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Bishop Onyeka Onyia: Humility is a virtue, not a vice

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By Sunday Orji

“To what can we compare this generation?” asks Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew 11, from verse 16. Then he goes on to say: “They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “we played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn’. For John came, neither eating no drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions”.

When a short video of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese, Enugu Rt. Rev. Onyeka Onyia falling on their knees for one another made the rounds on the social media space last week, my respect for them tripled for their humble hearts and dispositions. I saw humility in its splendor.

It was the thanksgiving service in honour of former Minister Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Abakpa Nike. Other notable politicians, including some governorship candidates were already seated in the front rows, but Dr. Peter Mbah, in his humble nature, sat at the back. Obviously, the Bishop, who sighted him in the course of the service continued with his pastoral assignment until the normal Sunday offering. While band played, he used that window the walk down the isle to bring Mbah to the front row where other dignitaries were seated. But Mbah said he was comfortable sitting at the back. Stunned by Mbah’s humility, Bishop Onyia probably felt that such rare show of humility made the entrepreneur even more deserving of the front row. But Mbah politely turned down the offer. It was at this point that the Bishop, went on his knees as they joked about Mbah’s preference of the back seat. It was a kind of, “Okay, you want me to kneel down for you before you occupy your proper place in the service”. But Mbah, in his usual humility quickly fell on his two knees with the congregation around them hailing their humility. The Bishop gave up and told Mbah that he had won.

That incident was a rare experience in humility on the part of both Dr. Peter Mbah and Bishop Onyia. For Mbah, here is the man at the zenith of the downstream subsector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd, which Dr. Mbah is the Founder and CEO leads the subsector, including the oil majors, in terms of market share and volume of products handled. Just last October, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the $1 billion offshore, subsea petroleum products storage and distribution facility. Here is a man sitting at the helms of the a unicorn (multimillion dollar business) and no doubt the most favoured to be realistically referred to as the incoming governor of Enugu State not only sitting at the back, but kneeling in humility.

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On the other hand, here is a Bishop of an entire diocese, a very high position of authority in the Christendom. In some denominations, bishops lay claim to apostolic succession or direct historical descent that dates back all the way to the Twelve Apostles. Beyond governing at least a diocese, bishops possess full priesthood given by Christ and have the power to ordain other clergy, including new bishops. In addition to these, Bishop Onyia is a well read clergy and you would never imagine that he would display such level of humility, especially in the full glare of his congregation. But he did, not under compulsion, but in appreciation of another humble soul.

I was therefore shocked to see the barrage of criticism that followed Bishop Onyia’s action by a section of social media users. I was in greater shock that most of his critics were Christians, and some of them Anglicans. It is even possible that the leadership of the Church is angry with him. But I remembered that since the days of Christ, humans have yet to define what they really want. If you are cocky, it’s trouble. When you are humble like a lamb, it is still trouble.

I guess that in a world where materialism has taken the upper hand, even in the Church, the Bishop’s gesture was totally misread as trying to curry favour from a billionaire. But did the Bishop even need to kneel down before Peter Mbah to curry favour from him? More so in the church. Common on!

Ironically, the same people, who complain that some pastors and general overseers, including “Daddies” and “Mummies” of campus fellowships carry on like demigods are the people condemning Bishop Onyi. They complain that these men and women of God are too opulent and flamboyant. They complain that they move around with a retinue of pimped up four-wheel machines and protocol staff. But the same people are calling for the bishop’s head for an uncommon act of humility. While they praise Dr. Mbah’s humility, which is very commendable and showcased him as a true servant leader, they fail to appreciate the humility and humanity on the part of the Bishop. They forget that even Christ thought us the act of humility in practical terms by washing the feet of his disciples.

They also forget Christ’s injunction in Matthew 23 that the greatest among His disciples shall be their servant. Christ went on to state categorically that whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. Peter Mbah humbled himself and the Bishop rightly tried to exalt him to the front seat. So, why do we want to crucify the Bishop for humbling himself too? It’s even possible that they are old friends, going by the way they exchanged banters. Where then is the splendor and spirituality in humility? I thought humility is a virtue. When did it become a vice?

Orji writes from Enugu

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2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences

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Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of NDC
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Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.

It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.

Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

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The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.

“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.

“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.

“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”

While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”

It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.

Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.

It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.

“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.

“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.

“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.

“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.

“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi not arrested by DSS – Aide
Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

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“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

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Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.

According to the National Chairman:

“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”

“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

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Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.

Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.

“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”

“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”

The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.

He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.

“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”

Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.

“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
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“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”

The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.

Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.

“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”

“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”

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