Crisis is looming in the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria ( EYN) over the venue for the celebration of the centernery of the church.

According to the programme released by the EYN leadership under president Joel Billy,showed that for the first time in the history of the church 100 years of the birthday of EYN in Africa will be celebrated outside Garkida where the church was established since 17th March 1923.

A group called Concerned Citizens who are members of the EYN church asked Billy ,the president to retraced his steps to avoid putting the church into crisis.

The spokeman of the group Durkwa Dogara Hammdu, told journalists today in Garkida, that the attempt by the Billy leadership to modify the history of the church will be resisted to save the soul of the church.

Hammdu who spoked under the tree that the first Mass celebration of EYN was held by Rev. Albert Helser,in Garkida,urged the president of the church to desist from any temptation that can bring disunity in the church in the interest of peace and progress of the church.

“Don’t turns our joy of voting you as our president into tears, we were happy to have you as our leader,so don’t ends your leadership with tears on our faces,” he said.

Hammdu,added, “we want to handover EYN church to our children thesame way our parents handed over the church to us .Truth must triumph over darkness and the truth most be told in the interest of our children”.

He alleged that some people were fabricating lies using security challenges, which he said it does not exist.

” If there is insecurity how come all schools are operating, churches are holding their Masses on Sundays, markets are holding on all market days,so where is the insecurity that can prevent a one day occasion,” he asked.

Hammdu expressed the fear that what brought divisions in LCCN which divided the church should not be introduce in EYN by the leadership of president Joel Billy.

He urged members of EYN church to stand up and defend truth, unity and soul of the church.

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) on Tuesday appealed for more restraint as the nation awaits the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of results of the Feb. 25.

Dr Khalid Aliyu, Secretary-General of the JNI, made the appeal in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, he also called for prayers

Aliyu said JNI had observed with concern the unfolding events arising from the collation of the 2023 General Elections’ results.

“And the resultant inflammatory statements and commentaries being peddled, which is overheating the polity.

“We strongly believe that there are processes and procedures provided by the constitution and the electoral act, for those who disagree with the outcome of the election result process wholly or partly to seek redress.

“We would equally like to remind all political gladiators that there must be a secured and peaceful Nigeria first and foremost before it is well-governed.

According to him, as a religious body we have noted with serious concern how some politicians and even some religious figures are bent on scuttling the process with their misguided inciting utterances and threats.

However, we call for caution and restraint from all stakeholders in the 2023 General Elections and insist that peace must not be jeopardised for selfish interests.

Therefore, the Federal Government through its relevant agencies should be at alert, and swiftly act against all forms of actions and utterances capable of jeopardising the fragile peace we are enjoying.

“Nevertheless, we would strongly call on all security outfits and the general public not to have their guards  lowered or relaxed,” he said.

The secretary said government must do everything possible to make categorical statement against any form of trouble.

He, however, added that INEC should go ahead with its statutory duty, with all sense of patriotism and due diligence, until the electoral process is concluded.

“INEC should be reminded that its loyalty should be to the Federal Republic of Nigeria not any vested interests.

“Nigerians are implored to ignore all those calling for trouble in disguise or any other subtle attempt to undermine the will of the people, as there can only be development when there is peace and security.” Aliyu said.

He also called on all Muslims to offer special prayers for peace and calm in the country.

By Jessica John Bakari

As Christians across the globe begin the lenten season, the Catholic Bishop of Yola, Most Reverend Stephen Dami Mamza, has called on  Christians to pray for peaceful elections and  continue to engage in charity and alms giving during the fasting period.

Bishop Mamza who doubles as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa state stated this immediately after Mass to mark Ash Wednesday which signifies the beginning of a 40-day lent.

Christain faithful in their numbers converged to Saint Theresa’s Cathedral at six o’clock in the morning to receive the ashes on their forehead

Bishop Mamza said the Catholics observe the period beginning with the application of ashes on the forehead, symbolising that they are all mortal and  that “from ash we came and to ash we will return’’.

The Bishop pointed out that Ash Wednesday is a solemnity which reminds  human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.

The bishop then urged Christains especially Catholics to pray, fast and give alms more than before.

Speaking on the coming general elections, Bishop Dami Mamza said the era of from top to bottom campaign is long gone, and appealed to electorate to vote in their own  interests and for the common good of all.

Bishop Mamza urged Christians to desist from any sinful nature and continue to pray for Nigeria and its leaders as citizens go to the polls.

The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese further advised youths not to  be used as political thugs before, during and after the elections.

Jessica John Bakari