EL-ZION GLOBAL NETWORK NEWS

  In a video shared by BBC News Africa, Jessica, a former follower of the late Pastor TB Joshua, revealed her experiences of abuse and r@pe within the congregation. She recounted how she and others attempted to expose the pastor's true nature, but their efforts were in vain. Jessica described the abuse and rape as becoming increasingly unbearable, leading her to report the pastor's inopportune actions. However, her courageous decision resulted in further violence from the pastor, who hit, kicked, and called her a liar. Jessica emphasized that multiple individuals tried to expose Pastor TB Joshua's true identity, but their warnings were not heeded. She believes that if people had listened to them, no one would have perished. The abuse and rape were allegedly rampant, and the congregation's silence contributed to the tragic consequences. Jessica's revelations highlight the importance of listening to the voices of those who speak out against abuse and rape, as their si...

  The Minister of Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has engaged the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to work out modalities for early resolution of industrial disputes before it snowballs into major crisis. Onyejeocha, who presided over the closed door meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, urged the academic staff union to join forces with government for the collective good of the country. She said the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration should serve as a clarion call for every sector of the country, including education, to move on the same pace. She harped on the need to ensure smooth academic session in Nigeria in 2024 and beyond. According to the Minister, “Being a product of the university system, I have a desire to shift the role of the Ministry of Labour and Employment beyond simply mediating disputes during strikes. We should be part of the process to ensure such actions are averted.” Onyejeocha c...

  … FG postpones ceremonial launch The launch of the international passport automation system on Monday has elicited excitement among Nigerians, who have, however, raised concerns about other aspects, especially the biometrics. While many have applauded the Federal Government and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of Interior, expressing hope that the system will end the long, tedious, and corruption-ridden passport application process, concerns have been raised regarding the non-automation of the biometric capturing process. Social media has been abuzz with citizens pointing out that the inefficiency and delays may persist if the biometrics capturing is not fully automated. The passport application automation system went live on Monday though the ceremonial launch was postponed by the Federal Government. Ajibola Afonja, the director of press at the Ministry of Interior, confirmed this to Business Day in a telephone chat but did not disclose the rescheduled date. With the historic au...

  Barring any last minute changes the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, would on January 22, know if they can continue to operate as lawmakers of Rivers State. This is sequel to the decision of a Federal High Court, Abuja, to deliver its judgment on the said day, in the suit filed by the Rivers House of Assembly’s Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, against Governor  Siminalayi Fubara, National Assembly (NASS) and others. Justice James Omotosho on yesterday announced that he will give his verdict in the matter, shortly after counsel to all parties adopted and argued their written addresses for and against the suit. The Rivers House of Assembly and Amaewhule are 1st and 2nd plaintiffs in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023, while the National Assembly, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader are 1st to 5th respondents respectively. Other respondents inc...

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized the passports of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over the ongoing investigations into scandals in the ministry. Edu, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters, Abuja at 10am on Tuesday, was still being quizzed by the commission’s investigators as of the time of filing this report at 7pm. As the EFCC interrogated the suspended minister over the N44bn fraud uncovered in the ministry, it was learnt that managing directors of three commercial banks were also questioned on Tuesday over the fraud. The scandal involving Edu burst open after a leaked memo revealed that the suspended minister directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585m to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups. The minister had claim...

  Israel's military has confirmed the killing of Ali Hussein Burji, a regional commander of Hezbollah's air force, according to a report by CNN on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Burji was responsible for a recent attack on an Israeli command center. The IDF disclosed in an official statement that Burji commanded the Southern Lebanon Region of Hezbollah's Aerial Unit. He was allegedly at the helm of multiple terror activities against Israel, utilizing both explosive and surveillance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). "Ali Hussein Burji led dozens of terror activities against Israel using explosive UAVs and surveillance UAVs against Israel and IDF soldiers," the IDF's statement read, detailing the extent of his involvement in hostile actions. The military further elaborated that they intercepted a launch cell affiliated with Hezbollah's Aerial Unit. This cell was reportedly en route to deploy explosive UAVs in various loc...

  Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the UK says it is interested in normalising relations with Israel after the war in Gaza, but that any deal must lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. Prince Khalid bin Bandar told the BBC a pact was "close" when the kingdom paused US-brokered talks after Hamas's deadly attacks on Israel on 7 October. Saudi Arabia still believed in establishing ties with Israel despite the "deplorable" casualty figures in Gaza, he said, but it would not "come at the cost of the Palestinian people". The ambassador also warned that there was a "failure of humanity" over Gaza, with the international community not doing enough to end the fighting. He also said he would like to see the UK "moderate it's position" and "treat Israel the same way it treats everyone else". "The blind spot towards Israel is a real problem because it provides a blind spot to peace," he added. Saudi Arabia is a le...