization, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies for what it described as well-coordinated security arrangements that ensured a hitch-free 2026 Hajj for over 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims.

In a statement weekend, signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group said the surveillance operations deployed to secure pilgrims’ movement within Nigeria and during transit abroad were proactive and effective.

IHR noted that Hajj operations involve complex logistics, including movement from homes to orientation centres, to Hajj camps, and across states to over 14 embarkation airports.

“Hajj activities involve serious pilgrims’ movements within Nigeria – from their houses to pilgrims’ orientation centres, to Hajj camps, transiting between States to depart from airports located in other States, including landing and boarding from over 14 embarkation points across the country.

“The combined presence and participation of veiled security personnel contributed a lot in carrying out these activities without any serious incident throughout the 2026 Hajj period,” the statement said.

The group called on security agencies to sustain intelligence gathering and thorough screening of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to prevent terrorists and other wanted persons from using pilgrimage as cover to travel abroad.

It cited the recent arrest of some security-risk individuals in Katsina shortly after their arrival as proof that the current strategy is yielding results.

“The recent arrest of some security-risk individuals in Katsina after their arrival is a product of sustained surveillance and coordination. We urge security agencies to maintain the tempo,” IHR stated.

IHR said the commendation aligns with its tradition of recognizing security agencies for outstanding service during Hajj operations.

It recalled presenting awards of recognition to the DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Immigration Service during its post-Hajj lectures in 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively.

The CSO expressed hope that the synergy among security agencies will be sustained ahead of future Hajj and Umrah operations.