Curbing Indiscipline Among Secondary School Students: Strategies for a Disciplined Learning Environment

Introduction

Indiscipline among secondary school students has been a perennial
concern for educators and parents alike. It disrupts the learning
environment, affects academic performance, and hampers the overall
growth and development of young minds. Addressing this issue requires
a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between
educators, parents, and policymakers. By implementing effective
strategies, we can foster a disciplined atmosphere in schools,
enabling students to reach their full potential.

Understanding the Causes

Before discussing the solutions, it is essential to comprehend the
root causes of indiscipline among secondary school students. Some
common factors contributing to this behavior include peer pressure,
lack of parental involvement, teacher-student conflicts, academic
stress, and exposure to negative influences through media and the
internet. Moreover, societal changes and personal issues can also play
a role in a student's behavior.

Effective Strategies to Curb Indiscipline

Positive Discipline Approach:
Encouraging positive discipline is crucial to creating a conducive
learning environment. This approach focuses on promoting good behavior
through rewards, recognition, and praise, rather than solely relying
on punitive measures. By acknowledging and reinforcing positive
behavior, students are motivated to continue demonstrating responsible
conduct.

Student Counseling and Support Services:
Establishing counseling and support services within schools helps
students deal with personal issues and academic challenges. Trained
counselors can guide students towards making better choices, managing
stress, and resolving conflicts. Providing a safe space for students
to express themselves can significantly reduce indiscipline incidents.

Parental Involvement:
Parents play a vital role in shaping their children's behavior.
Schools should actively engage parents in their child's education and
discipline. Regular parent-teacher meetings, workshops, and open
communication channels facilitate understanding and cooperation
between parents and educators. Collaborative efforts enhance student
discipline both at home and in school.

Character Education:
Integrating character education into the curriculum is instrumental in
fostering moral values and ethical conduct among students. Emphasizing
traits like respect, empathy, responsibility, and integrity instills a
sense of discipline and cultivates a respectful school culture.

Establishing Clear Rules and Consequences:
Having well-defined rules and consequences for breaching them is
essential. Students need to be aware of the expected behavior and the
repercussions of misconduct. Consistency in enforcing these rules
sends a strong message and deters students from engaging in
indiscipline.

Encourage Extracurricular Activities:
Engaging students in extracurricular activities like sports, arts, and
clubs can provide a positive outlet for their energy and creativity.
Participation in such activities not only improves discipline but also
enhances teamwork and social skills.

Conclusion

Curbing indiscipline among secondary school students is a collective
responsibility that involves the school, parents, and the broader
community. By adopting positive discipline approaches, providing
counseling and support services, encouraging parental involvement, and
promoting character education, we can foster a disciplined learning
environment. Nurturing disciplined students not only benefits their
academic performance but also equips them with vital life skills to
become responsible and successful individuals in the future.

Achieving Academic Excellence: A Comprehensive Success Plan for Improving Your Child"s Average Scores and Class Position

When reviewing your children's results, focus more on their average
scores rather than their class position. Each child has unique
strengths and weaknesses, and the average reflects their potential and
areas for improvement. Avoid comparing them to others as it leads to
bitterness and unhealthy competition.

Encourage self-improvement and provide support to help them succeed. A
child with an average of 46% can reach an average of 86% next term
with the right assistance. Make out time to be actively involved in
their academics, create a strategic plan, and offer guidance and
discipline. Academic results should serve as a basis for action, so be
intentional and avoid unnecessary comparisons. Remember, your child
can do better with your support and a solid academic success plan.


Here are some effective academic success plans that can help a student
improve their average score and class position:

1. Set Clear Goals: Work with the student to set specific, achievable
academic goals for each subject. These goals should be realistic and
measurable, providing a clear target for improvement.

2. Create a Study Schedule:
Help the student develop a structured study schedule that includes
dedicated time for each subject. Consistent and focused studying is
key to making progress.

3. Identify Weak Areas:
Identify the student's weak areas in each subject and concentrate on
improving them. Extra attention and practice in these areas can lead
to significant improvements.

4. Seek Additional Help:
Encourage the student to seek help from teachers, peers, or tutors for
subjects or topics they find challenging. Sometimes, a different
perspective can make all the difference.

5. Practice Regularly: Regular practice and revision are essential.
Encourage the student to solve practice questions, past exam papers,
and review class notes frequently.

6. Enhance Study Techniques:
Teach effective study techniques, such as summarizing, mind mapping,
and active learning, to improve retention and understanding of the
material.

7. Minimize Distractions:
Create a conducive study environment by minimizing distractions like
social media, TV, or noisy surroundings.

8. Reward Progress: Celebrate the student's progress and achievements,
even if they are small. Positive reinforcement can boost motivation
and confidence.

9. Monitor Progress: Keep track of the student's academic progress
regularly. This will help identify areas that need further improvement
and track the effectiveness of the study plan.

10. Encourage a Growth Mindset:
Instill a growth mindset in the student, emphasizing that intelligence
and abilities can be developed through effort and learning. This
outlook encourages resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges.

11. Engage in Extracurricular Activities:
Encourage the child to participate in extracurricular activities that
align with their interests. Engaging in hobbies and activities outside
of academics can foster a balanced lifestyle and overall well-being,
which positively impacts academic performance.

12. Develop Strong Study Habits: Emphasize the importance of regular
sleep, a balanced diet, and physical exercise. Healthy habits
contribute to better focus and cognitive function.

Remember, each student is unique, so the success plan should be
tailored to their individual needs and learning style. Consistent
support, encouragement, and open communication with the student are
vital throughout the journey to academic improvement.

A WIDOWED'S RESOLVE (Poem Written by J.U. Ihejirika)

A WIDOWED'S RESOLVE

In a world of glass, a windowed soul,

With courage like a river, he plays his role.

Through storms and sun, he stands tall and strong,

Guiding his children where they belong.

With weary eyes that have seen much pain,

He toils tirelessly, his efforts not in vain.

His heart aches, his body worn,

Yet he presses on, from dusk till dawn.

A father's love, a steadfast flame,

Invisible battles he fights, without acclaim.

He shields his kin from life's harsh strife,

A beacon of hope in their journey of life.

When shadows fall and doubts arise,

He finds strength within, reaching for the skies.

For his children's future, he'll never yield,

His determination a mighty shield.

Though tired and worn, he carries on,

A brave windowed, his spirit drawn.

Through valleys low and mountains high,

He'll keep on working, never asking why.

For in his eyes, a love so true,

His sacrifices shine like morning dew.

With each new day, he finds the way,

To light their path, come what may.

SEASONS HARVEST (Poem Written by J.U. Ihejirika)

Seasons Harvest

Amidst fields of gold and skies so wide,

Farming season arrives with a gentle stride.

The earth awakened by the sun's warm embrace,

Seeds are sown with hope and grace.

With plows and hands, the soil is turned,

Life takes root, a lesson learned.

Tender shoots emerge, reaching for the light,

Nurtured by day and kissed by night.

Through rain and sun, the crops do thrive,

A dance of nature, so alive.

As seasons shift and time does pass,

The fields transform like a looking glass.

Harvest time approaches, a joyful sight,

Fruits of labour shining bright.

Bounty gathered, a reward well earned,

Gratitude fills hearts, lessons churned.

From seed to harvest, a cycle profound,

In farming's embrace, life's beauty is found.

As seasons change and stories unfold,

Nature's tapestry we forever hold.

THE THREADS OF FATE (Poem Written by J.U. Ihejirika)

In Fate's grand tapestry, threads entwine,

A symphony of lives, a design so divine.

Equal efforts sown, hearts brave and true,

Yet outcomes diverse, like morning's dew.

One's path may soar on wings of luck,

While another treads through shadows struck.

Fortune's dance, a fickle affair,

Bestows success here, and leaves hearts laid bare.

Life's stage, a theater of chance,

Where each actor strives, in their own dance.

Some find glory's embrace, radiant and bright,

While others wrestle with shadows of night.

Destiny's mystery, a puzzle untold,

Unfurls in ways unforeseen, bold.

In unity of effort, inequality resides,

As Fate weaves its tales, where truth abides.

So let us accept the diverse hands we're dealt,

And cherish the journey, in joy and heartfelt.

For though outcomes vary, we each leave a mark,

In the symphony of life, where we embark.

Tapestry material.

Facebook’s Digital Currency Operation Could Shift Power To The Wrong Hands

Facebook’s plan to operate its own digital currency poses risks to the international banking system that should trigger a speedy response from global policymakers, according to the organisation that represents the world’s central banks.

Although the move of big tech firms such as Facebook, Amazon and Alibaba into financial services could speed up transactions and cut costs, especially in developing world countries, it could also undermine the stability of a banking system that has only just recovered from the crash of 2008.

Echoing warnings from many tech experts, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said that while there were potential benefits to be made, the adoption of digital currencies outside the current financial system could reduce competition and create data privacy issues.

“The aim should be to respond to big techs’ entry into financial services so as to benefit from the gains while limiting the risks,” said Hyun Song Shin, economic adviser and head of research at BIS.“Public policy needs to build on a more comprehensive approach that draws on financial regulation, competition policy and data privacy regulation.”

The warning from the BIS on Sunday comes only days after Facebook announced it would launch its own digital currency, Libra, in 2020. It will allow its billions of users to make financial transactions across the globe in a move that could potentially shake up the world’s banking system.

Chris Hughes, a co-founder of Facebook, last week added his voice to concerns being expressed over big tech’s move into finance, warning that Libra could shift power into the wrong hands.

-NTA

BRIEF EULOGY TO MRS. GLADYS UZOAMAKA ONYEMAECHI (NEE IHEJIRIKA) DUE ON SATURDAY, 18TH MAY, 2019

Though she was older than I, Uzoamaka and I were close in age. Because of this, we shared a lot of the same friends. As siblings, we were mistaken for twins because we were in the same class. We started school in the same year and finished together (apology to our parents who had to buy double of all the books and other school materials when they had no twins).

Amaka was a very brilliant girl (or rather "woman") who was successful at everything she attempted. She married soon after school and raised a lovely family.

Hearing the news of Amaka's passing away was a sad event for us. It is hard to accept that she will no longer be with us. She once quoted while advising me: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning to dance in the rain". Although incredibly difficult, this saying reminds me not to feel sorrow for her demise, but instead to feel grateful that her presence has blessed our lives.

Nevertheless, I admit that it is not pleasant that Amaka's life ended so early when she had so much life left to live. I take solace in knowing that she is now in heaven and God knows the best for us. The memory of her will continue to be in our hearts.

Adieu!

Elections: FG Begins Payment Of February Salaries

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of February salaries to the civil servants ahead of the scheduled elections on Saturday.

This was disclosed to journalists by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

He said the payment of salaries to the civil servants is meant to ease the burden on those who want to travel for the Presidential elections.

“On the part of the Federal Government we decided that to make it easy for those who will want to go back to vote, salary payment started on Tuesday as opposed to the normal 25th of every month.

“This is just to ease the burden of people who want to go back and cast their vote”.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last Saturday announced the postponement the general elections by a week, less than five hours to the start of the polls.

READ ALSO: INEC Postpones General Elections To February 23

According to the commission, the Presidential and National Assembly elections, initially scheduled for, February 16, will now hold on February 23, while the governorship and state houses of assembly elections will take place on March 9.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced the decision at a short press briefing in the early hours of Saturday.

He explained that after a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.

The INEC boss also noted that the postponement will afford the commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of the nation’s elections.

¬ChannelsTV

Npower Extends 2016 Batch A Volunteers Programme

Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Youth Empowerment, has said that the 2016 batch ‘A’ Npower volunteers programme has been extended.

Imoukhuede disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while featuring on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum.

The 2018 Npower volunteers recruited into the scheme in 2016 were earlier scheduled to exit the programme in 2018.

According to him, although two years was originally designed for them to exit, the volunteers will now remain due to critical needs of their services in some sectors.

He said that the volunteers were filling a lot of gap, especially the N-teach who have had to make up for the shortfall of teachers in most schools across the country.

“What we have found out is that they are filling a lot of gaps in some places like schools, where they do not have enough teachers.

“In some schools where the Npower are posted to, you discovered that it is only the principal and some NYSC members that are teaching students, the Npower teachers have helped to compliment their efforts,” he said.

Imoukhuede added that these among many others were the reason they were asked to continue their job, adding that the programme had been of greater value to the country.

He, however, said that some volunteers had voluntarily exited the programmes as a result of new jobs, self employment among others.

According to him, about 10,000 of the volunteers have exited the job because some of them gained full employment.

“We often celebrate such exit or resignation in Npower,” the official said.

Imoukhuede said that the Job creation and youth empowerment office had been able to employ graduates without problem because of its use of technology.

The SSA to the President on Job Creation disclosed that states like Plateau, Edo and Kaduna were already mulling the idea of employing the volunteers as teachers in their schools.

He noted that Npower remains the largest youth employment initiative in the country, adding that the volunteers earned a tax free N30, 000 per month.

He said that, so far, N15 billion had been paid as stipends to the volunteers in the last 26 months of the scheme, adding that the Federal Government had been proactive in terms of job creation.
(NAN)

P

Man Writes Application Letter For Post Of Prisoner To Presidency

The claim by the Nigerian Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that the Nigerian Government spends N3.5 million per month to feed the detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites has continued to generate reactions among Nigerians.

For some people, being a prisoner in the custody of the Nigerian Federal Government might be the new cool because free people were till struggling to be paid only N30,000 per month contrary to N3.5m used to feed a prisoner who has been granted his freedom three times by the court.

Consequently, this young man wrote a passionate letter of application to President Buhari applying for the seemingly juicy position of Prisoner of the Federal Republic.

Read the Contents of the Letter Below;

#1000 Ali Akilu Road
Kaduna
08/11/2018

The President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Abuja – Nigeria

Through;
The Minister of Information
Federal Minister of Information
Abuja – Nigeria
Sir,

APPLICATION FOR THE EXALTED POSITION OF A PRISONER

With reference to your amazing revelation that El-Zak Zaky is fed with 3.5million naira monthly and the other equally amazing revelation by the Minister of Interior, General Danbazau, that 14k is used to feed one prisoner a day, I wish to apply most honourably for the position of a prisoner in any of the prisons where this 14k is used to feed the inmates.

I am a harmless person and ordinarily I have no business with the prisoners and would never have any reason to sleep there, but with the “good” life the prisoners are enjoying under this regime, and considering that the daily feeding per prisoner costs only 4k less than the national monthly minimum wage, I have decided to submit myself for consideration to enable me enjoy with the inmates.

I am sure you will soon see more applications than you can handle after giving my application a favourable consideration. You may wish to be sending 10k of my own portion of 14k daily to my GTB Account of 0021732123 and use the balance of 4k to feed me. I always love to use JW wine when I eat. Please I am not comfortable with anything other than Bottled water.

I have studied up to first degree and am currently enrolled for an MSc programme. Find attached copy of my curriculum vitae.
I look forward to your invitation for interview.

Yours faithfully,

Emmanuel J.Z.

Culled from Herald.ng

Another bridge built by Gov. Okorocha collapses in Owerri

The bridge at the Children’s Amusement Park located at the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre in Owerri, Imo, built by Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s administration has collapsed.

Witnesses at the scene told the News Agency in Owerri on Wednesday that nobody was killed or injured in the incident.

The incident which caused pandemonium in the area, gave room for criticism by some parents whose children visited the place on May 27 during the 2018 Children’s Day Celebration.

The bridge, being a major tourism site, has been used to generate funds for the state government.

When contacted, the State Commissioner for Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment, Mrs Ogechi Ololo, said that she had yet to be briefed on the cause of the incident.

Mr Collins Ibe, who witnessed the incident, told NAN that the windstorm that accompanied the downpour might be responsible for the collapsed of the bridge.

Another witness, Mrs Mary Nlemadim, said: “It is unfortunate that this is happening in the state, especially at a place that is supposed to be a recreation centre.

“I thank God that it happened in the night when people were not around; otherwise, there might have been casualties.

“I urge the state government and engineers working on construction projects in the state to be more dedicated and thorough,” she said.

Also, an Engineer, Mr Okechukwu Uba said: “There is need to critically look at all the construction projects going on in the state.

“This is necessary to avoid unnecessary waste of resources, time and human capacity.

“These projects need to get proper approval from professional hands or bodies; they also need to be properly supervised by qualified and experienced personnel.

“Again, they have to be done systematically and not many things at the same time.

“These projects need to be finished up in a tidy manner and subjected to stress tests where necessary, before being opened to the public,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the state Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Mr Emeka Ugoanyawu, had earlier warned against substandard engineering work in the state.

Also, the National President of Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) Mr Kashim Ali, had recently faulted the quality of a flyover constructed by the Okorocha administration, located at Orji.

Ali, as a matter of urgency, urged Gov. Okorocha, to stop work on the flyover.The bridge at the Children’s Amusement Park located at the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre in Owerri, Imo, built by Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s administration has collapsed.

Witnesses at the scene told the News Agency in Owerri on Wednesday that nobody was killed or injured in the incident.

The incident which caused pandemonium in the area, gave room for criticism by some parents whose children visited the place on May 27 during the 2018 Children’s Day Celebration.

The bridge, being a major tourism site, has been used to generate funds for the state government.

When contacted, the State Commissioner for Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment, Mrs Ogechi Ololo, said that she had yet to be briefed on the cause of the incident.

Mr Collins Ibe, who witnessed the incident, told NAN that the windstorm that accompanied the downpour might be responsible for the collapsed of the bridge.

Another witness, Mrs Mary Nlemadim, said: “It is unfortunate that this is happening in the state, especially at a place that is supposed to be a recreation centre.

“I thank God that it happened in the night when people were not around; otherwise, there might have been casualties.

“I urge the state government and engineers working on construction projects in the state to be more dedicated and thorough,” she said.

Also, an Engineer, Mr Okechukwu Uba said: “There is need to critically look at all the construction projects going on in the state.

“This is necessary to avoid unnecessary waste of resources, time and human capacity.

“These projects need to get proper approval from professional hands or bodies; they also need to be properly supervised by qualified and experienced personnel.

“Again, they have to be done systematically and not many things at the same time.

“These projects need to be finished up in a tidy manner and subjected to stress tests where necessary, before being opened to the public,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the state Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Mr Emeka Ugoanyawu, had earlier warned against substandard engineering work in the state.

Also, the National President of Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) Mr Kashim Ali, had recently faulted the quality of a flyover constructed by the Okorocha administration, located at Orji.

Ali, as a matter of urgency, urged Gov. Okorocha, to stop work on the flyover.

-NTA News

Okorocha bows to pressure, restores Assumpta Avenue name

Imo State Government has bowed to the superior force of the Catholic Church and restored Assumpta Avenue street name.

The government action came barely a few hours after Vanguard hit the news stand with growing tension generated by what some respondents called “the unwholesome renaming of Assumpta Avenue”.

Confirming the restoration of the street name, the Commissioner for Information, Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri, said that it was never government’s intention to rename the said strategic road, which he claimed spans from Assumpta Cathedral and terminates at Warehouse Roundabout.

“Assumpta Avenue is symbolic for both religious and historic reasons in Imo State, and these facts are not lost on the government and people of Imo State.

All inconveniences occasioned by the initial oversight or error of wrongly installing a Street sign, suggesting a renaming of the street is highly regretted”, Obiaraeri said.

In his own reaction, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, said that there was no need to celebrate the restoration of the street name by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

“Catholics were already putting heads together to face the unwarranted and most uncharitable frontal attack on the Church, when he retraced his locus. His misdeed had already reached the ends of the earth before he did the needful”, Archbishop Obinna said.

Answering a question, the cleric wondered why Okorocha wants to destroy everything that predated his administration, including Assumpta Avenue.

In his own reaction, an Owerri based legal practitioner, Mr. Chikaodi Igbokwe,reasoned that “if a rabbit enters a hole with speed and jams a snake in that hole, it will reverse with a turbo speed”.

While saying that any leader who plays God will certainly commit deadly blunders, Mr. Igbokwe also opined that “this mistake exceeds the allegation of slapping a Revered Father”.

“After that rumour gained ground, nothing could save that government. As I said earlier, time will tell”, Igbokwe said.

Reacting also, a Catholic Knight, Sir McDonald Ebere said: ” Rochas
Okorocha has finally bowed to the power of Catholics. This is the beginning of the end and there shall be no end until the beginning ends”.

Meanwhile, Catholic laity have declared three days of fasting and prayers in Imo State.

According to an online directive, Catholics and their well wishers were asked to do this “for God to manifest His power in Imo State, and deliver His children from the evil leadership of Governor Rochas Okorocha”.

Catholics were asked to begin the fasting and prayer from December 29-31, starting from 6am-12noon, while recitation of the Rosary starts 12noon.

“Strict adherence to this call will go a long way to salvage Imo State.

Our Lady will surely crush the ugly serpent that is raising its head in Imo State now. Catholics stand up to your faith and win this spiritual battle. God is with us. We shall live to see the end of this evil. The heavenly beings are greater than all the principalities here on earth. We will surely overcome”, the directive added.

-Vanguard

Domestic Violence: British High Commissioner Says Men Also Have To Speak Out

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr Paul Arkwright has advised women, as well as men, to speak out against domestic violence.

He said men, just like women are equally being abused and it has become a matter of urgency to bring an end to gender-based violence of any form and stigmatisation.

He made this position known while addressing the issue on Channels Television’s Sunrise on Saturday.

He explained further that while women are victims 90 per cent of the time, men are also vulnerable to various forms of abuse.

“The prevalence of violence in the society is huge; the prevalence of violence against women and girls, in particular, is very worrying – across the world but here in Nigeria it is a particular problem.

“A lot of that is violence within the family, people that they know and I think it is time to speak out, it is time to say: this has to stop and it is really important that men say that as well as women – so this isn’t a women’s issue, this is an issue about society.

“The perpetrators of violence against women and girls are almost by definition men and I think that is something that men need to recognize and stand up and say this has got to stop.”

He, therefore, asked that government at all levels must also act quickly to stop domestic violence in whatever form.

“It is a really important debate – a difficult debate. It cuts across boundaries of culture, ethnic groups. It is a debate that really has to be brought out in the open and discussed properly and then society, the government at all levels has to take action to stop it,” he stressed.

-ChannelsTV

Unity Must Exist Before We Talk About Restructuring – Saraki

Senate President Bukola Saraki has asked advocates of restructuring in Nigeria to prioritize the unity of the nation.

This, according to him, is because there must be unity before talks about the structure of the country can be held.

The Senate President said this on Saturday at the Southern Senators Forum’s retreat in Calabar, the Cross River capital.

“Indeed, unity must exist before we can even talk about restructuring or reform,” Saraki said, adding, “One of my messages to you today as I declare this retreat (open) is, how do we stay together? How do we deliver on the task entrusted to us at this critical time?”

There have been calls from across the country for the restructuring of the country with some arguing that doing that would bring an end to agitations in parts of the country.

Saraki, however, called for focus on unity.

“The only way for us to see ourselves is, first and foremost, as Nigerians; not as language, not as tribe, religion or region or any other consideration out there that serves to deflect our attention from national unity. We must see ourselves as Nigerians first,” he said.

The Chairman of the Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, told those at the retreat that its aim is to find solutions to issues threatening the nation’s unity.

“We in the Southern Senators Forum are using this unique platform to arrive at the surest and the most peaceful means of achieving national unity on all issues capable of destabilising our polity,” he said.

“A clamour for the restructuring of our federal structure is on the front burner at the moment. However, the Southern Senators Forum has an equal stake in every national, political, and economic challenge. As legislators, we cannot afford to be indifferent to any national issue.”

The host, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, who is a former Senator, said the retreat is timely as it addresses many concerns.

He commended the forum for discussing major issues in the country, especially restructuring, stressing that it is the duty of elected officers in the country to create a direction and provide the focus it needs to thrive.

-ChannelsTV

PASTOR CHRIS CORRECTS APOSTLE SULEMAN'S WRONG TEACHING

I am here to correct an error made by one Pastor Suleman Johnson. I watched one of the videos where he spoke on divorce. He actually encouraged divorce and I cried in my heart.

I was so shocked when I watched the video. The most annoying part of it is the fact that he used the law court to support his teaching. In Christianity, it is very wrong to use the law as your basis of teaching. In Christianity, we use the Holy Bible as our basis of authority. So let us go to the Bible and correct the wrong teaching.

What has the Bible got to say concerning divorce? The first thing I would like you to know about marriage is that marriage is a covenant, a covenant between a man and his wife, and God confirms it. What I have just said now, can it be found in the Bible? Yes! In the book of Malachi 2:14, the Bible says that marriage is a covenant between you and the wife of your youth. And the Bible also says in that verse that the God is a witness in the covenant. In other words, when a man gets married, he has entered into a covenant with his wife and in that covenant, God is a witness. God confirms the covenant.

The next question is: Can a lie before a marriage dissolve the marriage covenant? The answer is no. The moment a person enters into a covenant, nothing can dissolve it. A covenant simply means an agreement. Once you enter into an agreement with someone and another person signs as a witness, then nothing can dissolve that covenant. So what I have just said, can it be found in the Bible? Yes!

In the book of Galatians 3:15, the Bible says, though it be but a man’s covenant yet if it be entered into and is confirmed, it can no longer be disannulled. The moment you enter into a covenant, it can no longer be dissolved. That is the simple truth.

The next question I would like to answer is this: is there any one that was deceived into marriage in the Bible? Let’s find out if someone like that exists and let’s find out whether the marriage was dissolved after the deceit or the marriage stayed. Somebody like that exists and his name was Jacob. Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah. He didn’t want to marry Leah. He hated Leah. He loved Rachael. He thought he was getting married to Rachael. He did not know it was Leah because Leah’s face was covered. In the morning, he realized it was Leah he got married to and there was nothing he could do about it because he was already married. He had already entered into the covenant, so he couldn’t do anything about it and the marriage stayed. It is very clear. In Christianity, we do not support people to divorce because the woman does not have a womb or because the man is impotent. That is very wrong. Rather than teaching them to divorce, it is better you pray for them. You should pray for the woman to have a new womb. You should pray for the impotent man to impregnate his wife. God is still in the business of performing miracles. He has not stopped performing miracles. Rather than asking people to divorce, pray for them and they will have their desired miracles. That is what Christianity is all about, especially if you are a man of God. You should pray for people to have their desired miracles rather than teaching them to divorce.

Do you know the extent of damage this wrong teaching has done to the kingdom, in the Christian community? Do you know how many people are planning to divorce now because of this wrong teaching?

I would like to state here that this is not a personal spite against Pastor Suleman Johnson. No! It is not at all. I don’t even know him personally. All I am doing is to correct the wrong teaching so that people are not led astray.

So why am I correcting it? Because it is a mandate from God. The next question is: Is this mandate in the Bible? Yes! It can be found in Book of 2 Timothy 4:2. In that scripture, the Bible says rebuke and correct wrong doctrines and that is exactly what I am doing. I also want to use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to others. Make sure you don’t teach wrong doctrines, especially in the area of marriage. Because if I hear any wrong doctrine that is being taught, I will correct it. And I will not correct it in the secret. I will correct it in the openly just as the Bible prescribes. Enough is enough! We are tired of wrong teachings. They are too many. The marriage institution has been destroyed today because of wrong teachings. Enough is enough! Let’s make sure that every message we teach is correct before teaching. If you are not sure it’s correct, please don’t teach it.

If you are not yet married, please understand that when you get married, you are not going to divorce. Divorce is not an option. Make sure you have understood it before going into marriage. Don’t just go into marriage if you are not sure. But if you are sure, then go ahead and get married understanding that you are not going to divorce your spouse.

And if you are married, please do not divorce your spouse because your spouse is impotent or because your spouse does not have a womb. God can give your wife a new womb. God can heal your husband if your husband is impotent. There are so many impotent people who have impregnated their wife. There are so many women who do not have womb but today God gave them new womb and they have children. There are so many like that.

Divorce is never the solution. Please don’t divorce your spouse. If Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah and that marriage stayed. The marriage was not dissolved because Jacob had already entered into the covenant. If you are already married, do not divorce your spouse. Look for solution to your problem. God will help you. Our God is a God of miracle. He will intervene and help you in the name of Jesus Christ. Don’t forget what Jesus said. He said for this reason shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh. And he said, wherefore they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man put asunder?

God bless you.